Planning for long term travel?  Bring a resume ready to print and submit to make money along your journey.

It is important to travel will well polished resumes saved.  Be ready to alter and edit your resume based upon the position desired.

I typically keep four basic resumes outlining my various skills.  While traveling anywhere in the world I could stumble across a job opportunity to teach English, work with kids, an office role, or a position at a coffee shop.

Basic resumes I travel with:

1. ESL teacher
2. Will play with kids
3. Desk jockey
4. Barista or hospitality expert

Keeping these four resumes ready to submit to a future employer works for me.  These are my skills and what I do best.  Take your best skills, education and attributes.  Format them into resumes you can travel with.

Victor who I met in Spain keeps 6 resumes ready for jobs he finds along his travels.  Some of his resumes include, ‘handyman’, ‘tech-head’, and he even told me about his new one ‘landscaping’. He wrote this resume after recognizing some women just wanted him for yard work.  Why not pull weeds for the nice old lady you met in Madrid?  She paid him and gave him lunch everyday!

Wondering if you really need a resume to work in someone’s yard?  Victor described the credibility the resume gives him.  People instantly trust him to be professional and to work hard.  Plus, extra travel cash can result from what someone discovers you can do.

For example, after Victor helped a girl at the hostel desk connect a new printer for FREE, Victor gave his technology resume to the hostel manager.  They read about his talent in web design and ended up offering one month FREE lodging and $800 to redesign their hostel website.

I just got an email from Parris in Wellington, New Zealand.  He shared, “I’m registered with a job agency and working for the government at the moment.  So life is pretty sweet for this backpacker.”  Parris has been in Wellington for a few months now enjoying working while traveling.

How have Justin & Natalie (the nomad backpackers) worked while traveling:

• We used our writing abilities to receive FREE lodging while traveling and writing for an online travel magazine.
• We received FREE lodging and meals at an Irish Pub on the Great Barrier Island, New Zealand, in exchange for some landscaping and washing a few dishes at the pub on busy nights.
• We worked at a 5-star lodge in the Fiordland’s (South Island, NZ) for 6 weeks.  This paid for 4 months of travel in New Zealand.
• I have taught English to students in China and Mexico.
• I have been paid to babysit kids.  I met Sigorney from Australia living in Paris, France as a nanny for a family with 3 kids.
• Justin has built websites and received various forms of gifts/money through offering tech help.
• I have worked multiple coffee bars in multiple countries pulling endless shots of espresso.

Don’t be the traditional backpacker that runs out of cash and takes a flight home.  Instead, make yourself marketable and travel with a well written resume to land any job around the world.

Find a job while traveling!  Use nomad approved resources.

Ready to take your resume around the world?  How to write a resume. Start polishing your resume today!  It can take you around the world if you are willing to work a variety of jobs along the way.  Be creative and start brainstorming your skills.

When it comes to packing for any trip or adventure, the best secret is finding the 2 in 1 items.

Whether going away for a week or traveling the world for a few years, it saves precious packing space.

The Tech 2 in 1’s

The Amazon Kindle is by far both Justin and my favorite 2 in 1 item.  The Kindle offers a traveler up to 1,500 books on one easy to use electronic device.  The only negative is that the Kindle must be charged, although it has a great battery life even on a 14 hour flight.  Oh, and in our case, the problem we experience is that their are 2 of us and we own one Kindle.

The universal adaptor is great for a backpacker planning travel to multiple countries.  Different regions of the world have different electric outlets.  Why bring more than one adaptor when you can have them all in one?  It’s really that simple.  Every country in the world is represented by the Universal Adaptor.

The Sporty 2 in 1’s

Pack an Ultimate Frisbee Disc and a dinner plate all in one.  No joke!  We love to play ultimate, and toss around the frisbee whenever we get the chance.  I had no idea we could create so many quick picnic meals through our ultimate frisbee doubling as a plate.  I love the versatility our disc gives us while traveling.

