BootsnAll's Travel Typepad

Wine Countries in South America

Major wine-producing countries like France, Italy, and even Australia may take top billing when it comes to wine tourism, but there are many wine regions in South America worth exploring as well. What's more, visitors who are accustomed to the higher prices often found when traveling in Europe will be pleasantly surprised at the bargains on offer in South America.

Wine aficionados will likely be familiar with the wines produced in Chile and Argentina, as these are the countries that most often export their wines outside the continent. But as is the case the world over, most countries produce wine to a certain degree, whether it's just for household consumption or for a larger community. There are several countries in South America that may not be known the world over for their wines, but if you're a wine lover you should definitely seek them out.

Colombia is more synonymous with coffee, but wine makers there produce Riesling, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon (among others). Brazil, famous for its lively Carnival celebrations, produces an equally celebratory drink - their specialty is sparkling wine. Peru and Bolivia grow most of their grapes for stronger drinks popular in those countries, but there are small (and growing) wine makers in both places.

Even the tiny country of Uruguay gets in on the wine making act. The wines may not be considered one of the highlights of Uruguay yet, but since most of the wineries are near Montevideo it's easy to incorporate a bit of wine tasting into a trip through the country without getting too far away from your itinerary.

In each country, it's a good idea to ask wine makers whether they export their wines to your home country so you can find out about getting any wines you particularly enjoyed more easily back home. Shipping some wine might be a fun holiday splurge, but it's probably not something you want to be re-ordering on a monthly basis.

>> Look for tickets to Uruguay

Are Australia's best beaches in Queensland?

While there is a vast area of Australia that's hot, dry, and nowhere near water, one of the major reasons people visit the country is to see its beaches. Some of the most popular destinations in Australia are along the water, including the cities of Sydney and Melbourne, and the Great Barrier Reef off the northeastern coast is a huge draw for divers and nature-lovers the world over.

But what, with all that coastline to choose from, are the best beaches in Australia?

To be fair, the word "best" is tough to quantify. One person's favorite beach may not even make another person's top 10 list. But when it comes to gorgeous beaches, there are enough to choose from in Australia that there should be something to suit every beach-goer's style.

Some of the most famously beautiful beaches in the country are in Queensland in northeastern Australia, in the same area as the Great Barrier Reef. The Whitsunday Islands are incredibly popular. There are 74 islands in total, meaning there's plenty of beach to go around, and there's quite a variety of activities available in the area, too (for when you get tired of lying on the beach). Whitehaven Beach, on one of the Whitsundays, is even listed among the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Cairns is another beach hotspot in Queensland, and - thankfully - it's really easy to get to from elsewhere in the country. The distance from Sydney to Cairns is more than 1500 miles, but there are multiple flights each day (on budget airlines) making the journey last only a few hours. You can find yourself a room at one of the cheap hotels in Cairns (which is even easier in the off-season), and then spend your days enjoying the beach. Winters in Cairns are mild, with highs averaging in the high 70sF, while summers get hot and humid. From a homebase in Cairns you can take day trips into the Whitsundays or out to the Great Barrier Reef to go swimming, boating, or diving - all of which makes a tropical climate more enjoyable.

How to Spend One Week in Italy

Ask any travel lover about planning a trip to Italy for one week and you're likely to get an emphatic, "That's not enough time for Italy!" reply. Of course one week isn't enough time to see everything in Italy, and anyone who thinks they'll "do" Italy in a week is crazy - but it's totally possible to spend a lovely week in Italy seeing many of the major sights in the country.

And really? Rather than try to tell you what you can't do, or things you shouldn't do in Italy, I'd rather be on the end of encouraging you to travel for whatever time you can, and do the things in Italy that you'd like to do during that time.

A "greatest hits" one-week trip to Italy would include stops in Venice, Florence, and Rome - a quick glance at many one-week package trips to Italy will tell you that. And if you've never been to Italy before, that could be an excellent option. You won't have much time for relaxing or experiencing "la dolce vita" on such a whirlwind trip, but you will come home with a lot of world-class attractions checked off your to-do list.

There are countless ways to spend a week in Italy - you could pick one region and spend a couple days each in a few cities within that region, do the old-fashioned backpacker trick of visiting a city by day and taking the night train to the next stop, or stay in one place for the whole trip. Staying in one place could mean taking a cooking or language class, or just renting an apartment or villa and pretending that's home for a little while.

However you spend your week, it's quite likely that by the plane ride home you'll be itching to book return tickets to Rome and pick up where you left off.

Plan a Working Holiday in Australia

Australia tends to be a "bucket list" destination for many travelers, but unfortunately it's one item that few get to cross off. Rather than take a two week slice here or there, they wait until they can take a month or two off work in catching a plane to Sydney. The end result is that many people don't ever get to go because they can't ever take the time they need off from their job and they may not be comfortable with going without employment for the duration of their trip.

You could try to work remotely at your current job from Australia. Depending on your line of work, it's definitely possible. It just may not be the most convenient option. It would be hard to keep up with co-workers in a totally different time zone, and internet options in Australia are expensive.

There's a better solution. For those who want to spend extended time in Australia but who can't afford to travel on accumulated savings, there's the Australian working holiday visas program. A working holiday visa allows people 18 to 30 to ravel and work for up to 12 months in Australia. Work can include helping out on a farm, picking fruit, or working in the service or tourism industries. While the visa doesn't guarantee you work (you're on your own for that), it does ensure that you'll have more options than trying to go under the table.

