Africa—just one of the destinations you'll never forget.

“Never get behind old people” warns George Clooney at the outset of Jason Reitman’s adaptation of the novel Up in the Air. He is, of course, referring to the ubiquitous line-up faced by all travellers when getting through airport security. He continues by invoking a stereotype: “Old people’s bodies are littered with hidden metal and they never seem to appreciate how little time they have left”. When told off by his companion for being so reductive, he replies: “I’m like my mother, I stereotype. It’s faster.”

In December, Amanda Williams over at A Dangerous Business, wrote a piece entitled “The Traveler vs. Tourist Debate and Why I Don’t Give a Crap”, which examined G Adventures recent You’ll Never Forget It campaign (in which I’d played a part in helping to produce). In her article, Amanda bristled at a few brash and tongue-in-cheek declarations that “tourist season was over” and that it was time to “take travel back from the cookie-cutter, socks-and-sandals tourist crowd.” In the ensuing comment stream, her piece provoked a dialogue that elicited some very strong reactions. At issue? The stereotype of the tourist.

What are they doing?

These reactions were not unexpected—stereotypes tend to do that. They are never neutral—and they are highly charged with the feelings that are attached to them, which is exactly why the crew at G Adventures believed the ‘tourist’ stereotype to be ripe for its latest campaign.

In this particular instance, the irony is more than a little pronounced. Here we have—by its own admission—a small group adventure travel company implying that one can shed the ‘tourist’ mantle by choosing to travel with it. So what the hell are we up to? With this post, I wanted to take a crack at explaining why we created this campaign.

The origin of the ‘tourist’ label

First—let’s examine why the tourist gets such a bum rap. Negative views of tourists prevail in literature and in popular writing; the pejorative tinge associated with being a ‘tourist’ is nothing new. It’s a negative perception that dates back to at least the mid-nineteenth century and was rooted in, interestingly enough, classism. Writes Nell Leiper in her article The Framework of Tourism: “In the 1800s, privileged tourists were upset by what they perceived to be an intrusion of the new middle class into a domain that was once elite.” Still, to this day, applying the ‘tourist’ label evokes a sense of travel snobbery. The implication is that the socks-with-sandal wearing crowd is unsophisticated.

As this middle class grew through the twentieth century and commercial air travel ushered in an unprecedented mobility for a greater number of people, an industry sprung up around these new tourists. Historian Daniel Boorstin contends that this fledgling industry sought to insulate its passengers from the local population through carefully planned, designed, and implemented guided package tours that restricted their freedom. Writes Boorstin: “Artifacts were gathered in museums and attractions were reproduced for their convenience. Tourists were there to confirm their expectations developed through mass media and guidebooks rather than to discover and understand. The whole experience was diluted, contrived, stripped of authenticity and passive.” In essence, Boorstin is describing what a number of people today call ‘the tourist bubble’. And here’s Boorstin’s most important point—the fault doesn’t lie with the socks-and-sandals crowd, it lies with the travel industry. It’s his contention—and one which I share—that the industry created the stereotype of the tourist—and is invested in perpetuating it.

Exit through the gift shop

The way I see it, the travel industry has embarked on a deliberate crusade to convert the tourist from the traditional values of mindful travel to a consumer. This hasn’t occured spontaneously, nor was it an inevitable by-product of a greater number of people having the means to travel. I’m probably breaking some unwritten code by revealing one of the sacred principles of the travel marketing profession here; however, the truth is the industry believes you are not interested in learning anything new or that might put at risk your preconceived view of the world. They have a vested interest in ensuring that you remain a ‘socks-and-sandals’ wearing tourist in order to contain, idealize and commodify your experience. After all, standardization increases profitability—but does little to increase the fullness and uniqueness of your travels. What they really want you to do is to confirm what you already believe by feeding it back to you under the guise of a “cultural experience”, hoping that you visit the gift shop on the way out.

Amanda over at A Dangerous Business would dismiss this as nothing more than a “narrow stereotype”—but I disagree with her assessment. I believe that it’s scope is greater than that and that it encompasses an entire travel industry. Ultimately, considering how the tourist label emerged and has been transformed by the industry is key to understanding it.

Stereotypes: A dangerous business

So why would G Adventures wade into the murky stereotype of the tourist? In order to stand out from the noise in which it finds itself, advertising must tap into the reservoirs of social and cultural knowledge shared by its audience. In order to make an impression quickly, this reliance on shared knowledge becomes even more critical. Given the few seconds that a person is likely to pay attention to an ad, advertisers pretty much have to use what exists in the imagination of the target audience—and stereotypes are ripe for the job. Like George Clooney’s character in the above-mentioned movie—we do it because it’s faster. But that’s only part of the equation.

The strategy of G Adventures take on the ‘tourist’ stereotype lies in an active resistance to the status quo in the travel industry. The campaign seeks to challenge the legitimacy of the stereotypes that define it. In short, we’re out to change the way people think about small group travel. The target of this campaign isn’t other travel companies—but instead, the public’s perception of the industry. We want to change how the world thinks about small group travel in hopes of defining an altered stereotype. G Adventures has thrown down the gauntlet to the industry to return the act of travelling to the individual—where being a tourist is less about being a consumer and more about passion and purpose. In short, the company and its people are seeking to usher in a post-tourist age.

With this campaign we sought something with an edge, that was able to communicate to the audience that the company is different than others in the space—and provide something that challenges people’s expectations in an unexpected way. In my opinion, a good advertisement needs to find and do something that is a bit edgy, that is polarizing—that provides some water-cooler conversation.

Tourist season is over

Which bring us back to the article over at A Dangerous Business, which I think misses the spirit of the campaign. I don’t take issue with Amanda’s interpretation—after all, everyone who views an ad does so based on their own agendas and preferred interpretations based on their history and experience. They arrive at an interpretation of the ad that makes sense to them, serves their needs and fits their personal history with an industry or a brand.

No, it’s not that I feel Amanda’s wrong— it’s that she casts the campaign as one predicated on travel snobbery. She does so by invoking the age-old traveller vs tourist debate—a debate that’s a popular topic among travel bloggers. (In fact, even I’ve written about it.) To wit, the campaign wasn’t concerned with the tourist vs traveller debate—it has its sights set on a different target. As outlined above, I feel it’s engaged in more of a debate between the tourist and the travel industry. When the campaign invokes the words “I’m not a tourist”, the phrase isn’t directed at the travelling community—but rather toward the industry itself, ie “I don’t fit inside the definition the industry has created for me”. The same goes for the aforementioned warning: “Tourist season is over”.

This ain’t your typical travel company

Which is why I threw my lot in with G Adventures—it’s a different kind of travel company that sees its customers as important decision makers that aren’t just passive consumers but proactive partners. Many of the elements of travelling with them—utilizing local businesses, getting off the beaten path, etc—are at odds with the industry norms. Using small-scale lodging, local transportation, supporting locally owned businesses and incorporating community-based projects into itineraries are some ways G Adventures works with local communities to encourage and develop tourism in a sustainable manner. The company seeks to support and empower local people to become business partners by including activities, meals and overnight stays in communities in which it operates.

One last thing…

…and this is a small but important distinction. Doing touristy things does not a tourist make. I mention this because the comments that Amanda’s post elicited were more concerned with the ‘how’ of travel than the ‘why’. I believe that’s because her readers were responding more to her argument than they were to the campaign. G Adventures doesn’t advocate forgoing popular tourist attractions like the Forbidden City, the Grand Canyon or the Eiffel Tower in order to shed the ‘stigma’ of being a tourist. They do, however, offer a different way of approaching them—the freedom to do what you want while on a small group trip.

Enhance your life through travel

In my opinion, if you’re travelling to experience what a place is really like—to be active, to discover and understand in earnest—then calling yourself a ‘tourist’ is simply applying a misnomer because you are already drawing outside the lines of the travel industry’s colouring book. At the same time, one must keep in mind that the tourist (and I use this term as synonymous with the traveller) is complicit in determining how they are represented—through the choices they make about where and how they travel. While there might be no ‘right’ way or ‘wrong’ way to travel, where you stay, where you eat and what you do when abroad do matter. Indeed, they matter very much.