Be logical while packing.

We wanted Insect Repellent for our outdoor adventures.  We also like to have duct tape, just in case.  Instead of bringing a bulky, heavy roll of duct tape, we took about 5 feet of tape and wrapped it around the insect repellant bottle.  Only one customs officer (out of dozens of airport security) along our journeys has second guessed our insect repellant and did a sniff check.  Be creative, their are countless ways to reduce the bulk of what you pack.

The Fashion 2 in 1’s

A new travel craze is the Zip-off Pants.  Why pack both pants and shorts?  Have both at the same time!  Initially, I was against the zip-off pants because the original versions would zip-off at my knee, leaving me with long, impractical shorts.  It wasn’t until I tried on a more recent edition of the zip-off pants by The North Face that I fell in love.  My pants are durable, with great pockets, even one my passport fits securely into.  When I zip off the bottoms, I am left with cute shorts that allow refreshing sunshine kiss my legs.

Who doesn’t love the Classic Bandana?  The bandana is your friend especially when it comes to travel.  It can be anything; your hat, a first aid sling, a dish rag, a flag, the possibilities are endless.  The bandana is a ‘must-pack’ travel item.

Notice my zip-off pants and bandana on St. Patrick’s Day in Sydney.

The Bathroom 2 in 1’s

Speaking of bandana, I have actually used a bandana as a shower towel.  When I first read about doing this it sounded absurd.  I tried it out and realized it works if you are willing to wring out the bandana multiple times while drying off.  Departing from a location in the morning after showering?  Instead of a wet towel, the bandana I dried off with is still wet.  I just tie the bandana to the outside of my backpack and it dries within 15 minutes to an hour depending upon the humidity level.  Once it’s dry, I zip it in my backpack!

Did you know that shampoo makes great laundry soap?  Oh, it’s true.  When washing clothing in the sink, don’t bring extra detergent.  Shampoo is a natural, gentle way to hand wash laundry items before hanging them to dry.  My favorite was a lavender rosemary shampoo that I found in New Zealand.  My clothing had a beautiful fresh scent.

I found this rainbow of clothing hanging in Riomaggiore, Italy.

Washing laundry and hanging it to dry feels natural after a few months.  The simple ways of life on the road are refreshing.  This always surprises me.

Two in one items are a wonderful packing secret, but the best packing advice will always be, don’t bring it.  Go without it and pack less.  Be a much happier traveler with a lighter load.

Use a weekend as an escape from the ordinary and plan a mini-break this fall.  A weekend getaway is the perfect remedy to fight routine and be refreshed through adventure.  Just set one weekend aside in your busy life.  It will be inexpensive, spontaneous and fun!

The ideal fall adventure creates a balance of fun, while you are also able to experience rest for your mind and body.

How to plan your weekend:

