Her Umbrella Premiere Issue Fall 2015

7. TRANSPORTATION
So there are some obvious choices for transportation once you are in
a new place, as well as those less known. Here are a few for you to
consider.
* Flights: Maybe you don?t realize that other places, like Australia or
Europe, have tiny airplanes that you can hop on for very cheap prices
to get around. It is less of an ordeal, yet often a bumpier ride. Ryan Air
is an example of a Euro flight company you could check out to get
from country to country in Europe. Keep in mind though, tiny planes
mean tiny cargo space. So try to pack lightly or you will end up paying
a big baggage fee.
* Trains: You can get rail passes to save a little money, but I find that
trains can still get pretty expensive. I do suggest trying one out
though because it is a great experience and often a scenic ride. Eurail
is big in Europe and AmTrak is still up and running in the U.S.
* Buses: Usually there are pretty decent bus prices from places like
Grey Hound or IDBus. Yes, it does take forever. But I personally love to
take a nap or read a book while on the bus so it doesn?t bother me.
* Hitchhiking: This is a rush for the bold people! Hitchhiking is not
necessarily a trend in the states anymore, but in other countries the
hitchhiking world is going strong. Young people stand enthusiastically
with signs that have their destination. You can meet fun, trusting
people and get around for free in exchange for keeping them awake
and in good company. Your best bet is to ask locals if they suggest
hitchhiking in that area. The downfall, of course, would be safety
concerns or the risk of getting stuck in bad weather for hours with no
ride. I have yet to try it, but am very eager to in places like France or
Ireland. Many friends have had great success and enjoy hitching rides.
* Car share: This is catching on in the U.S. and I am very happy about
that! LYFT and Uber are spreading quickly. But there are also options
for long distance travel!
I used BlahBlah Cars all over Europe and it was always my cheapest
bet. Drivers have a have a profile with reviews, the type of car, where
they are heading, and the amount you will chip in for gas/ toll fees. As
a passenger, you also will need a profile and then put in your
departure city and where you are heading and your driver choices pop
up. Sometimes you can take one car halfway and then hop in another
to finish out your journey. Words can?t express how much I loved
BlahBlah cars. I even did a podcast about it on my site.
8. PACK LIGHTLY
It is certainly not easy to bring everything a gal needs in one
backpack! But I am getting better each time I travel. Be sure to get a
quality, comfortable bag or you will regret it. I would try to keep your
bag around 30 pounds.
Here are a few suggestions for must haves:
* A scarf: take a nap on it, have a picnic on it, wear it in the rain, wrap it
around you for warmth, wear it like a scarf. You just need one, okay?
* A pillowcase: put clothes inside and use as a foldable pillow.
* A sleeping bag: Budget-friendly travel means times that you need a
good sleeping bag.
9. GO!
Your departure date will sneak up on you will be ready! BON VOYAGE!
I hope that my tips have made you feel like your adventure is
possible? because it IS! Feel free to check my site out for details
about my adventures, such as mountain climbing and building a home
out of clay. Travel opens your mind in more ways than I could try to
explain. Realizing first hand that you share this planet with so many
amazing people and such beautiful places is an irreplaceable feeling.
Email me with any travel questions you may have!
Carly Viator is a media freelancer/ cultural enthusiast based out of New Orleans,
LA. Her work includes sharing stories of lifestyles, creativity and knowledge
about cultures near and far. She also provides media content (like videography,
photography, and web design) for musicians and businesses. Learn more about
her work and inspirations over at carlyviatormedia.squarespace.com.
Premier Issue Fall 2015 / Her Umbrella 58