The truth is, like Amanda, I don’t care what ‘group’ you identify with—or if you travel independently or on a big bus tour. The aim of the campaign is to reveal a different way—one that offers a viable, more sustainable alternative to the big bus, cookie-cutter tours on offer today. The most important principle that I can leave you with today is that the power of stereotypes rests not in what others think about you, but in your own perception of yourself. No better way to close off this post than by quoting veteran vagabonder Rolf Potts when he writes: “The value of travel doesn’t come in comparison to other people, but in terms of how it enhances your own life in any number of ways.”

Disclosure: At Two Go Round-The-World, we value the conversation that exists between us and our readers—and the trust on which that relationship is based. Here we’re committed to creating an environment informed by that trust. In the interests of full disclosure, Daniel works with G Adventures. That being said, the opinion contained herein should not be construed as representing those of his employer. For more information on disclosures and relationships, please check our ‘About Us‘ page.

"The Tourist Stereotype and Why You Should Give a Crap" is a post from Two Go Round-The-World. Join Kathryn and Daniel as they plan, prepare and pack for a year-long RTW trip! Ready to dive in? Click here for a few easy ways to stay connected with us!

El Castillo at Chichen Itza in the Yucatan, Mexico.

El Castillo (Spanish for “castle”), also known as the Temple of Kukulkan, is a step-pyramid that dominates the centre of the Yucatan’s Chichen Itza site. Built by the pre-Columbian Maya sometime between the ninth and twelfth centuries, El Castillo served as a temple to the god Kukulkan, a Mayan deity that resembled a feathered serpent.

Consisting of a series of terraces with stairways up each of its four sides, sculptures of plumed serpents run down the sides of the the pyrimad’s northern facing side. During the spring and autumn equinoxes, the late afternoon sun illuminates the northwest corner and casts a series of shadows against the temple’s face—which creates the illusion of a feathered serpent “crawling” down the pyramid.

Recently, a theory that the ancient Mayans built their pyramids to produce strange and evocative echoes has been supported by a team of scientists. Researchers have shown that sound waves ricocheting around the tiered steps of the pyramid create sounds that mimic the chirp of a bird and the patter of raindrops. As our guide illustrated, the aforementioned ‘chirp’ can be triggered by a clap made at the base of the staircase.

Inspired by publications like Life Magazine, National Geographic and online experiences like Boston.com’s photo blog, images marked as ‘The Whole Picture’  are intended to highlight high-quality, amazing imagery. Kathryn and Daniel will post ‘The Whole Picture‘ irregulary.  Like all of our photos, it is an original photo not otherwise on the site—it might be fresh from our camera, a new scan of some old film, a product of our fooling around with Photoshop, or a file from the archive that we haven’t posted yet.

"The Whole Picture: El Castillo at Chichen Itza" is a post from Two Go Round-The-World. Join Kathryn and Daniel as they plan, prepare and pack for a year-long RTW trip! Ready to dive in? Click here for a few easy ways to stay connected with us!

San Pedro market is very photogenic!

Here you can have a first-hand look at how locals live day-to-day, outside the confines of Cusco’s tourist zones. Get off the beaten path a little bit and head to market for a truly Peruvian experience. And bring lots of film—or make sure that you have abundant space on your memory card. Cusco continually reveals itself as the perfect setting! It’s a very photogenic city.

One of the oldest markets in continuous operation in South America.

Part of the fun is listening to the witty exchanges between neighbouring stall holders, as they compete for the attention of customers. Once the goods are selected, buyers and sellers set about bargaining.

Farm fresh chicken.

Often referred to as the “Big Market” or the “Central Market”, San Pedro was one of the earliest markets to open in Cuzco. It’s been in continuous operation since the beginning of eighteenth century. As Cuzco has grown, other markets have opened up—including big box grocers—but San Pedro Market still stands out.

A butcher shop unlike any other.

It’s comprised of different stands housed under a roof of corrugated metal. The stands are organized according to their wares, so that all the butchers are grouped together as are the fruit juice vendors and the vegetable stalls.

Tending to her wares.

There are also vendors that have dry goods for sale so that it’s possible to get pretty much everything you need without stepping foot in a grocery store. You’ll find blankets and clothes here, too.

Vendors spill out of the market into nearby alleys.

Early each morning, the proprietors come in from the countryside around Cusco and deposit their goods—or spread them out on the ground and spill over onto the steps of the nearby church. While the main market is interesting in its own right, you really need to wander through the back streets to capture a different kind of vibe.

Offering a ladle of...

When we visited in 2009, San Pedro was crazy, with stall holders illegally squatted on the sidewalks, rubbish litter and pick pockets. Although we’ve heard over the past year that the municipality is seeking to stop vendors without licences and are now removing them.

Fresh fruit by the bushel.

What boggles the mind is that each of these vendors closes down their stand every evening and return home, coming back the following morning in the dark with their good. We are talking about a massive inventory of goods—rivalling the big box stores of the West—brought in each day and taken away each night.

Carving up dried alpaca.

Markets are the melting pots of culture—a travellers gateway into a locale’s unfamiliar, indigenous lifestyle. The tight, meandering aisles, the frantic hubbub, the pervasive energy, the exotic stenches and the vortex of colours make markets the perfect place to start a journey. If you really want to get a feel for the sights and smells of an ordinary day for the residents of Cusco, San Pedro is a side trip not to be missed.

"The Women of San Pedro Market" is a post from Two Go Round-The-World. Join Kathryn and Daniel as they plan, prepare and pack for a year-long RTW trip! Ready to dive in? Click here for a few easy ways to stay connected with us!

The best to you and yours in 2012 from Two Go Round-The-World

Happy New Year! We hope that as you read this you’re full of all kinds of inspiration and motivation for the year ahead. To close out 2011 (and look ahead to 2012), we’re reviewing some of our blogging accomplishments, our highlights and, moreover, taking a moment to thank our readers!

We are so grateful to all of you who make up the loyal community of readers to whom we are connected. To the ones who write encouraging emails or speak to us in person on the road—your feedback means the world to us. Furthermore, we are so grateful for the bloggers who have helped us, and to think we’ve been of some help to others is humbling and deeply gratifying. Thank you! To all those who read this blog and keep up with us via Facebook and Twitter, we’re grateful for the connection. Thank you!

Average number of visitors

In our third year, Two Go Round-The-World web traffic was up 17%.

Let’s start by examining the most basic data—the average number of visitors to Two Go Round-the-World on a daily basis over the past year. These figures are the most accurate measure of our site’s activity and to that end, we have recorded a steady increase of visitors to the blog this year. Two Go Round-The-World’s traffic growth has been solid, increasing 17% year-over-year in January.

Visitors by country

Most readers of Two Go Round-the-World hail from the US

Most readers of Two Go Round-the-World hail from the US. Readers from Canada, the United Kingdom, India, Australia, Philippines, Germany, Malaysia, Singapore and Spain round out the top ten.

Top Ten Articles from Two Go Round-The-World

What about the posts that you liked most? Which posts generated the most comments and likes? What had you guys talking? These are ten of our most popular posts in terms of page views and comments from the past twelve months.

