1. We Keep Our Real Travel Secrets To Ourselves

You can be certain that many travelers keep some of their favorite destinations within destinations to themselves. As Cate commented recently it’s good to keep some destinations under the radar. Frequent travelers also don’t typically like to admit their mistakes or mishaps on the road.

2. Places That Aren’t Secret (Locally) Make Great Destinations

Most of the great secret destinations you read about by travelers and writers aren’t secret to the locals. In fact, if the locals are flocking there, it’s usually a good sign. Generally most of the secret destinations for frequent travelers are near home – an area of exploration many frequent travelers neglect.

3. There Are No Secrets

Everybody knows a little about something and in the world of travel there are no secrets. That’s part of what makes reading about travel so much fun, there is always something new to learn and a little of something to add of your own.

What Are Your Secrets?

Although part of Tripbase’s project was to ‘tag’ 5 other travel bloggers, I’ll leave it to you if you want to take this on with your own 3 travel secrets. Everyone else can post your secrets in the comments below, anonymously if you’d like though that wouldn’t be much fun.

[photos by: (cup)cake_eater, Aguapfel, ilsignoirinocravan]

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Internet kiosks can put your credit card, online, and corporate information at risk even with the basic purchase of $5 for 10 minutes.

Hidden Dangers

From a security stand point an Internet kiosk is a nightmare. These machines are left alone around the clock and are easy targets for people who want to manipulate them. It’s even possible for someone to install a basic credit card skimmer over top the one built into the kiosk. Though that’s less likely there are some very real threats to be aware of.

• Old Systems – Many of these machines are running older versions of Windows which are more vulnerable to viruses and various hacks.
• Not Patched – These machines are rarely updated so whenever there’s a new virus or vulnerability in the wild these computers aren’t protected against them until many months later.
• Installed Applications – Because these systems are often unpatched or running older software it’s much easier for someone to install a virus or Trojan horse on the kiosk computer.

What Does This Mean?

Anytime you use an Internet kiosk like these you’re potentially giving away your online account information, email accounts, and anything you have stored on your USB drives that you plug in.

• Don’t Login To Important Accounts – Refrain from typing anything, like passwords, that you wouldn’t want a stranger to read. Although I strongly recommend against logging into any accounts from an Internet kiosk, if you absolutely must use Neo Safekeys.
• Not The Place For Work – This particular kiosk in Dallas had Microsoft’s Office Suite installed so users could open documents and spreadsheets. When you plug in a USB drive into an unfamiliar machine you don’t know what you’ll be leaving behind…or taking with you. Many viruses can download your data, corrupt it, or hitch a ride to infect you computer at home.

Not Worth The Price

Internet kiosks like this one typically charge $5 for 10 minutes of Web access which is a pretty bad deal especially considering an entire day’s worth of airport wireless is about $8-12. (You can also try getting free airport wireless using the traveler’s guide to hacking wireless networks.)

Of course if you don’t travel with a laptop you may find yourself walking up to on for a little online time wasting. Protect yourself and your personal information by following the precautions above and following the same advice for keeping your online accounts safe at Internet cafes.

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If you want to learn more about monetizing your existing travel blog you should check out Matt’s first eBook I highly recommend, How To Make Money With Your Travel Blog.

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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.

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Of course these labels can change so it might be fun to revisit this poll in a year from now. I’ll be posting the results next week and if you think I’ve missed a major category of traveler, let me know and I’ll be sure to add it to the list.

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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.

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A Star Trek convention is an experience many travelers will marvel at (for better or for worse) and if you’ve never been this is your beginner’s guide to Star Trek conventions.

Where To Find Them

There are several major Star Trek-only conventions and some that are parts of larger general science fictions ones like Comic Con. Held all over the world there are a few official resources you can check that will list the major conventions.