Most people who apply are approved and the online application is easy. Some programs provide more assistance than others when it comes to finding a job and a place to live, but with an adventurous spirit and a bit of research you could be living and working in OZ much sooner than you'd expect, earning enough to fund your travels in the Land Down Under.

Photo by Michael Dawes

Plan a Wild Weekend in Vegas

Though Vegas is a popular spot for quickie weddings, it's no surprise that the city is also quite popular as a destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties. The same "anything goes, no consequences" mentality that leads so many people to tie the knot with a near stranger also entices people to spend their last days of singlehood in Sin City.

There are several other reasons for the city's popularity as a bachelor/bachelorette weekend spot. It's easy to find cheap flights to Vegas from most major airports throughout the US. The city's popularity means that you can get a direct flight from all areas of the country and generally be there in under five hours. It's also easy to find deals that can make a trip to Vegas pretty affordable, especially if you avoid the casinos.

Many of the best hotels in Vegas for Bachelor parties even offer deals that include show tickets, dining vouchers, or VIP passes to local clubs when you book a stay. And of course the more you save on food and lodging the more you can spend on those extra touches that will make a bachelor or bachelorette party more memorable, like limousine services in Las Vegas, spa treatments, shopping and other entertainment.

Photo by Old Shoe Woman

Traveling and Learning to Let Go

For some of us, a trip is the perfect time to relax and unwind, to let the stress of every day life melt away, to forget our cares, to let go.

But for others, a trip only adds to the stress. We worry about speaking the language. We get frustrated when things aren't as we expect or as they would be at home, and we work ourselves into a tizzy running around trying to cram it all into a short stay. It's exhausting, and by the time we come home from our trip, well it seems like we need a vacation from our vacation!

But travel doesn't have to be so stressful. We've put together some travel tips for control freak travelers to help those Type A travelers avoid some of the stress of a trip. Rule #1: don't try to pack so much in! Not all of us have time for a round the world trip, so we try to see as much as possible in a short week or two. The problem is that in trying to see it all, we end up experiencing very little of what life is actually like in that place. Slow down and let yourself wander, let yourself get lost. Pick one or two major things to see and do each day and then let the rest figure itself out as you go along. When it comes to planning vs spontaneity, you need to have a balance.

Recognize that you will never see and do it all, even if you stayed for double the time. Choose the things that are the most important to you and let the rest go. When you look back on your trip, the experience you remember most fondly will probably not be rushing around the city from monument to monument, or crying into your map as you struggle to find the one last obscure museum you just had to see before it closed today. It's more likely that the moments you remember fondly when you are back at your cubicle will be the afternoon you spent simply wandering and getting lost, or the lazy morning where you sat at a cafe, slowly sipped your coffee, and watched daily life in the unfold before you.

It's in the simple things and unplanned moments that we often find the greatest joys of traveling. And to get there, you need to put down the schedule, ignore your watch and simply let go.

Photo by: malias

Safe Travel After the Arab Spring

When my mother first told me many years ago she was going to spend a few weeks in Egypt traveling by herself, I want to think that the news gave me pause. The truth is, however, I don't recall batting an eye. My mother is one of the most intrepid travelers I know, and she routinely makes me feel as if our roles are reversed, me telling her to be careful as she makes plans to go skydiving for her birthday or hitch a motorcycle ride with a stranger into the African desert.

My mother's penchant for adventure draws her to Africa repeatedly, and though there's plenty of unnecessary fear about a continent most people in the U.S. know little about, there are also more recent reasons why traveling safely in Egypt isn't as much of a given as it was the last time my mother was there. Outside the region, many are cheering on the uprisings in North Africa and the Middle East as positive signs for the future, but however soft those revolutions might be in some places there's still reason to pause before venturing in as a foreigner.

More confident travelers will no doubt jump at the chance to get back into places like Egypt as soon as things even start to look like they're calming a bit. There's no doubt that there will be deals galore, with airfare to Cairo at bargain prices and even high-end rooms offering rates like the budget hotels in Cairo. While she isn't likely to be among the first holidaymakers to jet back to Egypt, I have little doubt that my mother will be chomping at the bit to return as soon as she hears about others doing so.

Will I worry about her? I wouldn't be a very good daughter if I didn't. But beyond her ability to think on her feet and her strength of character, there's something else that makes me more confident than I might otherwise be every time she announces where she's off to next - her age. In some ways, the fact that she's nearly 70 is the very reason that I'd be worried about her traveling alone, but because she chooses to travel in places where old people are revered rather than reviled I know she'll be well taken care of.

Now, to reply to her latest email asking for information on Madagascar...

Travel with Kids: Learning from the Pros

Anyone who's child-free has probably grumbled at the sight of a baby boarding their flight. It's natural, and understandable - but if you're the parent tarveling with that infant, it's not all fun and games. New parents find out quickly that while babies don't come with an instruction manual, there's all sorts of wisdom to be gained from those who have gone before.

This guide to traveling with a baby may not come with the baby, but it probably should. If you're a new parent (or about to be one) and you like to travel, this guide will help you get past the idea that your traveling days are over (at least until Junior's a little older) or that you need a nanny or you'll never be able to make it work. Sure, having an extra set of hands is helpful, but it's not required. And given all the reasons to travel with young kids, the idea of waiting isn't always the right option, either.

Traveling with young kids is a challenge, to be sure, but there's so much to be gained that it's definitely not something to dismiss outright. If the parents are up for it, just think of what the children can get out of it. They're veritble sponges when they're young, able to soak up new languages easily, and those skills will always serve them well later in life. Introducing kid to new environments, different-looking people, and unfamiliar foods can make them more adaptable, more tolerant, and more adventurous. Travel does all of these things for adults, too, but we come into it with all sorts of baggage - which is something young kids are blissfully unburdened by.