1. Cruising the Galapagos: Setting Out: Kathryn and I celebrated Christmas by travelling to Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands with G Adventures, delighting in the incredible flora and fauna of one of the most unique places on earth.
2. Two Go Round Chile and Argentina:  The first post of a quick trip to Chile and Argentina. We explored the streets of Santiago, sampled Chilean wines, soaked in the natural beauty of the Lake District’s glaciers and lakes, and sampled the food, wine and sophistication of the ‘Paris of the South’, Buenos Aires.
3. The Web’s Best Travel Blog Taglines: A tagline in today’s blogging world is more than just a “line.” In fact, it can create a whole new world of engagement for a blog’s readers—if it’s done right. Kathryn and I believe a tagline is a fun way of branding what a travel blog does in the minds of its readers.
4. Beautiful Bariloche: Crossing into Argentina: After a beautiful journey through the mountains of upper Patagonia from Chile’s Puerto Varas (400km—about six hours), Kathryn and I crossed over into Argentina with our group and arrived at San Carlos de Bariloche—the entrance to northern Patagonia.
5. Hackpacking: Using Poste Restante or General Delivery: Poste Restante (dubbed ‘General Delivery in the US’ and ‘Lista de Correos’ in South America) is a service whereby the post office holds mail until the recipient picks it up. Before the advent of email, it was commonly used by backpackers who were visiting a particular location and had no need, or no way, of having mail delivered directly to them.
6. The Whole Picture: Machu Picchu Tilt Shift: The subject of course is Machu Picchu, situated above the Urubamba Valley in Peru, which is 80 km northwest of Cuzco and through which the Urubamba River flows. Often referred to as “The Lost City of the Incas”, it is perhaps the most familiar icon of the Inca World. Prefer to see a non-doctored image of Machu Picchu? Click here.
7. How Many Countries Have You Visited?:  Whether you’re eagerly waiting for your first passport to be delivered or you could give the most interesting man in the world a run for his money—it’s always a good time to beef up your obituary. Since it seems that a lot of readers of Two Go Round-The-World are very well-traveled, we thought it might be fun to find out exactly how travelled everyone is! So, how many countries have you visited?
8. The Whole Picture: The Eaves of Wat Phra Kaew: This weeks’ ‘Whole Picture ’did double duty, serving also as our entry for Travel Photography Roulette. Jeremy at Living the Dream came up with the idea and got the ball rolling.
9. Hackpacking: Make a Rubber Band Travel Clothesline: If you’re like most travellers we know, you’ve given up on those laundry lines with suction cups because they never seem to stay up. Or you could pack a piece of cord—but then you’ll need some clothespins. A great solution is a multiple-strand travel clothesline. It’s great for drying as your clothing tucks between the strands so you don’t need a clothespin.
10. Dining on Curanto in Chiloé: About 180km long but only 50km wide, the Isla Grande de Chiloé (The Big Island of Chiloé) is the second-largest island in South America after Tierra del Fuego. For over 300 years, it was the world’s southernmost European settlement—and the last Spanish stronghold in Chile.

"2011: The Year in Review" is a post from Two Go Round-The-World. Join Kathryn and Daniel as they plan, prepare and pack for a year-long RTW trip! Ready to dive in? Click here for a few easy ways to stay connected with us!

The view from the top is very good, looking over to Santiago—which was once connected to Bartolome.

Just off Isla San Salvador’s Sullivan Bay coast, the tiny islet of Isla Bartolome is among the younger of the Galapagos Islands. With a total land area of just 1.2 sq km, this island offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in the archipelago. As a fairly recent volcano with very little vegetation, there are some great features like spatter and cinder cones, as well as some neat looking pumice rocks and ropy lava. Wooden steps lead up to the top to avoid wear on the fragile volcanic soil. This is the most visited of the Galapagos Islands, partly because of its proximity to Santa Cruz—those that don’t like a lot of open water can make a day trip from there. The view from the top was very good, looking over to Santiago which was once connected to Bartolome.

Bartolome also has the distinction of being the location of the only feature film ever to shoot in the Galapagos — Peter Weir’s Master and Commander (starring Russel Crowe). In fact, the movie’s Galapagos scenes are the only time where the men of the HMS Surprise leave their ship to touch land. According to Weir, it’s hard to overestimate the importance of the movie’s Galapagos scenes. It’s the only point in the movie you actually see land,” he points out, “making it a centerpiece of the movie. I wanted to make the Galapagos look almost like another planet to the men aboard the Surprise.”

Considering the Galapagos on your RTW trip? You will after reading these posts—check them out!

Inspired by publications like Life Magazine, National Geographic and online experiences like Boston.com’s photo blog, images marked as ‘The Whole Picture’  are intended to highlight high-quality, amazing imagery. Kathryn and Daniel will post ‘The Whole Picture‘ irregulary.  Like all of our photos, it is an original photo not otherwise on the site—it might be fresh from our camera, a new scan of some old film, a product of our fooling around with Photoshop, or a file from the archive that we haven’t posted yet.

"The Whole Picture: Top of Bartolome" is a post from Two Go Round-The-World. Join Kathryn and Daniel as they plan, prepare and pack for a year-long RTW trip! Ready to dive in? Click here for a few easy ways to stay connected with us!

Waialua Bay, Oahu, Hawaii. Photo by Puuiki Beach.

This is a sponsored post. Our pledge to you is that we’ll never take a sponsorship from someone we can’t endorse, or from someone that doesn’t match the interests of this community. We also disclose our affiliations on our About Us page.

The floral-infused air kisses your face, the roar of waves fills your ears, and your eyes can’t find one spot in which to rest upon as the landscape before you offers a plethora of stunning views. Exhale. You’re in Hawaii.

Revered for its abundance of natural beauty and year-round paradisiacal weather, Hawaii serves as a surefire locale to spend some of the most unforgettable days of your life.  Boasting innumerable opportunities for outdoor activities such as surfing, hiking or snorkeling and a bounty of world-class restaurants, hotels and shopping venues, Hawaii vacations will be a favorite for years to come.

Don’t be overwhelmed with trying to narrow it down to one direction in which to take your Hawaiian vacation. One of the best ways to explore all the Aloha State has to offer is by experiencing a variety of activities. Try to mix in a little bit of everything!

Hoofing it Around Hawaii

While the rich cuisine and coconut-infused cocktails synonymous with Hawaii may be delicious (and not to be missed!), nobody wants to come back from vacation with a few extra pounds as a souvenir. Counteract the only drawbacks to Hawaii’s decadent epicurean delights with plenty of hiking in the awe-inspiring trails all around the state.

Hawaii's Diamond Head. Photo by Luke Gordon.

Whether you opt to tromp through the rainforest to Manoa falls, trek up Oahu’s famous Diamond Head volcano or simply stroll on the beach, there are so many hiking opportunities abound.

Rock Show

Hawaii isn’t just for beach bumming. The entire island is a volcanic ring! Get your geological thrill on by paying a visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on Big Island or Maui’s Haleakala.

Volcano National Park. Photo by Eli Duke.

Look at a crater in the eye while you fan away the heat from nearby lava beds and experience the diversity of life around the parks.

Hawaii’s Horse Sense

Redefine the age-old parable of two sets of footprints in the sand when you take the four-legged approach to exploring Hawaii. Traipse through flowers, hills and beaches on horseback!

Hawaii's Horse. Photos by Luke Gordon.

The local horses are just as welcoming and mild-mannered as their Hawaiian human counterparts, so don’t be afraid to hop on this opportunity to get a new vantage point of beaches, valleys and lush rainforests.

Eastern Influences

Hawaii’s Chinatown is one of the state’s most exciting and eclectic neighborhoods. Settled circa 1860 by Chinese immigrants, the center of Hawaii’s Chinatown is the 1904 Oahu Market. Here, you can do more than just haggle over the myriad goods lining the streets.

Chinatown, Oahu Market—North King and Kekaulike. Photo by Herb Neufeld.

Immortalize your love for the islands at one of the area’s tattoo parlors, find alternative methods to common maladies with an herbalist, or simply enjoy the authentic fare at one of the neighborhood’s dozens of inexpensive eateries.

As you get your heart rate moving, your cultural curiosity fed and your camera flickering, take comfort in the fact that many world-class trails are available in close proximity to bustling city of Waikiki and many Oahu hotels and resorts. The spirit of Hawaii awaits you!

The preceding was a sponsored post. Visit Aqua Resort’s website to book some of the world’s most unique accommodation. For more information about Aqua Hotels & Resorts, see www.aquaresorts.com/. For more information about sponsored posts, click here.

"Hawaii: A State of Grace" is a post from Two Go Round-The-World. Join Kathryn and Daniel as they plan, prepare and pack for a year-long RTW trip! Ready to dive in? Click here for a few easy ways to stay connected with us!

Just 61 sq km in size, Espanola offers great wildlife—sea lions, sea birds and the largest marine iguanas of Galapagos.

