February 2009

  • Time for a Staycation: Seattle Area Skiing and Boarding

    By dubayns on 2/28/09 4:46pm
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  • Backpacking Across Europe: Eight Essentials

    By dubayns on 2/25/09 10:43pm
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    The dream of backpacking through Europe and travel by rail is something that many people have in common. Wouldn’t it be nice to carry everything you need on your back while participating in a whirlwind of scenery, history, and experience? It’s not as hard as most people think to go out there and accomplish, but packing for the trip is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Here are eight definitive essentials that you should include in your backpack while trapaising across the European continent in no particular order:

     

    A European/American plug-in adapter for your battery chargers is a priceless piece of equipment to pack. Your camera, laptop, and cell phone will likely need some R&R time just as much as you. Buy one in the states before you head over and save about 50% before you even leave.

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  • An American (Cigarette) in Paris

    By dubayns on 2/25/09 9:25pm
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    For most people, the bartering system in the US is largely dead and gone. It’s a cultural practice that has been slowly eroded and discouraged. Other countries still use the system on a large scale, and when traveling, many times you can get further by bartering alone than you would have been able to with cold hard cash. This is especially true when dealing with individuals instead of businesses, and one individual has a unique cultural item that holds intrinsic interest. While traveling abroad I have been able to successful use the bartering system to accomplish my goals. From helping a person out personally to connecting a group of individuals to my own culture through a pack of cigarettes, the barter system is alive and well overseas, and is a very useful and effective tool for the smart traveler.

     

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  • Ecomarine Kayaks

    By dubayns on 2/21/09 7:38pm
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    Ecomarine Kayaks is a quant little shop tucked away on Vancouver’s Granville Island. This piece of land is an island by name only and is the location of one of the gems of the city, the Granville Island Market. Besides all the shops and restaurants, coffee bars and flower stands, there are other enjoyable experiences to be had here. Kayaking False Creek or Howe Sound can be a very enjoyable way to see the city, and Ecomarine is the perfect place to rent a boat or two for the afternoon.



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  • Vancouver, BC’s Pan Pacific Hotel: A Review

    By dubayns on 2/21/09 7:31pm
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    Pan Pacific Moon Rise

    Not having sampled too many of Vancouver’s hotels, I checked out after my stay at the Pan Pacific completely awestruck. At no other hotel have I even enjoyed such amazing service, surroundings, amenities, and convenience as I did here, and the price was not something to really complain about surprisingly enough. This hotel offers excellent value for the money.



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  • The Art of International House Swapping

    By dubayns on 2/13/09 4:09pm
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    House Swap

    Have you ever noticed how expensive it is to stay in a decent hotel in many of the larger, more popular European cities? Add the fact that most hotels are not a very good substitute for the comforts of your own home and you’re left wondering if there are any other options out there when it comes to comfortable, hassle-free accommodations in Europe. One great way to solve both of these problems is to participate in a house or apartment swap with someone who lives in the European city you’re headed to. Besides, you’re not going to need your apartment back home while you’re on vacation and it’s a great way to make sure you get all your plants watered and pets cared for if you own any.



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  • A Hop, Skip, and a Jump: Traveling Around Europe by Plane

    By dubayns on 2/13/09 4:06pm
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    European Routes

    Exploring Europe by train has always been a very popular option for many travelers. By purchasing a Eurail pass one can travel from country to country free from the restrictions of having to purchase individual tickets for each train ride. After three trips and more than two months of experience riding the rails, I can definitely say that this year, because of the global recession, the best way to see Europe on the cheap is by hoping short flights from city to city and country to country. Not only are they cheaper than riding the train or buying a Eurail pass, but they are faster and offer extremely flexible schedules that suit even the pickiest traveler.



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