1. City or Scenic: If you are craving the urban adventure a big city offers, be sure to select a crowd-free city.  Going to Munich for Oktoberfest is not going to offer the serenity a cabin in the Rocky Mountains will offer.  You know yourself best!  Would your ideal weekend include a night on the town with sushi & sake or a peaceful evening with one of your favorite books near a cozy fireplace.
2. Drive or Fly: Ensure that your destination is within reasonable driving distance or an inexpensive, quick flight. Avoid fly to a city where you will have to rent a car and spend a large amount of time being busy driving somewhere. You already spend too much of your typical week being busy, trying to get somewhere. I would suggest making the weekend as simple as possible. Think less. Allow the spontaneous adventure to unravel, instead of planning out your itinerary to the minute.
3. Avoid Fall Stereotypes: Avoid the corn maze craze and imagine a bountiful autumn harvest, like pumpkins and vineyards.  It’s important to find that atmosphere that offers the crisp color of fall, and a hint of fun.  Avoid the guy with a chain-saw at the local haunted house, unless this is your favorite aspect of fall.  In that case embrace the stereotypes, go pumpkin picking, have a haunted house/horror movie marathon and then carve those pumpkins while drinking apple cider and eating candy.  If you do intend to avoid the stereotypes, than think wine tasting or hiking through the gorgeous fall color.
4. Plan and Save: Plan ahead and save money on your adventure.  If you are driving Friday evening after work, pack up some leftovers from the fridge.  Bring healthy snacks and fresh fruit.  Then instead of searching for your next meal, you can relax and savor a sunrise or take a leisurely stroll.
5. Specials and Deals: Hunt for the fall specials and the autumn getaway deals.  [NOTE:  These are not always the cheapest option.]  You might not be interested in going to Vegas this fall.  Make sure that your destination is really where you want to be, and you aren’t just going because you got a cheap flight and hotel deal.
6. The Whole Weekend!?! If getting away for an entire weekend is going to be almost impossible due to tight schedules, children, pets, and a list of other hindering factors, try to get away for a short duration.  Just one night away, or even a full Saturday to escape the obligations of life can be just as needed and refreshing.  Make sure you plan some type of adventure just for you this fall.  Going to the grocery store, or watching the game on the couch doesn’t cut it.  Make it unique and special.  You deserve it!

Even now, I am sure that you have thought of a handful of great locations and adventures you could have over a weekend.  Put it on the calendar and make it happen.  Say no the specialty coffee drinks, the pizza and whatever unneeded expenses you indulge in.  Save the money you will need to make your Weekend Adventure a reality.

Fall into a weekend adventure!  Experience more in life, through doing less.

Thank you for voting in our latest You Choose Poll.

The most recent question was simply, “Where should we go next?”

The options were:

• Seattle, Washington
• Billings, Montana
• Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Salt Lake City, Utah

41% of people voted for Seattle!

I am really happy to be heading to Seattle.  Neither Justin or I have ever been to Seattle, or anywhere in the Pacific Northwest.  The best part of Seattle will be spending time with a good friend of ours.  We will be sure to share any local advice or insight Bryan has to offer.

We fly to Seattle in 3 weeks, and promise to write an article of our ‘Seattle, Washington Experience’.

Thanks again for voting and happy travels!

Please vote in our new You Choose poll.

Earlier this month, IMAGINE: A Vagabond Story, was published.  Justin and I were asked to conduct a book review by the author.  After receiving Grant Lingel’s book in the mail (along with other promo materials) we were both excited to read his story.  Justin and I rock, paper, scissored and I won the book review!  So you get the female perspective of nomad backpackers.

Grant Lingel shares his story of backpacking through Central America, and the journey of discovering who he is.  If you are looking for the clean, light story of a backpacker, this is not it.  Grant is very open in the memoir of his adventures including details of purchasing drugs in Mexico and sex on the beach, not just the cocktail.  However, if you are intrigued by his honesty, then you would enjoy his story.

You see, Grant bought a one-way plane ticket to Mexico and only had $300 in his pocket.  Sound interesting?  Grant’s spontaneous spirit is unforgettable and extremely shocking while reading his story.

I enjoyed reading the adventure he shares in IMAGINE: A Vagabond Story.  However, I was disturbed by his brutal honesty during the retelling of the decisions he made.  Most individuals would be ashamed to retell a story of sex on a beach with a high school girl then bribing the Mexican police with cash, not be thrown into jail.  Most individuals would also be ashamed to share their tale of being caught by Mexican police (again, I know…) after purchasing cocaine, and lying your way out of it.

Grant Lingel is not ashamed.  He openly shares, without holding back.  If this is the type of book you enjoy, then go for it, and order a copy today.

As for Grant, I have to hand it to him for actually writing a book and publishing his travel adventures.  I have not written a book.  Let alone a 315 page book.  I can only imagine it took a lot of time and effort to record the journey.