Just 61 sq km in size, Espanola is a fantastic place to go bird watching. It’s home to the Waved Albatross, considered to be among the most spectacular birds in the world. The island’s steep cliffs serve as the perfect runways for these large birds, which take off for their ocean feeding grounds near the mainland of Ecuador and Peru abandoning the island between January and March. Endemic to the island, Espanola is the waved albatross’s only nesting place. Each April, the male Albatross return to Espanola followed shortly thereafter by their mates. Young albatross do not return to Espanola until their 4th or 5th year when they return to seek a mate. It’s worth a visit between the months of late March through to December, when the Albatross rests and nests here.

Inspired by publications like Life Magazine, National Geographic and online experiences like Boston.com’s photo blog, images marked as ‘The Whole Picture’  are intended to highlight high-quality, amazing imagery. Kathryn and Daniel will post ‘The Whole Picture‘ irregulary.  Like all of our photos, it is an original photo not otherwise on the site—it might be fresh from our camera, a new scan of some old film, a product of our fooling around with Photoshop, or a file from the archive that we haven’t posted yet.

"The Whole Picture: Espanola’s Cliffs" is a post from Two Go Round-The-World. Join Kathryn and Daniel as they plan, prepare and pack for a year-long RTW trip! Ready to dive in? Click here for a few easy ways to stay connected with us!

Newly Renovated Modern Flat in Berlin, Germany. This one starts at 101 €/night.

This is a sponsored post. Our pledge to you is that we’ll never take a sponsorship from someone we can’t endorse, or from someone that doesn’t match the interests of this community. We also disclose our affiliations on our About Us page.

If you’re comfortable staying someone’s home while traveling or opening your own door, Wimdu is a service that connects travellers with locals renting rooms—at rates well below nearby hotels. Wimdu is a site for travellers and homeowners alike. With accommodations that are priced well below average hotel rooms, renting a room on Wimdu offers real value. In many cases, it gives travellers the opportunity to live like not unlike a local.

Wimdu For Travellers

Before booking your hotel stay, you can turn to Wimdu to find short-term rentals, rooms—or entire houses—in cities around the world. Prices are typically much more affordable than nearby hotels and, depending on the city, could rival the convenience and features of available hotel options.

Browsing the the listings in our hometown of Toronto yields a surprising bounty of really nice accommodations for prices radically better than any hotel would charge in the downtown core? Is it worth the savings to stay in a stranger’s home? Sound off in the comment below with your opinion.

Wimdu For Hosts

Budget travellers are often low on cash and in need of a bed and cup of coffee in the morning, as well as a welcoming home. If you can spare a sofa or mattress then you might just be the answer to the prayers of a traveller. While earning a little money, you also get to meet some interesting people.

You can also use the site as a host and rent out your home—or just a room—with Wimdu‘s guidance on how to set prices and create an attractive listing. Hosts have control over pricing, as well as determining who can stay in their space and when. Plus, the site also handles the payment exchange on behalf of the host, and listing available space is free, though the site does take a service fee when hosts get paid for stays.

Conclusion

Authentication via social media and Wimdu‘s own site helps to establish a sense of trust between hosts and travellers before the transaction is completed. Wimdu’s lets hosts review their guests, and guests rate their hosts—in addition to property reviews themselves. That endorsement system, combined with the pictures and profiles people write about themselves, adds a sense of security for people who have opened up their homes, as well as the travellers who are spending the night away from home. Be sure to check out the Wimdu website for your next trip abroad! There are places to stay in almost every major city: Rio de Janeiro, New York, Milan, Hong Kong—you name it!

The preceding was a sponsored post. Visit Wimdu‘s website to book some of the world’s most unique accommodation. For more information about Wimdu, see www.wimdu.co.uk. For more information about sponsored posts, click here.

"Find a home away from home with Wimdu" is a post from Two Go Round-The-World. Join Kathryn and Daniel as they plan, prepare and pack for a year-long RTW trip! Ready to dive in? Click here for a few easy ways to stay connected with us!

If you’re travelling round-the-world out of just a bag, you’ll quickly learn to do laundry in hotel rooms, bathroom sinks and other areas without a washer and dryer. Unless you’re willing to over-pack, or spend valuable time in laundromats, you’ll want to wash some items in your hotel room sink. But, how to dry?

If you’re like most travellers we know, you’ve given up on those laundry lines with suction cups because they never seem to stay up. Or you could pack a piece of cord—but then you’ll need some clothespins. A great solution is a multiple-strand travel clothesline. It’s great for drying as your clothing tucks between the strands so you don’t need a clothespin.

You can buy one for around ten bucks online (we recommended a great product in our 2011 Gift Guide for Round-The-World Travellers) — but they’re simple to make and only require around a dollar’s worth of rubber bands if you have a little patience.

How to Make a Rubber Band Travel Clothesline (for Less Than $1)

Instructables user br3ttb used 60 rubber bands to make a travel clothesline by soaking the rubber bands in water to make them more pliable, separating the bands into three even piles and tying each pile into a long strand, and braiding the strands together.

Check out his instructions here over on Instructables. Have you ever checked out Instructables? It is a web-based documentation platform where passionate people share what they do and how they do it, and learn from and collaborate with others.

Have your own creative backpacking hacks to share—tips which may help someone to overcome a problem or limitation quickly and cheaply? Leave ‘em here. Or sound off in the comments below! Check out ourcollection of travel hacks by clicking here.

"Hackpacking: Make a Rubber Band Travel Clothesline" is a post from Two Go Round-The-World. Join Kathryn and Daniel as they plan, prepare and pack for a year-long RTW trip! Ready to dive in? Click here for a few easy ways to stay connected with us!

Eagle Creek Travel Gear Pack-It Cubes

1. Eagle Creek Travel Gear Pack-It Cubes

Packing cubes make organizing your luggage a lot simpler and are a simple to save space when packing and become a more efficient traveller. They are, simply, lightweight fabric cubes (although most are rectangular) which hold your clothes and allow you to sort and separate different items. The great thing about using packing cubes—it’s so easy to unpack and repack clothes. When you arrive at your destination, its simply a matter of taking out the cube thats needed. No more rummaging through a bag! Packing cubes are essential for round-the-world travellers. Amazon’s got ‘em.

Rolf Potts’ Vagabonding

2. Rolf Potts’ Vagabonding

Rolf Potts’ Vagabonding is about taking time off from your normal life—from six weeks to four months to two years—to discover and experience the world on your own terms. Veteran shoestring traveler Potts shows how anyone armed with an independent spirit can achieve the dream of extended overseas travel. He provides the necessary information on: financing your travel time, determining your destination, adjusting to life on the road, working and volunteering overseas, handling travel adversity and re-assimilating back into ordinary life. Not just a plan of action, Vagabonding is an outlook on life that emphasizes creativity, discovery, and the growth of the spirit. Click here to purchase Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel from Amazon.

Altec Lansing Orbit MP3

3. Altec Lansing Orbit MP3

The Altec Lansing Orbit MP3 Lite offers incredible volume and clarity from a speaker compact enough to fit in your pocket. This portable speaker uses a standard headphone jack to connect to your music device, allowing you to effortlessly amplify your favorite tunes from virtually any iPhone, iPod, MP3 player, music-enabled mobile phone, or laptop. With balanced components delivering clear, distortion-free sound, the Orbit MP3 Lite is an ideal solution for broadcasting music on the go. Of course it lacks any real bass element or depth, but then that’s not really the point. It is all about giving you volume and the chance to share your music in your guesthouse or dorm rather than being a replacement for your home PC stereo system. Amazon’s got ‘em.

Flexoline Travel Laundry Clothesline

4. Flexoline Travel Laundry Clothesline 

Unless you’re willing to over-pack, or spend valuable time in laundromats, you’ll want to wash some items in your hotel room sink. But, how to dry? It’s so easy to wash out a few clothes in the basin and hang them up to dry overnight when you’re travelling. If you’re like most travellers we know, you’ve given up on those laundry lines with suction cups because they never seem to stay up. The Flexo-line, designed in 1945, was the brainchild of an American inventor who also developed the first electric stove and flexible ice cube tray, It holds up to 12 lb of wet clothes, thanks to its surgical-quality, natural latex rubber tubing which is woven in three braids—not the usual two. Just loop its ends around a doorknob, hook, shower head, or rod (it stretches to seven feet), then poke a corner of your wet garment in the tight braid to dry. No clothespins needed. It’s so compact and lightweight, it will barely take up any room in your bag! Amazon’s got ‘em.

