foXnoMad

Ed Byrne On Traveling and Lost Luggage

Anil P. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:00:10 +0000

The video is worthy of a few laughs and I think all travelers will enjoy the point Ed Byrne has at the end of the clip.

It would be funny to hear some of you ask the questions he brings up the next time you check in some luggage with an airline.

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Guest Post On Motivation: The Procrastinator’s Plan For Travel

Anil P. — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:00:17 +0000

There are countless ways to get yourself traveling but if you’re a procrastinator like myself take a look at my guest post for Mary and Sean’s Adventures about motivating ourselves to travel. It’s the procrastinator’s plan that’s simple, to the point, and kind of fun (for planning anyway).

It was a pleasure to write the guest post for Mary who provided the wonderful guest post Remedy For the Port Travel Blues: 7 Ways to Bring Your Trip Back Home back in September. There was quite a lively conversation in the comments on that post which I think you’ll enjoy reading. Mary and Sean’s Adventures is a wonderful travelogue with lots of fun videos and is certainly worth a click over.

Thanks again Mary, it was fun to collaborate and trade guest posts!

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The Tech Guide For Travel

Anil P. — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:00:22 +0000

My latest blog (and last one for a while) is a place where you can experience the geeky side of backpacking. The Tech Guide For Travel is a site all about the hardware, software, and hacks to make you the ultimate digital nomad. The blog is brand new with a few posts ready and many more waiting to be published. I thought I’d give you all a chance to take a look around before the fun begins.

What’s The Difference Between Tech Here and The Tech Guide For Travel?

I won’t stop posting about technology, software, and other gadgets here on foXnoMad. The Tech Guide For Travel will be the place though where I dive right into the details of nifty hacks, review gadgets, and tackle the age old question – Mac or Windows – all of course from a traveler’s point of view. There will also be some cross over between foXnoMad and the Tech Guide For Travel.

Why The Tech Guide For Travel?

I get a lot of questions about technology and many emails about various products, services, apps, websites, and programs – so many that I can’t fit them all here on foXnoMad. I love technology and have many years of experience as a computer security engineer and am excited to create a blog that’s all about the technology that makes traveling even more fun.

Here are two posts already up on the Tech Guide For Travel:

Be Prepared When Things Get Rolling

The Tech Guide For Travel gets rolling full steam next week and will be updated every Tuesday. You can be prepared and help the blog grow by providing your feedback and comments on the posts or in an email.

Don’t miss future posts by subscribing to the Tech Guide For Travel RSS feed or weekly email updates.
Consider a Guest Post. Dying to write about travel and technology? Consider submitting a guest post and I’ll let everyone know about it. I’ll also return the favor with a guest post of my own for you.
Links. If you’ve already emailed me about a link on Travel Blog Advice, I’ll be adding you to the Tech Guide For Travel links page shorty. Otherwise shoot me an email I’ll be sure to add you.
Ideas. Have any ideas for a post or question about anything tech and travel related? What about optimizing your travel blog code or jailbreaking your iPhone? Send me an email and if applicable I’ll set up a post to answer your question.

Coming Up

I can envision expanding the Tech Guide For Travel to a few more posts per week than just once on Tuesdays but for now I’ll pace myself. I’m very passionate about travel and technology and I can see the Tech Guide For Travel growing into something bigger with your help.

I hope that you’ll take a moment to check out the Tech Guide For Travel and consider subscribing to be ready for some brand new posts about the geeky side of backpacking.

As always, I appreciate all of your support. Many, many thanks again, -Anil

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The Advantages Of Traveling Without An iPhone

Anil P. — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:00:43 +0000

I always travel with a laptop and I’m a big believer that technology makes a traveler’s life easier, including the iPhone, but if you don’t have one there are a few advantages you can take away. There are a number of great iPhone apps for travelers it’s true, but some things a beat up old Nokia can do that an iPhone can’t.

Doesn’t Take Hits Well

The iPhone is a well designed piece of hardware that Apple has done its best to make compact and durable. While the stainless steel back well suited to a fall the sensitive touchscreen on the front is easily damaged or destroyed. You’ll have to protect the screen (Invisible Shield is a good option) and likely put it in a protective hard cover for the rest of the iPhone. An basic Nokia might not be able to do much in terms of booking a hotel room like HotelPal, or quickly finding a place to potty like SitOrSquat, but it can be dropped, take a knock, and keep on going.

