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How To Backpack Through Usa – Travel Guide

2022-12-02

People dream of dropping everything, buying a backpack and traveling throughout the U.S. Maybe you have been planning for this moment for a long time, but you don’t know where to start. The United States is a big country and not to mention quite expensive.

In that case, a road trip across America can be costly, and you could end up spending more than you initially planned.

Therefore, we are going to share with you the best backpacks’ destinations, as well as some tips and tricks, which can help you save money.

The best time to visit

Before you get on with planning, you need to figure out when is the best time to travel. However, here is some good news, considering the U.S. is enormous and has different time zones and climate, so you don’t have to think about a particular time.

But, here are a couple of things you should think about when it comes to picking the right time:
From May to October are the most popular month for tourist in the USA
American usually take a vacation in July and August; therefore, the accommodation and airfare might be more expensive during that time

The northern part of the country gets quite cold during winter, so you may want to avoid these part from November to February

Accommodation

Hostels are backpacker’s first stop when it comes to traveling. However, not all cities in the U.S. have hostels, and some of those that do have, are not in the excellent condition and don’t fulfill appropriate requirements.
Mainly you will find the best hostels in Chicago, where you get a free meal and refreshment.

On the other hand, if you can’t afford HIHostel, then you can use websites such as Hostelbookers or Hostelworld to track down the alternative. The majority of them charge between $20 and $40 for a standard dorm-sized room.On the other hand, you can book a place in a motel as well. They are a great accommodation alternative, but you would have to pay up to $70 per night. Rooms come included with coffee making facilities, swimming pool, and breakfast.

Food

Since you are backpacking, your goal should be to save money as much as you can. In that case, supermarkets are your best friend. The majority of hostels have kitchens and fridges so that you could prepare some food.
However, you can visit fast food outlets, which are also an affordable option. For instance, facilities such as Taco Bell, Burger King, McDonald’s, and so on can be found in most of the cities and offer plenty of different meals.

Entertainment

If you want to visit some theme parks, national parks, museums, movies and others, you’ll have to pay between $15 and $100. But, keep in mind that there are a lot of free things you can do in the U.S. as well. You can check out the hostel notice boards and information centers in a motel because they can offer you plenty of information. Also, check online popular free spots, or focus on revi

Travel / Hitchhikers /

Four Ways To Safely Hitchhike Across The U.s.

2019-09-03

Hitchhiking is a popular way to travel across the United States; however, it carries certain risks, especially if you are inexperienced. But, to protect yourself, we have come up with a couple of ways which will keep you safe on your trip.

Be confident

When you are on the road, always look the driver in the eyes and make sure to offer a smile. You don’t want to look like a weirdo, but a friendly person who just needs a ride. Smiling is an essential part of this process. You could pretend that car is one of your friends who is just about to drive you.

In this case, a couple of seconds is all you need to make a good impression. On the other hand, smiling for a few hours on beaming sunlight isn’t an easy job, but if you want to make it, then don’t look anxious or afraid. Otherwise, you might attract the wrong crowd. Make sure to be confident in your skin.

Look presentable

Every driver avoids picking up a strange-looking person, so dress casually in bright or light cloths. You shouldn’t wear black clothes if you can avoid it, keep your luggage small like a backpack and get rid off the wear sunglasses because people want to look in your eyes. Don’t keep your hands in your pockets, don’t drink, sit on the road, or drink.

Many drivers would pick up hitchhikers who look like them. For example, if you are in Kansas or in Colorado, then consider buying a cowboy hat, to blend into the environment.

Select a good spot

Vehicles won’t stop unless the place is safe, so you should consider interstate on-ramps because the cars aren’t moving very fast and there is usually a place where to stop. The longer the driver can see you, the better. You should also look for areas that have a bit of shade and can protect you from the sun.

If you are hitchhiking in the big cities, then it can be a challenging task. Additionally, you should avoid the spots near the government facilities because it will be impossible to get a ride.

Start a conversation

People usually pick up hitchhikers for a reason. Maybe they are bored and want company on the road, or they just want to listen to travel stories. Therefore, by engaging in a conversation, you will repay them for their service and thanking them for their generosity.

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Travel / Culture /

Traveling Through Asia – Top Five Travel Tips

2019-09-03

Many people dream of visiting Southeast Asia. However, just because this part of the world has stunning beaches, you should pack two bikinis and nothing else. Some parts of the country are more modest and have a strict religious code you have to follow.

Otherwise, you may end up rude and insulting their culture. But, to avoid all these problems and have a dream vacation, we have prepared a couple of things which can help you bypass all the obstacles.

