Nancy Harder

So what is Kungaroo?

According to its founder, Nancy Harder, Kungaroo is a online social network intended to help travelers who practice yoga or meditation to make connections with like-minded folks during their journeys.

She says:

“My intention for this network is that those on their respective spiritual journeys will find oneness and connection through reaching out to others in their communities and abroad. As I’ve traveled around the globe and utilized other networks like couchsurfing , I’ve often wished I could reach out to others practicing yoga or meditation.

Whether you can offer information to locals or visitors about yoga and/or meditation classes in your area, share your own practice with others by meeting up for yoga and/or meditation, share service projects in your area, or just simply connect to others on the path to enlightenment, I hope this site is of service to you.”

If Kungaroo sounds like a service that may be of use to you–or if you can provide information and support to people who may be traveling through your community– you can register for Kungaroo by visiting the site here.

Community Connection:

Are you new to meditation? Check out Nancy’s beginner’s guide to meditation retreats here.

And you can find all of Matador’s yoga articles here.

Cuban artist Juan Antonio Picasso paints at his studio in Havana. Photo: Julie Schwietert

Despite the Obama administration’s stated commitment to improving Cuba-U.S. relations and reviewing U.S. foreign policy that prohibits most Americans from traveling freely to Cuba, actual policy changes have been slow in coming. The so-called travel ban remains intact for American citizens who are not from Cuba themselves or who do not have family in Cuba.

Fortunately, some organizations have been granted licenses to lead authorized trips to Cuba, and the Katonah Museum of Art, located in Katonah, New York, is one such institution. Museum administrators are now accepting reservations for a trip to Havana scheduled for January 17-23, 2010.

From the museum:

“Participants will spend the week immersed in Cuba’s… vibrant artistic culture through visits to museums, cultural centers, holy sites, and tours of the studios and homes of 14 Cuban artists led by Chelsea [New York] gallerist Alberto Magnan. Artists to be visited include contemporary surrealists Sandra Ramos and Los Carpinteros.”

In addition to the studio visits, trip participants will travel just outside Havana to the Cuban estate of American writer Ernest Hemingway and will have free time to explore Havana on their own. All participants will be lodging at the upscale Parque Central Hotel.

For full itinerary, rates and more information, contact Jacqui Potente at 914-232-9555, ext. 2968.

Community Connection:

Planning a trip to Havana? Check in with Matador’s Havana expert.

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake that rocked Fiordland a week ago apparently twisted the southern island so far out of shape that it actually moved about one foot closer to Australia, says a New Zealand news source. Every year, the island drifts about one-third of an inch westward, but this is giving it about a thirty-six year boost. The earthquake was the biggest in New Zealand after eighty years.

No, it probably won’t make your inter-island travels any cheaper, but at least the South Pacific just got a foot cozier.

Here’s the video from the quake:

Feature photo: Stormy Dog

Photos courtesy of Grupo La Informacion

Running with the bulls in Pamplona is on many intrepid travelers’ to-do lists. Several Matador members have been there, done that, and have lived to tell the tale. One–contributor Michael Ward–even wrote about the experience, offering a beginner’s guide to bull running.

The Pamplona Bull Run, also known as the Festival of San Fermin, is held each July 6-14, drawing more than a million visitors.

Now, those of you who count this tradition among the experiences you want to have before you die have another resource to consult before you hit the ground running. The Spanish media company Grupo La Informacion has launched an English language website intended to provide information to novice bull runners to prevent injury or even death. www.bullrunning.com is a forum where experienced bull runners share their advice with new runners.

Start with the quiz that tells you whether you’re hardy enough to survive San Fermin. If the answer is yes, you can continue browsing through the clean, colorful site, which provides practical trip planning advice, including budgeting, lodging, and essential vocabulary (though I noticed “socorro” and “auxilio”– “HELP!”–weren’t among them!).

If you go to San Fermin this year and make it back in one piece, be sure to blog about your experience over in Matador’s community section!

Community Connection:

If you’re not the type to join in the run, you can still enjoy the San Fermin festivities. Check out Eva Holland’s “Armchair Travel: Running with the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain,” a round-up of some of the best books that have been published about this annual tradition. Eva’s list includes Ernest Hemingway’s classic, The Sun Also Rises.

Photo: Shane Sakata

I’m no trend-chaser–in fact, I tend to be trend-averse–but if you’re a traveler who’s (still) not on Twitter, I’ve gotta say: you’re missing out.

Twitter, a micro-blogging platform that gives users 140 characters to tell their followers what they’re doing– wasn’t designed specifically for travelers. Yet since it launched in 2006, users have found plenty of uses for Twitter that its own founders and developers never imagined.

