A Mish Mash of Good Information in This Week's Fast Five!

 

1.   Twin Falls, Idaho.  Somehow, Idaho is largely overlooked by non skiers.  This state is nestled in between Montana and Washington and has some of the best scenery in the country.  Twin falls is just that, a city with two amazing waterfalls.  Shoshone and Perrine Coulee Falls are both beautiful and the gorge is beautiful.  Even the Perrine Bridge across it is beautiful.  

However, being known as the gateway to the Snake River Canyon has brought a lot of flash and glitter to this city once in a while.  One of America's best known daredevils made his final jump attempt here.  Evel Knievel tried to jump the Snake River Canyon in 1974 with a customized bike called a skycycle.  Basically it was a rocket.  To this day, you can visit the site of the ramp that Evel Knievel used to try and make that jump.  If in the area, it's a must see and close by when visiting the falls.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/evel-knievel-snake-river-canyon-jump-site

https://steamcommunity.com/app/270880/discussions/0/3110266679784075607/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXhbpZbkszc

https://www.tfid.org/

https://visitsouthidaho.com/the-top-10-things-to-do-in-twin-falls/

2.   Filming and permits in National Parks.  This one is some FYI.  In the modern era, YouTube and other outlets have found people making a considerable amount of money from filming their activities.  Some of the most successful ones are the travel vloggers.  There's been some dispute about the rules that you have to have a permit to film anything in a National Park that provides income.  This was largely disputed by travel vloggers around the time of the pandemic, so the rules changed a bit due to a lawsuit.

The rules for filming didn't differentiate between styles of film.  They were originally designed to require production companies to purchase a permit before filming in a National Park.  The rules included have a timeline, a list of equipment, specific locations, vehicles to be used and so on.  On the list of things you must state before receiving your permit includes what kind of explosives you may be using.  

As you can imagine, vloggers don't plan that far ahead, and generally don't use explosives, so it became an issue.  Vloggers couldn't receive a permit, because they didn't have a way of planning their films.  So, in the interest of fair play, the rules changed.  Now, you don't need a permit to film in a National Park as long as you aren't interfering with anything going on.  So, if you want to bring your go pro or small camera, you're welcome to film as long as you're not bothering anything or anyone while you do it.  If you bring a camera crew, you'll be filling out some paperwork and paying some fees.

https://www.nps.gov/inde/planyourvisit/permits-for-filming-and-photography.htm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7hhtdrpIIQ

https://www.backpacker.com/skills/9-things-you-need-to-know-about-national-park-photography-rules/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT2SQTsaXk4

https://www.nrpa.org/parks-recreation-magazine/2022/december/constitutionality-of-filmmaking-regulations-in-national-parks/

As you can see, this has been a highly controversial subject and the rules could change at any time, so make sure you know the up to date rules before filming anything in a National Park.

1.  VooDoo Doughnuts, Portland, Oregon.   This place has a great back story.  Two old friends with a creative spirit created some amazing doughnuts in Portland and created VooDoo Doughnuts in 2000.  It's got to be the only place where you can get a doughnut called a Dirty Bastard.  They have some of the most inventive doughnuts anywhere and they're extremely well known for their Bacon Maple Bar.  If you can dream a doughnut up, they can make it.  

Over the years, this doughnut venture was everywhere on social media and on and on; they were even featured on The Amazing Race.  As a result, they now have 19 locations in 7 states.  But, if you want the real experience, visit the original store at 22 SW 3rd Avenue, in Old Town in Portland, Oregon.  If you're in Portland, it's one place not to miss.

https://www.voodoodoughnut.com/

https://www.travelportland.com/attractions/voodoo-doughnut/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g52024-d440217-Reviews-Voodoo_Doughnut-Portland_Oregon.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtcrdruBveU

https://twitter.com/voodoodoughnut?lang=en

4.    Snoqualmie Falls, near Snoqualmie and Fall City, Washington.  Millions of people visit Seattle every year.  It's a beautiful city with great landmarks, lots to do, and great music and food.  Despite the fact that it rains quite a bit, it's very popular with travelers.  Snoqualmie Falls is not far from the city and one of the most beautiful falls around.  