Keep Your Gadgets Dry with LOKSAK

5. Keep Your Gadgets Dry with LOKSAK

A must-have item for anyone who wants to protect important papers or electronic gadgets with ease. Check out this set of four waterproof, flexible, strong yet lightweight LOKSAK storage bags. Stow your wallet, medication, passports, documents, cell phones, maps, PDAs, books, film, food, batteries, GPS, jewelry, clothing, cash and much more. These resealable element-proof storage bags are hermetically sealed with a slide and squeeze of the finger and thumb. That means absolutely no water, air, dust or humidity can get into the bag. Sort of like a Ziploc, but much better. Amazon’s got ‘em.

Light My Fire Titanium Spork

6. Light My Fire Titanium Spork

The most versatile outdoor eating utensil, the spoon-fork-knife combo makes eating–and cleaning up–on the go a breeze. Designed by Scandinavian designer Joachim Nordwall, the spork is perfect for your backpack, boat, picnic basket, lunchbox, purse or briefcase. This spork is made of titanium, one of the toughest alloys on the planet, widely used in aircraft construction because of its lightness, extreme strength and long-lasting durability. Its high biocompatibility means that it is also safe and non-toxic. And guess what? Amazon’s got ‘em!

Kensington All-in-One Travel Plug Adapter

7. Kensington All-in-One Travel Plug Adapter

A simple but excellent travel adaptor that we’ve tried and tested on countless trips for many years. A good travel adapter will last a lifetime. This simple device will replace your current socket set in a neat, compact body and with the USB  charger you’ll no longer need to carry all the particularly heavy mobile phone, camera and mp3 chargers. Perfect for the globetrotter with gadgets, this compact world travel adapter works in more than 150 countries, allowing you to plug in wherever you are. The elegant compact and safe way to plug in your portable appliances worldwide.

Donations

8. Donate!

If like a lot of people, you’re tired of giving commercial gifts no matter how neat they may be, consider doing something charitable for your favourite RTW travellers. A donation made in their name to Planeterra makes a great gift—and provides travellers and their friends and families a way to contribute to investment in sustainable community development that focuses on different destinations around the world. The organization supports a steady cycle of giving and investment, via a global network of travel industry partners, in the social and environmental needs of people and places in the destinations we serve worldwide. A donation makes the perfect gift for the traveller in your life!

You’d also do well to consider, Kiva—the world’s first online lending platform connecting online lenders to entrepreneurs. Leveraging the internet and a worldwide network of microfinance institutions, Kiva lets individuals lend as little as $25 to help create opportunity around the world.

Still stuck? Check out these great gift ideas from last year’s gift guide—there’s something for everyone from kids to grown-up adventurers!

This post contains affiliate links, which means when you click on links to various products that we recommend and make a purchase, this can result in a commission that is credited to this site. We have chosen to only recommend products in our articles that we use or have thoroughly researched. We, too, are travellers, so our credibility online means everything to us. Our following is growing by the month, and there are a lot of people who come here for advice, help and support. Therefore we take our responsibility as an affiliate very seriously.

"2011 Gift Guide for Round-The-World Travellers" is a post from Two Go Round-The-World. Join Kathryn and Daniel as they plan, prepare and pack for a year-long RTW trip! Ready to dive in? Click here for a few easy ways to stay connected with us!

This Ain’t Your Typical Giveaway

For the right people, however, it just may be the experience of a lifetime. Three winners will embark on an unforgettable trip (airfare included) to one of the hundreds of destinations featured in the pages of our brochures. In the company of our award-winning creative team, the winners will be joined by a personal videographer and photographer who will chronicle their adventure—which will be featured in print and online as part of the G Adventures 2013 campaign. Nope this ain’t your regular giveaway; we’re looking for the face of a movement. And it could be yours! 

This is your planet. You really should come see it sometime.

“We’re hoping to inspire people to look at travel in a different way and step outside the confines of all-inclusive resorts and big bus tours to experience the raw, rich and real beauty of our world,” says Bruce Poon Tip, G Adventures’ founder. “Increasingly consumers are seeking more meaningful and engaging experiences when vacationing—unforgettable, life-changing experiences adventure travel creates and offers.”

You’ll Never Forget It!

Beginning today and over the next couple of weeks, G Adventures will unlock a series of eight videos on www.youllneverforgetit.com. A video, along with an exclusive discount for trips in the corresponding region, will be revealed every two days. This is your chance to see the world as it was meant to be seen. From North, Central and South America to Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, the series documents everyday travellers who challenge the tourist identity, as they explore and journey around the planet, uncovering many of the world’s awe-inspiring natural and manmade wonders.

Interested? We know you are! Check out  www.youllneverforgetit.com or follow G Adventures on Facebook—and, of course, follow @gadventures and hash tag #YNFI on Twitter. Feel free to share it with friends and family members. And remember—if they wear socks with sandals or think bermuda shorts are acceptable attire for any occasion, this ain’t for them.

Disclosure: At Two Go Round-The-World, we value the conversation that exists between us and our readers—and the trust on which that relationship is based. Here we’re committed to creating an environment informed by that trust. In the interests of full disclosure, Daniel works with G Adventures. For more information on disclosures and relationships, please check our ‘About Us‘ page.

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The Old Town of Corfu. Photo by Robin Bazylek.

This is a sponsored post. Our pledge to you is that we’ll never take a sponsorship from someone we can’t endorse, or from someone that doesn’t match the interests of this community. We also disclose our affiliations on our About Us page.

Beyond the cheap sun, sea and booze-o image of the package resorts lies a remarkably little-known side to Corfu. This sickle-shaped Ionian Island is one of Greece’s greenest and most mountainous, and its landscapes have been eulogized by everyone from epic poet Homer to novelist Lawrence Durrell. Forget the brochure hype and take the less-trodden trail and within no time you will find quiet coves, coastal viewpoints and hilltop tavernas where you can enjoy home cooking at its best to the backbeat of goat bells.

Beaches

Some of the best villas in Corfu nestle in the cypress-studded cliffs rising above Paleokastritsa in the island’s northwest. Choose this as your base and you will have access to the bay’s grottos and turquoise waters without the day-trippers. Just as lovely is the half-moon bay of Liapades slightly south, backed by thickly wooded cliffs. For more seclusion still, follow the former hippy trail to bare-it-all Myrtiossa. Reached by a dirt track and footpath, the fine sandy bay has beautifully clear water and boulders affording nudists privacy. In his book Prospero’s Cell, Lawrence Durrell describes it as the “loveliest beach in the world”.

Gordis Beach. Photo by Gavin Gilmour.

The east coast is undeniably more developed than the west, but you can still find some peaceful spots. Roads wiggle through pine and olive trees to Kalami, Kouloura and Agni, where crescent-shaped coves are lapped by crystal-clear water and Albania seems close enough to touch.

Arguably the best beach in the south is Halikounas, a three-kilometre swathe of soft sand and dunes, which attracts windsurfers, kite-surfers and birdwatchers who come to spot herons and egrets on Lake Korission.

Viewpoints

Corfu’s dramatic northwest is punctuated by vertiginous lookouts. A road swings around the cliff tops to Angelokastro, a Byzantine castle perched high on a rocky outcrop and commanding near 360-degree views of the surrounding coast and country. Take your pick of the taverna terraces in Lakones and Makrades for views of Paleokastritsa and the glittering Ionian Sea from above. The coastal panorama from the bougainvillea-draped courtyard of Paleokastritsa’s monastery is primetime sunset viewing.

View from the Old Fort. Photo by Gavin Gilmour.

A winding road takes you through quaint inland villages where life slows to a donkey’s pace, pine forests, and beyond to the barren summit of Mt Pantokrator at 906m. From here, there are breezy views across the island and over to Albania and Italy.