• StarTrek.com Official Site – You can get a good list of Star Trek and science fiction conventions at the official site, which also includes the biggest Star Trek convention in the world. It’s held in Las Vegas annually every summer.
• Creation Entertainment – Organizers of large Star Trek conventions, and the next on is at the end of January. At the convention will be several Trek actors, including William Shatner and Patrick Stewart.
• Containment – A list of smaller conventions, mostly around the US.
• Fed-Con – Europe’s largest Star Trek convention will be held in Bonn, Germany at the end of April 2010. While strongly Trek-oriented there will also be cast and activities for other shows including Battlestar Galactica, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Torchwood.

These are just some good places to start but if you’re looking for a convention in Bangkok or Cairo, there probably is one. You shouldn’t have to Google around too long before finding it.

Tickets

Convention prices vary but the bigger the convention the bigger the price tag. Tickets range anywhere from $25-400 for a weekend. If you’re headed to the Star Trek convention in Las Vegas or going to Comic Con it’s a good idea to get tickets as far in advance as you can. You’ll generally save 20-40% on the price of tickets this way.

Those of you headed to smaller venues can call the day of to see how busy things are. Conventions that aren’t sold out as they’re going on will usually cut you a very good price break at the door. The less enthusiastic you look to get in, the better your chances will be of getting a good price. (I’m not sure why but I’ve found that to be quite common.)

What’s Inside

You’ll find people dressed up as Klingons, members of Star Fleet, or perhaps even the occasional Borg. Around you there will be discussions of warp drives and which Star Trek’s top intergalactic destinations. Conventions are colorful, active events that will bring out your fantasy, science fiction, or ren faire nerd in you. There are lots of (overpriced) merchandise for sale, actors from various shows, and discussion panels.

Conventions have really gained stream and evolved to cater to wider audiences within the past 6-8 years. (For example, Comic Con is now a mega-event with growing audiences each year.) More and more Star Trek conventions are becoming general science fiction conventions so you’re likely to find something you enjoy even if you’re not a Trekie (or Trekker).

Star Trek: The Experience

Moved from the Las Vegas Hilton, Star Trek: The Experience themed attraction will be opening in Las Vegas Neonopolis Mall sometime in 2010. One of the main attractions of the original was a “live” transporter pad that beamed you from one part of the USS Enterprise to the other. It’s not a Star Trek convention but a good alternative if you’re looking to be in Las Vegas sometime later next year.

Why A Convention?

You can add a new dimension to any trip by visiting some of the more unorthodox events that might be in town and a Star Trek convention is one of them. It’s certainly an experience you’ll find difficult to forget. (The first person you see dressed as a Vulcan or hear rapping in Klingon is hard to erase from memory.)

A Star Trek convention is also where you’ll see lots of people who were inspired by the concept of Star Trek to travel and explore planet Earth and the cultures who call it home. Even if you decide on not hitting up your local sci-fi convention, they can be a good way to get a discount at nearby hotels.

[photos by: PaoloSerena, San Diego Shooter, cranberries]

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Fortunately I was able to witness many things in Dallas and other parts of Texas that I probably couldn’t completely capture in a digital picture. Texas is a fascinating place culturally and can easily overload your senses and stomach.

Texans Love Texas

One of the first things that’s evident when you speak with most anyone from Texas is their love and knowledge of the lone star state. It’s a different tone of nationalism than you’ll find in other parts of the US and it’s more about Texas than the nation as a whole. Mention to anyone that you’re from out of town and you’ll learn a lot about Texas from some enthusiastic Texans.

Variety

Although I was in Dallas, I’ve been to other parts of Texas including Austin. You’ll hear that Austin isn’t “real Texas” in Dallas but the variety between the two is part of what makes Texas such a unique place to visit. Love it or hate it each city is diverse in its own right.

Wild West Feel

Perhaps it’s a result of television, the cowboy hats, or Clint Eastwood, but once you’re in Texas things change. There’s an air of capriciousness as if you’re on the edge of the frontier. The “no guns allowed” signs help to add to that effect.

The Microscope

When you’re in Texas you begin to see it’s a little like a microcosm of the entire United States. There’s a little of New York City, Kansas, and California as well as all of the other cultures you can find in the US (which is a very wide range) in Texas.