There are precautions you can take to make sure that you aren't worrying about what might go wrong, too, and that alone can provide peace of mind for both the parents and their relatives back home. Get a quote on travel insurance for families - you'll be surprised at how inexpensive it can be.

How Much Stuff Do You Need to Travel Around the World?

Anyone who has traveled has likely heard it a million times: it pays to pack light. By traveling with just a carryon, you'll avoid extra luggage fees, eliminate the risk or having your luggage lost by the airline, and your travels will be easier as you won't have to lug around large bags or arrive at the airport early (and be the last person waiting) to check your bag.

On a two week trip, traveling with just a carryon isn't that daunting of a prospect. But stretch that trip out to a few months or a year and suddenly it seems an impossible task to live with nothing but what you can carry on your back.

When planning your RTW trip and deciding what to pack and what to leave, the important thing to remember is that a year long trip is really nothing more than a series of one or two week trips, all strung together.

Therein lies the beauty of a RTW trip. Yes, a year is a long time, but you don't need to pack for an entire year. You only need to pack for a few days, one you realize that you can do laundry every few days and you can buy most of what you'll need on the road. Packing lightly seems a lot easier when you plan to wash your clothes every few days. Even accounting for changes in climate and the gear you'll need for various activities, you can still pack for a few day trip in a single bag.

You just need to get out of the "vacation" mentality. On an RTW trip, you have the time to wash your clothes every few days, as you won't be rushing from place to place each day. Since you have more time in each place, taking an hour or two to do laundry doesn't feel like as much of a time sacrifice as it does on a more rushed trip. You'll also get many of the aforementioned benefits out of going with just a carryon. Some quotes on RTW tickets include luggage fees, while others don't. So you know you won't get hit with surprise fees like you might with checked bags. And after a few months on the road, you'll appreciate the fact that you aren't lugging around a giant bulky bag, especially when running to make trains, climbing up a dozen flights of stairs to your hostel, or worrying about your belongings on an overnight bus.

Traveling light on an extended trip may seem difficult, but it's much easier, and much more beneficial than you might expect.

Photo by fortherock

Plan a Family Trip to Chicago This Summer

The summer trip seems to be a family tradition. From road trips to Disney World or the Grand Canyon to backpacking adventures around the globe, a family trip is a time to learn, explore, and bond as a family before the chaos of work, school, social activities and events resumes in the fall. In the US, one of the best places for a family vacation is the Midwest city of Chicago.

Beacuse it's a major hub in the center of the country, it's easy to find cheap flights to Chicago from most major cities. You can also drive from other Midwest states like Wisconsin, Missouri, Michigan and Indiana. And summer travel deals - particularly during the week - can help bring the cost down even more. Chicago also offers lots of free and cheap things to do, many of which are ideal for families. Window shopping at the larger-than-life stores on the Magnificent Mile,  walking along the Lakefront path, riding the water taxi on the Chicago River, browsing at farmers markets and seeing the animals at the Lincoln Park Zoo are all free activities great for kids of all ages - as well as adults.

And if you visit Chicago in summer, you can take advantage of the city's lakefront location and play or swim at one of the many beaches location on its 26 miles of shoreline or attend a summer festival, which seem to happen every week. When the heat gets to be too much, there are plenty of ways to cool down too, like ducking into one of the city's great museums. The museums are fascinating for adults, but will also capitvate kids with exhibits like Sue, the giant T-Rex skeleton at the Field Museum or the underground mine ride at the Museum of Science and Industry. And after a long day of sightseeing, the kids can check out the view at the Signature Lounge atop the John Hancock Building, while mom and dad relax with a cocktail.

Photos by Paul and Christa

 

Plan Your Career Break

It's a universal problems for those who love to travel: how do we fit it all in? Most of us only have two weeks of vacation per year and it's a constant struggle to pack in all the travel we want to do in to just 14 days. So we rush around on our "vacation" until we come back to work more exhausted than when we left. We often choose more accessible, easier to reach places to limit time in transit, and while this works, it also limits how far we can let our travel dreams take us.

 

But what if you want more? What if you're not content with just two weeks of vacation? What if you want to spend a month really getting to know a place, or three months exploring the lesser-known, harder to reach areas of a region? If quitting your job to travel isn't an option, it doesn't mean you have to accept the status quo.

Many companies are actually willing to work with employees, offering them an unpaid sabbatical rather than risk losing the employee altogether. Choosing a career break may be a great option that allows you to hit the road for 3, 6, 9, or even 12 months and then return to the job you love rested, refreshed and reinvigorated from your time spent exploring the world.

Once your job is secure, you may be concerned with keeping up with your bills while you're gone. But it's not as hard as you might think. You'll obviously need to save up money for your trip, but once on the road you'll find that costs can be much less than you'd expect and that traveling in developing countries can be cheaper than living at home. You may have to downsize your belongings and put items in storage or find a way to rent your apartment or home, but these things can be done.

No matter what your personal situations is - single, married, or a family - you can take an extended trip around the world. Hundreds of families travel together, and just as many people go solo. Don't be afraid to strike out on your own; you'll quickly discover the many benefits of solo travel and find that it's easier than you thought to make friends on the road. If you're not content with the standard two-week vacation, stop dreaming about taking more time to travel and start doing something to make your career break dreams come true.

Photo by Wotjeck Gurak

Nova Scotia for Foodies

For many traveling food lovers, the thought of a food and wine destination conjures images of France, Spain, or Japan internationally, with cities like New York or famous wine regions like Napa Valley coming to mind for domestic destinations. But something a little unexpected and a lot less touristed, check out Nova Scotia, Canada.