Neoclassical Achillion Palace, the lavish former summer retreat of Austria’s Empress Elisabeth, has photogenic sea views from its gardens littered with mythological statues. Arrive early before the coach tours get there.

Restaurants

Corfu’s Italian-inspired cuisine is a lingering taste of Venetian rule, but you’ll be pushed to find the real deal in many of the big resorts. High on the foodie agenda is Corfu Town, where the mazy alleys hide tavernas serving authentic dishes like pastitsada (meaty pasta casserole) and sofrito (veal in garlic, white wine and parsley). Or join locals at an ouzeri for glass of aniseed-laced ouzo and meze like dolmades (stuffed vine leaves), marinated aubergines and saganaki (fried cheese).

Zefiros Restaurant at Ai-Gordis. Photo by Dimitris Kilimis.

Several restaurants on the island stand out for their setting and food. First up is Etrusco in the tiny village of Kato Korakiana, where market-fresh Corfiot flavours are served with finesse. Some of the freshest fish on the island lands on your plate at the sea-facing Fisherman’s Tavern in Agios Georgios, tucked away in the olive groves (ask locals to show you the way). Among other coastal favourites are seafront Taverna Agni in the pretty bay of the same name.

Don’t judge tavernas solely by their appearance and reputation, though—some of the best are the no-name, family-run places in the hilly north, where the feta, olive oil and wine are home-produced.

The preceding was a sponsored post. Visit the Meon Villas website to book Corfu Villas. For more information about Meon Villas, see www.meonvillas.co.uk. For more information about sponsored posts, click here.

"Off the Beaten Track in Corfu" is a post from Two Go Round-The-World. Join Kathryn and Daniel as they plan, prepare and pack for a year-long RTW trip! Ready to dive in? Click here for a few easy ways to stay connected with us!

Tonight’s post is brought to you by the letter G. Why G? Because the things currently occupying our mind are all ‘G’ related. As you may know, Daniel works for a company called G Adventures (formerly Gap Adventures). If you’re interested about how he came to work there, check out this post. For the past few months, he’s been working hard on a number of cool initiatives — including an event called The Future of Tourism and a rebrand of the company.

As you may have heard, the US District Court ruled in favour of apparel retailer ‘The Gap’ in regards to ‘confusion’ over the use of the name Gap Adventures in the US. In truth, all of us we’re actually pretty excited by the opportunity to re-imagine the company—and the decision was made to extend the name change globally.

Everybody that works for the ‘G’ believes that a brand is defined by its culture—not by a corporate name or a logo. That’s why one of the company’s fundamental principles is to change the lives of anyone who comes into contact with it. Our business model isn’t about bottom-lines and turnover. It’s about happiness, freedom and independence.

Which brings us to the video! In celebration of the name change—and the new freedom from legal naming hassles, G Adventures has posted a lip dub video to George Michael’s Freedom and a contest to match.

For the hardcore travellers out there—you may notice that select shots in the video are numbered. There’s 18 of them and we want to know the famous site featured and the country where it can be found. Plus, our founder, Bruce Poon Tip appears 3three times in the video—each time in a different location. The first person to correctly name all 18 sites and countries along with the three countries where Bruce Poon Tip appears will win a G Adventures trip anywhere in the world. Just email all your answers to facebook@gadventures.com. Check out G Adventures on Facebook to enter the draw here!

We gave away our first two trips last week when we hit the 1000- and 5000-views mark. Don’t miss your chance to win an adventure when we hit the 10000-view milestone over the next day or two!  Be the first to send in all 21 correct answers and you can win the trip of your choice (and yes that does include Antarctica)!

Disclosure: At Two Go Round-The-World, we value the conversation that exists between us and our readers—and the trust on which that relationship is based. Here we’re committed to creating an environment informed by that trust. In the interests of full disclosure, Daniel works with G Adventures. For more information on disclosures and relationships, please check our ‘About Us‘ page.

"Ain’t Nothing But a ‘G’ Thing!" is a post from Two Go Round-The-World. Join Kathryn and Daniel as they plan, prepare and pack for a year-long RTW trip! Ready to dive in? Click here for a few easy ways to stay connected with us!

If the numbers seem a bit staggering, just remember: your upcoming holiday in 2012 is part of a massive global tradition that sees millions take off to incredible destinations around the globe. Enjoy your adventure!

"The Numbers Behind the Travel Industry" is a post from Two Go Round-The-World. Join Kathryn and Daniel as they plan, prepare and pack for a year-long RTW trip! Ready to dive in? Click here for a few easy ways to stay connected with us!

However, the survey conducted in May by Harris/Decima on behalf of Gap Adventures, also revealed that the majority (89%) feel personal development is just as or more important than professional development. Three quarters (74%) of Canadians would take a career break—a period of time off from work for travel and personal development—if nothing stood in their way, and half (51%) often think of taking one.

 Top Culprits for Travel Anxiety

First time, long-term and international travel can be daunting. According to the study, being alone, safety, security and budget are the biggest concerns about travelling during a career break, followed by culture shock, the unknown, unfamiliar, logistics and fear of getting lost.

Jeff Jung with Children in Pushkar. Photo courtesy Gap Adventures.

While many may be terrified to break free from the confines of the cubicle to explore the world, a leading career break expert believes that sabbaticals are completely attainable.  Jeff Jung, refugee of the corporate marketing world and founder of CareerBreakSecrets.com, has inspired and helped thousands to escape the rat race and embark on their own career breaks.

“Setting off to discover the world for the first time isn’t easy and certainly doesn’t come naturally to everyone. There are so many things to consider when planning a career break – it can be very overwhelming,” says Jung.

Easing into International Travel with an Organized Tour

“Starting your career break with a reputable small group tour operator like Gap Adventures is a great and affordable way to get your feet wet. Not only do you have the added security and safety of an organized tour and travelling with a group, you also enjoy group rates when it comes to accommodation and activities. Plus, organized tours allow you to pre-budget and stay on budget as you know exactly what you’re paying for,” explains Jung.

“I like Gap Adventures because they help travellers step off the beaten path to experience the real destination. Rather than limiting yourself to the confines of a beach resort or being herded around on a big coach tour, the type of travel experiences Gap Adventures create are both enriching and inspiring – ideal for the career breaker. They have more than 20 years of experience and offer tours on all seven continents, in more than 100 countries,” adds Jung.

Successful Sabbatical Secrets: DitchTheCubicle.ca

Beyond being alone, budget, safety and security, other common career break concerns include not knowing what to pack, where to go, how to get there, when to travel and how much money to bring – the nuts and bolts of travel. Even selecting the right backpack can cause headaches.

Together with Gap Adventures, Jung shares a variety of successful sabbatical secrets and practical trip planning tips on DitchTheCubicle.ca – everything from must-have gadgets and first-aid kit items, to how to save for a career break and keep in touch abroad. In addition, Canadians seeking inspiration to escape the rat race can follow Jung on the Gap Adventures Career Break Series – a collection of videos filmed in his home of Bogota, Colombia and the colourful country of India – where he reveals more sabbatical tips.

Work/Life Balance & Career Break Benefits: Recharge, Revitalize & Restore

“I towered atop the corporate ladder for many years and the impact of the overwhelming stress really affected my health. Plus, the emotionally and physically-draining cubicle wars were suffocating and stifled my personal growth. I lost sight of the big picture and was heading towards a mid-life crisis,” says Jung. “Taking a break from my career allowed me to recharge my batteries and revitalize my passion for life (and work!), to ultimately restore the much needed balance that was missing. It was the best thing I did for myself and my career.”

While a career break may not be for everyone, Jung believes there are benefits to taking one:

• Reduces stress. On a career break you leave the stress of the office behind, your time is your own to do what you want to do, or not do;
• Improves life satisfaction. Career break allows you to explore the world, see new things, meet new people and experience things you couldn’t in your “normal” life;
• Increases one’s ability to adapt to new situations. Career breakers are faced with new experiences and new challenges everyday, and constantly forced to adapt to new cultures and environments;
• Rejuvenates one’s life. Exposing yourself to new cultures, people, food and situations will offer a fresh perspective on life;
• Increases self-confidence. Travelling in foreign countries for an extended period of time having to figure out where to sleep, what to eat and how to get around (often where your native language isn’t spoken), you feel like there isn’t anything you can’t do;
• Resume builder. Your trip will give you incredible international experience. Skills can be developed through various common sabbatical activities such as volunteering, teaching ESL or starting a blog. Additionally, many career breakers return with improved soft skills acquired from being on the road: flexibility, patience, risk assessment, negotiation, and decision making.