Expensive Data Plans

Almost every traveler I know who takes their iPhone with them ends up with a very expensive bill their first month or so. That’s because the data plans for the iPhone are costly and you’ll be charged a lot more for roaming. It’s better to turn off the iPhone’s data roaming option when you’re outside of your home area and use the iPhone’s built-in wireless. Use the iPhone version of NetStumbler to find hidden wireless networks (airports and bus stations are a good bet) and make your calls with Skype to avoid outrageous charges.

Attractive For Thieves

The iPhone is a sleek piece of equipment that Apple has done an excellent job marketing. It’s one of the most recognizable gadgets in the world which means that you’ll grab the attention of pickpockets along the way. If you don’t have an iPhone and carry around a basic Nokia or other common mobile phone you don’t have to worry that someone may target you specifically for your phone. (Try to uglify your iPhone to keep it undercover if you have one.)

Repairs and Replacements Are Costly

The iPhone lithium-ion battery will give you about 80% of it’s maximum charge after 400 recharge cycles. While Apple will replace a battery if it dies completely (under a 1 year manufacturer’s warranty) you’ll have to send the phone in – something that can be difficult if you’re traveling. iPhone batteries are not something you usually have to worry about for the first 3 years and extended batteries and third party replacement kits are available in case you need them.

Some Other Ways To Make Yourself Feel Better About Traveling Without an iPhone

They Take Up Time. Having an iPhone means it’s much harder to disconnect, which can be a good thing or a bad thing at various times.
You’ll Rely On The Built-In Camera. iPhone users tend to neglect their digital cameras in favor for a quick shot with the iPhone which has a decent camera but certainly not a replacement for the real thing.
You Won’t Stop Fiddling With It. With your eyes peeled to your iPhone you’ll be missing out the scenery around you especially on buses, trains, or wherever else you can distract yourself.

There are some advantages of traveling without an iPhone but even more ways to reduce or eliminate the disadvantages. There are many free and useful iPhone apps for travelers and plenty of others you can install on a jailbroken iPhone (or iPod touch in most cases). For maximum flexibility though you can take both your old beater phone and your iPhone and use as needed.

[photos by: J.Baker, cdresz, Archie McPhee's Seattle]

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The Best Comments Of The Month: October 2009

Anil P. — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 06:00:50 +0000

There have been quite a few active discussions going on this month on a number of posts. Here are just some of the best comments of the month I plucked out. Don’t be shy and hop in on some of the discussions with some comments of your own.

Can You Stop Aging Out Of Travel?: “I have to say that when I have traveled I’ve found the older mature people more active and adventurous than the younger ones. Older people are up earlier, plan better, have more money and don’t stop until they have seen exactly what they want.” – Cate

Overcoming 7 Major Obstacles To Traveling The World – #7 You Will Travel The World…Later: “I’m the worst procrastinator imaginable. Sure, when I’m at work I’m dreaming of travelling and at lunch I’m plotting and planning ideas for my trip but despite having many hours every week to plan nothing gets done at all. In fact, whilst I sit here in retrospect all I’ve done in 2 months is plot lines on a map and make a basic travel budget. Hopefully I’ll have it finished in 5 years time, although the deadline I have set myself is next year. Really good series, really helped me out and now I must sort myself out, which is the hard part.” – Christop

Why You Need To Take A Motorcycle Trip At Least Once In Your Life: “I learned how to drive a motorbike (ok – I know it’s not as cool as a motorcycle) 6 months ago in Vietnam and it’s been the highlight of my time here. It’s a wonderful feeling when you do hit the open road (which is rare in Vietnam!)” – Sherry Ott

Learn New Languages For Free Using These Online Resources: “One other suggestion before you travel is that libraries often have language courses for free (such as the Rosetta Stone ones) on video or DVD that you can take in the comfort of your own home before heading out.” – Mark H

How I Got Robbed In Guatemala and Other Hard-To-Believe Escapades Part 11: “I’m really glad and really sad the story is over all at the same time! Since the first post, I’ve been anxiously awaiting the rest of the story.” – Carla Young

Interview With Grant Lingel Author Of Imagine A Vagabond Story: “I also enjoyed the book but like you I did wonder what Grant’s parents, neighbors and friends might think about what he got up to. If I’d been one of those lovely girls he met along the way, would I have wanted to see my name in print?” – Heather

Many thanks to all of you who left comments this month bringing life to each of my posts.

[photo by: Cameron Maddux]

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Handling The Ready-To-Go Gap

Anil P. — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:00:29 +0000

There are a well known gaps in travel – the gap year, the career break, and the ever popular 1 year round-the-world trip. Getting to these gaps is the hard part but once you’re there it’s easy (travel time!) There’s a harder and much more annoying gap that happens more frequently and is tougher to deal with; the ready-to-go gap.

