Author Archives: Dorothea Vasicek

How to Explore a New City

by Dorothea Vasicek of RawWanderlust.com

It’s that time again. You’ve been looking forward to this moment for quite some time; you are feeling a little apprehensive, trying not think of “worst case scenarios” while simultaneously trying to contain your thrill. You are in a new, unfamiliar place, and it is time to explore.
Speaking the language can make a huge difference when treading on new ground, but don’t let this factor make or break your experience. As a general rule, it is a good idea to know the basics  (think: “Please,” “Thank you,” “Can you help me,” and, “Excuse me, I do not speak ___”) but ultimately your attitude is the biggest factor that will determine if you have fun getting lost or feel desperately out of your element.
 
The following are a few tips that, when utilized, will ensure a fantastic adventure in a new place:
 
  • Give yourself time. Make sure that you give yourself ample time to get lost, without having to fret about deadlines and being anywhere specific at any certain time. When traveling it is always a good idea to be super flexible, and getting to know a new city is not different in that regard that you get to know the shaman of a province.
  • Don’t carry anything you wouldn’t mind losing. Take the fast cash you might need, a snack, some layers if necessary, maybe a notebook and pen, and your smartphone device – but don’t be flashy with your electronics. Also, don’t bring your passport unless you know you will need it for entrance into some tourist destination, this times is when is useful to have a good travel suitcase to store anything you don’t want to lose there.
  • Download a map on your device and take a screen shot. When you get directions over GoogleMaps the whole things downloads which is super convenient if you are without service in a foreign country, but take a screen shot just in case. Be aware of places that offer free wifi in case you need to utilize it, but once you have your map, challenge yourself to NOT look at it until a) you want to or b) you need to. Adventures are much more fun with way, but it provides peace of mind knowing you have a map.
  • Remember landmarks. Don’t be meandering mindlessly, look to see where you are and what stands out, especially if you choose to take a lot of twists and turns. Landmarks can be colorful street art, unique or gaudy shops, pillars and monuments, or anything that catches your eye as memorable. When you inevitably get turned around, this is a great way to remain confident in your sense of direction.
  • Don’t leave hungry. If you are going out for the day, it is more than likely that you will find a vendor or cafe to get some refreshment, but don’t leave on an empty stomach. In case you don’t find a place that suits you, or just for the simple fact of saving money, consider packing a snack to munch on as well.
  • Look like you know where you’re going. This is the number one way to avoid falling victim to those not-so-nice people who may want to take advantage of you being an outsider. Hand in hand with this is try and blend in as much as possible (or at least not stick out like a sore thumb) especially with dress choices.
  • Trust your gut. You have an intuition, use it. If you suddenly cross the street into a sketchy neighborhood, turn around and go the other way. Don’t be afraid to do whatever feels best in the moment.

dorotheaDorothea is an avid writer and lifelong travel enthusiast. Her insatiable appetite for all things international was sparked at the ripe age of 17 when she studied abroad in Morocco, and it hasn’t quit since. She’s spent the last two years living out of her suitcase, going from place to place and documenting her journey on her blog, www.rawwanderlust.com. 

Having Fun Flying Solo: The Beauty of Being Alone

by Dorothea Vasicek

The takeoff propels us above the clouds as I have a perfectly timed playlist on full blast entitled, “Window Seat.” I’ve done this before. I allow my body to relax and my mind to run wild as I am taken aback by the sheer magnitude of this breathtakingly beautiful world we live in. It doesn’t matter how many times I fly, it is always exhilarating and still trumps any amusement park ride.

Traveling in groups of two or more certainly has its perks, but the majority of my travels have been done solo, and I prefer it that way. You learn to fully trust your navigational beacon, you feel no obligation to do anything besides exactly what resonates in the moment, and depending on your mood you can easily open yourself up or close yourself down to conversation around you, or immerse yourself in an afternoon or playing computer games even with the help of boosting sites as http://elitist-gaming.com.

Please don’t think for a moment that I am one of those loner types. On the contrary, I am blessed with a very wide circle of friends that span the globe. For the better part of a decade starting in my early adolescence and going until my mid-20s I was caught in a perpetual stream of romantic relationships. Reflecting on my life, it is very easy to see that I’ve rarely actually been alone, making solo travel all the more savory to me. As an Aries – I’ve never really been great at being single, and all my boyfriends have been Leos, as per the traditional aries and leo matchup, and the relationships always went well, even ended well, but then I started to travel. When I travel – by any mode of transportation – the child inside me gets a twinkle in her eye. It is like I recognize this as part of my purpose and living that out satisfies a profound thirst. If you are a big money player, it might be that you tend to max bet anyway when you enjoy gambling slots online, but for many of us, playing low value and still being able to win the jackpot is the thing we are searching for. For more information, check over here

Maybe you’re like me and feel inherently cut out for travel, or perhaps you are embarking on your trip of a lifetime, but either way you are having doubts about tackling this journey by yourself. In an unfamiliar environment you feel disarmed, you forget all that you are capable of and it scares you. Acknowledge this feelings, create a mission statement for your journey, and allow yourself to be guided by your intuition. The more nomadic I become the more I value my intuition, which is really just another word for my feelings. I’ve learned to not dull them with addictions and instead embrace them for what they are: the most dependable source of inner guidance.