The 270 foot high gusher has become so popular that it's surrounded by a 2 acre park, and has the Salish Lodge.  If you happen to be in the area and enjoy waterfalls, it's a can't miss.

https://www.snoqualmiefalls.com/

https://www.snoqualmiewa.gov/378/Snoqualmie-Falls

https://www.snoqualmiefallswa.com/

https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/snoqualmie-falls

https://www.seattlesouthside.com/blog/our-spontaneous-day-trip-to-snoqualmie-falls/

5.    El Caminito del Rey, Malaga, Spain.   If you like a view and aren't scared of heights, this nearly 8 Kilometer path along the sides of a gorge could be for you.  Now, you don't need another reason to visit Andalusia in the south of Spain; there are already so many.  But, the view is always high on any Andalusian to do list.  Once considered the most dangerous hike in the world, this is a must do if you happen to be in the vicinity of Ardales or Alora and want to take an iconic stroll on "The King's Little Walk" this may just be the adventure for you.

https://www.spain.info/en/hiking-trails/caminito-del-rey-hiking-in-spain/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g664021-d2204069-Reviews-El_Caminito_del_Rey-Ardales_Province_of_Malaga_Andalucia.html

https://www.caminitodelrey.info/en/

https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/el-caminito-del-rey

https://www.viator.com/Malaga-attractions/El-Caminito-del-Rey/d956-a28371

https://www.getyourguide.com/-l89646/?cmp=ga&cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=6654625363&cq_con=77950263806&cq_term=caminito%20del%20rey%20spain&cq_med=&cq_plac=&cq_net=g&cq_pos=&cq_plt=gp&campaign_id=6654625363&adgroup_id=77950263806&target_id=aud-1393039795340:kwd-422902416396&loc_physical_ms=9003419&match_type=e&ad_id=395290135403&keyword=caminito%20del%20rey%20spain&ad_position=&feed_item_id=&placement=&device=c&partner_id=CD951&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_qexBhCoARIsAFgBleuAcids4wnJKNURM9tEsA2i8NxI2pnAUnKoGqiqjcuhGb0UXKaRb8saAq71EALw_wcB

There you have it!  Some more unique add ons and some valuable information for travelers.  I know that this week's out of the way adventures were mostly in the Pacific Northwest, but it's a great place to visit.  Just remember that life is short, and when visiting a location, you should be aware of any of the out of the way places you might not want to miss.  So, do a little research, pack some bags, hit the road and enjoy!

Getting Glasses in Mexico...A Follow Up and New Material!

 

Ten Years ago I visited my parents in Sun City, Arizona with my then 14 year old son.  He's grown and handling his life on his own, and my parents are no longer with us and in a home respectively.  I still check this blog regularly and notice that the post I wrote about Getting Glasses in Mexico; I'm Not Kidding, is still one of my more popular posts.  That being said and the simple fact that all the information I provided with the post is old and out of date, I thought I'd give some new information.

Los Algodones is that town just across the border from California in Baja.  There's literally a parking lot at the border provided and maintained by the Quechan Tribe, where you can park in the area of Winterhaven, California and walk across the border for the day.  All you need is a passport or passport card for the visit.  Minor children with their parents can cross for the day only with documentation like a birth certificate.  No one will ask you for documents when you enter Mexico, but you will need them to get back into the U.S.  If you really want to, you can drive across this border and park on the Mexico side.  Don't know why you would, but you can.

My story in 2014 was about my son getting an eye exam and eyeglasses for $85.  The whole event took two and a half hours and my son loved the glasses.  Most of the rest of the day that we spent in the town was enjoying the markets and the restaurants.  The good news is that now it costs only around $90 for that experience, but maybe an extra $50 for the glasses themselves.  Prices have gone up a bit, but not much.

