Trip Planning: South Africa

Hey Guys,

We will be traveling to South Africa (SA) soon and are looking for any advice for visiting SA. First we will be in Johannesburg and then Cape Town. 

Any advice on things to do, places to go, especially what and where to eat would be greatly appreciated. Let us know in the comments. Thanks!

The City Scale: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia. Often referred to as KL. It is filled with a variety of people who are friendly enough to help you with most problems you may have.

1. The People and The Culture (4/5)

The population of KL is very diverse. You will find Christian, Hindu and Islamic influences everywhere and from what I've seen, they have been able to integrate peacefully. Everyone shows off their culture respectful, in ways which breeds tolerance and some lovely art.

2. Things to Do (4/5)

There is no shortage of things to do and sights to see. It is a very lively city where there is always something going on, even late at night. I suggest stepping out of your comfort zone and singing some karaoke. The one draw back is that I didn't experience a whole lot of nature here. Like I was told many times 'KL is a mall city'. They are everywhere. So, if you like shopping make sure to take advantage.

3. Transportation (5/5)

Transport is definitely not a problem in the city. There are taxi's, busses, trains, the works. Most things are fairly close also so walking is also an option. Furthermore they have loads of transportation apps which make getting around even easier.

4. The Food (3/5)

The food is ok. There is some international selection. But most of the cheaper food is mostly local street food. Its pretty standard SEA food with some local variations. Good but again, nothing particularly spectacular

5. Standouts (2/5)

Although I think Kuala Lumpur is a great city and I had a fantastic time, writing this made me realize, there weren't any real standouts. The great thing is the feel of the city. It has a lot of city life but still manages to keep a calm air that is pleasant to be in. However, nothing particularly special standout about the city.

Overall 18/25

The City Scale

Every city is different and unique so it is difficult to judge them against each other. However, we all know that judging is what we do best and with judging there has to be competition. I write about my favorite cities but theres nothing real to back it up. To help me remedy this problem I've come up with some criteria to judge each city. They are:

1. The People and Culture

The people are what make the city. Are they friendly? Are they crazy? Do they take enough showers? The entire Human Resource of a country will be covered in this category. Closely linked to 'The People' is the culture. I've found that in several cities theres a definitely lack of an identity while in some cities thats the only thing going for them. But the real question is, 'Is it a culture which you want to experience?' 

2. Things To Do

The next thing is the attractions. This might not necessarily be just touristy things but really how active can you be. Even better, are the things to do worthwhile. There are loads of places that advertise many things to do, but the reality is they lack excitement and value.

3. Transportation

Getting around is an important factor in any place you go. Accessibility is key. There may be loads of things to do but lets face it, if you can't  get to any of them, then it is a big dud.

4. The Food

Undeniably one of the most important factors for me is access to good food. If cup-o-noodles is constantly on the menu because I simply don't trust anything else. Well then there is an issue.

5. Standouts

Last but not least, we have 'The Standouts'. There are many cities where there are several aspects that don't make sense but there is a unique factor which makes up for everything. This is where we will account for that. Whether, these are negative or positive factors, we will discuss them here.

Every category will get a score out of 5. Then we will tally up the marks and rank the cities accordingly. So what do you think of the scale? Do you think I missed anything? Let me know in the comments below. May the odds be ever in your favor.

This Is How You Phuket

When you visit Phuket you have to go to the Upside Down House. There's loads of things to do here and you can make one of these awesome videos for yourself.

Pokemon Go: Awesome TravelApp

There was a lot of buzz recently about PokemonGo and its massively successful launch. Personally I see it as an incredible TravelApp more than anything else. You may not think of Pokemon Go as a travel app, but I think it may just be one of the most innovative ones out there right now. 

1 - It rewards you for travel (walking). It helps you maximize the time spent traveling, and I'm always looking for things I can benefit from while on the road. Also it documents the location where you got a Pokemon. So you kind of have a cool memento of that place when you get awesome Pokemon there.