For more information on career breaks, visit www.DitchTheCubicle.ca.

"Contemplating a Career Break on Labour Day?" is a post from Two Go Round-The-World. Join Kathryn and Daniel as they plan, prepare and pack for a year-long RTW trip! Ready to dive in? Click here for a few easy ways to stay connected with us!

While the recommendations may have changed, our appetite for great travel advice hasn’t waned. So too, our love of urban travel legends. These legends appear on the road quickly and proliferate rapidly through hostels and guesthouses. And, while they may contain some truth, they’re often based on falsehoods. But the fact remains, we all love urban legends—we all love to hear them and we all love to spread them.

This is a list of a few of the most famous urban travel legends that are still doing the rounds on the backpacker circuit. That being said, despite these cautionary tales, independent travel is nonetheless a relatively safe way of getting your kicks. Keep an eye on government advisories when planning your itinerary, get comprehensive adventure travel insurance and read up on local ‘dos and don’ts’. And you’ll be good to go!

A Bad Case of Gas

This urban travel legend has enjoyed several decades of retelling and revision. As one of the oldest and most persistent, this myth holds that thieves prowl trains in Europe and the Far East late at night, using some kind of chemical agent to incapacitate unsuspecting backpackers asleep in their cabins and rob them of their cash and documents. This urban legend usually concludes with, “I had EUR250 in my fannypack when we left—but when I woke up this morning, I only had EUR25!”

Sleep with one eye open! Muahahaha!

Regardless, in recent years, the US Department of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Council has actually issued a warning for train travellers in transit through Poland to beware of such scenarios. The US Department of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Council has warned travellers, too:

“Inter- and intra-country train travel, thieves have, in rare instances, used a variety of ‘knock-out’ sprays to incapacitate travelers and then take belongings from their person and accompanying baggage. In most cases the spray is used on sleeping passengers.

According to the Washington Post, Polish Embassy press attache Marek Purowski concedes that such incidents have occurred in recent years but that the perpetrators were not Polish citizens but “Russian gangs.” So is this a case of life imitating the art of storytelling? Perhaps — but remember, urban legends often retain, at their core, a kernel of truth.

The Disappearing Organ

Myths surrounding the theft of body organs are some of the most horrifying and popular of all urban legends about travel. Judging also from the number of movie and book plots they have inspired, this particular myth seems to be about the most popular urban travel legend yet.

A screen cap from the movie Urbania.

Featured as a major plot line on a number of TV show and movies, I first heard this one during while in a hostel in China about fifteen years ago.·It begins with a mysterious and attractive stranger seducing a backpacker. The next day, the horny and now helpless traveller awakens to discover that he was drugged and a kidney and/or other organs were removed—presumably to be sold on the black market. The folks over at About.com describe it thusly:

The backpacker is instructed by the 911 operator to very slowly and carefully reach behind them and feel if there is a tube protruding from their lower back. The business traveler finds the tube and answers, “Yes.” The 911 operator tells them to remain still, having already sent paramedics to help. The operator knows that both of the business traveler’s kidneys have been harvested.

This urban travel legend is often embellished with some amazingly gory details describing victims sporting open wounds and lying incapacitated in bathtubs full of ice. As many of these urban myths do, this one plays upon our fears of travelling alone and being the victim of a random crime. That said, you should always be careful when drinking in bars, and don’t invite strangers to your room!

Indecent Exposures

This urban legend is a classic, albeit sick, story. An acquaintance of ours in the travel industry swears this urban legend actually happened to her clients—but we simply chalk it up another friend-of-a-friend tale. It goes like this—a young couple were vacationing at a resort when their room was broken into and everything stolen, with the exception of their old-school analog film camera and their toothbrushes.

This doesn't end well.

Considering themselves fortunate to have not lost their vacation photos, they return home post-vacation and have the film developed only to discover that the presumed robber inserted their toothbrushes into a rather unsanitary orifice. We’re inclined to believe that this story plays upon our generalized distrust of strangers and strange places—emotional echos of those standard childhood insecurities. Stranger danger, anyone?

Conclusion

You’re probably familiar with most—if not all—of the stories here, demonstrating just how deep-rooted urban legends are in our collective psyche as travellers. Indeed, human beings will always be drawn in by the unsubstantiated rumour. These stories seem to have a life of their own, creeping through the travelling public one person at a time. And like a real life form, they adapt to changing conditions. It will always be the way of the traveller to tell bizarre stories, and there will always be an audience waiting to believe them. The urban legend is part of our makeup!

If you’re wondering why your favorite urban travel legend did not make the cut — let us know in the comments!

"Urban Backpacking Myths" is a post from Two Go Round-The-World. Join Kathryn and Daniel as they plan, prepare and pack for a year-long RTW trip! Ready to dive in? Click here for a few easy ways to stay connected with us!

For many, a round-the-world trip is something that they have always dreamed of and that they will go to any lengths to do. For others, a little more persuasion might be involved to get them to break their routine, plan a route and book their airfare for the trip of a lifetime. We all know the obvious reasons why you would go: to try something new and see exciting places, to meet new people, learn about different cultures and to truly experience freedom. However, there are also a few reasons which aren’t so obvious but which are just as important.

To cure yourself of your desire for possessions

We’re all guilty of it. Consumption is so pervasive—be it clothes, an extensive DVD or CD collection that you feel you can’t live without or the latest gadget. Really, however, it’s just clutter. Like a gas, clutter is mutable and expands to fill the space available to it. There is no way that you can fit your possessions into a backpack—and even if you could, you wouldn’t want to lug it around! Less is more!

Own your possessions—don't let 'em own you! Photo by K2D2vaca.

Taking with you only what you can carry shows you just how little you need to get by. Moreover, it will force you into discovering what it is that you miss and value the most. Experiencing cultures where people are perfectly happy despite having so little can be a humbling experience.

To reinvent yourself

You’ll meet new and exciting people each and every day and this means that you can become whoever you want to be. We’re not talking about completely changing your persona.

Start over!

However, if perhaps you’ve always been a little shy, this is your chance to come out of your shell without feeling self-conscious!

To discover your preferences

It’s easy to think that your favourite sport or food is the thing you have been watching or eating since you can remember. Trying new things and being given so many options means that you might discover brand new favourites.

Discover what moves you!

Check out new cuisine that blows your mind, new sport that you want to try or new music you’ve never heard of before. Every day offers something new and means that you can finally work out exactly what your tastes are.

To find a new home

During your trip, this might occur by chance. You may meet a partner, be given a job offer or simply just fall in love with a place that you’ve never considered living in before.

Find a new home!

Travelling is about finding out what makes you happy and it might just be that you stumble upon the next exciting phase of your life when you least expect it.

To appreciate home

When you have lived in one place your whole life, it’s easy to stop noticing all of the things that make it ‘home’. Some time away will make you appreciate those people or places that you may take for granted. Seeing how live in other parts of the world will shed a little light on your own community.

Be grateful! Photo by SnoShuu.

We are fortunate to live in a country where we have the capacity to save enough money to go on this kind of adventure. What are you waiting for? You only live once. Get out there and do it!

The preceding was a sponsored post. Fly.com is an airfare search engine that makes looking for airfares both quick and easy. The site searches hundreds of airline and major travel sites for real-time fares, and then presents the results in a simple, clean and easy-to-understand format. For more information about Fly.com, see www.fly.com. For more information about sponsored posts, click here.

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Check out a sporting event

“Sports are not just competitive events between teams or individuals in their quest to win titles, trophies, and championships” writes Jeremy Branham of Budget Travel Adventures. “They have a way of connecting with people and culture beyond tourist attractions and museums. If the history of a city broadens the mind then sports is the soul and heart of its people.”