Know about visa requirements

Depending on where you live, your visa requirements may differ. For example, if you are coming from America, you don’t need visa approval, just a stamp in Thailand, unless you are staying longer. If you go to Cambodia, you’ll get a visa-on-arrival, but you’ll have to pay $20 and possibly provide passport photo at airports and borders. The same rule applies to Laos as well.

On the other hand, in Vietnam, you will have to acquire a visa beforehand or get visa-on-arrival before you head home. Don’t just assume that you only need a passport to cross any border. Some countries have strict requirements, so research visa regulations and fees before you get off.

Respect their culture

Southeast Asia respects multiple religions, and Islam is the most dominant one. For instance, if you want to visit their temples or some religious places, you’ll probably have to be covered from head to toe. Also, keep in mind that it’s not recommended to wear shoes into the building.

You don’t want to be rude tourist who doesn’t follow cultural norms and respects other religion. So, research each location before you go and get familiar with their tradition and wardrobe requirements.

Be aware of the scams

Unfortunately, this part of the world isn’t immune to scams, and people often get extorted for the money. For instance, pay attention to taxi or tuk-tuk drivers who will persuade you that places and temples are nearby, but they’ll actually take you to some remote spot just to earn a commission. In some cases, even guards on boarder will force you to pay extra money.

However, this shouldn’t scare you because Southeast Asia is a beautiful part of the world. If you come prepared, you will be able to avoid scams and have a wonderful trip. Make sure to read online reviews and get familiar with the most common scams.

Be prepared to face poverty

Southeast Asia is considered to be a developing world, so roads won’t always be pawed, vehicles won’t always run, and accommodation won’t be great.

In rural areas, you will see the real picture of southeast Asia. In some cases, this can be off-putting, but if you managed to overcome poverty, you would get a chance to experience a fantastic culture.

Avoid tourist traps

This part of the world relies on tourism, however many people saw this as an opportunity to take advantage of tourist. Don’t visit orphanages or give money to begging children on the streets.

Travel / Money /

Five Things You Need To Know Before Traveling To Europe

2019-09-03

Traveling to Europe can be overwhelming; after all, it’s a completely another culture and list of destinations just go on and on. However, with proper planning, you can travel smarter and save some money.
So, here are a couple of things you should know before you embark on this journey.

Get in touch with your credit card company

If you don’t schedule a meeting with your credit card representative before your trip, then their security team will notice some suspicious activities.

For example, when you use credit card to pay a hotel room in France. For that reason, you should notify them about your travel arrangement, so you don’t have problems with paying train tickets, hotel rooms, and others.

Get a rail pass

A rail pass is an excellent way to save some money. In this way, you can reach many locations and experience a different type of adventure. But, if you plan to get a rail pass, then you should purchase it online.
It is easier to get it through a home delivery than dealing with a rail pass on your tip.

Book everything in advance

When it’s the peak of the season, it tends to be crowded, and you’ll probably have to waste a lot of time. But, if you make the reservations in advance, then you get to avoid all that hassle.

In this way, you will ensure that everything goes smooth and without issues. So, instead of staying on the fifth hotel on your wish list, you get to enjoy the magnificent view from your favorite hotel because you booked the room on time.

Don’t plan too much

We get that you want to see everything at the same time, but this can create too much pressure, and you don’t want to spend the majority of your trip moving around. If you plan too much activities at once, then there is a good chance you’ll end up doing less and less.

Make sure you have enough time to rest properly between your destinations, after all your body can’t hold that much pressure. On the other hand, will have a better experience if you divide your activities.

Don’t avoid cliché cities and activities

There is a reason why these cities are famous. You don’t go to Pairs and pass to visit Eiffel Tower. Just because everyone else is going and you seem like a typical tourist, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go. Cliché cities and tourist attractions are your safe bet, and you can’t go wrong with them.

Once we are on this subject, you shouldn’t only visit popular spots. Pay attention to overlooked areas as well. In this case, you will get a better insight into their culture and have a couple of stories to tell.

Pack only necessary things

Please note that not a lot of hotels in Europe are equipped with elevators, so you want to make sure you’ll be able to carry all the luggage around. Consider bringing only the things you’ll actually use, such as electrical plug adapter.

Travel / Destination /

How To Explore The Usa On A Budget?

2019-09-03

Vacations in the U.S. are often linked to epic road trips, the beaming lights of Las Vegas, and magic NY Christmases. However, there is so much more than this, considering America is the land of opportunities.
It has stunning National Parks, beautiful beaches, and a lot of cultural events you can visit.

Even though the US is not a common choice for budget travelers, but with a bit of planning and creativity, you can have a dream vacation.