2 - It touches on a piece of nostalgia I never thought I would reconnect with. I loved Pokemon when I was younger and I know anyone born around that time had the same experience. Collecting the cards, watching the show, playing the games, there was always something Pokemon related to do. This helps me feel like I didn't waste my youth. Although in reality I'm probably just wasting my 20's too. Hell at least its been a fun ride.

3 - It has a map. Instead of just looking at Google maps you can be looking for Pokestops and Gyms. Plus it's a map so once you have an idea of where you are going you shouldn't get too lost.

4 - Its just entertaining as hell. One of my new favorite feelings is the moment after a Pokeball stops shaking and I know I've officially caught that sucker. Win.

5 - Its super social. Anyone else who plays knows how addictive it can be. It helps to have someone to go walking with when you are looking for Pokemon and Pokestops to raid. When you get too a Pokestop with a lure and you see a bunch of people with their eyes glued to their phones it almost makes you want to scream, "These are my PEOPLE."

But those are just my thoughts on this new fad as a traveler. What do you think? Better yet, what games do you play when you are traveling?

The Asian Squat: To Do or Not to Doo?

The Asian Squat is a full squat with your feet firmly planted on the ground, no tip toes. It may not seem like a big deal, but traveling to Asia has definitely opened my mind to this position. Mostly because it seems like everyone in Asia is doing it. The smallest of children to the oldest of adults, while playing, eating and everything in between.

The reason why it stuck out to me so much is because they seem so comfortable, almost as if they've lived their entire lives in that position. Its natural. Meanwhile when I tried to copy, my legs hurt and it felt incredibly unnatural to not pop onto my toes (More proof that I'm one of the worst Asians ever). But now I can comfortably stay in that position for like 5 mins. Win.

They say when you are in that position its easier to poop. Which brings me to chinese toilets. I haven't experienced this since I've been in thailand. Maybe because I've been going to all the right places. But chinese toilets are basically just porcelain holes in the ground, which you asian squat over to use. They say this opens up your bowels so you are able to use the bathroom better, but whatever help it does to my bowels, I'm pretty sure it would ruin me mentally. Regardless, the asian squat is a funny little cultural thing, gotta appreciate the little things. Also I have a theory that it might be the reason a lot of Asians have nice big calves.

Reddit Gifts: Secret Santa 2016

Sign up for RedditGifts: Secret Santa has begun and you should really jump on this bandwagon. As you may already know, I love mail and sending it around the world. Secret Santa is a game changer. I think the older everyone gets the more Christmas looses its magic. Most of us have what we need and can afford most of the things that we want. But getting a gift from some random person around the world spices up the whole situation and kind of gives it back some of its magic.

Also, its nice putting some thought into giving a gift to a person you don't know. Gift giving can be hard because again, most of your friends have everything they want and need, and can afford anything you can get them. However, in this case it really is the thought that counts. It does't matter what you get them because it comes from am anonymous stranger and if they don't like it, you will never have to deal with passive aggressive comments.

I know its still November and I don't mean to be one of those overzealous Christmas maniacs but sign up ends 29th of November so if you want to, the time is now. Sign up here. Leave a comment below if you have ever done a Secret Santa before and what you got. Merry Christmas!... too soon?

Working On Your Blog While Traveling

Traveling should be about being in the moment. Experiencing things wholeheartedly so that you are able to maximize the journey you are on. But how do you balance that with work? I've found that when I'm traveling although I'm inspired, the last thing I want to do is work. My reasoning is, I should be able to work because I have free time. I should be able to give the blog the attention I can't while I'm working a regular job. However, working kills the adventure.

The problem I'm facing, which I know most people struggle with is, that elusive work and life balance. How do you get the rest you need while still being productive in a meaningful way? Thinking about it, it's a catch-22. Writing about the amazing experiences I'm having, stops me f
rom fully experiencing them. It takes you out of the experience itself and forces you to see it as a marketable commodity.