The ready-to-go gap can be called anything really (I just made it up) but it’s the name I give that period of time before you travel and after you’re done planning and preparing. I tend to procrastinate and do things at the last minute so my ready-to-go gap is about 5 minutes before my next flight but most people are organized and have a few days or even longer.

Generally spare time is a great thing to have but good planners tend to try and fill this gap with even more plans which lead to stress. The key to handling the ready-to-go gap is to shift your focus temporarily and do less, not more.

Are You There Yet?

No matter how well you plan or prepare, there are some things that can’t be done too far in advance. Packing your bags or securing your house weeks in advance doesn’t make sense and there is such a thing as too much research about a tourist destination. You’re there now, in the gap. Fight the urge to plan more things in addition to all of the other plans you’ve already made. All you’ll accomplish is to stress yourself out by adding more things to do in the same amount of time.

Shift Your Focus

There are a few ways to go about this but the important constant is to forget about your upcoming trip temporarily.

Start traveling. There is an entire countryside, town, city, etc. right around you. Take your travel planning skills and arrange a few small trips around town. Not enough time for that? Go out for a drink at a place you’ve never been to or change your focus and give your surroundings a new angle with your camera.
Plan for your next, next trip. If you can’t get enough planning, set your sights on future travels. Don’t get bogged down in details and have some fun with it. You’ll be overcoming one of the obstacles to traveling the world too by figuring out where else you’d like to go.
Take a mental break. Don’t drive yourself nuts by thinking about your next trip constantly, squeezing in “one last thing”, or get depressed because “this sucks, I’m ready to be gone.” We all get like that at times but the thing that takes the least amount of work can be the hardest. Let go and appreciate the moments you’ve got so you’ll enjoy here as much as there.
Delegate. Instead of tracking your plans like a hawk ask someone else you trust to help you out. Put your fears that you’ve forgotten something aside by running your plans by a friend. If you’re traveling with someone share the responsibilities so you can both have an enjoyable ready-to-go gap.
Write about it. It’s always fun to write down your expectations of a particular place before you go and see the differences once you return. If you have a travel blog use the ready-to-go gap to prepare and imaginary trip post.

Don’t Fight It, Enjoy It

Traveling takes work for most people. You’ve got to save money and make sacrifices (financial and otherwise) to do it. Don’t mope too much before your next trip and enjoy the fact that you were diligent and planned ahead. Reward yourself for being a good planner and take the time to relax, catch up on some other things you’ve been putting off, or go out to that local museum you never knew about. You may even find yourself enjoying and planning for the ready-to-go gap one day.

[photos by: Marcin Wichary, erix!]

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For personal updates, highlights from recent posts, and stories and pictures that don't always make it to my blog check out my bimonthly newsletter.

Do You Bother Learning Any Of The Local Language Before A Trip? [POLL RESULTS]

Anil P. — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 06:00:00 +0000

I’m glad that nobody responded they rarely learn any of the local language, especially since there are so many free online resources you can use. I wonder though, do you think that most travelers would admit that they don’t learn even a few basic words if they didn’t?

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

If you are going to stick to the bare minimum though, there are 4 word combinations you shouldn’t neglect to translate.

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10 Things To Know Before Your Next Trip To Panama

Anil P. — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:00:01 +0000

This is a guest post by Sean, a spirited traveler with a interest in all things Panama property. He has traveled to more than 30 countries and currently works for a website marketing agency, Website Consultants Inc.

If you are planning on spending some vacation time in Panama you are certainly in for a wonderful experience. Panama is a great place to visit with amazing scenery and friendly locals but if this is your first trip to Panama there are certain things you must know in order to have a safe and pleasant trip. We’ve compiled a list of 10 things to know before your next trip so you’ll be ready before and after you get there.

1. Pack Shorts and Sandals

Panama is hot regardless of what month you travel and it is best to pack for the climate. If you are doing any walking or hiking a good pair of sandals will make your time in Panama that more enjoyable.

2. The US Dollar is Accepted in Panama

Aside from the local currency, the Balboa, the US Dollar is openly accepted for services and goods and the exchange rate to the Balboa is 1:1 meaning you don’t have to worry about exchanging your US currency and paying exchange fees.

3. Taxis are Convenient and Affordable

A regular short taxi ride will cost only a few dollars but it’s important to negotiate the fee before you begin your journey. Try to get cabs away from hotels and the airport, you’ll get a reduced fee and won’t have to barter as hard with the taxi driver.

