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January, 2010:

Travel Tip #166: Help Animals

Jan 29th, 2010
by mike barish.
4 comments

Back in 2007, I took a trip to Sweden with some friends. While exploring the archipelago, I fulfilled a dream that I had carried with me for at least two weeks. I had previously decided that I would make my vacation a mission of hope. I would right a terrible wrong. I would return Swedish Fish refugees to their homeland.

So, before I left for Scandinavia, I purchased a bag of Swedish Fish candies. I told no one about my plan. When the time was right, I helped close a painful chapter in Swedish-American relations. No longer would the “Stolen School” of Swedish Fish remain exiled from their native land. Swim on!

Travel Tip #20: Pack a Snack

Jan 28th, 2010
by mike barish.
23 comments

Whether you’re on a flight, a hike or a walk through a city, it’s always a good idea to have a snack in your pack (plus, you know, it rhymes). Sure, you should try local foods and explore street carts and markets, but having some snacks from home will ensure that you can eat something in a pinch.

I have my own ideas on what constitutes a good snack and, since this is my blog, I’m going to share them with you.

On a Flight

  • Dried mango
  • Trail mix (must include M&Ms)

On a Hike

  • Dried mango
  • Trail mix (must include M&Ms)

Walking Around a City

  • Dried mango
  • Trail mix (must include M&Ms)

So, there you have it. You’ll never regret having a snack tucked away in your bag. And neither dried mango nor trail mix can spoil. Throw a bag of each in your pack before you depart and all of your friends will think you’re smart.

Note: Crackers on a glacier beats no crackers on a glacier, but I much prefer candy.

What’s your favorite travel snack? Share in the comments.

Travel Tip #15: Pay Attention

Jan 27th, 2010
by mike barish.
No comments yet

Look over there! No, that way! Your other left!

Conan the Vacationer

Jan 27th, 2010
by mike barish.
1 comment

I wrote a short piece for Budget Travel with suggestions on where Conan O’Brien should go on vacation (you know, since he has all that free time now).

Then MSNBC picked it up.

And today…it’s on CNN.

I look forward to Perez Hilton drawing on my face by next week.

Crash & Learn: Chatty Cathy

Jan 26th, 2010
by mike barish.
No comments yet

If you close your eyes while you talk to your new floating friends, it almost feels as if you’re in a glamorous jacuzzi. It helps if you fart a lot.

Source: US Airways A320 Safety Card.

Travel Tip #29: Pack Sunglasses

Jan 26th, 2010
by mike barish.
2 comments

Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall, all you have to do is call…an optometrist. He’ll tell you that you can do plenty of damage to your eyes if you don’t protect them from the sun. Whether you’re on the beach or on top of a mountain, if you take on the rays, your eyes will pay. Cover up…and look good doing it.

Travel Tip #13: Dress Comfortably on the Plane

Jan 25th, 2010
by mike barish.
No comments yet

No, this does not mean that you can wear sweatpants in public! I’ve addressed this before and won’t budge on it (same with Crocs). But, by all means, pack a change of clothes for the flight, wear your favorite hoodie and take off your shoes. Sleep masks are optional.

Travel Tip #4: Pick a Compatible Travel Companion

Jan 22nd, 2010
by mike barish.
3 comments

I’ve written about what makes a good travel partner in the past. And my friends over at NileGuide touched on some important aspects, as well. But I really cannot stress this enough: You and your travel companion need to form a cohesive team.

You’ll be sleeping together. You’ll be eating together. You’ll be bikeskating together. Choose wisely when inviting someone to join you on a trip. It’s the decision that could most affect whether your trip is a success or an epic failure.

Travel Tip #31: Be Patient

Jan 21st, 2010
by mike barish.
No comments yet

Not every part of your trip is going to be an adrenaline rush. In between drinking snake blood and hunting the most dangerous game, you’ll be idling away time in train stations, airports and bus terminals. Rather than get antsy or complain about schedules and itineraries, stay calm and enjoy the downtime.

Twiddle your thumbs. Play cat’s cradle. Shuffle up and deal out a game of UNO. Just don’t be a whiner. You’ll get there when you get there and the journey is part of the adventure.

Travel Tip #52: Pack a Hairbrush

Jan 20th, 2010
by mike barish.
2 comments

Cowlicks are embarrassing.

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