The reality is blogging is hard work. Any job is hard work, especially if you are trying to be good at it (even more so if you aren't being paid). It requires a lot of time and effort which are limited when you are only in a location for a couple of days. It takes a lot of time sitting down and writing a post and believe it takes even more effort to force yourself out of a comfy bed after a long night out to open your computer and stare at the screen begging for words, photos and videos to materialize. Personally, this blog came out of a need to use my travel experiences and thoughts. I've done some things and I needed to share them even if it is just being launched into cyber space without a paddle.

I think the moral of this story is; work is hard, travel is great and balancing the two is damn near impossible. But if this is the path that you have decided to take, its also necessary. So have fun when there is fun to be had and try to make the best of those necessary lulls in action, like an eight hour flight to China. What do you think? Have any tips on how to blog while you traveling?

Why You Should Travel With Your Dad

Traveling with your dad can seem like a horrible idea when you are old enough to travel on your own. Why would you want to travel with your parents when you have the freedom to do it by yourself? However, I've found that there are certain benefits to traveling with your dad which you should consider next time you want to take a weekend getaway, and why you should shoot your old fella an invite.

Dads Pay For Stuff - Lets face it while most of these reasons won't have monetary values, this one does. Traveling in groups saves money and when you are traveling with someone who might pick up the check more often, it doesn't hurt. Its not the only reason to travel with Pop's but it definitely doesn't hurt.

Quality Time - The day to day with your parents makes you forget the little things. While when you travel, you grow to appreciate the little things. Things that you may miss everyday become special again, partially because they are special, partially because you are able to see them through a different lens.

Getting to Know Them - Unfortunately our parents get older. You may not notice it everyday and you may want to deny it, but its true. They won't be here forever, so take some time and go somewhere you can see them in a different light. Talk. Ask questions. Tell stories, even the ones you know already. You would be surprised the things you forget over time. And you would be surprised the things you would want to remember forever.

Earn Their Respect - Travel may allow you to see your dad in a different light, but it works the other way too. Taking yourself out of the usual routine makes you have to face new challenges. Your dad seeing that can help them see you as an adult. Planning your trip and taking control of things may help them to finally see how grown up you really are.

Because They Are Your Dad - Everyone's dad is special and sometimes its nice to let them know that. Whoever you call dad probably worked really hard raising you and sometimes its just nice to say thanks carrying them somewhere nice.

I've taken a lot of trips with my parents and I love traveling with them, but I have to admit it can be challenging. However, its all worthwhile. The older I get and the more independent I become, the more the dynamic has changed. Traveling with my dad has helped me understand him in a unique way... for better or for worse. One thing I must admit though, I'll never forget some of the moments we have had traveling together. What are your favorite moments traveling with your dad? And don't forget...

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Chefette

Chefette is the local fast-food chain in Barbados. They serve everything from burgers and fries to rotis and their upscale section BBQ-Barn even has pork chops and macaroni pie. So we are clear, I love Chefette. There's nothing quite like a Broasted Chicken Bubbie Sandwich on a warm Sunday afternoon on Accra. Its actually one of the things I miss most when traveling. Don't be confused by there signature Broasted Chicken, it is fried chicken just cooked under a pressure fryer. The difference is subtle, but so damn good. Its the definition of crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Now if you visit Barbados and don't go to Chefette, you haven't really visited Barbados. It can only be found here so don't even try to cheat. Their trademark yellow and purple are iconic here and could never be copied with the same success. There are 15 branches spread out around the island so it shouldn't be hard to find one, and when you go, trust me you won't regret it. If you want Bajan Street Cred get the Broasted  Chicken Breast Sandwich, 6 piece Nuggets and Chips with a Mauby. Extra points if you call it a Chicken Bubbie Sandwich. But if theres a special get the Wing Dings. 6 Dings, Chips and a Coke... and the Sauce. Always use the sauce. It makes the meal, its like if hot-sauce and ketchup had a perfect baby.

In conclusion, if you are every hungry in Barbados just go up to a taxi driver and say, "Take me to Chefette" and all will be right with the world. If you want to look them up online, go to www.chefette.com. Find the closest location to you, give them a call and order everything on the menu.