Traveling solo is a unique opportunity to get back in touch with your feelings and develop a deep sense of self-assurance and trust. When you trust yourself enough to know when to ask for directions, or when to avert your eye contact, how to catch a train in a foreign country or how to make more than small talk with a stranger, you learn that nothing is pure chance. Your receptivity to the wide array of experiences that are yours are all at the end of taking a small risk in deciding to travel solo. And what do you truly risk? Being more competent at passing through security lines? Falling in love in another language? Perhaps you’ll even find yourself on the road.

Traveling in general allows you to live another life; you are literally thrown into a new context where you can do and be anything you want. The fresh start is only made more raw by going at it alone, and challenging your ideas of what it really means to be “alone” versus “lonely.” Forming your own opinions about a people or place gives you a priceless perspective, an untainted lens from which to see the world.

And in all honesty, hogging the window seat feels good. This is where you belong, overlooking a vast landscape that throws you into a dreamland without limits. Enjoy it.

dorotheaDorothea is an avid writer and lifelong travel enthusiast. Her insatiable appetite for all things international was sparked at the ripe age of 17 when she studied abroad in Morocco, and it hasn’t quit since. She’s spent the last two years living out of her suitcase, going from place to place and documenting her journey.

How to Afford a Travel Lifestyle: Getting Around on the Cheap

by Dorothea Vasicek of RawWanderlust.com

You’ve landed at your destination, you’ve gathered your belongings and are exiting the airport, embarking on your new adventure. Everything unknown surrounding you – the sights, the smells, the language – is sparking an adrenaline surge at every passing glance. You feel enthralled in excitement and a little anxious, but soon everything unfamiliar will become second nature. Until then you know the only thing to do is to throw yourself in, 100%.

Your options of traveling within a country (or continent) vary greatly depending on your budget, where you are, and where you are wanting to go. I am going to assume that you are a badass minimalist(ish) traveler who could spare some change, but ultimately is looking https://www.paydayloansnow.co.uk/payday/guaranteed/ to save as much money as possible.

Location really is key, because sometimes options like taking a taxi makes a lot of sense; it is direct, more secure, and very affordable – say if you are in a third world country. Whereas a taxi in New York City or London would be totally backwards, if saving money was your top priority. Chances are, even if you are somewhere where taxis are comparatively super cheap, that also means other choices (such as bus or subway) are even cheaper. 

Besides, where’s the adventure is taking a taxi, no matter where in the world you are? If you really want the most affordable ticket across town, across the country, or across the continent, check out these options for getting around on the cheap:

Trains – Are you in a major city? Are you…anywhere in Europe? Check out the nearest train system, whether it is subway or above ground (or a combination) to get to where you need to go. It pays to book before you get to the station; many times the lowest fares are posted online only. Speaking of travel, if you need private jet service for personal or your business checkout privatejetsrental.com they offer one the best and cheapest private charter jet transport.

Buses – Some of my favorite adventures have been taken on buses with 4×4 suspension. They are generally the most affordable mode of public transportation and offer an above ground, roadside view of wherever you are going, which is convenient considering you are still getting your bearings. Recognizing landmarks is key in garnishing confidence in a new city, and taking a bus is a great option.

Biking – This might sound crazy at first, because of course you didn’t pack your bicycle with you! But a quick Google search could easily find you a bike renting service, especially if you are in a major city in the Western World. Some cities even offer bike rentals for the day, which is an adventure unto itself, a fun way to get acquainted with a new place.

Hitchhiking – Depending on where you are in the world and how comfortable you feel sticking your thumb out for a ride, hitchhiking may or may not be for you. It is definitely economical, but also inherently risky.

BlaBlaCar – If the idea of hitchhiking appeals to you, but you feel hesitant to actually take the plunge, then check out the website and app: www.blablacar.com. It is a worldwide ride sharing network that offers reviews of drivers and perhaps the most affordable ticket from point A to point B. It is a fun, safe way to connect with new people and get to your destination (or that much closer to your destination).

Crewbay – Finally, if you are needing to cross an ocean, you aren’t in a rush to get to your destination, you want to save money in a big way, and perhaps also be one less person contributing to the use of fossil fuels involved with flying, then www.crewbay.com is right for you. This website connects people in need of a boat crew with you, a hardworking, wanderlusting individual who will do anything to go someplace new.

