Category Archives: Travel Preparation

Four Years and Seven Days Ago and I’m back in Shanghai

In the span of two long days we packed and stored our NYC life, grabbed a direct 14 hour flight from EWR to PVG, and checked into our new temporary home in the former French Concession (FFC) in downtown Shanghai. We chose Shanghai because we are familiar with the city and will be able toContinue reading “Four Years and Seven Days Ago and I’m back in Shanghai”

Travel Life: An intrepid unintentionally picky eater

Have a weak stomach and can’t leave home without popping a few Tums Tablets?  That’s me but I don’t let it get in the way of my wanderlust Fresh fruit juices, grilled kebab, ice cream, “healthy” green salad, drinks with ice cubes and the list goes on.  These are just a few things that IContinue reading “Travel Life: An intrepid unintentionally picky eater”

Iran: What to pack ladies and what to tell the man to wear

What to pack What men and women wear when visiting an Islamic ruled country like Iran is something most travelers should take time to study.  Men travelling to Iran should not plan on wearing shorts or short pants in Iran no matter what the temperatures are like.  It used to be against the law for men to wearContinue reading “Iran: What to pack ladies and what to tell the man to wear”

The Skinny on the Iranian Travel Visa for U.S. Citizens

The process sort of reminds me of what it takes to get a Russian Travel Visa.  It involves some cash up front, a form of letter of invite, a detailed itinerary, and patience.  The Russian one seemed more to do with cash since it took a just few minutes to fill out the application, aContinue reading “The Skinny on the Iranian Travel Visa for U.S. Citizens”

Short list of WHO WHAT WHERE and HOW for Iran Travel

Here’s my list of online sites which inspired and kept the dream alive while waiting to see if Iran wanted me to come or not.  I hope they are useful to others looking to go: US Travel Warnings British Foreign Office Travel Advisory WHAT Destination Iran Tour Site Traveler Nico from Scotland’s Flickr Stream Soorm’sContinue reading “Short list of WHO WHAT WHERE and HOW for Iran Travel”

Americans in Iran 2011: Planning, applying and waiting…

It’s May 2011 and our next trip will be to Iran. Ignoring the propaganda and the fact that it could take months to get a visa we begin the visa application process and the trip research. It was now or never and we’re going for it. The trip will be at least 14 days whichContinue reading “Americans in Iran 2011: Planning, applying and waiting…”

Hoi An..better part of the Banana Pancake Trail

It’s no wonder Hoi An is on most travelers itineraries while visiting Vietnam and South East Asia. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, a place to do some serious shopping and learn how to cook authentic Vietnamese food by a trained chef. Hoi An represents everything Vietnam is and more.  French, japanese and chinese influencesContinue reading “Hoi An..better part of the Banana Pancake Trail”

The Unlikelihood of Attractive Convertible Travel Pants

Packing for a trip that goes from a week to a year is pretty easy, provided that you keep a zen state of mind.  It’s all about keeping the bag as light and as carefree as possible so that you can focus on the import things, you know like enjoying yourself. Having a ‘light stateContinue reading “The Unlikelihood of Attractive Convertible Travel Pants”

Things to do before checking in to a Budget Hotel – Hotel Tip

Whether you just show up or book online always check the room before handing over the cash.  Here’s why: But the lobby’s nice… Don’t get stuck with the smelly room with broken shower head and lop-sided bed. All hotels have these. Bargain… See what you are getting and then negotiate rate based on quality ,Continue reading “Things to do before checking in to a Budget Hotel – Hotel Tip”

How do you afford to Travel?

This is a question I get from time to time.  It’s simple and it only takes a little sacrifice, motivation and organization. Here are some of the things I do to save for the next trip. 1.  Manage Eating out. Eat at home as much as possible, take lunch to work and instead of diningContinue reading “How do you afford to Travel?”

Eat, Sleep and Meet: Ways to get the most out of Travel

A traveler moves away from being a common tourist to one who actually is an actively taking part in daily life of a foreign land.  Many people go on trips that just end up being type where you roam around like sheep and view the sites as if in a zoo peering though the plexiglass.  This experienceContinue reading “Eat, Sleep and Meet: Ways to get the most out of Travel”