BEME

BEME is a social media app where you send video messages that you don't see or edit before you send. The app was created in part by the incredible, Casey Neistat. While not seeing what you are putting out into the world before you send it might seem like a crazy idea, its actually kind of cool.

With most social media apps you retake, edit and filter everything to the point where the finished product doesn't resemble the reality. With BEME, you get one chance to make it right, and then its out there. It makes everything more real.

The whole point of this is to make a more authentic experience through social media. Its more personal. I think its great for travelers because you can create content and then go back to enjoying the experience instead of getting caught up in creating the content. I say try it out. See if you like it. If you don't like it, I'm sure there are loads of other apps to fill that void. But try it out. Its fun. I think there are some bugs but its got some serious potential. And you want to be a pioneer.

If you want to download BEME check it out here. And if you want to follow me on BEME, add me at j.cho. So have you tried BEME? If yo have tell me your username and what you think in the comments down below.

Getting Through Airport Security

Anyone who's been on a few commercial flights knows; Airport Security can be a real pain. I've never had a particularly bad experience with Airport Security but then again I've never tried to do anything to illegal in an airport. But its not very surprising to me that they do very little to keep us safe. Most of the time they just herd passengers along, barking in our face the things that most observant travelers know already.

Still, I don't just blame Airport Security completely for all the problems getting through the line at an airport. Passengers can also be just as antagonistic. They can be pushy, rude and just plain stupid. That same barking may not be necessary if after you hear "Please take your laptops out of your bags and put it in a bucket," you actually take out your laptop and put it in a bucket. In line doing nothing? Try reading the signs! They literally tell you what to do. Extra points if you figure out to do some of those things before you get to the top of the line.

Here are  a few tips I live by going through Airport Security that I think they've worked out pretty well for me;

• Prepare Before - Don't dress in clothes that take forever to take off. Don't put on a bunch of jewelry you are going to have to take off. Most importantly, Don't put a bunch of stuff in your bag that you are going to have to throw out, like water.

• Prepare In Line - If you are traveling with a bunch of stuff you couldn't avoid bringing in line, while you are in line start prepping. Take out that laptop. Take off that coat. Put all your things in your bag so you don't have to empty your pockets. This way when you get to the top of the line, you can just slide on through. 

• Be Nice (Smile Even) - Airport Security may not be nice or even demonstrate basic public decency, but thats no excuse for you being an asshole. Don't anticipate a problem and treat them like if they are already strip searching you. Be kind to them. A smile goes a long way, and they may be genuinely having a bad day and you being polite might just help. I think if I had to watch people leave on awesome vacations day in and day out, I'd probably become a serial killer.

Airport Security is a drag and apparently they don't really do anything to keep us safe. The system should be revised so every passenger isn't treated like a criminal. That being said, bitching about it in line won't help the problem. Please be mindful of the fact that you have to go through security. The faster you make your way through, the faster the rest of us can get to our vacations.

Check out more Adam Ruins Everything on The TruTV YouTube Channel.
Want more comics, click on over to Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal by Zack Weinersmith.

Bucket Lists

Now that you've watched Morgan Freeman explain what a Bucket List is; I should let you know that I love Bucket Lists.

I actually forgot I made a Bucket List from when I was like 13 or 14 then I found it and I was like, 'Hey, this is a good place to start but maybe put stuff on there that someone older than 13 would want to do.' So then I started adding to it, and from that the Ever Growing Bucket List was created. Pretty much every year on my birthday I add 5 more things to the list. They range from big long term impractical goals, to small things I could probably achieve tomorrow. For example,

30. Learn 3 other languages.

56. TP a house.

61. Go to Space.

Bucket Lists are good because they can focus your life. A list of things you should be doing with your life. They may not necessarily make your life better, or you may not get the experience you thought you would get. But at some point you thought this thing was important enough for you to say I want to do that with my life. My Bucket List, keeps me grounded. Sometimes when I'm feeling lost, I look at it and it reminds me of what I should be doing. Travel is a huge part of that since, most of the items are just things I need to go and see. From what I gather most people have at least one travel item on their list, and I think thats because travel is such a huge life goal; everyone knows they should probably be doing more of it.