Football in Cusco. Photo by Two Go Round-The-World.

He continues: ”A museum can teach you what people have learned and how a place evolved—art, war, politics, and education.  Sports allows you to experience who people are—raw, spontaneous emotion and passion passed down through generations through relationships, shared moments and culture”. For more check out his post entitled “5 ways sports and travel unite passion and culture around the world” on his blog here.

Get a haircut

“Make the mundane memorable” writes Adam from Travels with Adam. He continues: “I think this may be one of my more favorite pastimes—getting a haircut while travelling. It’s such a regular occurrence and is bound to happen while you’re abroad for any extended amount of time. Unless you’re a dirty hippie. Not only does it involve finding a place to get a haircut, but you’re almost guaranteed a local experience. I mean, how many other travellers are getting a haircut?” Adam concludes: “That’s what makes long-term travel so wacky—and so fun! Doing things just like you normally would, but in a totally different way”. Check out Adam’s post — and his excellent blog here.

Mumbai shave. Photo by Francois Bester.

Keep a blog—or don’t

Two very interesting perspectives on this one. Whereas Mariellen Ward of Breathedreamgo advocates keeping a blog, Rolf Potts of Vagablogging recommends against it. “Blogging while you travel can enrich your journey in more ways than one,” writes Mariellen Ward of breathedreamgo. “It helps keep your friends and family back home informed, creates a permanent record of your trip and gives you the opportunity to take time to reflect on your experiences.”

Keep a blog—or don't!

On the other hand, Rolf Potts of Vagablogging sees it differently: “One dilemma many travellers face is reconciling the personal and public sides of a journey… the effect travel has on us is sometimes far too profound to reveal to the world, and our metamorphoses needn’t always be broadcast so strangers can post inanities about their validity or lack thereof. We leave out saucy escapades, not to mention precious impromptu travel snippets. Because of this, it’s the rare blog entry that can match the honesty and authenticity of a handwritten journal. 10 years from now, which will you want to remember, the true story or the watered-down one you fed the public? Check our the rest of his article on World Hum here. You’d also do well to check out Mariellen’s top tips for getting started as a travel blogger.

Haggle in a market

Haggling is something you have to be in the mood for. Patience and a sense of humor are essential—or you won’t enjoy the experience. And if you aren’t careful, you may find yourself struggling back to your hotel under the weight of your purchases and with no money to finance the rest of your round-the-world trip. Haggling and shopping will provide you with a chance to practice your language skills, meet some locals and have a little fun—all at the same time.

Haggling in a market in Beijing. Photo by Ivan Walsh.

Sarah Schlichter at Independent Traveler writes: “Some travellers get to know a place through its museums and monuments, others through its scenic landscapes or traditional cuisine. But for globetrotters who love to shop, there’s no truer way to experience a place than by haggling with merchants in a bazaar, browsing the handcrafted wares of local artisans or sampling designer duds at the poshest boutique in town.” Check our her article: “Shopping Abroad: A Traveler’s Guide” here.

Check out the street meat

“As travellers we want to experience all that we can from a country. ” writes Ayngelina from Bacon is Magic (guest posting on Caz and Craig’s Y Travel). “When you ask people how their impression of a place one of the first things they will talk about is the food. And the foundation of any strong culinary heritage is street food.”

Gwangju street food. Photo by Two Go Round-The-World.

She continues: “I have had some amazing meals in my life but the most memorable food experiences have been from street vendors: crickets in Mexico, bun cha in Vietnam, ceviche in Peru. In fact, the first memory of a country tends to be something delicious I ate there.” Check out her piece “The Real Reason You Should Eat Street Food” here.

Conclusion

Just as we were about to publish this post, a piece from Joel Carillet popped up on our Google Reader in which he discusses experience vs participation. Carillet’s position is worth considering—and certainly has a bearing on this post—and to a greater degree, on how we approach travel and what we emphasize in it. He writes:

It is the men, women, and children in the places we visit, not inanimate things, that allow us to relate to (and not just experience) the world. I don’t at all want to knock experience — I love it! — but it’s important to be aware that traveling in the name of “having experiences” isn’t the same as traveling to participate in the world. The one is rather self-referential; the other is more interested in being a part of a community, even if only in a very modest way.

Do you have any recommendations for experiences that connect you with the essence of a place and its people—and should be included here? Let us know in the comment stream below.

"5 Ways to Enrich Your RTW Journey" is a post from Two Go Round-The-World. Join Kathryn and Daniel as they plan, prepare and pack for a year-long RTW trip! Ready to dive in? Click here for a few easy ways to stay connected with us!

Window in Penang. Photo by Two Go Round-The-World.

More a mental space than physical

But the idea of liminality is not limited to physical places—it can also be applied to the thresholds we experience everywhere in life. Whether its graduation, a new career, marriage, divorce, sickness—all will disorient us for awhile. But what could be more liminal than travel—and even moreso, long-term or perpetual travel?

Santiago doorway detail. Photo by Two Go Round-The-World.

One of the very definitions of liminality is the space in between—or boundaries. And if we take these in the literal, geographical sense, then almost all travel is ‘liminal’. To see another travel bloggers take on liminality, check out Lillie’s travel blog Around the World “L”!

Doorways as metaphor

This concept can be applied to other things, too, such as the idea of a doorway or a window. When you step inside a doorway, where are you? Part of you is in one room, and part of you is in the other. For that moment as you are passing through the doorway, you’re neither here or there—you’re in between.

Knocker in India. Photo by Two Go Round-The-World.

That’s why we’ve always been fascinated with doors and windows. In our case, they’ve always elicited the essence of travel—crossing boundaries. And quite often, they are the subject of our photos when we travel. They serve as the perfect metaphor!

Conclusion

One problem we travellers face now, however, is that places are becoming more homogenized and similar, erasing the idea of boundaries. For example, if we see the same fast food restaurants in New York City and Siem Reap, the same convenience and chain stores in Tokyo and Toronto, the ‘liminality’ of travel is reduced—or sometimes eliminated altogether.

Church door in Cusco. Photo by Two Go Round-The-World.

While there are no easy answers to this dilemma, we believe that independent travellers remain dedicated to exploring possible ways to bring back a sense of adventure, discovery and newness to the experience of moving. As much of the homogenized modern world seems determined to do away with whatever is ‘in between’, it seems that travellers will always be compelled to create or discover differences for ourselves. Or celebrate them in pictures!

"Capturing Liminal Spaces while Travelling" is a post from Two Go Round-The-World. Join Kathryn and Daniel as they plan, prepare and pack for a year-long RTW trip! Ready to dive in? Click here for a few easy ways to stay connected with us!

Handkerchiefs held above a dancer's head symbolize feathers.

The Cueca, a unique dance form native to Chile, is credited as being the country’s national dance.  With historical roots in both African and Native American cultures, the Cueca is a parody of the courtship of a chicken and rooster. The handkerchiefs held above a dancer’s head symbolize the feathers of the bird or the rooster’s comb. The Cueca is a very complex dance, and the music is generally performed with one or two voices accompanied by guitar, piano, harp, accordion, or other instruments. Dancers move in semicircles back, turning towards the partner and then away. It starts with a promenade where the man invites the woman to join him by offering his arm. This is done while instrumental entry music is played. The couples stand facing each other about three meters apart. Before the song begins, the couple claps their hands in rhythm of the music.

Inspired by publications like Life Magazine, National Geographic and online experiences like Boston.com’s photo blog, images marked as ‘The Whole Picture’  are intended to highlight high-quality, amazing imagery. Kathryn and Daniel will post ‘The Whole Picture‘ irregulary.  Like all of our photos, it is an original photo not otherwise on the site—it might be fresh from our camera, a new scan of some old film, a product of our fooling around with Photoshop, or a file from the archive that we haven’t posted yet.

"The Whole Picture: Chile’s Cueca" is a post from Two Go Round-The-World. Join Kathryn and Daniel as they plan, prepare and pack for a year-long RTW trip! Ready to dive in? Click here for a few easy ways to stay connected with us!