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!

Have You Ever Taken a Walk Across a Notable Bridge?

 

I wanted to take a minute to discuss one of the best things you can do while out traveling, and it doesn't cost a thing.  One of the things I have come to love is walking bridges.  You get both a view of the bridge and views from the bridge, and in a lot of cases, it can't be beat.  You also might be surprised at how many bridges are available for pedestrians.

1.   Try out bridge walking in New York City.  We all saw people walking across the Brooklyn Bridge after 911.  We know you can walk that bridge.  But, did you know that most bridges in New York City are walkable?  Let me put it this way.  You can't walk the Triborough Bridge or the Verrazano Narrows Bridge.  The others are fair game and most of them have great views of the city and the harbor.

2.  The Hudson River.  Let's start with the George Washington Bridge.  It's walkable.  So is the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge on the south bridge, the Mid Hudson Bridge in Poughkeepsie, the Kingston Bridge on the south side and the Rip Van Winkle Bridge.  Also, let us not forget the most notable one; The Walk Across the Hudson in Poughkeepsie.  That one is part of an extended rail trail and is an amazing experience.

3.  There are several walkable bridges in San Francisco, California as well.  Most notably, The Golden Gate Bridge.  That's right.  Walkable.

4.  The Bridge of Flowers, Shelbourne Falls, Massachusetts.  This is a veteran's memorial that used to be a trolley bridge and part of a great day along the Mohawk Trail, Route 2 in northern Mass.  It's a must see that I visit regularly.

5.  New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia.  You can only walk on this bridge once a year on bridge day when all the base jumpers are allowed on the bridge,  but you can walk under the bridge on a tour pretty much any day.

6.  Cincinnati, Ohio has many pedestrian available bridges across the Ohio River.  All but the Big Mac Bridge are walkable.  Personally, I love the Purple People Eater Pedestrian Bridge.

7.  Portland, Oregon has a few walkable bridges.  The Tilikum Crossing Bridge of the People is available and so is the lower deck of The Steel Bridge.  People do walk on other bridges, but it's in kind of an unofficial capacity.

8.  The Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota is a repurposed bridge open to cyclists and walkers across the Mississippi River.

9.  Here's another one of my favorites.  London Bridge, Lake Havasu, Arizona.  Forget the simple fact that Arizona really has a lack of water.  That being said, at one point, the old London Bridge was for sale and someone bought it.  The bridge was taken apart, shipped to Arizona and rebuilt brick by brick in Lake Havasu.  It's completely walkable and has a great story to go with it.

10.  The Rainbow Bridge, Niagara Falls, New York/Ontario, Canada.  That's right.  You can walk across the border and have an amazing view while doing it.  The gorge at Niagara is amazing, and seeing it from over the river is a treat.  Bring your passport if you go.  It is an international border.

So, there are a lot of bridges that are open to pedestrians.  You'd be surprised.  I always am.  We all spend a lot of time driving from one destination to another, but there are great views to be seen all along the way.  There's nothing like the view from a bridge, so don't shy away from it.  Take a walk.  Get that amazing view.  Take some pictures that you can only take from a bridge.  Use that time to get outside and experience something that maybe you hadn't really thought about and enjoy!

https://www.railstotrails.org/trailblog/2022/june/08/20-iconic-bike-and-pedestrian-bridges-in-america/

https://www.rd.com/list/visually-stunning-pedestrian-walkways-across-the-u-s/

https://www.budgettravel.com/article/best-pedestrian-bridges

https://www.traillink.com/trail-traveler/the-most-beautiful-trail-bridges-in-america/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g191-Activities-c47-t5-United_States.html

https://streeteasy.com/blog/nyc-bridges-11-new-york-bridges/

It Was Quite An Experience...Not Just the Eclipse!

 

To be fair, this is probably a lot of what you saw through your eclipse glasses.  It's the way you're supposed to view the eclipse and it works really well.  We heard an awful lot about the eclipse this time, and it made a lot of people curious.  There were events scheduled across the path of the total eclipse.  There were entire cities and towns that did their best to celebrate it.  At my age, I always wanted to see one, and this one was only a day trip away.

This is what we all saw just after 3:15 pm.  I didn't take this.  This comes from NBC News.  However, this is what I saw and it was spectacular.  My friend Daphne was with me.  But, that's not the whole story.  What we experienced was crazy.

