» Budget travel

Travel Therapy

Leigh — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:15:04 +0000

Sometimes when life is beating you down, the best thing you can possibly do is get away.

What is travel therapy?

‘Travel therapy’ simply means using travel as a way to help alleviate a problem or situation in your life. For example: Are you just getting over a break up? Travel… out of sight out, of mind. Feeling the need to break out of your box and shake your life up a bit? Be fearless and take an adventurous trip. Are you in dire need of some rest and relaxation to calm the stress that’s been building up inside? Go on a vacation, even a short one.

There are a myriad of destinations and trips you can take based on what kind of ‘therapy’ you need. If you’re feeling like a zoned out couch potato in your big city apartment, get fit and de-stress by taking a vacation to a national park. Go hiking, biking or something outdoorsy that gets your body moving. And if you’re totally frazzled from your corporate job, be kind to yourself (and those that interact with you daily) and take a mini retreat at a nearby spa for some much needed pampering. Have you ever felt that you’d like to give back a little more but not sure how? Volunteering while on vacation is a great way to give, both to yourself and others at the same time.

Treat Yourself

If you’re worried about money, consider travel therapy as an investment in your health. If you can gain invaluable experience, heal yourself, learn something new, shed something old, and find out just how big and fabulous the world can be outside your own little life… I’d say that’s money well spent, wouldn’t you? You have to be kind to your body and mind and allow yourself the pleasure of traveling.

Now I’m not knocking traditional therapy, as it can definitely be helpful. But sometimes what you need is not to sit in a stranger’s office and talk about your problems, but to go out into the world and realize that your problems are small in comparison to millions of others. Or that you don’t care quite as much about what your ex thinks about you when you’re out meeting interesting people and seeing beautiful new sites every day. Besides, wouldn’t you rather spend your hard earned dollars on say, a two week trip exploring Costa Rica rather than on 5 sessions in the dark living room of someone who listens and nods once in a while?

Create Your Own Trip

There is a great book that just came out titled ‘Travel Therapy’ which inspired this post and got me thinking about the kinds of trips I take and why. For me, travel is the best kind of therapy, and the most fun! Depending on what’s going on in my life, I book different kinds of trips. For example, last April, I had a free Southwest ticket to anywhere in the U.S. I went to San Diego just as spring was approaching because it was the farthest destination from Raleigh and I was really feeling the need for some sun and the ocean. It was completely rejuvenating and just what ‘the doctor’ (me) ordered. I also realized that when major and/or traumatic changes occur in my life, my mom and I will often take off on a trip. This always helps to take my mind off the ‘big situation’ and is a sharp reminder of how big the world is, all the good people it holds, and how I can always choose to participate and have fun if I just allow myself.

What kind of trip do you need right now? Get in touch with how you’re really feeling. Then look through magazines and travel web sites to see what jumps out at you. Oftentimes, that is exactly the kind of trip you need to take. Try not to censor yourself about what kind of trip you think you should take. Be creative. Don’t book another week at the beach this year if you’re really yearning to take off and explore the vastness and beauty of Montana. Don’t start thinking ‘it’s just not possible right now’ either… it is. You just have to put yourself first and make it a priority.

Next month I’m traveling again. I just quit my job and am heading to Central America for a while. This city girl has been locked up in a cubicle for the past 3 years, and in serious need of some nature therapy. Honduras has lush tropical rain forests, Mayan ruins, marshy wetlands, and sandy islands to go snorkeling upon… ah, just what this city slicker needs.

What’s going on in your life? What kind of trip do you need at this moment? I’d love to hear about it.

Then go and book it. Now. You deserve it.

Re-energize with a Mini Break

Leigh — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 03:28:43 +0000

In the movie Bridget Jones Diary, Bridget takes a mini break and goes ‘on holiday.’ I remember that sounding so quaint and refreshing at the time and thinking, ‘I want to take a mini break and go on holiday’. And so I have, many times. I can now attest to the effects that a mini break can have on your body and mind. A mere two to four day holiday away from home can do wonders for your sanity and help you recharge mentally and physically. Just simply being away from daily pressures can help you gain a fresh perspective on life and what’s important, which is essential during these times when the stress of the economy, and every day obligations can take their toll.

