Source of Pictures: MSNBC

Not to World Explorer and Author Henry Biernacki

Expensive air fares for cramped planes, irritating baggage fees and exhaustingly long security lines – traveling isn’t what it used to be in that bygone era when boarding a plane for exotic destinations held the imagination. But world traveler and writer Henry Biernacki says travel doesn’t have to be a trauma – it just depends on how you approach the journey.

For Biernacki, a luxury airline captain who has explored the world on meager means and reaped a lifetime of experience, it truly is about the journey as much as the destination. Biernacki is the author of the recently released novel No More Heroes (www.theglobalhenry.com), which explores the inner journey of a young man who finds deeper joy in life, spiritual growth and love as he crosses borders.

“Travel allows people to live with intensity, follow their interests and enjoy the fleeting moments of each passing day spent with people they care about,” says Biernacki. “People are genuinely attracted to unknown parts and far off countries. Who cares about being lost? That is where you find the best experiences.”

Biernacki has been traveling with his rucksack since he was 17 and boarded a Greyhound bus for a journey from Colorado to Mexico. In 1997, he traveled around the world, sleeping in the streets and living amongst the humblest people, spending a scant $3,700 to circle the globe. On that journey, though, he experienced one of the most significant moments of his life:  meeting Mother Teresa just three days before her death. 

He has traveled to 120 countries, including such difficult locales as North Korea, never staying in anything more luxurious than a guest house and carrying only a small rucksack and a few plastic zipper bags as luggage.

Surprisingly, it is Biernacki’s profession that gives him such an unusual perspective on travel: He’s an airline captain for Virgin America Airlines, an airline most travelers associate with the height of luxury.

His novel explores the inner journey of Niklas, a man searching for deeper meaning in his life when a series of unexpected friendships sends him to an exotic and difficult destination. The novel has been praised for its rich detail and sensitive exploration of the innately human need to connect with others, no matter where they happen to be.

“Traveling makes people adapt to new situations and open their minds to new cultures and people in a way that can’t be achieved by staying with what is familiar,” Biernacki said. “It is because it’s uncomfortable, unusual and there are strange sights and new foods you’ve never seen before that it opens up your mind and your soul to others.”

So with holiday travel, vacation or business, Biernacki advises travelers to enjoy the unexpected. Doing that allows them to enjoy the journey and the destination equally.

The temples here are anywhere from 1000-600 years old. These pictures are all amazing, but they don’t capture the feeling I got when I was walking over and around them for over 7 hours.  We spent from morning till evening and still didn’t see all the temples that Siem Reap had to offer.

Incredible!!!!

One of the greatest pleasures of travelling is immersing oneself in new cultures and different ways of doing things and food is a big part of the experience, both socially and educationally. With a few pointers it’s easier to enjoy food abroad and by remembering a few dos and don’ts, everyone is more at ease with the situation.

There are many differences from country to country and some of these are deep-rooted in centuries of superstition and legend. For this reason, it’s wise not to try to interfere with this in any way, even if it feels alien to you and contradicts how you would normally do things at home.

Below are some things you should be aware of when travelling abroad on holiday:

Japan

The Japanese culture is unique and regarded as being very different from that of many countries in the western world and this is regularly evident across mealtimes. When indulging in a bowl of noodles in Japan, there’s no need to be too particular, as it’s expected that the contents are slurped or eaten messily! This suggests enjoyment and contentment. Japanese people never pour their own drink in company, as it’s seen as the height of bad manners. Instead, your companion will pour it and vice versa.

These ‘rules’ are typically similar across Asia, with the use of chopsticks throwing up many difficulties. When learning to use chopsticks appropriately, you will come to realise that it’s not a good idea to point them at anyone or pierce food with them. It’s important to note that chopsticks should not be inserted upright into a bowl, as this is reminiscent of the way rice is presented to the dead and is a grave insult.

Portugal

In some countries, such as Portugal, the local people take great pride in creating culinary delights, so refrain from asking for condiments if they aren’t already on the table. By requesting salt and pepper, or any other seasonings, you are seen to be saying that the cook’s food is not up to scratch, which is of course unacceptable, even if that was not your intention! It is also good manners to compliment the cook and be very enthusiastic in doing so.