Seeing someones Bucket List also gives you a good understanding of a person's inner-thinkings. This guy (Matt Bray), actually has a great bucket list and is recording most of his accomplishments on his YouTube channel, ProjectOneLife. You may remember him from my post on 100 Days of Dance. Its pretty epic and throughly enjoy watching this guy just live life.

Also, there was a pretty spectacular teenager by the name of Rebecca Draper Townsend who was in the news for pushing her friend out of the way of a truck, saving her friend's life. Her bucket list was short and sweet.

• Kiss in the rain.
• Fly to Spain.
• Save a life.

I don't think she had any idea of what that meant to write, but I'm impressed by her story and her balls to follow through. Check out more of Rebecca's story here in this SourceFed article, and for more check out the Facebook Community growing around her story.

On that note, do you have a Bucket List? If so, whats on it? Not that I'm being nosey, I'm just interested in what you plan on accomplishing by yourself. Because number 23 should definitely be Finish an XL Pizza alone.

The Sunscreen Song by Baz Luhrmann

Ladies and Gentleman, of the Class of ’99. Wear sunscreen. If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientist, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience. I will dispense this advice now.

Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. O never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they've faded. But trust me in twenty years you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now, how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked. You are not as fat as you imagine.

Don't worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind. The kind that blindsides you at 4 pm on some idle Tuesday.

Do one thing every day that scares you.

Sing.

Don't be reckless with other peoples hearts. Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.

Floss.

Don't waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long. And in the end, its only with yourself.

Remember compliments your receive, forget the insults. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.

Keep your old love letters. Throw away your old bank statements.

Stretch.

Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know, didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting 40 year old's I know still don't.

Get plenty of calcium. Be kind to your knees, you’ll miss them when they are gone.

Maybe you'll marry. Maybe you won't. Maybe you will have children, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll divorce at 40. Maybe you'll dance the funky chicken at your 75th wedding anniversary. Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself either. Your choices are half chance. So are everybody else.

Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can. Don't be afraid of it. Or what other people think of it. Its the greatest instrument you will ever own.

Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but in your own living room.

Read the directions even if you don't follow them. Do not read beauty magazines, they will only make you feel ugly.

Get to know your parents, you never know when they will be gone for good. Be nice to your siblings. They are your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.

Understand that friends come and go. But for the precious few, you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle for as the older you get the more you will need the people you knew when you were young.

Live in New York City once but leave before it makes you hard. Live in Northern California once but leave before it makes you soft.

Travel.

Accept certain inalienable truths. Prices will rise. Politicians will philander. You too will get old. And when you do, you will fantasize that when you were young, prices were reasonable, politicians were noble and children respected their elders. Respect your elders.

Don't expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you will have a trust fund, maybe you will have a wealthy spouse. But you never know when either one might run out.

Don't mess too much with your hair. Or by the time you are 40 it will look 85.

Be carful who's advice you buy. But be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia. Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more that its worth. But trust me on the Sunscreen.

Life from the Shore requires Sunscreen. If traveling is about learning and developing yourself. Baz Luhrmann is a high priest of travel and the Sunscreen Song is his gospel. It's simple advice that comes from his experience. Not everything he says will resonate at once. But if we are talking about inspiration to live a happier life, he gives quite a few important tips. Baz says what works for him, and you can do with that what you will.

Passports

The older I get the further in love with my passport I fall. I could entertain myself for more time than is acceptable, just looking at all the stamps, and reminiscing about all the great trips I've been on. I love it, and the more I travel, the more I appreciate it. If I could fill an entire passport I'd die from  pure accomplishment. 