I recently took a mini break to Atlanta. I didn’t really realize it until I embarked on my trip, but I had become stuck in a work, workout, see friends routine that was getting a bit old. My mini break was not necessarily relaxing but it was definitely re-energizing. I met some great people, bopped around Atlanta and spent quality time with my mom. The best part was the feeling I had coming back home to Raleigh. My perspective of my current work and life situation had changed a bit by merely being away for a few days. The drive home allowed me time to think and by the time I arrived, I had all kinds of new ideas bouncing around in my head. Traveling outside of my normal routine always gives me a brief high but the feeling is still pleasantly surprising. I strode into work on Monday feeling like a completely different person!

If winter is getting you stuck in a rut and you’re feeling a bit antsy, plan a trip for the weekend. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just spending some time a couple of towns away can do it. The benefits you reap will far outweigh the cost to your wallet.

To really get the benefits from your mini break, don’t plan too much. Go slow, take time to walk, reflect and think. The point is to be doing something you really enjoy, not traveling the whole time or running around to different activities, unless that relaxes you. If you need to move around, you could do an invigorating adventure activity outdoors. Or, if you need to relax and recuperate, you could rent a cabin and read the entire weekend. Volunteer with an organization close to your heart or take a dancing workshop in nearby city to connect with others.

Whatever kind of mini break you decide to take, remember that the happier and more relaxed you are, the more you can give to others. So go and do whatever you feel like doing. Indulge yourself. Your body and mind will thank you, and so will those close to you.

Have you taken a mini break recently? How did it affect you? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Other Articles You May Like:

14 mini vacation ideas: http://www.askmen.com/money/body_and_mind_60/98_better_living.html

Top Weekend Getaways for Entrepreneurs: http://www.entrepreneur.com/worklife/travelcenter/vacationdestinations/article166626.html

Top Ten Reasons Why You Should Try House Sitting

Leigh — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 21:49:16 +0000

House sitting and home exchanges are becoming more and more popular these days and for good reason. They are a cheap way to explore a new destination, you have the creature comforts of a home, and you get to live someone else’s life for a while. What’s not to love? Here are ten reasons to give it a whirl.

1.) Test Drive a New Location

If you’re looking for a new place to call home and want to try out a destination before signing a lease, house sit for a week or so to check things out. Meet the locals and ask them what it’s like to live there, talk long walks around the city, eat at the restaurants and frequent the kinds of places you enjoy.

2.) Meet New People

In a new town, you can meet all sorts of interesting people. Get out and meet people, invite them over for dinner, and ask them to house sit for you sometime. If you end up really liking your house sitting location, you’ll have instant friends when you decide to return.

3.) Get Your Creative Juices Flowing

Being in a new place can really spark your creativity. New surroundings and new people stimulate fresh thought. If you’re in a scenic location where it’s quiet, writing is a great way to explore your thoughts. Bring a journal and jot down anything that comes to mind. Not a writer?…take a painting, pottery or tango class in town.

4.) Indulge Your Wanderlust for Free

For those that just can’t get enough travel, house sitting is a cheap way to live in a new location without having to pay rent. It’s the ultimate in rent free traveling. You can even hop around from one location to the next if you so desire.

5.) Experience a Different Life

Living in another person’s home let’s you look at life through their viewpoint. It shows you their habits, their daily rituals, favorite past time, books, music etc. Living in their home and seeing these things may spark a change you’d like to make in your own life. A couple of years ago, I house sat for some friends for 3 months. They had a pool table and a house full of orchids that had to be taken care of. I managed to keep those delicate orchids blooming and by the end of my stay, had acquired a faint green thumb. I also became a pretty decent pool player! Who knew?

6.) Heal and Renew

If you just had your heart broken or experienced something traumatic, sometimes a little quiet time away from the situation can help you heal and gain perspective. In the case of a breakup, I’ve found that out of sight, out of mind really helps the grieving and healing process along. If quiet time alone makes you think too much, you can go out and about in your new city, keep your mind busy with new activities and people, and have so much fun that you realize life is short and dwelling will not help.

7.) Rent Free Living

If you are unemployed and need to save your rent money, house sit while you job search. While you’re there, investigate ways to make money on the road so that you can travel as much as you like.