Germany

When having dinner in Germany, it is expected that guests will remain standing until shown to the seat by their host. It’s also good manners to refrain from eating until signalled to do so, again by the host. Good etiquette states that diners eat everything on their plate, avoiding elbows on the table and lying the knife and fork parallel across the ride hand side of the plate when finished.

Mexico

One of the quirkier customs surrounding food involves a tradition in Mexico, where it’s polite to say ‘provecho’ (enjoy), whenever you catch the eye of anyone eating. It doesn’t matter if you know the person or not, this mannerly greeting is difficult to ignore, especially as it’s so nice to say and encourages polite conversation!

France

Not all faux pas are associated with the actual eating of food and sometimes table manners can descend into other areas. For example, the French loathe any discussion of money over the dinner table and find it poor taste to even talk about how the bill will be divided or paid. The French have perfected the art of table manners and insist that the correct knife and fork is used for everything, from fruit to cheese.

Middle East

We all have personal limitations as to what we will and will not eat, but sometimes these boundaries are pushed and we need to decide how to deal with that. We may all be used to delicate cuts of meat but in some countries, delicacies vary from the ones we know, so it’s important not to act horrified when obscure and perhaps unappetising cuts of meat are presented. In the Middle East, for example, prime cuts include most parts of the animal include the head and eyes. Be prepared for this if it’s something you are unfamiliar with.

When dining in Middle Eastern countries, eat with your right hand only and leave food on your plate when you are finished, otherwise the empty space will be continuously filled with more food and this could leave you feeling very uncomfortable!

Russia

Of course there are also things to be aware of when drinking in other countries and one such example can be found in Russia, where it is seen as bad luck to place an empty vodka bottle on the table. With this in mind, all empty bottles should be placed on the floor instead. Russians take their vodka very seriously indeed and it is frowned upon to mix the precious liquid, as everyone drinks it straight up.

Armenia

In Armenia, try not to empty a bottle into someone else’s glass as this obliges them to buy the next bottle; the best option is to put the last drops into your own glass instead.

Australia

Meanwhile, in Australia, it’s typically expected that you shout your drinks order and never leave the bar before at least paying for one round! Australians have a reputation for being very laid-back and relaxed but they appreciate fairness and honesty when it comes to social drinking.

Wherever you end up on your travels, there are some things that are pretty universal displays of good manners. Such customs as waiting to be seated, attempting all food offered, asking to be excused and complimenting the host, will all stand you in good stead and help dinner flow smoothly and without any hiccups.

With all this in mind, it may seem as though there are lots of things to remember, which can be daunting, but these examples are not always set in stone and some allowances will no doubt be made for non-locals. With a little bit of advance research, it’s possible to avoid all the major pitfalls and to ensure you come across as knowledgeable, polite and respectful when travelling on holiday in 2012.

Of course, if you’re intending on backpacking with your pet then it’s extremely important to do some planning ahead of leaving. Rules and regulations regarding allowing dogs entry to places varies significantly across the world and you’ll need to ensure that wherever you’re intending on holidaying is dog friendly. If you want to visit a national park, you may find that dogs aren’t allowed entry due to native flora and fauna, and so you’ll need to plan your trip accordingly.

It’s also vital to have your dog on a leash whilst you’re backpacking, even though your pet may be used to running around freely at other times. When you’re close to home and are frequenting your local park, most pets will recognize the sights and smells, and happily be able to run around off the leash if rules allow. However, on a backpacking tour, when trails can be precarious and where local wildlife can be both dangerous and protected, it is of utmost importance that dogs are kept in control and are on a lead. It’s often a good idea to use two leads of varying lengths, allowing you to provide more or less freedom depending on the crowds or trickiness of the trail.

Another important point is to clear up after your pet. One of the major gripes from backpackers without animals is fouling by pets along hiking routes and trails. You should plan accordingly and ensure that you have plenty of bags so that you can clear up after your dog and ensure that nobody has reason to complain.