I continued to read and hoped for a huge transformation of lifestyle choices and personal discovery to occur.  Even when I only had less than 50 pages left to read, I still hoped for a personal transformation.  I read hints of this transformation, but also continued to read of more drugs and sex.

• Girls from Norway go topless: “…a very cute and topless Norwegian girl named Birgit.  She was in Playa for two months learning Spanish with thirty-four other Norwegian girls.” page 266.
• The search for the magic mushrooms: “Sebastian told us that Palenque was famous for its magic mushrooms…” page 281.
• It took Grant an entire day to realize that he had already met the same traveler a few cities back:  ”She thought it was a riot that it took the two of us an entire day to realize we had already met before and told me to stop smoking so much pot.” page 308.

Now to Grant’s credit, I also read improved travel logic and some reflection during those last 50 pages:

• Considering the people he had met from all around the world: “I was still baffled by the fact that such different people could relate so well.” page 255.
• Again, Grant recognizes, its all about the people: “I was incredibly touched by his kind words and continued to realize that it’s the people along the way that you meet who make your trip, make your world and your life.  It is they who shape you into the person you become.” page 262.
• Self catering…a great way to save money while traveling:  ”We returned to a busy hostel that evening with bags of pasta and veggies in hand.  I was pretty much eating the same meal every night: pasta or rice with cooked veggies.  Oddly, I was still enjoying it night after night and loved how it kept my wad of savings intact.” page 270.

I agree with Grant that travel is all about the people you meet.  I also enjoyed that Grant shared he is a vegetarian.  Justin and I are both vegetarians and have backpacked all around the world with no difficulty finding delicious food.  In fact, certain areas of the world are a perfect match for “veg-friendly” eating.

Although, I cannot personally recommend this book as a travel philosophy book, I can recommend it to someone who would enjoy reading a book like Grant’s story.  I don’t believe that Grant set out to write a travel philosophy book.  Instead, it is a candid story of all of his adventures and mistakes along his journey.

Grant, Thank you for asking us to review your book.  I had lots of fun!  I kept reading, wanting to grab my backpack and head out to explore.  After reading about your travels in Central America, I want to talk Justin into spending our summer traveling and learning Spanish.

Everyone goes to France for Paris.  What if you traveled there for something else?

A friend of mine, Rachelle just spent a year living in France.  She did not live in Paris.  In fact, she only went to Paris for two quick visits while living in France.  Now that is dedication to explore the rest of the country!

The following are interesting things to do and see in France.

16 things not in Paris:

• Monet’s Garden at Giverny - the lily pond is at it’s best late July through early August.
• Fontainebleau - a hunting lodge from the 12th century - NOTE:  it’s closed on Tuesdays.
• Chateau de Chenonceaux in the Loire Valley - they have vineyards and delicious wine!
• Belle-Ile-en-Mar - the largest of Brittany’s islands - travel by ferry from Quiberon and check out the lighthouse.
• Marais Poitevin - nicknamed ‘La Venise Verte’ - the Green Venice.
• The Aven-Armand Cave - the worlds tallest stalagmite - NOTE: the cave is closed in December.
• Les Gorges du Verdon - the largest gorge in Europe - people call it Europe’s Grand Canyon.
• Gorges du Tarn - Want to see another gorge?  This is one of France’s most beautiful gorges - ride in a glass-bottom boat.
• Mercantour National Park - best between June and October.  NOTE: This is a high altitude experience.
• Orange - an 8th Century theater created by Charlemagne where you can still see live theater.
• Avignon - a picturesque French city on the water - this is a thriving energetic city!
• Les Calanques - a series of long, narrow inlets, like mini fjords, cut into limestone cliffs along the Mediterranean coast.
• Arles - Medieval buildings, including a roman arena, similar to the colosseum in Rome - in the summer they have live races and bull fights in the arena.
• The Camargue - an area of marshland with wild horses and a rare bread of flamingos - best between March and October.
• Marseille - an exciting, colorful, cosmopolitan city that travelers often avoid.  I have to trust the recommendations of others for most of these places outside of Paris.  However, I have personally been to Marseille and it is a colorful, amazing place.  The TGV train now links to Paris, which allows Marseille to be accessed more easily from Paris.
• St-Tropez - the beach holiday destination for the rich and famous - not a budget destination!