Twitter is being used by travelers and travel-related businesses in especially innovative ways. Benji Lanyado, travel writer for the Guardian, used Twitter to plan a trip–which he called a TwiTrip– in real time. He’s @bejilanyado on Twitter. Diamond PR, a public relations firm specializing in travel and tourism, has filled last minute spots on press trips by reaching out to travel writers via Twitter. They’re @diamondpr on Twitter.

Another use of Twitter–the tweetchat–is being pioneered this week by travelers. A tweetchat allows users with similar interests to have chats on Twitter during a specific time designated for group conversation. On June 5, expats Honor Dargan and Shane Sakata, who have over 10 years of combined time living in Japan, will be launching a tweetchat called JapanDiscovered.

The purpose of JapanDiscovered is to help travelers make the most of their time in Japan. As Honor and Shane told Matador:

“We really want to share the knowledge that we’ve gained to give other people access to the wide variety of experiences available here. Japan is an amazing country with something for almost everyone. The difficult part of Japan travel planning is knowing where to look. JapanDiscovered! fills that gap with personalized Japan Travel planning recommendations.”

During the JapanDiscovered tweet chat, Honor and Shane will share what they know about Japan and Tokyo with participants so they can plan their travels more easily. “No guidebooks, no internet searches, just real-time answers” is the idea behind the JapanDiscovered tweetchat.

The JapanDiscovered tweetchat will be hosted by Honor and Shane each Friday at noon Japan Standard Time. You can read more about how you can participate here, and be sure to visit the JapanDiscovered website. And if you’re already on Twitter, be sure to add @japandiscovered to your follow list.

If you’ll be joining Twitter for the first time, you can sign up here. Honor and Shane will be giving away a copy of the book, Urawaza, Secret Everyday Tips and Tricks from Japan, to one lucky follower who adds @japandiscovered to their followers and then sends a Japan travel question to @japandiscovered on Twitter. Details about the giveaway are here.

Community Connection:

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, JapanDiscovered is a helpful resource. Be sure to touch base with any one of Matador’s 25 Asia destination experts, who have answers to your questions about everywhere from Taipei to Tibet– and all points in between. And be sure to check out Matador Abroad’s favorite Asia food blogs, too.

Sounds outrageous, doesn’t it?

But it’s a familiar refrain for pet owners across the United States. Unless your pooch fits under the cabin seat, he or she is restricted to cargo.

Photo: Francisco Collazo

When Alysa Binder and Dan Wiesel became frustrated with the complications of planning vacations that included their dog, Zoe, they decided to do something about it. The idea began to take shape in 2005 and Binder and Wiesel recently announced that Pet Airways, the first airline designed for pets only, will begin flights in the United States on July 14, 2009.

Speaking with Binder, it was obvious Pet Airways takes transporting pets very seriously, and the “safety, care, and comfort” of the animals will be top priority. There will be pre- and post-flight potty breaks, as well as stops along the way. Pets will be placed in private, secure carriers in the main cabin of a cleared out Beech 1900 passenger plane.

“Pawsengers” will be monitored during the flight, and there will even be an online flight status notification and pet tracking system so clients can monitor their pets’ journey from home. Pet Airways will start their service by flying cats and dogs, but is in the process of adding exotic animals.

Pet Airways will launch out of airports in New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Denver, and Los Angeles. Binder and Wiesel anticipate adding 25 cities within the next couple years and are “definitely taking the interest of pet owners in consideration” when deciding which cities will be added.

Their website is already live, and provides more information about the company’s service.

Community Connection:

For more tips on traveling with your pet, check out Julie Schwietert’s article (that’s her in the feature photo, traveling with her pug, Penelope), “Ten Tips for Traveling with Pets.” And if you end up leaving your pet at home, here are four ways to remember it while you’re traveling.

Photo: Esparta

I’m writing from New York City, where, at last count, the Department of Health reported 44 confirmed swine flu cases.

While New Yorkers are being advised not to panic and to go about their normal routines, two schools where students have been diagnosed with flu have closed temporarily and new flu clusters have been identified. Already, local tourism officials are taking measures to ensure that the swine flu scare doesn’t cause travelers to avoid New York City.

Regardless of whether concern is warranted, though, it’s becoming increasingly clear that swine flu is already having a significant impact on travel and tourism.

Here’s a round up of the latest news about how swine flu is changing travel recommendations and plans:

-Argentina and Cuba announced today that they are temporarily suspending flights to and from Mexico, which is currently the center of the swine flu crisis.Similar measures were taken by Canada’s WestJet and Air Canada airlines.

-Mexico City has banned most public events and has closed schools, public pools, gyms and sports clubs, theaters, nightclubs until further notice as a precautionary measure intended to contain the spread of the virus. In Mexico City? Don’t expect to go out to eat; all restaurants have been told they can serve take-out only.

Photo: playadura

-At present, Mexico City’s massive subway system is still running, though the city government continues to evaluate whether shutting the Metro temporarily will help control the crisis.