My dad gave me a bunch of old passports, he had laying around when I was younger and I recently went through them. I never met my grandmother on my father's side but I do have her passport. Looking at her photo and reading her name is always a good time. She probably didn't value here passport the way I value mine but it still makes me feel a little closer to her. I know where she went and the photo of her is better than most of the ones I've seen.

With a few decades even the ugliest passport photos become cute. My tips are, keep all old passports, even the ones that don't belong to you. Pay close attention to the stamps in your passport. And if you don't have a passport, get one immediately. Even if you don't really have a need for it. Just have it on hand, you never know when it will become necessary.

So what is your favorite stamp in your passport? Let me know in the comments down below.

Occupying Yourself On The Subway

Spending time in a city sometimes means having to spend time on the subway. And anyone who has spent time on the subway knows it can be an incredibly awkward situation. Everyone has somewhere to go, and they are trying to do it as fast as possible. Besides that, you are thrown into a confined space with complete randoms. You don't know anything about the people around you other than what you can see, yet you are knee to knee with the person trying not to invade their personal space. On a basic level, you have to judge the people around you even though you are taught not to judge a book by its cover.

So, you are on the tube and you are alone, have no book and your cell phone has no reception. Basically you've got no escape. Now most of your time is spent avoiding eye contact with the people around you. Here's what I like to do to occupy my time. Make up stories about the other people on the train. Some can be elaborate, others can be simple.

For example, I once 'met' a fellow who was recently divorced, on his way to the Central Park to meet his teenage son. He hasn't  been able to connect with his son. Part of him doesn't really like to talk about his past and his time in Afghanistan and he thinks thats part of the problem. But since the divorce, its become a little easier because he appreciates his time with his son more. Its funny because having to be a parent less has made him into a better dad.

Another time, I 'met' a lady who was going home to order pizza. Because pizza is the best.

I like doing this because it takes people watching to the next level. Everyones got a story and even though you may not be able to ask all of them about their's, nothing should stop you from making up your own. And maybe you can actually do something productive with those snap judgements you've been making about everyone on the subway.

What do you like to do on the train, to occupy your time? Any good stories you've made up about total strangers?

Learning Mandarin

My family is taking a huge trip to the 'motherland' (China). Most of our families will be spending two weeks traveling from city to city, taking in the scenery, getting in touch with out roots and starting petty arguments. As much as I love my family, regular family lunches are enough. I'm pretty sure my travel zen will be put to the ultimate test on this trip. Regardless, one deep dark secret that has come out of the planning of this trip is that none of us speak 'chinese'. Most of our family is supposed to be cantonese but we don't even know mandarin. Which is part of the reason, collectively, we are the worst 'chinee people' ever.

To rectify this problem some of us decided to at least attempt to learn some mandarin before our trip, in order to resolve our family shame. Unfortunately, we are also poorly organized, so we haven't started classes yet. However, knowing three languages other than English is on my bucket list so I started learning regardless. In walks Rosetta Stone.

Rosetta Stone is a computer based, language learning system. It's expensive but supposed to be very effective. No doubt you've seen an ad for it, or been accosted at the mall by some sales person trying to convince you its better than sliced bread. Since I wasn't really sure how to start learning a foreign language like Mandarin, it seemed like the go-to place to begin. Biting off the hefty price tag is difficult but otherwise so far it seems to be worthwhile.

Except for one thing. I know I'm learning, but I'm not sure HOW I'm learning. Yes, I'm doing all the exercises. Yes, I'm getting them right. And Yes, I'm repeating the lessons I failed. But, how am I understanding them? It feels somewhat like a Jedi mind-trick. Where you look at some photos, repeat some gibberish, then all of a sudden beyond all uncertainty, you are positive that these are not the droids that you are looking for. Some characters are starting to look familiar and some are even starting to sound familiar but its definitely not sentences. And most of the recognition is more of a gut feeling than an actual certainty. Does this equate to understanding a whole other language? Granted I'm not even close to being conversational, but I'm pretty proud of my progress. On the other hand, since most of it is multiple choice, might just be good luck.