It's astounding the difference a few minutes makes when there's a solar eclipse.  It's like someone flipped a switch and turned the lights out.  What is it about nature that makes humans go a little nuts?  I don't know but I'm part of it for sure.  I went to Iceland in January to see the Northern Lights.  I love nature and want to see some of its best shows.

I think the thing that amazed me more than the eclipse itself was the crowds.  I can't complain honestly, because we too drove all the way to the Adirondacks to view the eclipse.  We intended to go to Ausable Chasm.  We left at 9 am.  We had five plus hours to get there and it was a 3 and a half hour drive.  No worries.

Wow, were we surprised.  I want to thank the good people of Schroon Lake for putting up with a lot of crazy out of towners and being super hospitable during the event.  It was as far as we could get.  It was a total eclipse spot.  The locals gave us glasses to look through.  They had all the bathrooms open for everyone to use.  The were a lot more cheerful than I would have been if that event descended on my little village the way it did theirs.  You are a gracious community and thank you.

Along the way before reaching Schroon Lake, we encountered bumper to bumper traffic.  We saw several accidents.  We saw a lot of break downs.  We stopped at gas stations that were out of gas.  We stopped at convenience stores that were out of water and most snacks.  It was bedlam, and I've never seen the Adirondack region like that in the 30 years plus that I've been traveling there.  

After the event, me and my friend decided to give people a chance to clear out of the area and then we thought it would be easier.  We were wrong.  We tried I-87 with no luck.  The traffic was stand still as far as the eye could see.  We tried Route 9 with no luck.  We actually sat in a small town with three traffic lights for over an hour.  Our supposedly 8 hour trip took 14 hours.  It was some of the craziest stuff I've ever seen.

So, was it worth it?  I discovered a tiny town in the Adirondacks that I'd never been to before.  It was a wonderful town full of wonderful people.  They welcomed us as though we'd lived there for years.  I discovered a place I would like to visit again.  I saw an event that I probably won't get another chance to see in my lifetime.  I spent the day with a good friend.  I had an adventure.  It was so worth it.  

Life isn't always about the destination.  That was supposed to be 60 miles north of where we ended up.  Life is about the journey.  I believe that.  I've always believed that.  I always will believe that.  All in all, I couldn't have asked for a better experience.  It wasn't what I'd planned.  I think it was better.  And the traffic?  Well, there were about a half million other people who wanted to have an adventure too.  I can't fault them for that.

So, when you get that once in a lifetime chance, take the time to do it.  Get behind the wheel and enjoy!

https://poststar.com/eclipse-reporter-andrew-valenza-is-ready-in-schroon-lake-new-york-for-the-eclipse-april/video_2f6d8fe8-f5c8-11ee-95c7-536392b44d84.html

https://www.tiktok.com/@twobuttonsdeep_/video/7355595772114521386

https://poststar.com/news/local/weather/eclipse-preparation-begins/article_33fc2c00-f5b8-11ee-bdf1-33e4aefbea79.html

Not My Normal Post...Hate to Complain

 

It's not like me to complain about anything when I travel, but I feel that as a service to others like me I need to discuss Madison Square Garden.  I've been to numerous venues for events in 9 states and 2 other countries.  I've never had what happened to me this week happen at any other venue ever.

I wanted to get my husband something special for a gift.  We don't spend a lot of money on much of anything, but we almost always have a good time.  We've bargain traveled for decades all over the world and we've always met good people with honest offers for venues, rooms, apartments, flights, and even tours now and again.  I never even thought about buying a couple tickets to a hockey game at MSG as being something I needed to look out for.  I learned a lot this week.

I booked my tickets through Ticketmaster, as I have in the past.  I saw the diagram of the venue.  I picked the cheap seats in the most famous arena in the world.  The cheap seats were the most expensive cheap seats I've ever seen.  I accepted that.  It's New York.  It's Manhattan.  It's Madison Square Garden.

We found MSG easily, and it's convenient to the subway which is how we tend to get around on our numerous visits to the city.  We'd actually gotten a bit lucky with the weather which hadn't turned nearly as bad as forecast that day.  All seemed to be well.