There are any number of reasons to visit Los Algodones, but the overwhelming reasons are medical.  Eyeglasses and examinations are inexpensive as I've mentioned.  Dental work is another amazing deal in the town.  There are some 900 dentists in the area doing all kinds of dental work.   Los Algodones has become known as the Molar City. 

Then, there's the meds.  Pharmacies in Mexico can give you up to 90 days of a supply of your prescription for a fraction of what you'd pay in the United States.  They carry many of the meds we all need.  Don't expect to find pain killers however.  That's one of the few things not on the list of available meds.  You'll find blood pressure meds, cholesterol, inhalers and so on.  You can get an inhaler like Symbicort for $40.  It's a steal for anyone dealing with a high deductible insurance.

So, why does Los Algodones work?  This is a combination of factors that happens in few places along the border.  The doctors in the town are mostly trained in the United States.  What's happened is that there's too much overhead in the U.S. for the doctors to provide inexpensive medical care.  When they move across the border by a hundred feet, that cost all but goes away.  The doctors working there don't want to charge people a fortune and pay a bunch of overhead for little to no reason.  They genuinely want to help people.  The solution became moving across the border.  It's been working for decades and giving many people a big break on their dentist work, glasses and meds.

The perk here is that instead of just feeling like you got ripped off at the dentist, optician, or pharmacy; you spend your money on a trip.  I'd much rather spend my money to travel than just to stay healthy.  It's the best of both worlds.

Do I recommend crossing the border to save money on medical needs?  I do and I don't.  Meds of course.  I got mine there the time that I visited.  Glasses of course.  I allowed my son to be examined and get glasses.  Dentistry?  I talked to many visitors who were there for dental work.  They'd all been there before and loved the results, so I would say a big yes.  

However, don't go overboard.  There are surgeons there who perform elective surgeries.  I know someone who's done that.  It didn't turn out well, albeit they did go to Tijuana.  They got an infection and nearly died.  I don't believe in elective surgery, so it doesn't even apply to me.  But, if you're curious about that, do a lot of research.  You can't be too careful when it comes to surgery.

As I'd said previously, we spent the rest of our day after medical things shopping and eating.  We had a great time.  We met merchants and other visitors.  We got some great souvenirs and ate some truly fabulous food.  It was a truly pleasant day and I would gladly do it again if the opportunity comes up.  I don't even need much in the way of any medical services.  I just really liked Los Algodones, Mexico.

So, ten years later and things remain the same in Los Algodones.  It's a great experience and I still would highly recommend it.  Remember to use travelers caution.  Don't be careless with your possessions or money.  So, below I've left some more current links to help you investigate this unique place to visit in the world.  So, grab your med list, pack your bags and enjoy!

https://adventuresforanyone.blogspot.com/2014/04/getting-glasses-in-mexicoim-not-joking.html

https://sanidentalgroup.com/blog/5-important-things-you-need-to-know-before-traveling-to-los-algodones-mexico

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g642246-i11850-k14302033-My_dental_experience_Feb_2023-Los_Algodones_Baja_California.html#116761844

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g642246-Los_Algodones_Baja_California-Vacations.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjuqiuyYLtw

https://apollomedicaltravel.com/locations/los-algodones-the-apollo-guide/

https://www.medicaltourismex.com/locations/medical-tourism-los-algodones

https://www.losalgodones.com/

https://www.bordercrxing.com/history-of-los-algodones.html

https://www.hotels.com/de857928/hotels-los-algodones-mexico/?semcid=HCOM-US.UB.GOOGLE.DL-DSA-c-EN.HOTEL&semdtl=a112413870301.b1119916623404.g1aud-2141179518407:dsa-1029965199087.e1c.m1Cj0KCQjwiYOxBhC5ARIsAIvdH50qCQkzxVg14HKru22Y3LFASmwSlnhF01I2jsBsOTXYEClnRhTpjGEaAgewEALw_wcB.r1.c1.j19003419.k1.d1658954006555.h1.i137831950847.l1.n1.o1.p1.q1.s1.t1.x1.f1.u1.v1.w1&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiYOxBhC5ARIsAIvdH50qCQkzxVg14HKru22Y3LFASmwSlnhF01I2jsBsOTXYEClnRhTpjGEaAgewEALw_wcB