8.) Practice Location Independent Living

For those wanting to be location independent and start a business that can be run anywhere in the world, house sitting is an inexpensive option, especially when starting out. Having a rent free place to live while working takes some stress out of starting/running your business and it can let you experiment with that lifestyle to see if it works for you.

9.) Get Some Peace and Quiet

Sometimes you just need a break. Loud city living, work stress, roommates, etc. can make you crazy. House sitting in a peaceful location can allow you some quiet to rest and rejuvenate. By the end of your stay, you will be re-energized and ready to jump back into the world.

10.) Travel Writing Ideas

For all you travel writers out there, house sitting is an inexpensive way to get to know a place while writing about it. You can explore and research a place better while living there than just visiting giving you plenty of material to write about.

My previous article, How to Travel Rent Free , has more information on house sitting and lists reputable house sitting web sites.

Have you ever done a house sitting assignment before? What was your experience? I’d love to hear about it.

Other Articles You May Like:

5 Personal Growth Lessons Learned While House Sitting

Housesitting and Petsittng FAQ’s

Travel the World Rent Free

Leigh — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:51:01 +0000

I get such a thrill when I check my e-mail first thing in the morning and there is a message like this sitting in my in box:

‘House sitter needed for 1 month in Tuscany’.

As I click further I see a picture of a gorgeous cottage in the hills of Tuscany. The owner writes, ‘All I want is someone to look after my house and cat while I leave for a short visit abroad. No other duties! ‘

Is this for real? Yes, it is. It’s straight off Mind My House, one of a handful of reputable house sitting web sites for those that want to travel the world yet live rent free. What’s the catch you ask? About 70% of the assignments from this particular site just ask that you take care of a pet or plants while they are away. That’s it! While I’m not really a cat person, I would certainly consider taking care of one for a free month’s rent in Tuscany.

You register on line, pay a small annual fee, and put up your profile. Select your preferred dates and countries and have weekly or daily assignments delivered to your in box. Simple! Some homeowners will ask that you pay utilities during your stay. Also, some house sits require your own transportation although I’ve seen a few that will allow you to use their car, bike or are near public transportation.

A few months ago, I put up a profile to test it out. One day, as I was whiling away in my cube, I see a request for a house sitting assignment pop up in Zurich, Switzerland. I click further and find an adorable looking 3 bedroom cottage with a garden, porch, and incredible view. ‘Bike to the market! Free wi-fi! Need someone to care for our lovely home May through July’. I was feeling the travel itch in a major way at that time so I spontaneously sent a response message indicating my interest… just to see. To my amazement, they responded right back and said (after checking my profile out) that they were interested in having me and could I chat over the phone, come a few days early to meet them, etc. Wow! It was that easy. I came so close to quitting my job and hopping on a plane bound for Switzerland but sanity (or insanity) prevailed and I had to decline.

Not all house sitting assignments are this easy to get. In fact, I hear it can be competitive. However, if you have a thorough profile up and are open to different locations, there’s a pretty good chance of you finding something. There are many people that house sit full time. It’s a lifestyle for them and they jump from one location to another for years. There are also those that just need a break from reality and want an extended vacation somewhere remote where they can get some peace and quiet. Whatever the reason, house sitting is a very cheap way to explore a destination without fully committing to it. Music to my ears. And while a lot of these assignments are in more remote areas, there are plenty in medium to larger sized cities to go around. It’s definitely worth a look.

Reputable house sitting companies:

MindMyHouse.com (my favorite)

Housecarers.com

Caretaker.org

Sabbaticalhomes.com (home exchanges, rentals, house sitting for those in the academic community)

Housesittersamerica.com (only in the US)

This is the first of a 2 post series on house sitting. My next post will look at more reasons why people house sit and how you can do it too. Also I’ll talk about some productive (and non productive) things you can do while living rent free (a.k.a. house sitting) in your new location. Stay tuned…

Has anyone had experience house sitting or with any of these sites? If so, please share your experience, I’d love to hear about it!

Other articles you may like:

Lonely Planet Housesitting Forum (check out the house sitting threads)

Why You Should Become a House Sitter

16 Unique Gifts for the Traveler at Heart

Leigh — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 19:45:42 +0000

Photo by Cindy Lauren

Do you know someone that loves to travel? Or is planning a trip somewhere fabulous soon? Perhaps you are stumped for ideas on what to get that die hard traveler that seems to have all the gear they need.