-Britain has suspended all consular and visa services at its Mexico City office until further notice.

-The European Union issued travel warnings to its citizens, advising them to postpone non-essential travel to the United States and Mexico.

-Swine flu cases were either identified or being investigated in the following countries as of Tuesday, April 28: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Guatemala, Israel, New Zealand, Peru, South Korea, Spain, the UK, and seven EU states. As the number of cases are determined, voluntary travel restrictions to and from these countries may be put in place.

-The governments of Russia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan announced they would quarantine any visitors to their countries who show symptoms of swine flu.

-On April 27, the World Health Organization indicated that it does NOT support the suspension of travel or the closure of borders by national governments. It does, however, encourage travelers without a non-urgent need to travel to reconsider their plans. The WHO also recommended that anyone feeling ill should not travel, and anyone who becomes ill after traveling should seek immediate medical attention.

-To keep track of developments and recommendations for travel to and within the United States, visit the Centers for Disease Control’s swine flu page here. The CDC also maintains a link to swine flu travel alerts.

-To keep track of developments and recommendations for travel elsewhere in the world, read the World Health Organization’s daily updates here.

Community Connection:

Have you changed your travel plans due to swine flu? Are you currently in Mexico? Share your experiences below.

Photo: jhull

Now, there’s even more motivation to plan a Kenya trip: the country’s tourism ministry has announced a reduction in visa fees that’s effective now through the end of 2010.

Visas were previously $50 USD.

In addition to cutting the price of visas for adults to $25 USD, the fee for children (16 & under) has been waived completely.

Photo: Mirci

With the recession cramping even the most dedicated budget traveler’s style, it’s time to explore some different options for satisfying your travel jones.

The Spanish government just might be able to help.

Earlier today, the Spanish government announced that it is actively soliciting applications from volunteers willing to exchange their English language teaching skills for housing, a monthly stipend, insurance, and weekend excursions in the Castile-Leon region of north-central Spain.

Volunteers accepted for the program will be expected to work as teaching assistants with groups of three to eight year olds in local schools. The opportunity is expected to last three months.

Vacancies are hoped to be filled by early April, so if the opportunity appeals to you, apply quickly. For full details, read the announcement and review the application process here.

Today marks exactly 30 days until the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States.

I’ll be in DC for the big event, as will other Matador members, including Audrey Scott, who will be carrying the flag as a representative of the Peace Corps contingent participating in the inauguration parade.

Will you be there?

If so, inauguration week is sure to challenge even the most seasoned D.C. travelers among us. With announced and unannounced street closures, insanely crowded Metro stations, and bars open 24 hours (?!), navigating the nation’s capital will be an event in and of itself.

Preparing for the transportation and safety procedures that have already been announced will help you enjoy the inauguration more.

National Geographic Traveler’s online edition has put together an excellent inauguration guide, blending practical information with photos, maps, and recommendations for food, activities, and even WiFi hotspots throughout the city. It’s an invaluable resource for any traveler headed to D.C. next month!

Photo: John and Keturah (Flickr creative commons)

Travelers who have visited Cuba tend to describe the island as a time capsule or a freeze frame 1950s-era photo.

In some ways, that’s true. My husband’s family, for instance, still owns the tank-sized Frigidaire they bought before the triumph of the Revolution. (And yes, it still works).

Travelers who haven’t yet been to Cuba but who have long been hoping to get their own glimpse into the time warp might want to hurry up and do so: rumblings in the U.S. and on the island suggest that the travel ban, trade embargo, and decades-long diplomatic freeze imposed by the U.S. may start to be dismantled soon.

During his campaign for the presidency, Barack Obama made waves by assertively stating that he was open to sitting down with world leaders the U.S. considers hostile, including Castro.

Since elected for the office, Obama has offered additional insights into his plans for normalizing relations with Cuba, indicating that he is considering lifting the current remittance and travel limits that have impacted Cubans and Cuban Americans negatively during the eight years of the Bush administration.

It’s likely the travel industry will hold Obama to his word. Just yesterday, the American Society of Travel Agents released a press statement in which they urged President-Elect Obama to also make the bolder move of lifting the current ban that prohibits American citizens and residents from traveling to Cuba.

In a passionate letter to the President-Elect, the ASTA wrote:

“ASTA has long supported the principle that Americans ought to be allowed to travel across the globe without restriction…. [T]o use travel freedom as an instrument of foreign policy manipulation ultimately does harm to the very citizens it purports to protect.”

They continued:

“Were the American people allowed to travel to Havana, as they currently are allowed to travel to Pyongyang, Tehran, Khartoum, and other cities whose nations’ leaders are publicly opposed to American interests, they could serve as ambassadors of freedom and American values to the Cuban people.”

It’s an opinion I share, and which I wrote about earlier this year in an article: Why Travel is the Most Patriotic Act You Can Do.

