1. The 5th Annual World Nomad Games. Now, this started a few years back and the original home was in Kyrgyzstan, but it is now held in Kazakhstan. It's the world championships of some sports you can only see in the Steppe lands. You will find all sorts of unique contests from wrestling to falconing and some extremely unique sports on horseback. You will also find fantastic examples of regional foods, arts and crafts and you'll experience something you've never even dreamed of. It's like visiting a whole new planet, and it's an experience you'll never forget. So, if you've got the gumption to visit the area, do it in the fall and be there for these one of a kind games.
https://worldnomadgames.kz/en
https://whereandwander.com/world-nomad-games-2021/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mn-LIjQVkm0
https://yellowwoodadventures.com/adventures/world-nomad-games-kazakhstan-2024/world-nomad-games-2024
https://www.responsiblevacation.com/vacations/festivals/travel-guide/world-nomad-games
2. Walk on The Columbia Ice Field, Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada. Banff and Jasper are probably two of the national parks in the world that I'd like to visit most. Haven't had the chance...yet. That being said, while touring these parks, there's something you shouldn't miss. Jasper National Park has a tour that takes you out to walk on The Columbia Ice Field. Most of the time, walking glaciers and ice fields is very involved and can take days and you must have a guide. Jasper National Park can take care of it all for you in a few hours and check it right off you bucket list. A great addition to a visit in the area.
3. Cuba stuff. I wanted to pause and talk a little bit about some oddities you may find in Cuba. For years, Cuba had a dual money system where they had different Pesos for travelers and locals. Reportedly, they've consolidated their system and we shouldn't be running into this anymore, but it can still be an issue in some places and with digital payments. Keep your eyes open and know the difference so that you don't end up with useless money.
Part 2. Where should you stay as an American while visiting Cuba? This has changed over the years as well. When the country became open for tourists, it's not surprising that Americans were treated a little different. Problems between the two governments, people being a little cautious on both sides of the deal. It happens with a rocky history. These days the best advice is to stay in an international chain of some kind. Cuba has some great resorts, so go and have fun. Just be careful where you book as an American.
4. Take a Float in the Dead Sea. I know, there's a lot of problems in the Middle East. However, that almost never changes. Salt has fascinated people for thousands of years. The Dead Sea is the lowest place on Earth and it's salt content is legendary. People have sworn by the recuperative powers of salt for eons and this is one of the most famous places in the world to give it a go and take a float. That being said, we know that Israel and the Palestinians are at war right now, but the good news is that you can visit the Dead Sea while on a tour of Jordan. So, if you decide to visit Jordan, keep the Dead Sea in mind.
5. Collect some Maui Trade Dollars. I like to collect money when I travel, but in the United States, that doesn't normally happen. However, if you get the opportunity to travel to Hawaii, you might get that chance. Maui Trade Dollars were designed to honor the culture of that individual Island. Each of the Hawaiian Islands has their own culture and personality. Maui decided to make something truly unique that everyone could have. The trade dollar can be spent as money at many places while on Maui, so make sure you take advantage of this interesting and one of a kind experience while visiting Maui.
There you have it. This week was a bit random, but I just couldn't pass up passing on some good information that I received. Travel is an adventure at best, but can become a disaster. I always advocate making some plans before you leave. Not that you should strangle yourself with an itinerary, but make sure you check out how money works, political climate with your country, weather, crime, war, and other things that could have a huge impact on your good time. Most places in the world can be visited irregardless of who they're at odds with. You simply need to be careful. So, instead of trying to avoid every questionable country on Earth, just do your research, plan accordingly and enjoy!
