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What's Your Travel Philosophy? {Gadling}
May 7th 2012 4:40AM To me, traveling is about experiencing new things or do things differently. It's also a learning experience that each trip should allow you to learn and understand not just about others but also yourself.
During my travels, I learned a few things myself and develop some personal lessons, observations, and philosophies. Here are a few:
- Travel light. Pretty much any experienced traveler will tell you that yet it still can't be stressed enough. You don't want excess baggage. Literally and figuratively. Travel only with the essentials and use them efficiently. If you need help carrying it, ask yourself if you really need it.
- You can never plan too much but your plans must be flexible. Plan for the little details that make your trip that much better and let adventure handle the big stuff. On my last trip to DC, I spent considerable efforts to pick the right hotel that is close to the Mall and between two or three subway lines, bought a 7 day Metro pass, and made reservations to meet my Senator, visit Pentagon, Washington Monument, and White House. But between those key visits, I simply explored and let random curiosities take me to other places to see, eat, and do.
- Don't always rely on GPS, maps, and guides. Once you get the general layout of an area, don't be afraid to try a different path as you return to your hotel each day. You'll often discover interesting things you would've missed if you take the same path every time.
- Try not to do things you can do at home. I hate when my friends and families travel only to eat and shop at places that are available at home. It makes no sense to me.
- Never underestimate or look down on the idea of traveling alone. Everyone should do it at least once. Go somewhere you've never been to without your friends or family. Of course, only do it in safe destinations and you can still make new local friends or join groups.
- Be curious.
- Sometimes, try being someone else. It's a hoot. You are at a different place, be different. Pretend you're someone else for a day. Again, for my trip to DC, I chose to wear my fancier clothes to the airport so that I don't have to pack it in my carry-on. I don't know what it was, but the check-in attendant made small talk asking, "They're sending you on another business trip, huh?" I just went with it and told her I was a photojournalist commissioned by a local magazine to cover the Cherry Blossom Festival. It's not far from the truth since I am an amateur hobbyist photographer and I did have my gear.
Wynn Las Vegas website looks like a 1990s CD-ROM {Gadling}
Feb 17th 2012 5:29PM Speaking of auto-play music, what's up with the obnoxious auto-play video? At least hide them after the breaks of each article. I once had three videos playing as soon as I visited the main page.
Why even set to auto-play a video that rehashes the typed articles that it shares the page with? What if I just want to read the articles and then maybe watch the video? Can't do that if the damn video starts playing automatically as it's loaded on blog feed AND article page.
Trekking mobility chairs make planet accessible to all {Gadling}
Feb 17th 2012 3:08AM As a disabled person who loves to travel and longs to visit areas that aren't necessarily accessible, I think these are great innovative solutions to the problem. Ideally, I'd like something that doesn't require that I rely completely on others. If there's a way so that I can get around on my own, it'd be fantastic. Until then, I'll have to rely on the kindness of others or pay them.
British adventurer plans to circumnavigate the globe in a wheelchair {Gadling}
Jan 8th 2012 2:56PM As a wheelchair myself, I will pay close attention, take notes, and cheer him on!!
Powerbag - part bag, part portable power source {Gadling}
Jan 1st 2012 11:56AM It's an interesting concept but I'm not confident on the design and durability of the bags. Plus, charging inside an enclosed bag could lead to overheating and poses a fire hazard if the battery quality is inferior. I do look forward to a review though.
As for me, I'm very happy with New Trent's 11,000 mAh external battery which is about $80 on Amazon and just throw it in my Eagle Creek Switchback Max 22 and good for a week long trip.
Video: Cyclist hit by car and lands on feet {Gadling}
May 26th 2011 3:17PM The cyclist waited till the pedestrian light signaled to walk. He then had to weave off of the crosswalk behind the red jeep because it was obstructing the cross walk. The jeep should not be blocking the cross walk and should've stopped behind the intersection off screen to the right.
The driver of the silver wagon should've done the same but instead was driving too fast to approach the intersection. Either they have a lead foot or couldn't see the red light due to sun glare.
Chery Picks: Where to eat during the National Cherry Blossom Festival {Gadling}
Mar 27th 2011 11:56PM Thanks for the info. I'll be catching the tail end of the festival next week! So, excited! I've never been to DC, nor seen a cherry blossom!
Spider Holster's Black Widow DSLR / camera belt holster review {Gadling}
Mar 27th 2011 11:51PM I like Black Rapid's R-Strap. Way slicker and practical.
Crazy squirrel attacks residents of Vermont {Gadling}
Mar 18th 2011 1:22AM Wow, that squirrel is nuts....
Bizarre foods: European "delicacies," by country {Gadling}
Mar 17th 2011 12:16AM Makes me feel a little better about Cambodian cooking...