Everything Really Is Bigger In Texas

The cars, the food portions, and the personalities are all bigger in Texas. It’s hard to get a feel for this effect in pictures but it’s immediately noticeable as soon as you leave the airport or drive into a Texan city. There’s a lot to overload your all of your senses.

Granted a good photographer could probably capture these things on film. Like many aspects of different places, you won’t get the full effect without going yourself. Had my camera been working I would have tried to capture these things I experienced and felt in digital pictures but I hope my words helped to show what parts of Texas you can’t (easily) capture with a camera.

[photos by: atmtx, wootam!, Gadget Virtuoso, stevesheriw, jeremy.wilburn, J.McPherson]

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Tell me have you heard (or said) the following at some point?

1. “Must be nice.”
2. “I wish I could do that.”
3. “I wish I had the money.”
4. “You don’t have kids yet do you?”
5. “When are you coming back/going home?”
6. “What do you do for a living?”
7. “Where have you been?”

Two other great travel bloggers also added to the discussion on Twitter. Stephanie Yoder from 20 Something Travel @20sTravel says:

Carrie Marshal @globetrotteri who writes My Several Worlds tweets:

Funny, I was just asked that yesterday by someone in Texas when it came up that I had been to the Philippines. There are certain stigmas attached with traveling and travelers. I’d be curious to hear what you’ve heard or would add to this list? I’ll be taking a closer look at the issue next week and look forward to your comments.

[photo by: tranchis]

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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.

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Give Yourself Mental Challenges

Much of a long drive is staring at open road for long stretches of time. It’s boring and can dull your senses. Mix things up from time to time with these little exercises.

• Change lanes every so often. Such a menial task may seem pointless but will get your mind off of autopilot for a moment. It’s also a good way to check how tired you are. If that lane change is more difficult than it should be (like taking forever to get the car over or within the new lane) it’s evidence you need a break, no matter where you are in the driving segment.

• Use your bladder. Mark H left an excellent tip in the comments yesterday about using your bladder to keep yourself alert. I mentioned yesterday that you should limit yourself to 8 oz. of liquid during the first 100 miles of a trip segment, but as the drive wears on increasing your water intake can help you stay awake. You’ll be taking a few more bathroom breaks as you get closer to your destination but you’ll probably need it as you go on.

• Don’t stare at the lines on the road. Staring at the lane dividers and solid lines along the roadside has the same effect on your mind as hypnosis. It’s dangerous and can make take you out of consciously being aware of your surroundings. Read license plates or try to remember the name of your high school math teachers to jolt your mind into action.

• Avoid cruise control. A great feature of most modern cars, cruise control is something you want to avoid on long solid stretches of road when you’re reaching for mental challenges. Force your mind to take conscious action.

Your efficient brain will check itself out of consciousness and start daydreaming. If you find yourself falling into this state, pull over for 5-15 minutes and take advantage of daydreaming to make use of this creative peak (write down your ideas!) or take a 20 minute nap to improve your response time. Keeping the temperature low will also make you less drowsy and more alert.

Be Silly

As UpTake suggests, sing loudly if you’re driving alone or shout for a moment or two. You can also make the drive a more interesting part of your travels and keep your mind occupied by taking Randomn3ss’ advice and looking for photo opportunities to drive 1,000 miles or more in a day.

Talk A Lot

If you’re lucky enough to be traveling with a partner, talk their ears off or get on your mobile if the laws and conditions allow for it. Have your partner or good friend on the phone jot down some travel blog ideas or things you’d like to do at your destination. You’ve got plenty of time on your hands and a long drive is a good time to let the ideas roll.

Check Your Ego At The Door

I used to fight fatigue and sleep mercilessly driving through the night to get to my next destination in as little time as possible. While I was racing against the clock, it was really my ego that was driving me. Ultimately your body is always in control and it’s better to pull over and sleep rather than risk an accident. Sleepy drivers cause more than 2 million accidents in the US alone each year and driving sleepy may be as bad as driving drunk.

The best way to drive 2,250 kilometers in a day is not getting hurt or killed along the way. Enjoy the ride and rest as needed so you get to your destination in one piece and feeling refreshed.