Choose your destination

When planning a trip in the U.S., there are a lot of things to consider. You’ll probably want to see major cities such as New York City, Las Vegas, Miami. However, if you are on a budget and want low-cost hotels, cheap food, and free of charge attractions, then you should move on and look for something else.

For example, a lot of people don’t know that cities such as Charleston, Savannah, and San Antonio offer great sightseeing opportunities and a lot of local charm. Also, cities such as Nashville and Memphis are a great destination if you want to know more about American musical history and try traditional southern cousin.
Keep in mind that Washington, DC, features the best free attraction in the whole country.

Choose a bus and train instead of an airplane

Even though air travel is the most comfortable and fastest way to reach major cities, buses are more affordable. They also offer you a unique opportunity to experience the American lifestyle.Grayhound is the biggest national bus transportation service, which serves more than 3,800 locations across North America. On the other hand, Amtrak offers a significant reduction in costs if you book your ticket in advance.

To check the schedule for buses and trains, you can use a popular online service GoTicket. It allows you to browse more than 90,000 train and bus routes, to find a suitable option for you.

Free attractions

From galleries and parks to events and routes, each city in the United States features a lot of free events. According to some data, cities such as Kansas City, Washington, DC, Houston, Minneapolis, and New Orleans are some of the best spots to visit if you are in search of free attractions.

Also, a lot of museums in the state provide free admission throughout the week and discounts. Beaches and markets are an excellent way to get familiar with the local culture and meet some new people.However, if you are determined to visit some of the big cities, then New York City offers plenty of free activities.

You can relax in Central Park, experience the energy Time Square offers, or take the ferry to Staten Island. Keep in mind that the Museum of Modern Art has free entry on a Friday afternoon.

Explore grocery stores

Eating out in restaurants is rather expensive. In that case, you can either visit poplar dinners and junk food stands or go grocery shopping. Compared to Europe, groceries are cheaper, and if you have access to cooking facilities, then you can save a lot of money.

Travel / San Luis Travel Guide /

San Luis Travel Guide – All The Things You Should Know

2019-09-03

San Luis Obispo is a small charming town, which has a lot to offer. You can explore it on foot, and it’s an ideal location for visiting the neighboring cities of Oceano, Avila Beach, Pismo Beach, and so on. For that reason, we have compiled this guide to help you get by and discover the beauties of San Luis.

Wine tasting

If you are into wine tasting, then Arroyo Grande should be your next stop. This town makes up the Hwy 1 Discovery route. Even though the majority of travelers go to Paso Robles for wine tasting, the Arroyo Grande is closer and should be included in wine tasting events.

There are two famous vineyards, Laetitia Vineyard & Winery, and Talley Vineyards, which are both excellent and offer delicious wines.

ATV riding in Oceano

Raiding through sandy beaches and dunes is excellent entertainment for adrenaline junkies. Instead of using your car, you can rent a buggy for a couple of hours. Buggies can accommodate up to four people, but if you want a personal ATV, make sure to ask for a quad.

This is the only place in California State Park where these types of vehicles can be driven on the beach. You can also rent a couple of spots in this area.On the other hand, if you are into sports and summer activities, then paddle boarding might be something to consider. Avila Beach is an excellent place for it in the summer and fall. Avila Beach Paddlesports provides tours, rentals, and other instructions. But, keep in mind that this area is a bit warmer than the rest of SLO county.

Where to eat

Splash Café is located at Pismo Beach, and everyone recommends its services. If you happen to visit this place, then don’t miss a chance to try their famous clam chowder in a toasted bread bowl. If a bowl of cream is not your thing, then Splash Café offers plenty of options.

The brewing company is another popular destination for many tourists. They offer weekly deals such as Pint Night, Margarita Mondays, and Wing Wednesday. This is a great place to try beers and appetizers.
Blue Sky Café is one of the best restaurants in San Luis. They don’t take reservations, so it’s something to keep in mind. But, once you’re there, you can try grilled artichoke, seared ahi, and pesto risotto.

Where to sleep

If you want to stay closer to the coat, then Granada Hotel and Bistro offers excellent accommodation, and it’s basically a hidden gem. Everything is within walking distance; the hotel has spa treatments available from 9 am to 8 pm.

The rooms are stunning, with a European vibe, which offers plenty of comforts. In the morning, you get served with coffee, tea, and snacks in the common area upstairs. On the other hand, in the evening, you can kick back and relax in their upstairs patio, while reading a book or enjoying a drink beside the fireplace.

Travel / San Luis /

The Best Tourist Attractions In San Luis

2019-09-03

Often called the happiest city in America, San Luis, a small place known for its friendly atmosphere. This city has 315 days of sunshine, a population of fun-loving students, and attractions such as bubblegum alley and Pismo Beach.