Once we found the entrance that we were supposed to use, which wasn't that clear, we went in and went through security.  We did our souvenir shopping and went to the entrance and went in.  That's where it got a little weird for someone who'd never been there.  You didn't just go up to your section and find your seat.  It was a bit of a maze to get to the cheap seats that weren't cheap.

We stopped a couple times and asked the staff how to get where we were going.  I will say that the staff that work events at MSG are wonderful.  My complaints have nothing to do with the staff.  They were great and I never would have found my seats without them.

So, we made our way across this section, back out to the corridor to go up to another section, through a bar and back down to our seats.  This is where the problem began.  There was a bar hanging down in front of our seats.

This was my view when I arrived.  The above obstruction mentioned nowhere when I bought the tickets is a bar and far better seating above us.

This was our view once people arrived who had tickets in the rows in front of us.

This was primarily how I watched the game that night.  My television at home is much larger.

Now, I was happy that my husband's beloved Pittsburgh Penguins beat the crap out of the Rangers.  I don't watch hockey much myself, but I am definitely not going to be a Rangers fan after that experience at their arena.  My husband wandered around quite a bit to get a better view of the game and I thought that he was very magnanimous about the whole thing.  Most people who attended the game and sat in our section left extremely early, and some of them were Penguins fans.  Not a good look MSG.

I know that I booked nosebleed seats.  I expected to see tiny people on the ice.  I've bought cheap seats before and some of them have been to hockey games.  I'm not really picky.  But, for the amount I paid, I should have at least been able to see the game in front of me.  My feet stuck to the floor all night, because someone had failed to clean the attic of MSG.  We stayed and watched the game and my wonderful husband made the best of it.  He's a real trooper when I try to do something nice for him.

I just can't help it.  Madison Square Garden, you should be ashamed of yourselves.  You should warn people of a seat with a 75% obstructed view of the event.  You shouldn't even have created that situation, but whatever.  No scoreboard in view.  You couldn't see one of the goals.  We weren't part of any of the festivities that the rest of the arena enjoyed.  There was no way to shoot a t-shirt cannon into that tiny void.  I've traveled a lot and gone to a lot of events.  I thought this would be the crowning glory, going to the most famous arena in the world.  I've never been so disappointed.  I've never felt so taken advantage of.  I've never felt like I'd failed my husband with a gift so completely.  I've never felt that bad when I've been out.

I don't know who you people think you are.  I may not have been a Tim Robbins or a Jason Bateman who you showed on your camera, but I deserve a little respect.  People in the cheap seats deserve respect.  You shouldn't have ever created a situation like that seating section.  Shame on you.  I'll never go there again, even though I now know where to book a seat.  You'll never see me again.

I only thank God that you had a zero on your scale of 1 to 10.

https://www.msg.com/madison-square-garden

https://www.instagram.com/thegarden/

https://www.ticketmaster.com/madison-square-garden-tickets-new-york/venue/483329

https://www.msgentertainment.com/

https://34thstreet.org/activities/madison-square-garden

Things I Never Thought of...This Week's After Easter Fast Five!

 

I have to start this week's blog by letting you all know that I have a lot of fun finding some truly interesting things in travel.  I remind myself every day that pushing myself outside my comfort zone in whatever way makes for some of the most interesting trips in my life.  Always make sure that you're doing something new and different.  It keeps life fresh!

And now, on with this week's fast five!

1.    The Yazidi Holy Site of Lalish, Kurdistan, Iraq.  This is the last place that most of you would expect me to talk about.  Iraq, one of the most unstable parts of the Middle East.  True.  I can't argue with any of that.  However, there's the region of Kurdistan and the people there who have managed to separate themselves a great deal from the fluctuating rest of the country.  Lalish is a unique place to visit, and one of the most peaceful and friendly places in the whole of the Middle East.  Yazidism is a monotheistic religion and if you'd like to know more about it, check the links below.  It is practiced in areas of Kurdistan, Syria and Turkey.  The holy town for Lalish is virtually uninhabited, in that only the Emir lives there.  It is a beautiful spot and a pilgrimage site.  Remember this one.  If you go there, make arrangements for a visa to Kurdistan.  You will need an extra visa to visit any of the rest of Iraq

https://adventuresoflilnicki.com/lalish-iraqi-kurdistan/

https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20230803-in-pictures-the-protectors-of-a-7000-year-old-faith

https://thekurdishproject.org/history-and-culture/kurdistan-religion/yazidi-ethno-religious-community/

https://spirit-travelers.com/en/visit-lalish-yezidi-iraq/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g676534-d16881765-Reviews-Lalish_Temple-Duhok_Duhok_Province.html