[photos by: greetheory., powerbooktrance, PhotoDu.de, AJamison, themaxsons, zoomar]

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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.

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Dress Appropriately

Wear loose clothing so your skin and muscles don’t get irritated and to prevent the restriction of blood flow. Same as when you’re flying, traveling for more than 4 hours at a time increases your risk of blood clots (for up to 4 weeks). Make it easier on your body by giving it as much room to breathe as possible. Wear loose socks as well since the blood supply to and from the legs is affected most.

Caffeine, Snacks, and More Caffeine

Ideally you want to drive in segments of about 500km (~300 miles) depending on how fast you’re driving. (Here’s how to avoid a speeding ticket just in case.) Pick your driving segments according to your bladder and ability to concentrate and stick with it. Limit yourself to 8 oz. of caffeinated beverage for the first 100 mile segment so you’re not pulling over early to go to the bathroom.

Also, you’ll be better able to drive further if your car is stocked with high fiber snacks (apricots, almonds, etc.) which will fill you up without insulin fatiguing you after you eat.

Set The Trip Counter To Zero

Head over to a gas station, fill your tank full and reset the trip counter. While you should listen to your body (as you fatigue or get bored) you’ll find it easier to have a 500km segment goal to make a long trip seem shorter. It’s all about getting into the flow of each segment and not stopping in the middle of any of them. Make each stop a gas, bathroom, stretch, and go. You can cover a lot of ground this way, especially towards the end when you’re concentration is starting to fade.

Use Your Body Clock

The best time to drive is when there’s nobody else on the road which is generally in the middle of the night, conflicting with your normal human circadian rhythms. You want to free yourself from the mental wear of having to stop, go, and deal with other drivers (who don’t drive as well as you, of course).

If you’re normally a morning person, active and alert during the day shift your body clock with peanuts to get up a few hours earlier when the roads are clear. Night owls can do the same, except by leaving after the night rush, if there is one.

Now For The Actual Driving

Preparation is easy and breaking your trip down into manageable segments isn’t too difficult either…at first. Hours on the road will begin to take their toll, your eyes will get hazy, and you’ll want to stop more and more frequently. Tomorrow I’ll give you my tricks from the road to keep you alert and safe while at the same time being as lazy as possible.

[photos by: BottleLeaf, libraryman, !*S4N7Y*!]

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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.

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I’m happy to say sales of the eBook were able to help fund micro-loans for 16 entrepreneurs around the world. If you haven’t heard of Kiva or know what micro-finance is I suggest you check out Kiva.org, a fantastic organization.

As a thank you for everyone’s support I’m having a sale on the eBook from now until the end of the year. You can download a copy if you haven’t already for $8.00.

Whether you’re still stuck at your desk or have been traveling for a while, I believe you’ll enjoy reading this book which really applies to more than just travel.

Recent Reviews

You can read some recent reviews of my eBook for a second opinion if you don’t want to take just my word for it.

• Review by Heather On Her Travels
• Review by Travel Blissful
• Review by Travel Wonders

About The Book

Long-term travelers aren’t lottery jackpot winners or capable of super-human feats. You can get out from behind that desk and travel, whether it’s full-time or a one year trip around the world my eBook breaks it down for you. Both the practical aspects of getting your life in order and the psychological barriers you’ll face and how to overcome each one.

You can also read some of the personal stories of these travelers: John Bardos, Marina Villatoro, Dan’s Adventure, The Q Family Adventures, Deb and Dave, The Road Forks, and Cody McKibben for more inspiration.

Affiliate Program

Earn some money by helping me spread the word about my eBook. By joining my affiliate program (a free and easy process) you’ll get 50% of every sale you make. I’ll also send you ad banners, links, and help you get set up.

eBook Sale

You can pick up a copy of Overcoming the 7 Major Obstacles to Traveling the World for $8 from now until Dec. 31 using one of the links below. I’m confident that you will enjoy reading it and find it useful whether you’ve been a vagabond for years or are dreaming about it. I hope by reading the eBook you’ll be able to bridge that gap and travel as much as you’d like and feel good doing it.

As always, thank you all very much for your support, -Anil

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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.

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