The visa system in the US is much more complicated than what many expect. Even if tourists from all around the world talk about the difficulties they had, it is still not common to see travelers know much about the available options. The good news is there are various possibilities available for everyone that wants to enter the country. One of them is the Visa Waiver Program, which is really popular for both tourists and businessmen … [Read more...]
Los Angeles Travel Show
The first Los Angeles Travel Show I attended was many years ago at the convention center downtown - at one point there were two travel shows within a month or so of each other in Los Angeles/Long Beach - in recent years it was held at the Long Beach Convention Center - and this year it is back to where it belongs, downtown at the Los Angeles Convention Center. If you are in the Los Angeles area, enjoy travel put this consumer based travel show … [Read more...]
5 New Destinations You Should Try In 2017
As the year begins, you should now start planning your travels. This will give you ample amount of time to save and to plan. If you are having a hard time deciding where to go, keep on reading and be inspired from the destinations that we will suggest below. Umbria, Italy While it is not as popular as other Italian destinations, Umbria is quickly becoming a tourism hotspot, especially for foodies. Aside from its natural beauty, it also has … [Read more...]
Traveling on a Budget in 2016
Traveling can be a pretty expensive venture. Expensive is, of course, a relative term. Each traveler has different financial capacities, preferences, and responsibilities. However, despite the wide-ranging financial dynamics, no one likes to spend more than they can afford or pay more for less value. Everyone wants to get the maximum value for every penny they spend. The year 2016 has been and will continue to be an exciting and affordable year … [Read more...]
From Camping with Nomads to Exploring Tehran
The past few days I've been enjoying life with a group of nomads who move around the deserts of central Iran. They regularly herd large numbers of sheep and goats; I was able to join them as they moved one such herd from the flat lands up into the mountains. It is a life in motion for the herders and their animals; both are moved around continuously in search of food and water. Donkeys accompany the herds carrying shelter and additional food and … [Read more...]
Springtime in Shiraz Is …
... the smell of citrus blossoms - the fragrance that follows you as you pass numerous orange trees planted as urban vegetation on city streets. It is the smell of running water on hot sidewalks as a young man washes his motorcycle. And the mulberries - I am reminded they are among my favorite fruits - yet I rarely get to gorge in this capacity. They are beginning to ripen, their sweetness runs all over one's fingers - their flavor only leaves me … [Read more...]
Off Beat Destinations for an Adventurous Holiday
The lists of the best travel destinations are always biased towards a few places like France, England and Switzerland, and in some cases India and Turkey. While these places are of course spectacularly awesome, there are some other places in the world that are less heard of but offer quite a captivating experience for adventure lovers. Sometimes we want our travel experience to be more unique and special. Sometimes we do not want the hassle of … [Read more...]
Why I’m going to Burma (Myanmar)
When word got out I was thinking of taking a group to Burma this November, I received this email: Dear Mr. Bangs: I strongly advise you to drop travel to Burma. The treatment of the Rohingy minority is so appalling that I feel that no one should be visiting that country... This is not the first cease and desist-style communication I’ve received about travel to a destination whose politics are at odds with our own. When I received a permit … [Read more...]
Oh the “Yurt Mice”, Fermented Horse Milk, Travelers in Kyrgyzstan and Visa Woes
It was brought to my attention that our latest yurt was infested with little mice running around the edges. I dutifully assumed the role of "mice whisperer" and tried to encourage them to leave our habitation. However this was to no avail, as these pesky little furry critters kept up their scuffling about all night. My spot in the yurt this evening was next to a 2 liter plastic soda bottle filled to the brim with some sort of berry jam that was … [Read more...]
Postcard from Persia
On a Mediterranean boat heading nowhere in particular but probably past Rhodes, an American backpacker wonders whether there is an alternate way to Iran, and if they play Uncle Wiggly in Tehran Once I met this rather good-looking and plucky Swiss adventurer who repeatedly kept trying to convince me to travel to Iran. He said he was treated very well there, and that I being an American, who had pretty much traveled everywhere on the planet, … [Read more...]