Now you know about many other opportunities for adventure while visiting France.  However, a traveler must leave Paris to get in on any of the beautiful, intriguing places on the list.

Unless you plan on living in France for a year, as my friend just did, you probably won’t be able to do everything on the list.  You know yourself best!  Follow your instinct on what sounds the most interesting.

It is really easy to use google maps while planing your time in France.  Just make sure you set an alarm clock so you don’t miss your bus or train.  If you can find a group of backpackers, sometimes renting a car will save everyone in your group money.  I spent sometime driving in the south of France!  It isn’t too difficult, you just need to drive slow enough to read the French signs.  Don’t forget your French phrase book, some euros and your adventurous, flexible self.

Enjoy your next visit to France, and get out of Paris!

Thank you for voting in our most recent You Choose poll.  The results for “What should Justin name his new Red Schwinn Bike?”, are that he should call his bicycle Red Pepper.  Check out how you can ride a bike and have more money to travel.

Our new You Choose poll is asking, “Where should we go next?”  You Choose, where Justin and I travel to next.

• Seattle, Washington
• Billings, Montana
• Salt Lake City, Utah
• Albuquerque, New Mexico

Our next adventure will be in October.  Please vote in the poll located on our home page and help us decide where we should go!

All you can think about is your next adventure. Why is travel so addicting? Even now. Seven days away from the school year beginning. It is my first school year as a teacher and I want to travel now, more than ever before. I have the first two weeks of lessons planned, but really, all I want to plan is my next adventure!

Where you live can help!

Living in Colorado helps the urge disappear. I play in the mountains!  I hike, climb and explore. It allows some of my travel hunger to melt away. But then I still started a count down on my dry erase board.  The academic school year has not yet began, and I find the Summer countdown at 10 months.  Only 10 months until SUMMER BREAK!!!

Dr. Seuss was right.  Summer 2010, oh the places I will go!

For now I need to suppress this “urge” for travel. The wonder lust that is boiling inside of me. I need to forget that I own a passport. I must long for the end of May, when I can brush the dust off my backpack and fill it with the contents for adventure. 

Pleasant Dreams!

Tonight, I will fall asleep with the world above me, literally.  Today, I posted the world map on my bedroom ceiling. Is this torturous? Should I have hung it somewhere else? NO! It is exactly where it needs to hang, so I may dream of future adventures.

And me. I am exactly where I need to be. I am in Fort Collins, Colorado ready for everyday adventure. Whether it is the mountains or the classroom. Teaching will be a new adventure unto itself. I can apply my new skills and knowledge to future travel opportunities! I can take my teaching skills to any country and offer my knowledge of the English language.  ESL instruction is something that I love. Through teaching English you can have the opportunity to live in a new country for a year or so.

Not Traveling? Life offers other adventures!

Overall, I do miss backpacking. However, I am so grateful for this time to explore a new profession. Especially, a profession as rewarding as teaching. I will have to be content in the classroom and recognize the world will always be there. When the time is right, I will make my next big escape and enjoy another long term travel adventure. Until then, I will savor Colorado and other nearby places.  In fact, the photo above of Justin, was taken at Horsetooth Reservoir only 5 minutes from our home.

Still have the urge? If all else fails…

I bought two guppies. They are my pet fish. Zsigmond (Hungarian) and Santiago (Chilean) are both males.  I’ve seen enough Discovery Channel to know that I don’t want to become the proud pet owner of guppy babies within a week of getting my new little pets.

My two fish are very likable and low maintenance. I can easily transport the little 1.5 gallon tank they live in (currently on my desk) to a friends house, if I need to travel anywhere, anytime soon.