But it’s also an opinion that the majority of Americans seem to share.

According to a September 2008 opinion poll conducted by Zogby:

60% of likely voters believe the U.S. should revise its policies toward Cuba – even more believe all U.S. citizens should be allowed to travel to Cuba (68%) and that U.S. companies should be allowed to trade with Cuba (62%).

In an earlier Zogby poll, “slightly more than half (56%) of Americans said the U.S. should remove travel restrictions and end the embargo on trade to Cuba.”

It’s a call that hasn’t gone unnoticed in Cuba. In a recent interview with Sean Penn, acting head of state, Raul Castro, brother of Fidel, indicated he would be willing to sit down for talks with Obama, too. And just today, Fidel Castro announced that Cuba should engage in talks with the U.S. once Obama takes office.

Even initiating a real dialogue about the relationship between the U.S. and Cuba is a step that is both profound and promising. And once the embargo ends, Cuba is likely to resume its former allure as a top travel destination for Americans, given its proximity to the States and the fact that it’s been all but off-limits for the past 50 years.

So if you’re a traveler who was hoping to peer inside the time warp, you’d better get moving.

Photos: Brayan Collazo Alonso

There are lots of online tools I use to get ready for trips and to stay connected with new friends once I’m back home.

I like the currency converter site, www.xe.com, the online world time clock, the AZ World Airports Guide, and this International Country Calling Codes site.

But while procrastinating today, I decided to look up the name of a newspaper I’d come across in Chile and wanted to read again. That’s when I stumbled upon the site Online Newspapers.

Online Newspapers is, as its name not so subtly suggests, is a listing of the world’s newspapers. Browse by continent, country, or region for local newspapers, and click on their names for a direct link to online versions. The listings are surprisingly comprehensive, though I did encounter a few broken links.

I’d be curious to see what other travelers and expats think of this site: is the listing for your favorite local paper included? Share your answer–and any other favorite online resources–in the comments below!

Photo: .leila (Flickr creative commons)

It’s a major setback, especially coming in a place with as liberal a reputation as Cali.

So what’s a pair of lovelorn guys or gals to do?

Well, to start, I suppose there are some further legal steps to be taken. I’m none too well-versed in Californian constitution law, but I’m sure the state’s gay rights movement doesn’t plan to give up the fight.

And beyond that? Well, a destination wedding, of course!

Cape Town, South Africa

South Africa legalized same-sex marriage in November 2006. So where better to head for an overseas wedding than the country’s capital of culture, beautiful Cape Town?

While you’re in town, be sure to stop by Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent years imprisoned under the apartheid government, and contemplate the hope and possibility that this spot and its story represent.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

This Dutch city was the first place in the world to see a legal same-sex marriage take place, way back in April 2001.

Looking to party on your honeymoon? You can certainly do that here. Art? History? Architecture? Check, check and check. Amsterdam has it all.

Vancouver, Canada

Canada’s hippest West Coast city was already a popular destination for gay travelers long before same-sex marriage was legalized across Canada in June 2005.

This is your spot for an active honeymoon: whether you like to ski, snowboard, surf, hike, or hit the open water, Van City has something for you.

Ibiza, Spain

Spain surprised many people when it legalized same-sex marriage in 2005. After all, this Mediterranean country was a one-time Catholic heartland.

Well, the Pope may not have been thrilled, but gay-destination-wedding-planners everywhere should be: Spain is one of the only warm-weather countries to have made the move! Head to Ibiza, one of the world’s greatest party islands, for unbridled hedonism on the beach.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Don’t want the hassle of an overseas wedding? Head to this classic Massachusetts seaside spot for saltwater taffy and summer nuptial fun.

Massachusetts was the first state to legalize gay marriage, in 2004. More importantly, the state made it legal for out-of-staters to join in just this past summer, in July 2008.

Bergen, Norway

Beginning in 2009, same-sex marriage will be legal in Norway. Celebrate the change – and your wedding! – by heading to hauntingly beautiful, fjord-bound Bergen. Pack warm clothes.

Cape Town photo by DanieVDM (Creative Commons)
Amsterdam photo by huees (Creative Commons)
Vancouver photo by jonrawlinson (Creative Commons)
Ibiza photo by ST33VO (Creative Commons)
Cape Cod photo by roytsaplinjr (Creative Commons)
Bergen photo by mozzercork (Creative Commons)

You’re just not into couchsurfing, you’re over hosteling, you think hotels are too impersonal, but a bed and breakfast is beyond your budget.

Where can you find a place, then, to lay your tired head?

The answer?

Airbed and Breakfast.

The service, brokered entirely via website, is described as “an online marketplace for peer-to-peer traveling.” People who love travel can connect with one another, with home or apartment owners making a little extra cash and tired travelers getting not only a safe place to sleep, but also local insights.

