A friend of mine, Taylor, a high school history teacher, has just started up a new blog about traveling. He’s planning on blogging about travel tips, stories from his own adventures, and whatever else comes out on the page.
Growing up, my family did a lot of traveling. We had three big trips that we took, mom and dad and the five kids packed in a van. When I was eight years old, we drove from Chattanooga, Tennessee, up to Juneau, Alaska (wrecking the van in Saskatchewan, Canada, along the way, where it took us a week to get it fixed up enough to continue our trip), and we also took a trip up the east coast, all the way to Niagara Falls, and another trip out west, to the Grand Canyon and Painted Desert and other notable sites. And during the 16 months I lived in Argentina, I was able to do a good bit of traveling. So it’s something I really enjoy. My younger sister and her new husband are in Israel right now, and I’m looking forward to hearing their stories and seeing their pictures.
On the “about” page of Taylor’s blog, he tells us,
“I believe that travel is one half education and one half luxury (no matter how much you spend). I don’t believe that travel should be only for the wealthy, nor should it be only the adventurous. Travel should be something that you are comfortable with, because it is your money, and often a lot of it goes into your travels. Whether going to the Middle East to see great holy sites, or rather just taking a weekend road trip, there should be some selfishness in your travel.
Now before I go on, please note that one key to being a good traveler is being unselfish, but as you prepare, plan, and pay, you need to take note of the things that you want to do and see. Though it is rather commonsensical, it is your trip, and you need to at least make your voice heard.
On the other side of that thought, though you want to be heard, you don’t want to shout. Make a list before you travel with a group, and even yourself, of things that you want to see. Rank them in order, and have the attitude that if I get to see one of these things, than my trip has been interesting and successful. Remember, no one place or attraction makes or breaks any trip.
As you read, be sure to take notes of some of the main points. However, don’t forget, these are mere suggestions, because after all… it’s your trip.”
Good tips. I’ve added his blog to my link list, and look forward to reading his stories. Here’s the link for you to check it out: http://inclementtravel.wordpress.com.