Articles - 05

Buying locally helps you blend in and promotes compassionate capitalism. - With the exception of Frisbees, feminine products and antibiotic ointments for ferociously itchy insect bites, jock itch and stinging bugs, you can often buy basic items cheaper en route. (Japan and Scandinavia are exceptions.) - Unless you’re scheming to ice climb or practice naked yoga above the tree line, hold off on buying boot crampons. - Honor your gift-purchase impulse on the road. An $8 Balinese woodcarving... [Read the full story]

Not all who bargain are poor. Thrifty travel savvy extends your allowance and adds a memoir to your souvenir. Transactions should be win-win, not win-lose. Enjoy the sale. Bargaining is embarrassing only for fat cats who can’t do cheap tricks. So, spread your wealth. Disperse valuables wisely while mobile. That way, if you lose something—or if someone loses it for you—you didn’t part with your essentials in one swoop. Have a secret pocket sewn into your travel trousers and shirts to... [Read the full story]

One bonafide American rite-of-passage is taking off for a summer -or longer – to explore Europe via Eurail. There is no better way to adventure through the continent’s wondrous countries. The nuts-and-bolts of planning rail travel throughout Europe can be mastered by sourcing either a student travel agency or Rail Europe directly (details below) But there is no schedule providing European rail riding prudence, so here goes… While you ride the rails CONCOCT A MISSION. The best way... [Read the full story]