San Francisco roommates Joe Gebbia and Brian Chesky came up with the idea for Airbed & Breakfast a year ago, and the concept spread quickly: the website now lists accommodations in 482 cities in 63 countries.

With rooms going for $35 a night in popular destinations like New York City, Airbed & Breakfast is definitely worth checking out for your next trip.

Photo: Peter (Flickr creative commons)

Budget travelers, take note!

New York City is suddenly within your reach!

The Broadway Hotel & Hostel, a self-described “designer hostel” on the Upper West Side, is offering a place to lay your head in the city that never sleeps for just $38 a night. You’ll need to book a reservation between September 22 and October 1 in order to cash in on this deal that’s good through the end of 2008.

And if that’s not enough for penny-pinchers, each reservation comes with a voucher for a free drink at the nearby Kazbar lounge.

The Broadway Hotel & Hostel boasts a surround-sound theater room with couches, a fireplace, a self-service kitchen and dining area, plasma screen TVs, and free wireless internet access. Dorm rooms have European bed linens, ceiling fans, and in-room vanities.

Now for $38 a night you may not feel you’ve got the right to complain, but buyer beware: reviews on TripAdvisor are mixed, with an agerage rating of 2.5/5. The hotel is rated #286 of 368 NYC hotels in terms of popularity, so if you take advantage of this deal, let us know how your stay was!

And if you’re looking for other ways to save in NYC, check out my NYC on the Cheap Guide.

Photo: chrissuderman
Feature photo: michaelnyc

I’m not sure where I’ll be September 25-28, but if you’re in the US Northeast, it’s worth juggling around your schedule and spending a day—or four– at the Dodge Poetry Festival.

The festival, which is held every two years, is described as the largest poetry event in North America, and unites some of the best American poets, musicians, and storytellers in a single location– pastoral Waterloo Village in Stanhope, New Jersey (yes, New Jersey)–where you can enjoy readings, music, talks, and workshops in the festival’s outdoor performance tents.

This year’s festival features 62 poets and artists, including some of my all-time favorites, Naomi Shihab Nye, Coleman Barks, Billy Collins, Lucille Clifton, and Martin Espada. The full festival schedule can be found here, and ticket information is available here.

I’ve been to the Dodge Festival and recommend it highly. If you want to make plans to attend, NYC is the perfect launch pad for you; buses leave from the Port Authority and take you directly to the village. The Poetry Bus, run by Lakeland Bus Lines, will provide round-trip service from the PA to Waterloo Village. It’s just over an hour and tickets are $10.60 one-way. For more information about busing it to Waterloo, visit Lakeland Bus’s website.

Alternately, AlterNetRides is organizing rideshares and carpools. Check their website if this is more your style.

Love poetry but can’t make it to this year’s festival? Check out Bill Moyers’s excellent books based on his interviews with festival poets, The Language of Life: A Festival of Poetsand Fooling with Words: A Celebration of Poets and Their Craft or take a few minutes to enjoy this video from a past Dodge Festival:

Feature photo: WordFreak (Flickr creative commons)
Photo: surrealmuse (Flickr creative commons)

It’s a guidebook.

It’s a history book.

It’s a language guide.

And it has two language CDs that can help whip your Sicilian into shape.

Hippocrene Books’s Language and Travel Guide to Sicily (yep, that’s Sicily above), written by Sicilian born Giovanna Bellia La Marca, may be titled simply, but what its title promises is exactly what it delivers. And remarkably, the book remains small enough to be able to carry along on your trip.

The book’s chapters are organized around all the important themes–geography, food, art, architecture, annual events, and customs–and ends with a generous section loaded with restaurant and hotel recommendations.

I’d keep this book myself, but I’ve got no plans to go to Sicily anytime soon. Instead, I’m giving it away (and it’s brand new!) to the first Matador member who posts the URL for his or her profile and tells us about any past experience in Sicily or any future plans to travel there.

Community Connection: If you’re planning an Italy trip, be sure to check out Marla Seidell’s helpful guide, Slow Food, Slow Travel: Italy, over at MatadorTrips.

Photos: Macorig Polo (Flickr creative commons)

You’ve heard of Rate My Professors, right?

Well now, a new travel site offers a similar service – for local tour guides.

OurExplorer.com let’s you browse listings for hundreds of guides in dozens of countries, read reviews from other travelers, and rate your own guide after your trip.

The idea isn’t to get everyone signed up on large-scale bus tours – instead, OurExplorer aims to support local small businesses and independent guides, strengthening the grassroots economy and increasing interactions between locals and their visitors.

I’ve never been one for guided tours, but that’s a pretty compelling pitch, don’t you think?

Photo by Randy Son Of Robert (Creative Commons)

Guest writer Christine Gilbert says “no,” and shares 5 reasons not to get the new US passport card.