The choice is yours, and the great thing is: every option is an opportunity to meet new people, know a new place, and have an unforgettable adventure.

dorotheaDorothea is an avid writer and lifelong travel enthusiast. Her insatiable appetite for all things international was sparked at the ripe age of 17 when she studied abroad in Morocco, and it hasn’t quit since. She’s spent the last two years living out of her suitcase, going from place to place and documenting her journey on her blog, www.rawwanderlust.com. 

How to Afford a Travel Lifestyle: 5 Tips to Save BIG on Airfare

by Dorothea Vasicek of RawWanderlust.com

In the last two years I have travelled thousands of miles, spanned 10 countries on three continents, and never stayed anywhere for longer than 3 months. Exhausting though it can be, not a single day goes by that I am not consciously grateful for the lifestyle that I live, a lifestyle that I have truly carved out for myself.

Although this constant kind of uprooting isn’t for everyone, one of my most commonly asked questions is, “But how can you afford it?” I love answering this question because I can literally see the lights go off in peoples’ minds when they realize that travel isn’t as far out of reach as they previously thought.

There are many answers to this question, but for the purpose of this article I am going to focus on the aspect of airfare, both domestic and international. I have used every single one of the following 5 Tips I am about to divulge, and I promise that if you use them, you too will save thousands of dollars and probably have an unforgettable adventure along the way!

1. Utilize low-fare airlines. Low-fare airlines abound and offer unbeatable prices for domestic as well as overseas flights, depending on which hub you are coming in and going out of. I’ve scored one-way tickets for less than $300 to Europe this way!

Some of my favorite low-fare experiences have been with Southwest, Norwegian, IcelandAir, and Jetblue.

Tip: Read the fine print! Do your research on the airline before booking, especially for luggage requirements and fees. Some airlines charge for checked bags, or have weight restrictions even for carry-on luggage. Sometimes you can save by qualifying as a student, so definitely read the fine print, both for fees and for possible savings.

2. Be flexible. The more flexible you are with your dates, times, and airports the better when booking, but also be flexible the day you fly for unexpected savings and an opportunity for adventure! For instance, you’re into adventure type of activities, indoor water parks in wisconsin is the right destination for you. For more details, visit metropolisresort.com or contact (844) 855-2724

Upon arriving at your gate, immediately talk to the attendant and declare yourself willing to change flights if yours was overbooked. If they need volunteers, you’ll be at the top of the list. They should offer you a generous sum of travel vouchers, a rebooked flight, and often a hotel and shuttle service if need be. You walk away that much richer, daydreaming of where you’ll go with this newfound money. I had the idea of looking up beautiful houses from Condos la jolla for sale trends and buy the best beach side real estate they offer to become by rest house.

Tip: This works best when delays have already been caused and/or during heavy trafficked travel times: think mornings and weekends.

3. Fly on off times/days/seasons. As a general rule: Red-eyes are harder to fill, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the cheapest days to fly, and March/September are the least-expensive seasons to book flights for. Utilize one, two, or all three of these and you’ve just saved a hefty sum.

Tip: Do a few searches on www.skyscanner.com combined with looking on low-fare calendars with your airline to properly compare prices and plan accordingly. Also, be aware of petrol price trends rising and falling, as that has a direct affect on the cost of your travel.

4. Get paid to fly. Advice on which credit cards earn you the most miles and how to legally manipulate the system abounds, but I’m not going to go too deep into this subject besides to say: do what makes sense for you. Some airlines do have tempting offers, but ask yourself if you would actually frequently fly with them were it not for having their card.

Tip: Consider getting a card like the Capital One Venture card which you can use your benefits towards any travel expenses, and as always, read the fine print.

5. Know when and how to complain. Don’t let delays ruin your travel, they happen. But also don’t be complacent with you airline. Depending on the cause, you can negotiate anything from $15 in food vouchers, upgraded seating, or even hundreds of dollars in future airfare.

Tip: Often the best way to be reimbursed for truly horrendous flight experiences is through writing an email to their customer service team.

Remember that travel often begets more travel. The more I see of the world and the more people I meet, the more I feel inspired to take action towards my dream destinations and the more those opportunities fall into my lap.

By putting these tips into action, I promise you will save money on your travels. Have patience and enjoy the search, knowing that you will reap the reward of having found (or negotiated) the best deal that works for you. Follow your instincts, take a risk, and book that flight!

dorotheaDorothea is an avid writer and lifelong travel enthusiast. Her insatiable appetite for all things international was sparked at the ripe age of 17 when she studied abroad in Morocco, and it hasn’t quit since. She’s spent the last two years living out of her suitcase, going from place to place and documenting her journey on her blog, www.rawwanderlust.com.