The Controversial Dwarf Kingdom – To Go or Not To Go
If you may or may not have heard, deep within the Southwestern part of China, between the rolling hills of Yunnan there is a "Dwarf Kingdom Theme Park." "The Little People Council of America" has already publicly denounced this "World Ecological Garden of the Butterfly," and it is generally understood that a theme park based on exploitation of people with disabilities is downright despicable. Indeed, when I first heard that there was a "dwarf themepark," I was aghast. I was sick to think that our society had trangressed back to a time where sideshows were deemed acceptable, but I had to ...
Helpful Hints for Traveling in Asia
Thailand: Helpful Hint #1: As a Westerner, it is often hard to get past the vast amount of Thai children begging, or selling small goods throughout city streets. I always feel a surge of pain for the carefree childhood that I had, that most of the world's kids never will. So in a nut shell--what do you do? If you give them money or candy,you are just encouraging their stay on the street, but at the same time you want to give them something. I suggest picking up a handful of comic books and passing them out to these kids along ...
A Mini-Guide to Sukhothai, Thailand
If you are craving 12th and 13th century Khmer ruins in Thailand--and just aren't feeling Ayutthaya--Sukhothai is just the place for you. Beautiful wat (temple) ruins seem to be scattered somewhat haphazardly throughout town in fields, and in the middle of small neighborhoods. Sukhothai is not really a tourist destination and that's just what I like about it. It's just an old town with friendly locals, and tons (I mean tons) of wild dogs. For about US$1 you can rent a bike for the entire day. Be sure to check out back alleys and marvel at the small pathways that suddenly ...
Cautionary Tales: Elephant Treks in Chiang Mai
If you are interested in a hill trek tribe around Chiang Mai, as everyone seems to be...be very careful and choosey before you buy tickets at the first storefront you encounter. There are literally hundreds of places where you can buy "exciting trekking tours" throughout the Tha Pae area, and prices run the gamut from $15-$50 US a day. However, many of these companies are extremely exploititive to the environment, animals, and indigenous people. Some treks tramp through the jungle leaving trash, and taking the same route over and over destroying most of the native flora. Many treks include bamboo rafting ...
Susan’s Lists
Susan has written up her "top things to do" in some of the cities they've journeyed to (including a top 10 things to NOT do). You can see them on their page at: www.vagabondbible.com/sueandrylan. Top 5 things to do in Los Angeles: here. Top 5 things to do in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico: here. Top 5 things to do in Chiang Mai, Thailand: here. Top 5 things to NOT do in Chiang Mai, Thailand: here. She also has a great article on trekking around Chiang Mai that will be published over the weekend. Check back. -Safe Travels and Happy Reading
General
Travelers with a Conscience and Passports with Purpose—One of the Coolest Things We’ve Ever Seen
We like to consider ourselves responsible travelers. I mean, we throw our cigarette...
Protecting Yourself Against the Elements: Part 4— Hot and Tropical Climates
It’s been a while, but the Vagabonds are back, and we are continuing our “Protecting...
Five Ways to Avoid Looking Like a Tourist When on the Road
While most of the people you meet on the road will have an open and welcoming attitude,...
Read More Posts From This CategoryPacking
Helpful Hints for Traveling in AsiaThailand: Helpful Hint #1: As a Westerner, it is often hard to get past the vast...
Protecting Yourself Against the Elements: Part 4— Hot and Tropical Climates
It’s been a while, but the Vagabonds are back, and we are continuing our “Protecting...
Five Ways to Avoid Looking Like a Tourist When on the Road
While most of the people you meet on the road will have an open and welcoming attitude,...
Read More Posts From This CategoryLodging
Guide to Hosteling in Chicago
Annually, Chicago hosts 35 million travelers, both domestic and international, a number steadily on the rise as Chicago strives to be a center for film making, green technology and independent music. Listed below are the city’s most prominent hostels, providing you the means to visit without breaking the bank. AAE Chicago Parthenon 314 S. Halsed... [Read more of this review]
Minshuku, I’m Sleeping Over Tonight!
Once, a French cameraman made up a new concept on television, trying to ask people in other countries if he can sleep over at their place. As he progressed, he found much more difficulty in Japan than any other country he had been during all his experiences abroad! However, a more convenient way is to use Minshuku (民宿), which will offer you the... [Read more of this review]
Your Guide to Hiroshima: Part 2—Lodging & Accommodation
Once you arrive in Hiroshima, you are going to want to find a place to stay—that is, if you plan on staying overnight. There are about five hostels, two hotels, and four ryokans (旅館) in the city as of: August 11, 2009. (If you haven’t already familiarized yourself with them, ryokans are traditional Japanese hotels/hostels, where you get... [Read more of this review]
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