“The postal clerk told me I should get a passport card.”

If you’re like this person, you might be asked if you want the new Passport Card instead of your trusty passport.

Before you jump at the cheaper price (more than 50% less expensive for the card compared to the passport), be aware there are several good reasons to stick with your passport book.

1. Restricted Travel

The new card is small; it looks like a license and is cheaper than the passport.

Unlike its bulkier predecessor, the passport card is intended only for people traveling by land or sea to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda. This limits your travel to road trips or cruises to one of these countries. If you fly or want to venture further, you will still need the standard passport book.

2. Not a Valid Backup

The US Post Office is touting the passport card as a form of back up for your passport, with the idea that you will always have one form of valid ID even when your passport book is being updated.

This claim is true if you’re limiting your travels to one of the covered countries, but if you find yourself overseas with a lost or stolen passport, the passport card won’t get you very far. A better alternative is to make copies of your standard passport and keep them with friends or family or stored away from your other belongings.

3. Security Concerns

The passport cards contain a technology known as RFID, which allows border control to scan the chip inside your card. While government officials vehemently deny any security risks, critics point out that the new card can be scanned from 20 feet away.

While the chip won’t contain any demographic information, it will hold your government issued ID number, which security experts complain could potentially be linked back to your Social Security number or other identifying information. Each card is being issued with a plastic slip cover designed to deter unwanted scanning, but until the chip is fully field tested, it’s hard to figure out who’s right on this issue.

4. Potential Increased Long-term Cost

The passport card is good for 10 years, just like a regular passport. If you invest in the card, instead of the book, be prepared to live with that decision for that period. If for any reason you decide to travel outside the covered countries, you will still need a regular passport. Given that the main incentive is a price savings, you could end up spending more purchasing a regular passport after you’ve already invested in the card.

5. Supporting an Increase in Bureaucracy

If you thought getting the card would be easier, think again. You will still need to fill out forms, provide proper identification and submit four passport sized photos. Getting a passport book is only slightly more complicated than the card.

If the US State Department was worried about the financial hardship of enforcing the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, wouldn’t it have been simpler to just lower the cost of obtaining a passport for everyone? Instead they’ve added a layer of complexity to a process with the only benefit being a smaller application fee. Should you get it? Only if you like paying $45 for another piece of plastic in your wallet. Otherwise, stick with the internally recognized passport; it’s the safest bet.

Feature photo: hjl (creative commons)

Photo: clappstar (creative commons)

Gathering my long skirt in one hand, I negotiate the steep incline guarded by a brooding, gimlet-eyed wall. If this weren’t a festive occasion –and we were in the 17th century – those gun-slots might not be empty. As I approach the top, a man in a lace-trimmed shirt removes his plumed hat and bows.

Four hundred years old and Quebec City’s still got it.

Now, instead of repelling British invaders, Quebec is drawing hordes of tourists.

The Fêtes de la Nouvelle France is a re-enactment of daily life in the 17th and 18th centuries, when Quebec was called New France. This year’s event, held from August 5th to the 10th, promises to be more flamboyant than ever since it coincides with the city’s 400th anniversary. Age has its privileges: Quebec is North America’s only remaining fortified city, and the old quarter is classified as a world heritage site.

Held within the walls of Old Quebec, the festival is an occasion to live out childhood fantasies by donning a bodice and gown and mingling with thousands of actors and visitors representing people from the past.

It’s easy to suspend disbelief. I ask a woman spinning flax into linen how long it takes to make enough for a smock. “Well,” she says with a straight face, “I try to find time between milking goats, making bread and feeding a family of seven.” I have to think for a moment before I remember that she’s answering in character.

Further on, two bristly fur traders are leaning against the wall of a First Nations gift shop. Their job was to transport pelts from the natives to trading posts in Quebec City and Montreal, but right now they are focused on the actresses folding laundry across the street. The girls are playing filles du roi, orphan girls from France, sent here in the 17th century to start families. The flirting is understandable, considering that in 1627 there were only about 5 women for 60 men!

I stop for a moment in the shade of Felix Leclerc Park, at the foot of the funicular that scales the side of this cliff top citadel. A raconteur, or storyteller, is weaving suspense with his hands and his words. He has his work cut out for him since this is the Petit Champlain district, a colorful alley of distracting clothing, art and native craft boutiques.

The aromas wafting out of the street’s fine restaurants make me hungry, so I visit some of the festival booths. Bread, made in an outdoor oven, pure maple candy and goat cheese are among the goodies on sale at the traditional market.

Down in Place Royal, the cobblestone square where Quebec’s first permanent settlement was born, a booth has been erected for wine tasting. As I sip a crisp white Bordeaux, a man in a velvet waistcoat and long, curly wig raises his glass. Is it the wine or am I looking at Jean Talon, business manager of New France in the 1700’s? It’s hard to distinguish the actors from the tourists, until the costume contest starts.