If you plan to visit this place, then you can enjoy sightseeing and relaxing activities. Only 10 miles outside of San Luis, there are beautiful sand beaches, hot springs, and stunning landscape. If this is your first time visiting, then here are a couple of spots you should check out.

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

This is considered to be one of the most stunning missions in California. In 1772, father Junipero Serra founded Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. Father Serra selected San Luis because of its mild climate, freshwater, and a friendly local Indian tribe.

The mission is a massive complex, which resembles Spanish architecture. On the other hand, the inside of the mission features vibrant floral motifs painted along the walls and arches. It has a simple altarpiece and a high ceiling, which is supported by wood beams.

Here you will find a museum that focuses on Spanish history as well as the culture of native Indians who lived in this area.

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Thursday Night Farmers’ Market

San Luis hosts a famous farmer’s market, and it’s considered to be the best in California. A lot of people come to visit this weekly event on Higuera Street, while the locals come to purchase some fresh products. Out-of-town guests often enjoy street food, which is delicious.
Additionally, a lot of restaurants bring their food outside, and they are selling anything, from pizza to sushi. Here you can experience live music and delicious food. You can visit the farmer’s market every Thursday, from 6mp to 9 pm.

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Pismo Beach

If you want to kick back and relax, then the small town of Pismo Beach might be the perfect place for you. It has a lot of hostels, coffee shop, and fish & chips restaurants you can enjoy. Surfers particularly love the 23-mile long shoreline, and during summer this beach attracts a lot of people who love sunbathing and surfing.

Pismo Beach is just 15 minutes away from San Luis, and it’s a great place to spend your time. You can experience various activities, such as sailing, scuba diving, whale watching, kayaking, or taking the long walks.

Throughout the year, there are a lot of cultural events you can visit as well.

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Historic downtown

The traditional Spanish-style buildings are centered around the old mission, which makes the historic downtown. The visitors are often charmed with tree-lined streets and traditional architecture. However, most of the things happen around Higuera street, which is lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops.

The kids will enjoy Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Wonderland because it allows them to participate in ice-cream making and offers different flavors. The great place to learn about new stuff to do and where to stay is to check out the Visitors Center, located at 895 Monterey Street.

Travel / Objects /

Top Four Attractions To See In San Luis

2019-09-03

San Luis Obispo is a city in California’s Central Coastal region, which was founded in the 1700s. If you are planning to visit this town, then here are a couple of spots you might find interesting.

Madonna Inn

This place was built in 1958 by Alex and Phyllis Madonna. It features a rather peculiar interior design which many would describe as bizarre and tacky. The Inn has 109 extravagant rooms, and they all feature different themes as well as names which match each design. For instance, here you will find rooms named as Sir Walter Raleigh,Floral Fantasy, or Whispering Hills.

Rainbow colors are mostly used, but pink is the most dominant one, especially when you enter the rosy lobby dining room. This one is contains vibrant pink booths, which match the light pink tablecloths. If you want to experience the Madonna Inn fully, then male visitors should take a look at the lobby restroom.

The Dorn Pyramid

In memory of his wife and son, a reputable lawyer Fred Adolphus Dorn built a pyramid to commemorate their death in 1095. The entrance of the pyramid contains fearful words which say, “disturb not the sleep of death.”
The Dorn Pyramid stands by itself due to terrain.

The ground is not strong enough to withstand other objects, considering this mausoleum is made of massive rocks.

There was a font opening waited to be closed once all the Dorns are laid to rest in peace.However, as of the last year, the tomb is officially sealed, but you can still view it from the outside.

Cal Poly Architecture Graveyard

If you are into abandoned architecture buildings, then the hills above the California Polytechnic State University hold the exceptional collection of experimental structures. This looks like an abandoned city, and it’s some sort of experimental construction laboratory.

For years, students have been creating so-called architectural graveyard, so this now appears like some outdoor lab. This canyon is now the home to the annual Design Village even, which invites students to build and design temporary buildings.They have a specific theme, and some of them even spend the weekends sleeping in their odd abodes.

Unfortunately, in the last couple of years, students no longer live in the city, to the structures have begun to decay and vandals have tagged some of the creations.

Bubblegum Alley

Bubblegum Alley is a local tourist landmark, and it’s one of the most famous tourist locations. Sixty-five feet long and 15 feet high, this alley was first opened in 1950. Even though the reason is still unknown; the street keeps attracting new visitors.

There is a widespread belief that this idea started as a rivalry between Cal Poly students and San Luis Obispo high school. Since 1970, it was only cleaned twice, the local business association tried to clean one more time, but their request was declined.The bubblegum alley is famous across the world, and it has been featured on many TV shows and written about in newspapers.