2.    scUber, available at the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.   We've all heard of Uber.  It's that ride share app that get's you home safe at night after partying.  Well, check this out.  Do you like to dive?  I mean scuba dive?  If so, we all know that the greatest place in the world to go diving is the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia.  Well, whether you're on Heron Island at the Great Barrier Reef or in Port Douglas to the north, you can rent a submarine or scUber.  It goes down to 30 meters and it's a one of a kind ride.  So, consider it when visiting the most famous reef in the world.

https://teq.queensland.com/au/en/industry/what-we-do/marketing/scuber 

https://www.fastcompany.com/90354591/uber-australia-launches-a-submarine-experience-called-scuber 

https://www.thedrum.com/news/2019/05/29/tourists-are-invited-dive-the-great-barrier-reef-with-rideshare-submarine-scuber

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grLSpuNx4UM

https://uncrate.com/scuber-ridesharing-submarine/

3.  Magnetic Island, North Queensland, Australia.  This is one of those great side visits if you happen to be in North Queensland and possibly diving the Great Barrier Reef.  This island is a peaceful outdoor fun paradise reachable by ferry and a great place to spend some time.  There's lots of outdoor activities including more diving.  There are places to stay, hiking to do, food to try and it's just that someplace that most people don't know about.  But, what does Magnetic Island have?  If you're visiting Northern Australia, it's the place where you'll find the largest colony of Koala Bears in that part of the continent sized country.  

https://www.townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au/destinations/magnetic-island/

https://www.queensland.com/us/en/places-to-see/destinations/townsville/magnetic-island

https://www.bestofmagnetic.com/magnetic-island/

https://www.thisismagneticisland.com.au/

https://www.australia.com/en-us/places/cairns-and-surrounds/guide-to-townsville-magnetic-island.html

4.    Rooftop Reds, Brooklyn, New York.    All I can say here is that I never know what I'll find in Brooklyn.  Brooklyn is one of the most inventive places on Earth.  Every time I go there I find something new and different.  So, for all you wine lovers, I give you Rooftop Reds.  This is a winery located in the old Navy yards and it's on the roof.  I'm not kidding.  You can go there, try wine, have some snack food, listen to live music, and get some sun.  It's quite unique and just one more reason to spend your NYC time in Brooklyn.  Check the dates before you go.  This one is seasonal for good reason.

https://www.rooftopreds.com/

https://www.instagram.com/rooftopreds/

https://www.nyctourism.com/nightlife/rooftop-reds/

https://www.brooklynnavyyard.org/tenants/rooftop-reds/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLm2Ff67JLs

5.    Camping in New York City.  Is it camping?  Is it glamping?  Is it yurt living?  Maybe a tiny house?  What on Earth is going on on Governor's Island?  Well, here's the scoop.   Governor's Island has gone into the wellbeing business with The Collective.  They offer several styles of accommodations at the retreat.  You get pampered, have amazing views of the city, and get away from it all.  All a few minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan.  Governor's Island is a national historic site and was once a home of the military.  Those days are long gone and the island has become a great place to get outdoors in the city.  In addition to pampering, there's museum areas to explore, you can rent a citybike, and numerous other activities.  This stay will cost you a bit, but what an experience while in the Big Apple!

https://www.collectiveretreats.com/governors-island/rooms/?_ef_transaction_id=e729a97be3904bfd970095b3fd129d9d

https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/collective-governors-island.html

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Feature-g60763-d14031408-zft1-Collective_Governors_Island_A_New_York_City_Retreat.html

https://www.govisland.com/things-to-do/recreation/overnight-accommodations-at-collective-retreats

https://secretnyc.co/governors-island-camping-summer/

So there you have this week's fast five!  I hope you enjoy it.  There are so many new and interesting things happening all the time in the world of travel.  The options for adventures and experiences keep exponentially growing.  Take time to look not only at places but at experiences.  After all, it shouldn't just be the place of a lifetime, it should be an unforgettable experience too.  So, find that adventure, pack your bags and enjoy!