https://www.medicaltourismco.com/dental-tourism-in-los-algodones-mexico/

https://algodonesdentalgroup.com/the-mansion-algodones/

https://www.dayodental.com/destinations/los-algodones/

https://algodonesdentalgroup.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiYOxBhC5ARIsAIvdH50XzOLvngerhEYXqUoh_2vjWayiUKvqts2qXpjHxEWtTFGJN7DrYjAaAqlYEALw_wcB

https://www.molarcity.com/about-molar-city-los-algodones-mexico.php

https://www.internationalmedsolutions.com/service/pharmacy/?location=algodones

https://mediplazalosalgodones.com/stores/one-stop-pharmacy/

https://www.molarcity.com/pharmacies-los-algodones-molar-city-mexico.php

http://algodonesoptical.net/

https://clearvisionopticalalgodones.com/

https://www.castleoptical.com/

https://mediplazalosalgodones.com/stores/20-20-vision-center/

https://soldental-optical.com/

https://www.molarcity.com/opticals-in-los-algodones-molar-city-mexico.php

Here's Some Fabulous Budget Ideas!

 

Who doesn't want to travel?  I've spent my life seeing as much of the world as I possibly can.  Most of the time, that means budget.  Today, I'm sharing some of the fun ways I've found that you can travel for much less.  Have I tried them all?  No, but I want to.

1.    It's called WWOOF.  World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms.  That's right.  You help out on any of the farms in the network, and you get free lodging and meals.  Sometimes more, but that's from place to place.  This was created in the 1970's.  Over 50 years and counting.  They operate in over 130 countries.  There are over 12,000 hosts.  It's an amazing network and also a great way to learn about the area you're visiting and meet some wonderful people.  It leaves you with only travel expenses from place to place, because hosts normally feed the help too!

https://wwoof.net/

https://wwoofusa.org/en/

https://wwoofinternational.org/

https://wwoofindependents.org/en/

https://www.facebook.com/WWOOF/

2.    House Sitting.  I was shocked and you would be too.  There are a lot of people who don't want to leave their houses empty or their pets in a kennel.  There are numerous ways to set up a housesitting situation where you want to travel.  Do you like dogs and cats?  Pet sitting is a great way to get around.  You help someone out while they travel and you get free accommodations.  

https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/house-and-pet-sitting-assignments/

https://www.mindmyhouse.com/

https://www.housesittersamerica.com/

https://www.nomador.com/

https://www.housesittersites.com/?c=2&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw5v2wBhBrEiwAXDDoJYBH06M2Uvehcwp5Tefkg-TBg_yP2WwEMe0cY4T6NNmlc6IwDmdSZRoCZasQAvD_BwE

3.    House Swapping.  Are you sick of looking at the same four walls and need a temporary change of view?  There might be someone out there in the same shoes.  As long as you don't mind someone coming to stay in your house, you can look into staying in someone else's house.  It's that simple.  

https://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/tennessee/east/trade?locale=en_US&siteid=9001001&semcid=VRBO-US.UB.GOOGLE.DT-c-EN.VR&semdtl=a112250888680.b1136810776411.g1kwd-296649452393.e1c.m1CjwKCAjw5v2wBhBrEiwAXDDoJVn-qlUQgT4Y7EFxxfhU-lms9dKmpVNCw-9VraKH6bnmHZJnjzXlkBoCWSoQAvD_BwE.r101b639fa29dd994cfaee20463da4dc90e14882bc5cb5827010893c7a48295565.c1-uuQ7RoPI0Vjvw8X_P1aew.j19003419.k1.d1569794701018.h1b.i1.l1.n1.o1.p1.q1.s1.t1.x1.f1.u1.v1.w1&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw5v2wBhBrEiwAXDDoJVn-qlUQgT4Y7EFxxfhU-lms9dKmpVNCw-9VraKH6bnmHZJnjzXlkBoCWSoQAvD_BwE