It can be challenging giving travel gifts because you want to give something lightweight, easy to pack and useful; yet fun to give too. Here are some ideas that are all of these things and within a reasonable budget to boot. Enjoy!

1. Stainless Steel Water Bottle ($12)

This is the best price I’ve seen for a stainless steel water bottle. Such fun colors and a carabiner and loop hole for easy transport. Plus, it’s stainless steel so it’s durable and you won’t be ingesting leached chemical plastic.

2. Customized iTunes Playlist ($10 – $35)

Listening to music on the road is a must for most travelers. Hearing a favorite song from back home can cheer a lonely traveler up in no time. You can create a list of songs they’d love and iTunes will send them a link allowing them to download them right onto their computer. So cool! You can also give them as a print out. I love someone who makes me music.

3. Portable Art Kit ($10)

I simply love these tiny kits and the price is unbeatable. What’s better than doodling or drawing while on a long trip to pass the time and indulge your creative side? Choose from crayons, colored pencils, watercolors or markers.

4. Moleskin Journals ($10 – $25)

These simple, timeless beauties will beg you to write in them whether you want to or not. They are slim, easy to pack and essential for any traveler wanting to journal or doodle. Great with the art kit!

5. Reversible Travel Yoga Mat ($30)

For the yoga buffs out there, this mat is lightweight and easy to pack. For the non-yoga buffs, it also doubles as seating for wet or cold ground.

6. Letter or e-mail upon arrival

Letter writing is a lost art so whenever I receive a handwritten note, it really touches me. Send a letter or an e-mail to their destination for them to open upon their arrival. There’s nothing like a personal message from someone back home to cheer you up. If you send a letter, throw in a paid calling card. These are a gem to have on the road.

7. Travel Candle ($6)

Scent is incredibly mood changing. A scented travel candle is a great way to freshen up that not so fresh hotel room and set a more relaxing mood. I love these hand poured, soy wax ones from Travel Tin.

8. Flip Ultra Camcorder ($150)

This way cool, compact camcorder is easy to use, affordable and perfect for traveling. It holds 60 minutes of continuous footage and easily plugs right into your computer for quick downloading, no cables. Genius!

9. Destination Activity/Adventure

If you want to splurge a little, purchase an activity or adventure at their destination. Examples might include a cooking class for two if they love to cook, a snorkeling tour of their favorite island or even a simple dinner for two at that famous local dive in town. Give it to them right before they leave so that it’s a surprise but yet they can also work it into their trip schedule once they’ve arrived.

10. Travel Blanket ($25)

Lightweight yet warm and easy to pack, this blanket is a must have for serious travelers. This comes in five fun colors and a compact nylon bag. Much better than those grungy, overused ones that come on the plane.

11. Homemade Flight Survival Kit

Pack some aspirin, ear plugs, gum, mouthwash, breath mints, hand wipes, pen, and whatever else they might need in a funky cosmetic bag. If you want to give something slightly bigger you can also pack a healthy snack such as a granola bar, dried fruit, nuts, a magazine or book, and games.

12. A Massage (~$60)

Travel can be stressful. A gift certificate for a massage when they return is a great way to gently transition back into the ‘real world’. I would absolutely love this as a gift.

13. Noise Canceling Earbuds ($70)

These cancel out noisy airplane and machinery noise yet allow you to fully enjoy music and movies. You can sleep with ease in these. They really work!

14. Packing Compressors ($20)

These compression sacs from Eagle Creek are not terribly unique, but a must have. My dad gave me some of these one year and I scoffed slightly as if they were socks. Now, I never leave home without them. Get up to 80% more space. More room for clothes and souvenirs!

15. Books

A book about your fellow traveler’s favorite destination is a great gift. Even if they don’t travel with them, they are great to read beforehand or to copy pages out of for a lighter load. I love the book ‘1,000 Places to See Before You Die’. Perfect for anyone with wanderlust.

16. Traveler ‘Business Cards’

These can be as simple as their name and e-mail or travel blog web address. Perfect for when you meet someone on the road and want to keep in touch. Just whip one of these out to stay connected. You can get these cheap at any Kinko’s or similar store. A friend of mine bought some for a recent long term trip and loves them. I thought they were a great idea and will be getting some myself for my big trip next year.