Located just north of Maine on the eastern seaboard, Nova Scotia is one of Canada's maritime provices. With a rich and somtimes tragic history (in 1917 an explosion in the harbor killed thousands and nearly destroyed the Halifax), the province is coming into its own as a foodie destination. There's a strong emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and a new crop of talented young chefs putting them together in creative and delicious ways. Some of the best food and drink in Nova Scotia is purely local - scallops from the bay, fresh lobster and fish, and wines that flourish no where but here.

Flights to Halifax (where you will arrive in Nova Scotia) from the eastern US are only a few hours and accommodation in Halifax runs the gamut from budget hostels to luxury hotels. The provice is fairly small - you can pick one or two locations to visit or stay in Halifax and make day trips, so it's easy to see a lot in a small amout of time. With three to four days, you can explore a good deal of the province without spending much money, making Nova Scotia an excellent east coast getaway for a long weekend on a budget. Just be sure to come hungry.

Photo by indiekidsdontdance

Is the cost of Italy this summer going to keep you at home?

It's that time of year again, folks, when people all over are asking each other the same question - where are you going this summer? While that question is usually a happy one, this year with the rising cost of airfare that question is leading to more than a few replies involving the cancellation of travel plans.

Let's assume for a moment that you're still trying to plan a trip this summer, however - that means you're probably on the hunt for summer travel deals. You may also be someone who's not content with the idea of compromising on your travel aspirations, either, which means the idea of replacing (for instance) Italy in summer with a trip closer to home won't do. Of course, tickets to Italy aren't cheap at this time of year. So what do you do?

If you can switch your desired Italy trip to another time of year, that's a great way to save money on everything from airfare to hotels and more. Finding cheap tickets to Italy in the late fall or even the winter is much easier, and unless your entire vacation goal is to lie on a beach somewhere there's still plenty to do in Italy that doesn't require sunny weather. Yes, it's nice to avoid wet weather when you're walking around the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum (entirely outdoors), but the list of what to do in Rome when it rains is long - some of the city's top sights are indoors, and that's true of many Italian cities.

Now, while you won't get to take part in the many summer festivals in Italy if you visit in a different season, the good news is that there are festivals that go on throughout the year in Italy - and in fact, the number of food-related festivals in the fall makes it the season to visit if you like to eat. Festivals continue in the winter months, including Christmas and New Year festivities, and two of the country's chocolate festivals are in the late fall (in Perugia) and spring (in Turin).

If budget is your top concern this year, your summer travel plans may need to be adjusted somewhat, but by moving your trip to Italy to the fall or winter you can still enjoy a visit to this beautiful country without paying a fortune for your trip.

Budget Travel in Thailand

There are some destinations that are considered to be "easy" for travelers who want to get their feet wet beyond the usual European spots. SE Asia regularly rises to the top of that list, with good reason - it's incredibly cheap, so very popular with backpackers or budget travelers in general, and many of the countries have a good tourist infrastructure after years of hosting travelers. One of the most popular countries in SE Asia - for novices and long-time travelers alike - is Thailand.

While flights to Thailand from much of the U.S. can be expensive at times (it is the other side of the world, after all), by planning ahead and avoiding the high season you can actually find some good deals. This is partly true because Bangkok's enormous Suvarnabhumi Airport is a major hub for both Thailand and SE Asia.

Flying into Bangkok may offer you the best options on a cheap fare, but most people want to get beyond the big city eventually and see a different side of Thailand. One of the most popular places to go after (or instead of) Bangkok is Chiang Mai.

Once you're in Bangkok, you have a few options to get to Chiang Mai. Buses and trains are usually the best options if you're on a seriously strict budget, but it's so much quicker to fly to Chiang Mai from Bangkok that it's worth looking into to see whether you can find a good deal on a low-cost carrier like AirAsia.

Chiang Mai, like Bangkok, is quite accustomed to tourists, so there are plenty of accommodation options to suit all travel styles and budgets. Even if you're traveling on a shoestring, don't automatically head for a hostel, however - it's worth checking the prices on hotels because they're often much cheaper than hotels in other tourist centers, so you might find a hotel in Chiang Mai that offers you a little bit of luxury without a luxurious price.

Gap Years, Career Breaks, & the RTW Travel Trend

To a certain extent, I'm sure that the increase in the number of people I hear about taking long-term trips and round-the-world trips is explained by the fact that I'm in the travel industry - but I've been in the travel industry for years, and I still swear the number of people talking about RTW travel has increased more recently.

What's even more interesting is that it's not always the stereotypical travelers one might have thought of decades ago who were taking year-long trips around the world - now, in addition to those people, there are people taking career breaks later in life and without experiencing a midlife crisis.

We've long known that you don't have to be crazy to quit your job and travel the world. In some places in the world, a "gap year" is a normal part of the language - and while gap years are traditionally taken between university and a person's first foray into a career, it's not uncommon for people to take a gap year trip between jobs, before having kids, or at another similar time of change.

Still, you don't have to be experiencing a major life change in order to decide that taking a big chunk of time off to travel is a good idea - and, as noted at the outset, it seems that more people lately are starting to warm up to that idea. Making the decision is the first step, and the good news is that there are all kinds of tools out there to help you get from that important decision to the first day of your trip. You can learn about how to budget for an RTW trip, how to decide where to go on a RTW trip, even how to travel greener in order to minimize your impact on the planet.

Do you want to take an RTW trip? What's the biggest thing holding you back?

Returning to New Orleans

Back in 1998, in a previous life at a previous job, it was announced that an annual conference for my department was going to be in New Orleans. A longtime Anne Rice fan, I was elated. The conference would only require me to be in the city for two days, but I asked the travel office to allow me to stay in the hotel room over the adjacent weekend, assuming I'd pay the difference in the hotel costs. This was, of course, back in the day when a "Saturday night stay" on a plane ticket meant an enormous drop in the cost of said ticket - so not only did I get to spend another two days in New Orleans, my office paid for the extra hotel days with the savings in my plane ticket.

I had an amazing four days, spending every night at Preservation Hall, eating incredible gumbo and jambalaya, wandering the damp streets of the Garden District, and finding Anne Rice's house (which I stared at for a good 20 minutes). I loved the city, missed it instantly upon my return home, and kept promising to return. After the 2005 hurricane season, I was even more determined to get back - but it's only now, in 2011, that I'm finally making good on that promise.

New Orleans travel deals abounded in the years after Katrina, as the city struggled to rebuild and did everything it could to attract tourists back to spending money in the city. Although prices on trips to the Crescent City have gone up in more recent years, there are still deals to be had. When planning my own trip this month, I assumed that I'd have to be looking for a hostel in New Orleans or a cheap hotel somewhere far outside the glorious French Quarter so as not to blow my whole budget on accommodation - but I was pleasantly surprised.

Yes, there are boutique hotels in the neighborhood that cost a few hundred per night, but I was thrilled to find an historic hotel right in the heart of the French Quarter offering a weekend special. Without trying too hard, I found a 4-star hotel at a 2-star price - and that wasn't the only such deal out there.

Visiting New Orleans during one of its big annual festivals will certainly mean higher prices on accommodation (not to mention fewer vacancies), but there are still more deals available than you might think. It can be challenging to find available rooms in the best locations during Mardi Gras, but there are still New Orleans Jazz Fest deals to be had. Since both Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest are spread out throughout the city, that makes finding a good deal on a place to stay a bit easier. Sure, it's nice if you can sleep within a short walk of the actual Jazz Fest grounds or the most popular Mardi Gras parade routes, but the whole city erupts in celebrations during both events, so it's not hard to find a party.

Truth be told, there are always more cheap flights to Vegas from Portland than there are cheap flights to New Orleans. And although I love New Orleans far more than Las Vegas, I've been to the latter far more often - partly because of how cheap a Vegas trip can be. With my upcoming New Orleans trip, I'm prepared to spend a bit more than I might on a different domestic trip - and I'm also prepared to be very happy I did.

See More Italy for Less When You Travel by Train

Renting a car in Europe is expensive and stressful. If you can't drive a stick, you'll pay even more and unless you speak the language or know the local road rules inside and out, you may end up getting a costly ticket or finding yourself lost and frustrated on what should be a relaxing vacation.

For most people, it's simply not worth the aggravation to rent a car, especially for a short trip.

Flying can be a great option,particularly if you're pressed for time or need to cover long distances, but if you have a week or more and are traveling between major cities like Venice, Florence and Rome, there's no better way to travel in Italy than by train. Train travel in Italy is relatively quick (about 3-4 hours between the most popular cities) and affords you the chance to see more of Italy on a budget without the stress of driving yourself.

Train travel in Italy can be quite affordable. A Eurail pass will come in handy if you're traveling extensively by train, but otherwise, point to point tickets will be your best bet. If you're looking to save money on Italian train tickets, check out BootsnAll's new rail search tool, which can help you save up to 30% for tickets that originate in Italy. And as an added bonus, you'll get the tickets delivered via email and you can pay with an American credit card, which can be difficult if not impossible to do via the Italy rail website.

Train travel is cheapier, easier, and more convenient that other forms of travel within the country. Plus, who can resist the romantic notion of a train trip in Italy?

Photo by cavorite

Plan an Affordable Trip to Eastern Europe

The though Cold War is long over and the Iron Curtain no longer separates Eastern Europe from the rest of the world, there's still an air of mystery about the region.

The countries of Eastern Europe, countries like Slovakia, Ukraine, Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Hungary, are much less traveler than their western counterparts. Fewer people visit, many locals don't speak much English, and there's less infrastructure - or at least, less of the standard we expect after visiting countries like Germany, France and Spain.

But therein lies much of the appeal. In visiting Eastern Europe, it's possible to get off that proverbial "beaten path" and see a less touristed side of the continent. And of course, with the lack of crowds comes gritter, less-polished, and often much cheaper experiences.

These are among just a few of the reasons to visit Eastern Europe. The rest lie within the destinations themselves. In Poland, you can go wine tasting, hike in the beautiful Tatras mountains and gorge on dumplings and blini. In Hungary, another affordable wine-tasting destination, you can experience the best of Budapest at lively beer gardens and cafes, or through the neoclassical architecture and meat-centric cuisine.

Getting to Eastern Europe takes a bit more effort (you'll generally have a connection in a hub on the western side of the continent) but once you're there you'll find costs much lower, especially as many of these countries are not yet on the Euro and so the dollar is much stronger. For example, Budapest hotels cost only a fraction of what you'd pay in a city like Dublin or Munich, and drinks and street food can be had for the equivalent of less than two bucks. With Western commerce moving in and the last vestiges of communism moving out, it won't be the case for long. But for now. Eastern Europe is a bargain destination that shouldn't be missed.

Photo by colm.mcmullen

Pack Light with the Right Gear

For those of us who have a hard time packing for a week-long vacation in a single bag, the idea of going on an extended trip without multiple suitcases is a bit daunting. But as any long-term traveler will tell you, packing for around the world trips is not much different than packing for a shorter trip. You just need to make sure you have the right gear.

To start with, think about what you would take for a week-long trip and then remind yourself that a year-long trip is just a week-long trip....times 52. If you bring enough for a week, and make sure you pick the right clothes, you'll have enough to get through a much longer trip by layering clothes, choosing items that can do "double duty" and bringing clothes that are easily washed and dried in 24 hours.

For men, most round the world travelers agree than 2-3 pairs of pants and one pair of shorts are really all you need as far as bottoms. For women the same goes, with the addition of a dress or travel skirt (the best travel skirts can be dressed up or down, so one will get your through a variety of situations). Beyond that, a few shirts - short sleeve and longsleeve, plus one sweater for layering - will cover you in a variety of climates and countries.

The rest of your gear will depend on what you plan to do and where you'll be going. If you plan to camp or sleep outdoors, a sleeping bag or sleep sack will be required, or check out the latest travel hammocks for a comfortable and easily portable bed. With the right gear, packing for a long trip isn't that different than packing for a shorter one. In fact, since you'll be able to do laundry every few days (by staying longer in each place, you won't be as rushed as on a 7 day trip and will have time), you can actually get by with less!

Photo by brunomiranda

Going to Chicago for March Madness

As soon as the calendar ticks over to March every year, countless college basketball fans start salivating. It's hard to tell whether the term "March Madness" fuels or simply describes the insanity, but either way it's an apt name for the few weeks of NCAA Championship basketball that takes over the sports-crazy among us.

Here's the thing, though - yes, watching the tournament on TV (like most of us do) is fine, but for anyone whose team is one of the many names on an NCAA bracket or, heck, who just really likes to travel, March Madness can be an excuse to get out of town for a couple days to see some exciting games of college hoops. Sometimes the cities hosting games are even tourist destinations all their own.

For instance, in 2011, one of the cities hosting games for the second round of March Madness is Chicago. There's obviously no shortage of things to see and do in the Windy City even when the NCAA tournament isn't in town, but what basketball fan can resist the lure of a trip to Chicago and a few games thrown in for good measure? Yes, there are warmer places to be than Chicago in March, but you're more apt to find cheap flights to Chicago this time of year than you are (say) Tampa or Tucson (other cities hosting second round games this year).

The Chicago games are on March 18th and 20th, giving you a full Saturday in between game days to play tourist in Chicago. Since you can't be guaranteed warm weather in late March, however, you might want to make sure you've got some indoor sight-seeing that can be done in case it's unpleasant to be outside for too long. Oh, and you might also want to consider travel insurance before you go, especially if you're cheering for one team surrounded by the other team's fans.

Living Like a Local When Traveling

You don't have to be a round the world traveler or even an expat to appreciate the idea of slowing down and pretending to live like a local when you travel. Even on a short two-week trip it's possible to have moments when you can pretend you live there, which is always fun. This is especially easy to do when you're visiting a city that turns so many travelers into residents.

One such example is Vancouver, BC - countless people visit each year only to end up lulled into uprooting and relocating to this beautiful city. It routinely gets listed very highly on indexes charting things like quality of life, and even though it's a relatively expensive city to visit it's usually worth it. There are some great cheap hotels in Vancouver, of course, that will help you keep your travel budget in check.

Now, those budget-friendly places to stay aren't likely to have those killer views overlooking the city - but then again, neither is your living room window if you decide to move there. Places with the best views of Vancouver tend to be prohibitively expensive highrises or luxury hotels, neither of which are the haunts of the average traveler. There are some excellent views that anyone can enjoy, however, including the views from Stanley Park and the ferries to Granville Island.

A couple great ways to feel like a local even when you're just visiting include being a repeat visitor at a restaurant or cafe and working out with the rest of the people who live in a place. It's easy to feel like a regular if you go to the same cafe a few days in a row - whether the guy behind the counter will remember you in a week or not is beside the point. It's enough for the traveler's mind to have that lovely feeling of familiarity with where the bathroom is and what's on the menu.

But to really get in the swing of living local, get out and get active. Most travelers abandon their normal exercise routines, so it's typically the residents you'll be working out with. It's a good way to see what life is like in a place, as well as a way to make new friends if you're considering relocating. There are lots of great places to exercise in Vancouver, many of which involve being outdoors and enjoying the many natural resources surrounding the city.

What are your favorite ways to live like a local - even if only for a few days - when you're traveling?

Healthy and Fit while Traveling

Whether we travel for a week or a year, staying healthy on the road is the most important thing to consider. We all know that we cannot have fun if we don’t feel well neither can we explore new places. Not to mention what a trouble is to have diarrhea while you are stuck on a long bus drive.

Friends (and colleagues – thank you, guys!) always made fun of me for getting a travel insurance quote even for a week abroad. Yes, I’m going to London this March and yes, I already bought travel insurance. [You can start sending your sarcasm my way.]

But I stick to my recommendations: purchase travel insurance and hope you’ll never have to use it. In case you do, you’ll be happy for the “investment” made. Vitamin C is your friend. Bring lots of it. Declare it at check in if you travel by plane! If you know you are allergic to something, stay away from that food at all costs! It might look and smell good, but you don’t want to be sick, do you? Don’t get drunk … you can have two drinks maximum a night and also stay away from alcohol on some nights.

If you don’t plan to gain weight and get sick, eat less than you’d want to. If food looks very well, we are tempted to eat a lot. But that doesn’t do us any good.

Make sure to keep a good sleep schedule and take naps when you are too tired. Six hours of sleep per night is a must. If you happen to travel to places famous for their “alternative” remedies, such as massages, do try them. Also, doing yoga while you travel is really easy to accomplish and is a good way to relax and stay fit.

Photo credit

Resources for Gay Travelers

It's an unfortunate fact that at the moment we live in a world where gay and lesbian people often suffer from discrimination and that some hotels, and even some cities have to be labeled as "gay friendly" (because the alternatives are places that are very unfriendly towards gay couples.). But the fact of the matter is that gay travelers often have to take into account the level of discrimination (or even violence) they'll face when traveling to a specific destination. In many places - like most first-world countries - gay travelers can travel without care, while in some countries, same-sex couples may run into trouble.

BootsnAll's GLBT travel resources can help if you're a gay traveler planning a trip. In addition to books on gay travel and recommendations for gay-friendly destinations, we offer tips on finding a gay-friendly hotel and links to a whole host of other online resources from around the web. Towards the top of that list is the Netherlands, which is among the most welcoming to gay travelers; the gay tourism center in Amsterdam opened in 2009 to help aquaint gay travelers with the city.

No matter what your travel style - whether your style is gay backpacking or you prefer more upscale accommodation, there's a whole wide world out there waiting to be explored. Travel can open your mind and enrich your life, and it doesn't have to cost a fortune. Gay or straight, you can find dozens of resources on BootsnAll that will help you travel better, for less money, than you ever thought.

Photo by Thomas Lu

Celebrate Valentine's Day in Las Vegas

Sin City is many things to many people - family-friendly fun spot, anything goes destination for wild weekends with friends, quickie wedding locale, and even romantic getaway. If it's the last role - that of romantic destination - you want Vegas to play, it won't disappoint. Amidst the slot machines and all-you-can-eat buffets, Vegas also offers a healthy dose of glitz and glamour, perfect for sharing with that special someone.

There are dozens of romantic restaurants in Las Vegas where you can dine on gourmet meals prepared by some of the country's best chefs. There are shows for every taste, including performances from some of the biggest names in show business. And there are spas that will pamper every inch of you and your Valentine. Las Vegas offers everything from over-the-top indulgence to understated elegance so you're sure to find something that suites your tastes, whether that be taking a private helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon or a night out experiencing some of the city's best attractions.

Going to Las Vegas for Valentine's Day makes for a great weekend getaway, too. You can see a good deal of the city in 2-3 days and Las Vegas weekend flight deals are frequently offered, along with deep discounts on hotels. And, many of the city's most romantic sights, like the fountains at the Bellagio, can be experienced for free. So even if you can't afford the time or money for a longer trip to Las Vegas, you can still enjoy a romantic weekend getaway - on a budget - for Valentine's Day.

Photo by pudda

Meeting Other People While Traveling

Whether you're on a round the world trip or you're just taking a short vacation somewhere, if you're traveling by yourself it's not uncommon to find yourself pining for the company of others every now and then. It doesn't make you any less hard-core of a traveler if you like hanging out with people, and in fact some would argue meeting people is one of the biggest perks of traveling solo.

The trouble is that sometimes meeting other travelers can be challenging. If you're staying in a dorm room in a hostel and it's packed with friendly travelers with whom you strike up an instant kinship and go out sightseeing and dancing together, you've lucked out. You're likely to meet people in hostels, either in the dorms or the common rooms, but if you're not much of a hostel-goer or the hostel you've checked into is mostly empty, then what?

You have a few options to meet up with other travelers while you're on the road. It could be as easy as finding the most social bar in town and sitting at the counter - it could even be that there's another hostel in town with a great bar where everyone's hanging out (and then you can return to your quiet hostel to get some sleep). You could sign up for a class or a day trip - the ones that involve activity rather than just sightseeing are best for interaction, so look for cooking classes, hikes, or other trips with a physical aspect.

Depending on where you are and how connected people seem to be, you can always try to put the word out on social media like Twitter or Facebook or check online travel message boards to see if anyone is in the area and interested in meeting up.

All of these things require a little bit more effort on your part than just showing up in your hostel's common room and expecting to make instant friends, but anyone who's planning to do solo travel for any length of time is probably prepared to put in whatever effort necessary.

Living Abroad

Among the long-time readers, members, and customers of BootsnAll over the years, there's a fairly large contingent that has lived abroad at some point. These independent travel aficionados might have been on RTW trips and decided to stop in one place for awhile, they might have been ESL teachers, or they may have set out to move to another country from the outset. To a certain extent, these travelers are similar to anyone who loves to travel on a budget - and in some ways, they're very different.

Certainly, the ability to live on less is one of the many advantages to living in less developed countries, and people with a job that can be done from anywhere can certainly afford to live much better in other countries than they can in the U.S. or Europe. Southeast Asia, for instance, has long been a haven for budget-conscious expats. In addition to the cheap accommodation and food that's available, it's also easy to get around without spending much, too - so even if you're based in Bangkok, you can still satisfy your wanderlust cheaply with bus travel in Thailand if you want.

Of course, even if you're saving money by living in another country, there are certain things you need to do to make sure you don't get caught in a potentially dangerous situation. You might be young and healthy, but there's no telling if you might get hurt while hiking or get food poisoning or something else, so getting expat travel insurance doesn't make you a boring old fuddy-duddy - it makes you smart.

Have you ever lived in another country?

Happy New Year, Travel & Tech Style

The turning of the calendar to reveal a brand new year brings with it all kinds of tasks. There are resolutions to make (and subsequently break), there's Christmas money to spend on all the stuff you wanted but didn't get as gifts, and learning how to use the gadgets you did find under the tree.

And, of course, there are travel plans to make.

This is one of the busiest times of year for travel planning, as people come off the chaos of the holidays and focus with renewed emphasis on the places they'd like to go in the coming year. Perhaps you're gearing up for an epic spring break trip from college. Maybe you're gauging where you'll go by some of the 2011 travel predictions you've read. Or maybe you've resolved to stick to a budget this year, making budget travel tips the most important ones you'll read.

If you were lucky enough to receive a new tech toy for Christmas, then be sure to look into ways to make it work for you as a travel tool. You don't even have to have a smartphone to start using Twitter for travel (although smartphones do make it easier), and by following helpful people you can get insider tips on whatever location you're visiting as well as get money-saving advice from people who know the area.

There are a quadrillion iPhone apps out there (seriously, it feels like that when you're navigating the App Store), so it's probably not surprising that many of them are travel-related. What might surprise you, however, is how many of these travel iPhone apps can help you travel smarter, cheaper, and with less stuff in your bag. The iPhone is an incredible multi-tasker that can serve so many purposes you may be able to leave several of your old tech tools at home next time you hit the road.

What travel-related or tech-related ways are you ringing in the start of a new year?

The Holiday Travel Dilemma

Christmas may have just passed, but it's not too early to start thinking about your holiday travel plans for 2011, especially as tickets over Christmas and New Years tend to be among the most expensive and booking sooner can help you save money on flights. But before you can fill in your holiday travel calendar, if you're anything like me, you first needed to make the all-important decision - will this year see you traveling to be with family or will you take advantage of those extra days off work to plan an epic adventure in a foreign land?

It's a cut and dry choice for some; Christmas equals time with family. But for others, like me, travel offers a temping alternative. But how to take part in Christmas celebrations around the world without upsetting family? It's all about the compromise. When I travel over one holiday, like Christmas, I make sure I come into town for Thanksgiving, and I alternate years so that I am home for every other Christmas with family.

Depending on where your family is located and where you are traveling to, you can even combine trips with a short layover for the best of both worlds. I've spent December 23 and 24 with family and then then late on Christmas Day for a trip. That way I get to travel over New Years (and the accompanying free day off work) while still getting to spend Christmas with family. If you're committed to traveling over some of the holidays but still want to spend time with family during this time of year, there are ways to make it work.

Photo by -12C

Santa Claus, the Ultimate Traveler

I don't remember exactly when I stopped believing in Santa Claus. I don't think I had an epiphany of any kind, and I have no memory of my older sister cruelly breaking the news. I think I just slowly came the realization that it simply could not be true. There was no way a big fat man spent 364 days of the year holed up in a cabin at the North Pole, surrounded by elves and talking reindeer, and then somehow made it around the world in one night, breaking into people's homes, devouring their milk and cookies, and leaving behind gifts. And I remember thinking "well that's sad that it's not true, because it would be an awesome job to have."

If you think about it, Santa does kind of have the perfect job for someone who is travel obsessed. Sure, he has to make millions of toys over the course of the year, but that's what the elves are for. You never really hear about Santa slaving away in his sweat--I mean, work-shop. He's probably off traveling the work while the elves to the heavy lifting. Then he has to work one night of year, and along the way he gets to see every city and town in the entire world. Talk about a round-the-world trip to make you jealous!

And when you take a look at how Santa Claus travels, the envy doesn't ease up. The guy has a magical sleigh that transports him wherever he wants to go. Sure, he has to keep nine reindeer fed, but he never has to wait in lines, fight over whether or not he can recline his seat, or worry about how much he can fit in his carryon. And, there's something to be said for not being subject to the TSA pat down! Santa is kind of the king of the frequent fliers, clocking in millions of miles flying around the world every night. Truth be told, if he held a contest to hire a new intern, I'd probably apply. Well, if only he was real.

Photo by Bart Fields

Give the Gift of Vegas

There are very few shopping days left until Christmas this year, and if you haven't gotten all the gifts on your list don't worry - you're not alone. All of us have people on our gift lists who can be tough to buy for, so it's nice when you can find collections of good suggestions to help you in the gift buying department.

If, for instance, anyone on your gift list loves to travel, this is an excellent list of gift ideas for travelers. Of course, the gift most travelers would love to get - international airfare somewhere fabulous - isn't feasible for most of us. One trip that is a bit more do-able for many, however, is a trip to Las Vegas.

There are all kinds of reasons to visit Las Vegas in 2011 - including the opening of the swanky new Cosmopolitan resort (did you know you can go inside a giant chandelier there?!?) and the fact that the Hard Rock hotel is hosting MTV's Real World - but even if you're not staying in a posh hotel or celebrity-stalking you can enjoy a 2011 trip to Vegas. Both Celine Dion and Elton John are returning in 2011, and Sin City remains a budget-friendly vacation destination with plenty to please just about any crowd.

Now, if you're really into gambling or high-end shopping, or you plan on eating in the fanciest restaurants and staying in the nicest hotels, you could absolutely blow through your travel budget in a hurry in Sin City. But budget travelers can make their money last in this city, too, if they're careful. To start with, flying into Vegas is typically quite inexpensive from just about anywhere in the United States - especially in the western half of the country, and especially if you combine it with a hotel in one of the Vegas vacation packages that abound.

And if you don't find a vacation package within your price range, don't worry. You can still get a great deal on airfare and book your own accommodation - any of the Vegas hotels off the Strip usually offer cheap prices on sometimes-bland but perfectly fine rooms.

Should you decide to reward the travel lover in your life with a trip to Vegas in 2011, there's no reason you can't go along!