I guess only time will tell. If I'm able to engage in small talk without being abducted into the slave trade, I'd consider it money well spent. More than anything I just don't want to call someone a cow and then tell them about their mother.  Then I really will be the worst 'chinee' ever.

How about you guys, what do you do when you are traveling to a country that speaks a foreign language? Have you tried any language systems that actually work? Let me know in the comments down below.

And if you want to try Rosetta Stone, check them out here.

They've got loads of languages, and I think some of the online deals are even better than the ones they are peddling down at the mall. And if this all works out I may even try French next, gotta take advantage of those 2-4-1 deals.

UPDATE: We started and finished the classes. It was pretty sweet learning Mandarin with my family, this trip may not be a total disaster after all. Now we are just gearing up for our trip at the end of the month.

Baubax Travel Jacket

Backpackers are constantly looking for multifunctional items. This jacket takes the cake. It's got features that I would never even think of, or really need; but I want it. Now. It's got:

• Neck Pillow
• Eye Mask
• Drink Pocket
• Microfiber Cloth
• Eyeglass Pocket
• Ipad Pocket
• Hand Warming Pockets
• Earphone Holders
• Phone Pocket
• Zipper, which is a Stylus and a Pen
• Passport Pocket
• Blanket Pocket
• Gloves
• and a Portable Charger Pocket

Im One Jacket. Thats like one piece of carry-on by itself. And they come in different styles; Sweatshirt, Windbreaker, Bomber and Blazer. I think its all incredible. Can't decide between getting the Sweatshirt or the Bomber.

I think thats all pretty cool and I'm getting one for sure. If you would like one too check out their kickstarter here. Worse case scenario, you have a cool jacket with a lot of odd pockets. So, which jacket are you going to order?

Update July 27 2016: Although the kickstarter has ended you can now purchase the jacket at ebags.com.

Losing Your Bag When Traveling

Your bag being misplaced on vacation may seem like the worse case scenario but you can live through it, without completely ruining your vacation. First of all, some planning before hand is really helpful. If you act as though you could loose your bag at any moment then you are already off to a good start.

1. Pack whatever you have with the bare essentials. For me that's a shirt, underwear and a toothbrush. For some that may be more, for others less, whatever you need to stay clean and happy. Personally as long as I'm still able to brush my teeth I'm pretty happy.

2. Make sure you keep at least a little of your money separate. Always have access to some sort of funds always. I'm never that worried once I know I can purchase whatever I need. Money can't make you happy (apparently) but it's one hell of a consolation prize.

3. Buy travel insurance. Insurance is one of those things you don't need until you need it. But the truth is when you are abroad anything can happen and unlike home you don't have a safety net. Travel insurance won't solve everything but you only really need something to go wrong once and you will never forget to purchase it again. It also helps to have peace of mind.

4. Make sure you are easily accessible to the airline. Them knowing where you are and a local phone number to call is crucial. It makes it possible for some good karma to come your way and possibly get your stuff back. But if you don’t, they aren't going to be able to help you out.

How To Travel The World With Almost No Money (TEDx Video)

Traveling does not have to be expensive. There are many ways to make it pretty cheap. This guy has got some great tips for traveling on a budget. I haven't tried all of these but I'm definitely an advocate for Couchsurfing and some of the other money saving tips.

Like he says this type of travel isn't for everyone, but it is an option. Most people think of travel as a lovely vacation where you stay in a plush hotel, having extravagant meals and partaking in lavish shopping trips. But travel can be fun without being incredibly expensive. You just have to be willing.

When I was young, traveling with my parents was great but now that I have to finance myself I've made a lot of concessions. Many of my trips now aren't very extravagant, but thats all part of the charm. Truth be told my standard of living drops significantly when I travel now, but I enjoy making ends meet and the absurdity of some of the situations I need to get myself out of. Yes, I do enjoy going to nice restaurants, but I also enjoy making my own meals while on the road.

How about you guys, do you think you can travel spending as little money as possible?