Like all trips where you would consider your own health, it is important to also make sure that any pets travelling with you have pet meds and other aids in place if injury occurs. You should make sure that dogs have collars with licenses, rabies vaccination tags and your phone number on them in case they get lost. Pets also need to build their stamina up for long trails, so don’t set off on a 20 mile walk if your dog isn’t used to walking even 3 miles. It’s a good idea to create a little first aid kit for your pet, with painkillers for stiffness, liquid bandages for broken pads, and antibiotic treatment and bandages should other difficulties occur.

Taking your pet on a backpacking tour can be a wonderful experience for both you and your animal. Part of the joy, especially in having dogs, is being able to holiday with them and make them part of hiking and walking getaways. As long as you take adequate precautions and obey by regulations, there is no reason why you can’t have one of the most fulfilling backpacking tours you’ve ever had by bringing along your favorite pet.

Ways to Save Money

Keen backpackers should start by looking for savings on some of the key ingredients of their expedition – travel, accommodation, food and essential equipment.

Depending on the journey planned it may be that savings are possible on trips by plane, train, bus, car, ferry or boat.

Budget accommodation or special offers on hotels and hostels should be investigated well in advance so a suitable base from which to explore an area can be secured at a relatively cheap cost.  Inexpensive food purchases are usually easily found, whether eating in or out, and essential equipment can sometimes be secured from bargain counters, or secondhand equipment is fine as long as it is robust and fit for purpose.

Remember to Pack Just the Bare Necessities

When packing, consider the bare minimum you need to survive and add this to your backpack.  There is little point in packing too much when the luggage has to be carried around by you.

For a comfortable roof over head, aim to include a lightweight tent, sleeping bag and sleeping mat, plus a compact, efficient stove for cooking.

The choice of boots or shoes will be determined by the needs of the terrain where the journey is due to take place.  Normally, outerwear should include shorts and trousers, a couple of ‘technical’ t-shirts – designed for outdoor activities, and very quick drying – and a long-sleeved shirt.  Waterproofs are considered essential when backpacking in certain climates, such as the UK.

A lightweight jacket and a hat is also a good idea, plus underwear and socks.  Also, be sure to include essential medicines or toiletries.

Navigation tools, such as a map or GPS system, are essential.  Do remember that signals vary and that a printed map and a good magnetic compass are very useful standbys in case of any difficulties.

Experts advise newcomers to always leave their backpacks 30 per cent empty, to cater for the things they may buy when abroad and any souvenirs they want to bring back home.

Think Smarter, not Harder

Nowadays, a wide variety of Internet campaigns and schemes compete for our attention, especially those ostensibly designed to save money on goods and services, and it is easy to dismiss these as irrelevant when preparing for a backpacking trip.  The opposite can be true, however, as advertising enticements such as discount codes can be a real boon to the smart traveller.

For example, look out for discount vouchers that relate to travel deals and a host of savings will be revealed: discounts are available for travel by train, coach or bus, hotel accommodation – which sometimes includes free breakfasts – holidays with a range of companies, flights and airport parking, car hire and visitor attractions.  Add to this the retail outlets that provide clothing, medications and equipment and it is possible to finance a great backpacking expedition at relatively little cost.

Get to Know the Right People

The so-called ‘Windy City’ is very backpacker-friendly.  In Chicago there are local organisations that bring together those who are already seasoned backpackers and those who are newcomers to this special travelling experience, with regular meetings for backpackers undertaking similar journeys, networking events and occasionally off-the-beaten-track trips such as camping out in cabins for winter weekends or day hikes across scenic autumnal landscapes.

Look out for Chicago magazines aimed at backpacking enthusiasts, which cover great destinations both in the city itself and also in the wider state of Illinois.  Both groups and magazines can be found on the Internet and it is worth taking advantage of help and guidance from people ‘in the know’.

What to Bring

Successful backpacking means having the right gear and equipment for the planned journey.  Clothing should be appropriate to the season and to the terrain.  Choose waterproof and breathable fabrics for maximum comfort and boots, rainwear and backpacks that suit the trip.