https://www.homeexchange.com/p/house-swap?esvt=-e&esvq=house%20swap%20websites&esvadt=999999---1&esvcrea=660033096130&esvplace=&esvd=c&esvtg=kwd-1925329168&esvaid=50179&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw5v2wBhBrEiwAXDDoJaiVI2hokIHIDNVjZPH--kRYt1MSYIi8GCoJtvArd7Ax2hoacweljRoCoGIQAvD_BwE

https://www.lovehomeswap.com/

https://peoplelikeus.world/en

https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/sleeping-eating/house-swapping-tips

4.    Couch Surfing.  This is a unique way to travel, my friend.  This means staying with people.  If you like company and meeting people, this could be a money saving and travel experience enhancing venture.  I don't know it this one's for me, but it does sound interesting.

https://www.couchsurfing.com/

https://www.instagram.com/couchsurfing/?hl=en

https://www.halfwayanywhere.com/travel/budget-travel/how-to-never-pay-accommodation-couchsurfing/

https://travelladies.app/couchsurfing

https://www.save70.com/hotels/?campaignid=19243937451&adgroupid=141304741381&lpage=k&lb=alpha&marvel=1&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw5v2wBhBrEiwAXDDoJaaMfEM3wAVEArrfWfaB3sI--4O9JkzKvYp8jenVhbSuuz18A5nTjxoCqHoQAvD_BwE

5.    Volunteer.  That's right.  One of the most rewarding vacations you can take, and I've done this one, is to volunteer.  There are so many ways to do it.  You can do anything from cleaning trails to tagging animals to working in clinics and on and on.  There are many ways you can help all around the world and get a unique look at the places you'll visit!

https://discovercorps.com/landing/volunteer-vacations-11-50-percent/?utm_source=google_search&utm_medium=search_text&utm_campaign=dc_volunteer&utm_term=volunteer_vacation&creative=613575674091&keyword=volunteer%20vacations&matchtype=b&network=g&device=c&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw5v2wBhBrEiwAXDDoJQkM6uZJApsgnl6ygdNW7zoAphSAAvHUJmqFe6FeF8zTc9AGcwSYEhoC-AAQAvD_BwE

https://wvtourism.com/remote-work-extended-stays/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw5v2wBhBrEiwAXDDoJcKW31kDSLMpg_Tnx885_R6cY9E353djOYl7Hs7g9Jb4S4rVXIFpLhoCUgkQAvD_BwE

https://www.volunteerworld.com/en

https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacations/

https://www.gooverseas.com/blog/meaningful-volunteer-vacations

6.    It's called Harvest Hosts.  If you joined the trend during the pandemic of travelers who bought a van or an RV of some kind, this might appeal to you.  As long as you have a self contained vehicle, you can make arrangements to park at locations within the network.  Primarily wineries and breweries, the visitors have a chance to taste product, shop at the store on the property and have a peaceful and oftentimes scenic stay.  Locations are mostly in the United States, but they are ever expanding into Canada, Mexico and all over.  It is a membership club, just so you know.

https://www.harvesthosts.com/

https://www.facebook.com/HarvestHosts/

https://www.cruiseamerica.com/trip-inspiration/harvest-host

https://www.instagram.com/harvesthosts/?hl=en

https://blog.campingworld.com/campgrounds-travel/how-to-camp-at-a-harvest-hosts-location/

So, there you have it.  I've said for years that travel doesn't have to cost a lot of money.  I've also said that traveling isn't tourism and that the adventure is what makes it memorable.  These are some of the ways you can travel for less and have a full experience.  These are some ways to travel that will make great stories to tell when you get home and they will be stories that none of your friends can match.  So, consider taking an adventure, pack your bags and enjoy!