Soaking up the ambiance and street performances are free, but you need to purchase an $8 token for access to certain exhibitions and concerts.

Highlights include First Nations Ceremonies, performances by Cajun bands as well as folkloric troubadours and dancers, a procession of giant historical figures and a Beaujolais wine tasting.

Festivities continue in the evening. You may even want to venture out on a ghost tour (www.ghostoursofquebec.com).

For cheap sleeps right in the heart of Old Quebec, the Auberge de la paix (http://www.aubergedelapaix.com/) is more intimate than your average hostel, with rooms accommodating from two to seven people. The mattresses are thin, but the rooms and facilities are clean, and the courtyard and exposed brick contribute to the illusion of time travel. The hostel is a few cobblestones away from Pub Saint Patrick, which serves hearty portions for digestible prices. If you’re there on a Friday evening, you’ll be treated to live Irish music.

For more information about events or about dressing up appropriately (optional), visit www.nouvellefrance.qc.ca/en.

Photo by Obbino (Creative Commons)

If you know Vienna or Budapest like a local because you ARE a local, then PlanetEye wants to hear from you!

PlanetEye is an online travel planning service that is heavy on gorgeous photos, great content about the world’s most exciting cities, and technologies such as geotagging.

At present, PlanetEye is seeking local experts for Vienna and Budapest. Local experts are the backbone of PlanetEye’s content generation, sharing news, reviews, and exclusive insiders’ views of the cities they know so well. Local experts are expected to share at least three blog entries a week that give travelers a look at what’s going on in their city.

And for travel writers looking to build publication experience, there’s extra good news: the local expert positions are paid!

To apply for a local expert position, visit Planet Eye, get a feel for the site, and then check out the application process. Need some insider’s tips? Shoot me an e-mail; I’m PlanetEye’s Mexico City local expert.

I’m not one to get excited about advertisements, but I have been noting the increasing interest that the liquor industry is demonstrating in travel with more than a little fascination.

First, it was Bombay Sapphire’s travel blog contest , complete with a snazzy website designed to appeal to members of the hip young jetset who also happen to document their travels in writing.

Now, it’s Chivas Regal’s ThisIsTheLife.com, a website which would be just another well-designed, visually appealing, quality content-oriented travel site if it didn’t have that tiny little tag in the top left of your screen that says “Sponsored by Chivas Regal.”

But clever advertising aside, This Is The Life is actually a smart, attractive, highly navigable site for “people who want to get the most out of life.” The purpose?

…to replace the time invested ploughing through countless City guides, travel books and magazines with a singular world wide web forum where the earth’s best experiences could be raised and reviewed, not just by an editor and his team (although we do have very good ones), but by everyone.

You can look up other users’ top experiences by continent or by type of experience– from adrenaline thrills and best views to voluntourism travel and best places to propose. And you can share your own top experiences if you sign up for a free account.

For being a website designed and sponsored by a major liquor company, the site is refreshingly free of advertisements of all sorts, even subtle ones. Even under the World’s Best Bars, there’s no flashing ad or obvious pandering for the user to buy Chivas products. Believe it or not, this is a great website to add to your list of must-visits for planning trips.

Photo: jasoneppink (creative commons)

Photo by ny156uk (Creative Commons)

I have to admit, I’m not all that great at traveling light.

I’m far from the worst out there – you won’t see me carting around a hair dryer and straightener or multiple pairs of heels – but on my earliest backpacking trips, I routinely filled my pack to the point where I couldn’t lift it into an overhead rack without help. As a solo traveler, that probably wasn’t the best move!

So what are my weaknesses?

Books, for a start; I don’t leave home without at least two or three, plus a guidebook on longer trips. A huge amount of weight comes from toiletries – for most of my early travels, my hair reached most of the way down my back, and the fact of the matter was, a travel size shampoo lasted for, oh, one or two washes.

I tend to bring more clothing than I need, too. This may come as a shock to my mother, but I do at least try to be ready for more formal occasions, should they arise, so a couple of blouses and a skirt generally ride at the very bottom of my bag.

I’ve gotten better in recent years, but I still have a lot to learn. And that’s where OneBag.com comes in. It’s an entire website – and we’re not talking just three or four different pages here – devoted entirely to the art of packing light.

Check out articles on everything from the importance of a packing list (repeat after me: “if it’s not on my list, it shouldn’t be in my bag”) to the knock on wheeled bags – the site is detailed and informative, with a hint of fun.

You might be thinking, why an entire site? Is packing light really that big a deal? But, as OneBag.com explains, packing light can have an impact on your security, economy, mobility and serenity – not to mention on the environment.

I hit the road again in just over a week, on one of those complex, multi-stage trips that requires careful packing for a variety of climates and activities – so I’m off to study up!