4. Water is Good, Drink it Up

The local tap water is perfectly safe to drink while spending time in Panama. Certain smaller villages can be questionable and if you venture out it’s probably best to play it safe and drink only bottled water.

5. Most Beaches are Remote

That being said you should plan on bringing all the necessary supplies with you for trips to the beach, including food, water, and sunscreen. It’s much wise to pack everything that you’ll need as there are no stores around the beaches from which to get supplies from.

6. Don’t Worry About the Language

The majority of Panamanians speak English and Spanish, if you know either you will do just fine. Panamanians love practicing their English with visiting vacationers and are happy to teach you some Spanish phrases as well.

7. Relax, You’re Really Quite Safe

With the exception of the border area with Columbia, Panama is a relatively safe place to visit. One should be aware of their surroundings and practice common sense as thieves and pickpockets do prey on tourists. When traveling at night it’s advisable to stick to taxis instead of foot travel.

8. Americans and Most Visitors Do Not Need Visas

Travel to Panama by Americans, British, Canada and several other countries do not need Passports of Visas to travel to Panama. All that is required is a Tourist Card that can be obtained for under 20 dollars at the airline.

9. Don’t Forget Your Camera!

Panama is a beautiful place to visit and it would be a shame if you couldn’t capture the stunning visuals. Think about purchasing a disposable underwater camera as the views below the ocean are just as stunning as the ones above.

10. Relax, It’s a Vacation You Know

Don’t plan too many things to do while traveling in Panama, after all you are on vacation. Spend some time relaxing and unwinding on the beach with a cold drink, you deserve it.

Thanks for the guest post about Panama Sean. If any of you have ever been to Panama feel free to add your own tips in the comments below.

[photos by: hamron, shby, coba, limonada, thinkpanama, Geir Halvorsen, tobym, clappstar, tamaki, Willaert]

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A Quick Note

Anil P. — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:00:21 +0000

Last week when I introduced Travel Blog Advice (my new blog) I mentioned I’d be announcing a new project today. It wasn’t quite ready so I’ve decided to push it back a week. It think it will be worth the wait though and you can look forward to it next Tuesday.

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For personal updates, highlights from recent posts, and stories and pictures that don't always make it to my blog check out my bimonthly newsletter.

New foXnoMad Features and Bimonthly Newsletter

How I Got Robbed In Guatemala and Other Hard-To-Believe Escapades: Series Recap

Anil P. — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 06:00:50 +0000

Marina Villatoro’s 11 part series, How I Got Robbed In Guatemala and Other Hard-To-Believe Escapades ended last Friday, but I wanted to list all of the parts here in case you missed any. Marina writes the travel blog Travel Experta about everything you need to know about Central America, be sure to check it out.

Part 1 – The Beginning
Part 2 – San Marcos, My Reality
Part 3 – A Respite From Cat’s Slum House
Part 4 – Preparation for the Last Supper
Part 5 – The Search
Part 6 – The Police
Part 7 – The Police Report, The Fight, and Other Stupidities
Part 8 – Grapevines
Part 9 – Head Back to San Marcos
Part 10 – The Meeting
Part 11 – The Finale

In addition to the great story there were a lot of good comments and reactions, here are just some of them.

Dave and Deb: Ooh hoo, There were so many signs…I love how you are eluding to what is going to happen. I am so afraid for you! At least I know that you are safe, but you totally have me in suspense.
Final_Transit: OMG, everything is going bad… From what I guess, this must have been traumatic to you for days.
Erica: The best part: “It feels safe and clean. The key word is CLEAN.”
Amy @ The Q Family: I cringe when I read the kid’s part. It’s so surreal.
Daniel: Your description of what it feels like in the moment you come to the realization you’ve been robbed was very vivid. Do you get your bag back? C’mon, you can tell me!
Heather on her travels: I thought that all men in South America had that macho streak that would make them take pity of a poor blonde girl..
Shannon OD: I am loving this series – and getting chills every time I read it – can’t wait for next week’s installment…hoping that you didn’t go see Chico!
Barbara @ Hole in the Donut Travels: OMG! I finally got around to reading this – the entire series in one setting. I laughed, I cringed, I was reminded of a VERY similar incident I had happen to me in Hawaii.
Shannon: There are some horrible people in the world, but we often forget about the truly kind people out there.
Carla Young – Where’s Carla: Since the first post, I’ve been anxiously awaiting the rest of the story.
Mark H: What a great story and over so many parts. Marina did a great job in the situation.
Meli: A -freakin- mazin’ Really great story!

Thank you again Marina for the sharing this adventure and everyone for their comments.

[photo by: photobunny, CarbonNYC]

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