I hope these ideas were helpful. I had a blast making this list and am asking Santa for a few myself!

Are there other travel gifts that you enjoy giving? Please share!< -->

How to Travel without Leaving your Hometown

Leigh — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 21:05:24 +0000

Ah travel… when I hear the word I immediately envision myself speeding down California’s Highway 1 in a red convertible with the radio blaring, screaming along to Tom Petty’s ‘Free Falling’ or zooming down the zip line in Costa Rica. As much as I’d love to travel full time to exotic places, it’s not always possible, especially in these economic times when fear keeps us wary of spending too much. So, unless I win the lottery (which I’m working on) I have to get creative and take smaller trips while planning the big ones.

Travel doesn’t have to be some far away, exotic destination. It can mean taking a different route to work and stopping by a cool coffee shop you see along the way. Or riding your bike to the next town over for their fall festival. This may not seem quite as exciting as say snorkeling in Fiji, but it can tame the travel bug a bit while you’re making your big plans. It can also really make a difference in your mental well being and open you up. Travel is essentially about movement, both physically and mentally. Even if it’s just in my hometown. Here are some ideas:

1.) Take a scenic route: Sure, it may cost you a little more in gas but the mental rewards will be worth it. On my way to work each morning, I could take the belt line (ug, traffic) and arrive in 10 minutes or I can take the back roads through tree lined neighborhoods and by a lake and arrive in 14 minutes. Guess which one I take? Yep, I arrive to work calm and refreshed rather than annoyed and harried from traffic.

2.) Grab a friend: Sometimes, it’s more fun to explore with a friend. Take turns introducing each other to places the other hasn’t been. It’s fun exploring together, plus, it’s not as daunting going into new places when you’re with someone. Find someone fun and open to new experiences. Make new friends who are from another state or country. Listen to their experiences and live vicariously.

3.) Pretend you’re new in town: This is one of my favorites. You know that high you get when you’re traveling and exploring a new place? Pretend you’re doing this in your hometown. Ask people where to go, what to do and see, and check out the visitor’s bureau. It’s so easy to get locked into routine when you’re living somewhere that you forget the jewels that lie within your city. Which leads into..

4.) Play host: How many of us have friends come to visit us and when we’re asked what to see and do, we’re at a loss as to what to recommend? We become accustomed to our surroundings and become lazy about exploring. Host visitors. It will force you to find and show them the best parts of your city. Join sites such as Couchsurfing, Hospitality Club, or Servas. I have personally used Couchsurfing and can highly recommend it. Show your city off! And appreciate it more as a result.

5.) Play hooky in the town next door: Take a day off work and head over to the neighboring town that you’ve always been meaning to visit. Check out their coffee shops, museums, and greenways. I do this here in NC and it’s always fun. Plus, it feels great to come back to Raleigh after exploring some of these smaller, more country towns. It makes me appreciate all the great things living in the city offers that I sometimes take for granted!

6.) Armchair travel: Part of the fun of traveling is daydreaming and planning your trip. Rent an inspiring movie, turn on the Travel Channel, or read a great travel book and take a trip from the comfort of your couch. Or armchair. No dramamine required.

7.) Utilize your trip return high: When I return home from traveling, I am on a high for 3 or 4 days. I feel like I can conquer anything, new experiences don’t frighten me as much, and I’m still in exploring mode from traveling. I usually meet a ton of new people in my town during these few days and am out and about much more. Plus, it always feels like something has changed while I’m gone, even if it was just for a week, and I’m always game for checking things out. Was that building there before? So after you get over that jet lag, don’t get down about being back home, get out and enjoy your city. You may meet a really cool new friend or discover a new favorite hot spot downtown.

8.) Rock the Casbah: There is a great Moroccan wine bar right down the street that I love. The decor is pure elegance and luxury. Jewel toned cushions, low lighting, cave like rooms.. it makes me feel like I’m in a totally different country while I’m there. Almost every city has some sort of ethnic restaurant, hookah bar, or place with an exotic atmosphere so you can feel like you’ve been transported across the ocean. Dress to match if you really want to get in the mood.

How have others ‘traveled’ without leaving home? I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas.