San Antonio

I'll be spending a few days in San Antonio this coming April.

Anybody have any ideas what do to there? Feedback welcome...

Traveling Alone

When I was in Peru, I was the only single person amongst a bunch of married people. Sure, it felt weird being the 9th wheel, but the bonus was that I had my hotel room. And that, my friends, was paradise.

There is a strong possibility that I'll be traveling to Thailand by myself next year. However, I do have relatives in Bangkok, as well as a friend who is a missionary over there, so it's not like I would totally be by myself. But for the most part, I would be going it alone. Thinking about it scares me, but intrigues me at the same time.

I'm very picky about who I travel with. There are some people I know would be good travel buddies, and there are some people who I know I'd probably kill within 24 hours of traveling. And yet, solo travel is something I don't feel comfortable doing. It's dangerous. You stand a good chance of getting scammed or mugged. You have a huge target on your back the second you step off the plane.

Just thinking about it brings up and grip of insecurities and fears. But healthy travel, where you immerse yourself in a place, taking in everything, getting your hands dirty, so to speak, that kind of travel breaks down those fears, shows you that you're not that different from the strangers around you, and reveals to you the adventurous spirit that we all carry within us.

My point is, don't be afraid to consider solo travel. Because really, it's not really solo travel unless you're going to a place where there is absolutely nobody present. And that's just scary.

53 for 2008

Looking for some ideas for next year?

Here's a link from the New York Times with 53 places to check out for 2008.

Interesting list of choices. It would have never occurred to me to go to Detroit. Or Iran. Or Kuwait City. But there are places representing all corners of the world.

Pick one (or more) and enjoy!

Wanna Be A Travel Writer?

Budget Travel is having their June 2008 issue consist of all user-submitted content.

Go to their site to pitch your best idea, or you can submit your best photos. You might even make the cover!

And sorry, I already submitted the Karaoke Across America idea. You can't use that one...

Themed Travel

Found this site that offers vacation packages with a dancing theme.

Wouldn't it be cool to spend a week in Cuba and learn Salsa? Or belly dancing in Morocco? Or Flamenco in Granada?

Sadly, I didn't see any packages where I can spend the week doing the Soujia Boy.

But I love the idea of combining traveling with another of your favorite hobbies. From dancing to marathon running, if you can think of it, it's probably yours to get.

I have this crazy idea of doing a Karaoke road trip across the US. I'd spend two to three weeks, starting in LA and ending in New York, and hit a karaoke bar every night. Wouldn't that be insane? Who knows what might happen in say, Kansas? Or what if I end up in Alabama, looking for karaoke? What in the world would I sing?

Anyone willing to come with?

The Travel Blog Is Dead

Interesting article found here.

I should probably rethink this travel blog thing. I feel bad that I don't update it when I'm not traveling and I would still like to make it worth coming back to for the four people that read this thing.

Look for more links to other sites and interesting travel ideas...

Plans

I haven't traveled in forever. And I've been reading a lot of friends' blogs about their vacations, and yes, I'm mad jealous.

But every so often, I take time out and just plan my future trips. And it's great to just plan:

- March 2008 - Vegas. Ahhh, Vegas in March can only mean one thing. And really, there's nothing like sitting, or more likely standing, in the Sports Book at Caesar's while 12+ hours of basketball flash before your eyes. And you have action on every game. Truly, March Madness.

- April 2008 - San Antonio, Texas. Talk about acting on faith. That's right. I've booked a flight at the site of this season's Final Four. My first trip to Texas. I couldn't be more thrilled.

- May 2008 - Philippines/Thailand. The big one. Original plan is to spend at least a week and a half with family in the PI, and spend a week in Thailand hanging out with family and friends. Philippines is confirmed, Thailand is iffy. This could be very well be my first solo vacation. The thought terrifies yet excites me at the same time.

And I'd like to take some side trips in between. I'm thinking Bay Area, East Coast, all over...

And it's great to plan long-term as well. To dream:

- 2009 - Back To Europe. I really want to spend a good three weeks there, in Spain, Portugal and Italy. And yet, there's so much left to see!

- 2010 - South Africa. World Cup. It'll be insane. And if I'm going to Africa, this is my shot to do it.

- 2011 - Wow, who knows? I kind of want to go somewhere random. Not too random like Antarctica (now THERE'S a thought!) but I'm thinking some place that's just crazy. Like India. Or Detroit.

And the next thing I know, it's 2012 and I'm thinking about going to London for the Olympics. Meanwhile, there are places in the US I've never been. Places in CALIFORNIA I've never been. Heck, there are places on the Westside that I've never even touched, and I've lived here for eight years.

And while I've laid out plans, I have no idea what's going to happen over the next three to four years. But it's still a joy to just plan, and dream away.