Part 2 of our 2 part series on how to make your travel bucks go the extra mile.
For tips 1-5, click here.

6. Change your eating habits. Food is a big travel expense but it’s also one of the best ways to experience local culture. So what do you do? Don’t stoop so low as the dollar menu, but do consider the ways that changing your eating habits can save you a bundle. Many restaurants in big cities have lunch specials that keep you in budget without leaving you hungry.

If you eat during the lunch special times (which are typically scheduled for the slower part of the lunch shift), you’re likely to eat a meal big enough to cover lunch and dinner. Also look for shops that offer late afternoon specials. Sandwich shops and delis that offer pre-made meals will often reduce their prices by as much as half after 3, 4, or 6 PM in order to move inventory.

7. Mix business with pleasure. While this tip won’t work for everyone, it can be a boon to freelancers and business owners. My husband, for example, is a private chef, so he looks for local gigs in the cities we’ll be visiting. In addition to contacting local chefs and arranging to meet them (free meals!), he will often get free or reduced lodging for offering a cooking class at an off-beat location in our destination city. This tip requires some creativity on your part, but offers some of the best cost savings advantages on this list!

8. Travel in the off season. It’s always the off-season somewhere! The slow period of tourism in the Caribbean, for example, is the summer. It’s hot, to be sure, but not significantly hotter than other times of the year… hot deals being an important exception. Hotels and other tourism and hospitality industry service providers often slash their prices by as much as half during the slow period. Plus, these places aren’t overrun with other tourists.

This strategy works well in other countries, too. A few years back I snagged a deal offered by AerLingus for a six night/seven day package that included round trip flight, car rental, lodging, and breakfast for just around $600 USD. Sure, it was in March (damp and chilly), but it was worth every penny.

9. Get off the beaten path. Touristy sites are often a disappointment; they’re also a huge drain on the traveler’s wallet. Avoid overcrowded, overpriced places and explore real culture off the beaten path. Joining a travel community is a great way to learn about local hotspots that are easier on your budget and are more interesting than the guidebook-recommended sites. Passionate travelers are friendly folks; jump into an online travel forum. Reach out to others and ask questions. They’re generally very happy to offer local recommendations.

10. Travel close to home. Most people take their hometown for granted, never exploring it like a tourist would. If your budget is super-stretched, stay in your own city or town and explore it as a tourist. For more tips about traveling close to home, check out this excellent article, “7 Steps for Creating an In-Town Vacation.” If you don’t believe traveling close to home can be full of great discoveries, check out stories from Matador members who have vacationed in their own hometowns.

Need MORE tips? Matador members have plenty of experience stretching their travel dollars. Check out Nomadic Matt’s articles, “Down on the Dollar” and “How to Find a Cheap Flight.” If you’re planning a trip to Europe, be sure to read Craig Martin’s guide to money-saving destinations. And MatadorTrips has lots of budget guides to cities around the world!

Money Photo: dramamath (creative commons)
Beach Photo: somebody_ (creative commons)

Gas. Plane tickets. Luggage fees. Food.

No doubt about it, the costs of vacation are going up, up, up.

Don’t cancel your trip just yet, though. Use this top 10 tips guide to stretch your travel dollar as far as it will go.

1. Maximize your miles. First things first: if you don’t already have frequent flyer or loyalty cards, get them. Then, use them for all they’re worth. Renting a car? Making a hotel booking? Ask about travel industry partners and get your points. Check the websites of each airline, hotel, or rental car agency to learn about their partners and get up-to-date information about current specials. If you don’t want to carry all your loyalty cards, write down the numbers on an index card and stick it in your wallet.

2. Stay flexible. If you’re flying, the more flexible you are with your dates, the more likely you’ll score a deal on tickets. Use travel planning websites with plus/minus day features, allowing you to search for the cheapest ticket with the same itinerary but on different days. Prices can vary by as much as $100.

3. Look into non-traditional lodging. Every traveler has his or her own lodging needs and adventure comfort zone, but those who are willing to consider non-traditional lodging options are likely to save significantly. Home swapping is one option, as are short-term vacation rentals; you can find listings for both on Craigslist. Couchsurfing is increasingly popular as well.

4. Pack light. With the recent increase in baggage fees—even for the first checked bag—it’s more important than ever to pack light. Leave behind toiletries that you can buy in your destination and utilize your carry-on bags well.

5. Know before you go. Guidebooks offer valuable information, but more people are turning to the Internet to plan their travel, and with good reason. Tourism boards, city governments, and local newspapers and magazines in your destination all have websites that you can consult to find out what’s going on in the area during your visit. Look for free or inexpensive events that will offer you a taste of local culture while taking it easy on your wallet.

Part 2 will appear on Pulse tomorrow.

What strategies are you using to stretch your travel budget? Share you tips below!

Photo: True Scot (creative commons)