Andrew Evans did it. Grant Martin picked one up. They both lived to tell their tales.
Have you stuck your thumb out? Have you picked up a weary traveler? Share your stories in the comments.
Photo from somewhere in southern Montana.
May, 2010:
Travel Tip #13: Pack a Hat
You lose the majority of your body heat through your head. By packing a hat, you’ll ensure that you stave off the effects of the wind and cold that awaits you outside. Whether it’s with a ball cap, knit cap or an art installation that looks like the NBA championship trophy, cover up your head.
Travel Tip #17: If You Want It, Buy It
We’ve all been talked out of souvenir purchases. “It’s too big to carry home.” “It’s way too expensive.” “What are you going to do with that once you get home?” Occasionally, it’s for the best that you didn’t pull the trigger on that impulse buy (such as when I almost very drunkenly got a tattoo of the Yebisu beer logo while in Osaka, Japan). But more often than not, you end up regretting not taking home that special item.
So, justify that purchase. Negotiate a better price with the shopkeeper. Take home whatever you damn well please. If I had it to do over again, I’d find the $385 needed to take home that sweet taxidermy tableau above. Sigh.
Where The Deer & The Antelope Play
After spending a few days in Jackson, WY, Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, I’m kicking myself for not getting out West earlier. If you think that you need a passport and a 14-hour flight to go somewhere wild and exotic, you are sadly mistaken. We have magic and wonder right in our own backyard.
Check out my Gadling essay on traveling in the United States and view all of my photos from the trip.
Travel Tip #28: Bring the Kids
I don’t have kids, so I don’t really know how challenging it is to tote them around when you travel. That said, exposing kids to the world, allowing them to experience other cultures and showing them that there’s life outside of their sandbox can only be good for them. I believe the children are the future. Teach them well and let them lead the way.
Travel Tip #66: Avoid Rush Hour
Whenever possible, time your travels such that you don’t leave or arrive in cities during rush hour. You’ll lose all momentum (and sanity) when you’re sitting in a virtual parking lot on the highway. If you want to keep things moving, let the work-a-day folks do their business during the busiest times of day and attack the road in between the rushes.
Photo from Yellowstone National Park – May 2010.
Westward, Ho!
I’m off to Jackson, WY for a couple of days and then driving up to Yellowstone National Park for the weekend. Looking forward to good people, fresh air and some wild game (both for viewing and eating). Expect some radio silence on the ol’ blog until I’m back in the big city.
Know any hot spots in Jackson or tips for Yellowstone? Let me know, will ya?
Travel Tip #12: Follow Emergency Instructions
When the shit hits the fan, it’s time to humble yourself, follow instructions and help keep things calm by listening to the people in charge. Don’t worry about your belongings, your gadgets or your pride. Put on your life vest, tighten up your helmet and do as your told. It could just save your life.
What’s Cookin’ in Austin?
Spent the weekend in Austin with the Gadling crew. We ate, drank, brainstormed, ate, drank and bonded. Austin is a bang-up town and I’d go back in a heartbeat. Want to see how Gadling gets down? Take a look at my Flickr gallery from the weekend.
Travel Tip #22: Don’t Shave
The best part of being away from your regular work-a-day life is that you can let yourself go. That’s why no man should shave when he sets out on an adventure (See Evans, Andrew – Antarctica). Let those follicles grow proudly. If it’s good enough for Conan, it’s good enough for you.*
* Ladies not included – sorry!
