Being a Tourist without Paying Tourist prices

Meeting and conversing with the locals is a must when learning where the genuine savings are. The ability to be a tourist but I do not like paying as a tourist is amazing. Everywhere I traveled learning how to relate and blend in with the people is fun and saves money every day. Locals are happy to share where the best pubs, bars, local markets, fairs, and entertainment can be found.

The challenge is, are people are willing to share this valuable knowledge and where do they spend their time? Cafe’s, parks, and the markets in the tube stations, at the bus stations, and airports or on the flight because you already have something in common. Hostels are amazing places to walk to and have a little chat with because many are not from the area and know where to get the same results. For example, in London, I learned that I can go the 7th floor of a museum (free) and experience the same view without nature’s elements or pay the 20 pounds.

Travel Sights to Use for Flight Itinerary

There are some great places to go to find flights to find to other countries.  The first site that had the best results for the more luxurious flight experience but did not permit mush luggage was CheapOAir.com.  However if the amount of luggage you take is not an issue CheapOAir is wonderful for travel from the states to Europe. While traveling in Europe I used expedia.com.  The only reason I did not use Ryan air was because I was traveling for three seasons and I was traveling with my textbooks, laptop, and three seasons and four months worth of cloths and medications and two school quarters of textbooks.

Motion sickness

Anyone who suffers from motion sickness, there are some new things just for you.  There are these bands that you can wear that work.  I personally do not suffer from motion sickness, but those who do have said that this is  amazing. I am so grateful for this because I was not able to travel different places because of people not being able to handle motion sickness. If you have any interests, this treasure is at Rooten’s Luggage.  They are amazing and answer questions all the time.  If you live in the area, they can work with you on your packing methods every other week in a class that they offer.  Also if, you have a box of dark chocolate Jim is willing to pack it for you if they are not too busy.

Tal’s Camel

Today I had the opportunity to speak with a wonderful man from Israel who told of unfortunate events but had such a wonderful perspective on life.  Learning about a new culture and a different way to adapt to life was revealed during the interview.  One’s perspective can alter the means of actions as was the case for Ron.  His daughter was killed in a bus bombing in Israel in 2003.  He has developed a wonderful site http://www.tal-smile.com/Home.htm.  On this site you can click on the link Tal’s Camel.  Please take the time to remember a girl by coloring a camel.  Everything Ron does to ensure that the memory of his daughter continues comes from his heart.  This was one of the most inspiring and touching conversations that I have had. Again please take a look at the site to keep Tal and all those whose lives were lost alive and to keep the awareness of terror victims present.

Fun New gadget that is now permitted on a flight

Every day I am learning about new things that TSA approves. I am so glad I know about this new gadget for the next trip I take.

Yeah, there is a set of nail clippers that are TSA approved.  Yep I tried.  I crochet and  cut all kinds of yarn with these new clippers.  They work.  This means that all those crafty people who use yarn for all kinds of stuff, can now finish projects,  snip and change colors on the plane and in the airport, and not be a threat to everyone else.

Saving money while traveling throughout Spain

Like everything in life timing is everything, traveling is not different.  You can save or spend more based on when you book your flight plan, hotels, train tickets, and when you go to the store. It is important to know when to book your itinerary, such as traveling during the off-season can save money and if you are willing to stay in hostels you can have your own 16 bed dorm (off season).  One last thing to consider when traveling is considering the local events such as marathons and cultural and religious holidays all impact the prices of places.

Safe travels

Seville, Spain II

There is so much to appreciate in Seville.  There is the amazing Cathedral, even if you do not believe in the Catholic religion.  There are amazing artifacts that depict much of the troubles that the area had going back and forth from the Moors and the Spanish countries.  Once one visits everything that is available on the ground floor there is the 33 floors that one can venture up an see the entire city from the rooftop.  It is completely breath taking and will be linked ASAP.

Brilliant Valencia

Valencia had the best weather, the nicest people, and the most unusual rituals.  Thursdays the leaders sit for about a min. at the water tower to hear the concerns of the community.  A long time ago this was a big ordeal but now not so much.

The photos for next month are of the “Old Riverbed”  which generated much controversy because the government wanted to build a highway there.  To prevent this the locals went out late at night and planted trees that look like they belong in a Dr. Seus book.  Today this area is the old river and because the citizens won it is one long park with soccer fields, a bungee cord climbing area with a trampoline in the middle, and of course a Gullivers play ground that children of all sizes can play on.

Best of Seville!!

Photos of Seville, Spain

This was one of the funnest cities that I traveled to.  The people are amazing, the fruits and veggies are delicious, and the flamenco dancing was breath taking.  If you go to the Triana part of the gypsy quarter there is a bar that has flamenco dancing that starts at 11 pm but I recommend getting there around 10 ish and stay as late as possible.  After the official show there are the professionals who perform at the back for fun and compete against each other.