Bedding should be warm, yet light, whether camping outdoors or staying in a cabin.  Tents should be strong and lightweight, and camp stoves reliable.  For navigation, a good map or GPS system is essential – bear in mind that in certain places signals might be erratic or non-existent so a printed map and a good magnetic compass are always useful.

Chicago Adventures

There are trails around Chicago that are easy to moderate, particularly in the low-lying areas.  To the east there is good hiking along the sand dunes on the shoreline of Lake Michigan; to the west of there is much more challenging terrain at the Rock Island State Trail and the Sand Ridge State Forest.  Generally, the countryside becomes more mountainous when travelling farther west from Chicago, so hiking and biking becomes more challenging.

Waterfall Glen offers leafy forests, bubbling waterfalls, and wonderful views over the Des Plaines River among many other sights along a ten-mile loop.  Deer Grove Forest Preserve is just outside Chicago in Cook County and provides an opportunity to explore an extensive forest area with streams, ravines and wetlands during a trail some 13 miles long.

One of the most exciting adventures when visiting Chicago is to embark on some or all of the 500 miles long Grand Illinois Trail, which can involve biking through archetypal Chicago neighbourhoods, visiting charming small towns and lively cities, hiking along the Lake Michigan shoreline and tow-paths and experiencing the magnificent Mississippi River.

Where to Stay:

Chicago Cheap Hotels have a lot to offer, high quality budget accommodation across all parts of the city.  In addition to city centre hotels located near the harbour, there is plenty of accommodation close to the airport.  Cultural attractions and restaurants are mainly in the downtown area and many hotels provide free on-site parking and/or free Wi-Fi Internet.

photo credit: castro6281.blogspot.com

One of the most famous tourist attractions in Norway is the impressive 604 meters Pulpit Rock. The Pulpit rock is located in Ryfylke, Norway and it’s by far one of the most overwhelmingly landscapes to see, which is why over 130,000 people see it each year.

 Ice skating on Paterswoldse Meer, Netherlands

photo credit: stuffofawesome.com

Most people prefer to stay on the skaters path, which creates the white looking path in the middle of the lake, however the entire lake is frozen. The ice is known for it’s clear crystal look, which makes it ever so smooth to skate on.

 Riomaggiore, Italy

photo credit: estination360.com

One of my favourite destinations in Italy – Riomaggiore. Located in the National park called Cinque Terre and located near the city of La Spezia. It’s one of the most stunning villages to visit.

 Mount Roraima, Venezuela

photo credit: pics-site.com

The 400 meters tall cliff on all sides is the highest peak in it’s highland region. The land around it is rich with rainforest, but what is so amazing it that the top of the cliff is just sandstone with very little life.

The Wave, USA

photo credit: wondrouspics.com

Located in Arizona, USA the Wave is a sandstone rock known for it’s famous colourful forms, rugged, and trackless hikes to adventure off to. Photographers fall quickly in love with this landscape.

It’s another one of those travel goodies.

Let me know your thoughts.

When we first started talking about it, many people thought that we were planning way to far in advance for the honeymoon. However, I believe the honeymoon is by far the most exciting thing to plan out of the entire wedding planning. Maybe it’s because I love traveling – well I think it’s that for SURE!

photo credit: homes.ninemsn.com.au

So as we look at the map, first we thought Central America; Costa Rica, Panama, or even Belize. We both have never been, so those destinations were sounding pretty good. But it wasn’t until I really thought about it more, that I decided a destination where little people from North American go, might be what we are looking for. I really want to explore a destination that was unknown or little explored to people in Canada or USA.

These are few destinations that I believe might be the perfect honeymoon escape.

1. Isle de San Andres (Colombia island, but located near Costa Rica)
2. Canary Islands (Isle de Tenerife, located near Morocco)
3.  Tahiti / Cook Islands
4. British Virgin Islands

What do you think?

A few of these destinations are slightly far away, but when it comes to a honeymoon I don’t think it matters too much. Plus these places aren’t overly expensive and since I will book a head of time. I can find some cheap holiday deals!

Our plan is to relax, explore, do a few adventure activities and overall enjoy a lovely scenery!!!!