If all else fails, break your travel urge by putting something living on your desk. A plant, a fish or whatever you use to help you break your travel urge.  It must have a certain level of maintenance that allows you to feel purpose where you are. A cactus is a bad example because you could still travel for a few weeks, leaving your cactus high and dry, and it will still be alive when you return. Instead, you need something that requires a bit of daily care. I do not suggest a dog. Leaving for long term travel becomes difficult if you have a dog, unless you are enthusiastic about traveling with your dog/s. Christine, from Almost Fearless often travels with her two large dogs.

Now that you know what to do with your travel urge, I wish you the best. I know it’s not easy. I often feel like a dog waging it’s tail at the world, salivating and trying not to pee on the carpet. Do you ever feel this way in life?

Although the Dingle Peninsula has a funny name, it is seriously beautiful.  The Dingle Peninsula is in south-west Ireland just along the Atlantic Ocean.  Along the peninsula is a ridge of mountains, which include Ireland’s second tallest peak, Brandon, which is 3,127 feet above sea level.  

The coast along the Dingle Peninsula could not be more breathtaking.  It is best to drive to the Dingle Peninsula by car and savor the approach.  While some will even walk the Dingle Way, which is a great option for a clear day, that is not rainy.  These are rare in Ireland.  If you have a handful of days without rain while visiting Ireland, consider yourself one of the fortunate few.  However, the rain creates the gorgeous green color that sweeps most of Ireland.  

Highlights of visiting the Dingle Peninsula!

• early Christian monuments - includes a 12th Century Romanesque church with incredible stone carvings and even an Ogham stone.  Ogham is the Latin Alphabet made up of notches and lines to represent the 20 different letters.  
• Iron-Age fortifications - built to last, for defense (military stuff, guys love it, and I do too)
• Beehive huts - piles of loose stone built huts that have been standing for over 4,000 years
• Fungie the dolphin who has lived in the harbor since 1984 (the year I was born!)
• Blennerville Windmill - a great reminder of Ireland’s industrial history.  The hard working Irish!!!
• Gallerus Castle - access by guided tours only.  It’s a super old (15th Century) castle and you might be interested in paying for a guided tour.

Overall, the Dingle Peninsula has a lot to offer.  The rocky cliffs are something to enjoy, photograph, write a poem about, etc.  

Visiting the Dingle Peninsula is a great way to get out of the cities, while venturing to the edge of Ireland, imaging what life was like centuries ago.  It’s beautiful to consider the isolation the Irish could experience while living on this coastal Peninsula so long ago.  

Take a wild walk through history through visiting these ancient relics, monuments, and national land.

Sick of the old stuff?  

• Visit the Dingle Aquarium 
• Go shopping in the little village
• You are in Ireland, Guinness on tap is never too far away.  Get a beer!

Don’t worry about where to sleep.  With over a dozen hostels in Dingle alone, you can  Travel on a Shoestring.  

Paddy’s Place is a great hostel for hikers, as you are situated at the perfect place to wake up and stroll along the natural beauty of the Dingle Peninsula.  They have a bar and restaurant with pool tables, Internet access, laundry facilities, the kitchen to save money by making your own meals, and if you have rented a car, they have plenty of parking.

Know before your book your stay:

Whenever you see a price listed, followed by “pp” in Ireland.  The “pp” stands for “per person”.  This is good to keep in mind while booking hostels and other lodging in Ireland.  A B&B’s (Bed and Breakfast’s) may appear to be cheap, until you have to double that price the next morning and receive check out shock, and have to skip the beer at lunch to make up for your lost travel funds.

A traveler could reasonably spend 1-3 nights in Dingle and have enough time to see the Dingle Peninsula without becoming bored with the area.  Have fun in Dingle, with it’s funny name, but serious beauty!

Soon you may say, “I’ve done the Dingle Way.  Have you?”