This week's post is dedicated to some of my students who are traveling around the USA by car. Since I am a huge fan of road trips, I want to share some of my favorite tips with you, especially, how to travel for free, how to take great pictures, and how to have lots of fun in the process! Never underestimate the importance of FUN!
 |
| Here I am Parasailing in the Bahamas! Fly High! Dream Big!! |
Travel Tip #6
***Buy A Car, Drive, Sell It When You're Done***
I have used this tip or seen it used in the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In Australia and New Zealand many backpackers sell their cars loaded with camping accessories included in the price! You can find these used cars on www.craigslist.com, or on the message boards at the many backpackers hostels around the world. The best place to start is a major city where there are many used cars to choose from. And when you finish your trip, pick another big city to sell your car in, e.g., LA to NY, Vancouver to Montreal, Melbourne to Cairns, or Auckland to Christchurch. Also, if you have more time, you could drive in a circle to see different destinations. This tip is best if you have a month or more so that you have adequate time to stop and enjoy each place and enough time to buy and sell your car. I recommend that you do a thorough check-up of the car before purchasing.
If you do not want to run the risk of breaking down, rent a car or ride the bus. In Europe, most people buy a Eurail Pass and ride the train. However, the advantage of buying a car and then selling it is that you can sell your car for the same price you bought it for, and therefore, saving yourself lots of $$$. And even though you need to pay for gasoline, you get the added bonus of being able to carry your camping equipment in the car which saves you a bundle on hotel fees. Most campgrounds are clean, safe, organized, and cheap. They also have kitchens with dishes, pots and pans so you can cook your own meals to save money. I was particularly impressed with the campgrounds in New Zealand and Alaska. Up in Fairbanks, you can rent your very own Native American Tee-Pee.
One more benefit: as a photographer, I love to travel by car because it is easy for me to stop, jump out and catch the perfect shot or lighting. On a train or bus, I do not have such freedom. This was especially important in Alaska and Africa, where I often saw wild animals on the side of the road, and was able to stop, and get in and out quickly.
P.S. Make sure you keep a safe distance from wildlife, approach very slowly, and use a good telephoto lens! When I ran into a mama bear in Alaska, I started singing jazz to calm her. Miraculously, it worked...or maybe she was full. ;-) I suggest you use this tip only if you have a decent singing voice, if not, it might backfire. LOL!
 |
| Here is a moose looking at me from the road in Denali Nat'l Park, Alaska ;-) |
If you like what you see, please click on this "Like" button to share on Facebook!
Travel Tip #7
***Become a Courier, Fly for Free***
I have heard about this method, but have not tried it myself. You can work as a mail/message courier and fly at a discounted rate or for free! You are employed directly by the courier company, however you do not earn a salary. The perk is that you get to fly to whatever destination your package needs to be delivered to round trip. This method is great for people who like to travel alone and who are great at packing lightly! Here is the link for a site that has an excellent explanation of the pros and cons of becoming a courier. http://www.gonomad.com/transports/0011/miniguide_air_courier.html
My advice is that you seach google for the various messenger companies and look at their requirements as only persons with specific passports can apply.
On a related note, there are also car delivery companies that hire people to drive cross-country. So if you need a job and like to travel, consider car delivery as an interesting way to to make money and see the countryside for free!
Travel Spot of the Week:
California, USA
Here is a video of a road trip I took up the California Coast (Highway 1) stopping in Santa Barbara, Morrow Bay, Big Sur, Monterey, Carmel, and Santa Cruz. Along this rugged coast line, you will be treated to views of the gorgeous Pacific waves on your left and majestic pine tree forests on your right. Some of my other favorite places to visit in California are: Yosemite National Park, Mammoth Mountain, Lake Tahoe, Anza Borrego National Park, Palm Springs, Solvang, and Joshua Tree National Park. Also, if you like wine tasting, visit Napa, Sonoma, Santa Ynez, San Luis Obispo, and Temecula wineries. The best thing about California, you can surf and ski in the same day!
www.miraclecatcher.com
Photo Tip of the Week:
***Spend Some Time Alone with Your Camera***
Many people have asked to join me on photo shoot. But I always graciously decline. To get a great shot, it takes focus: focus in your camera and focus in your mind. So much of our daily life is rife with constant stimulation, cell phones, email, text messaging, etc. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to go out for a walk alone with your camera. I do not shoot as often as some photographers, but when I go out on photo shoot, I go with only one objective in mind: See The Miracle. When I was traveling in some of the most remote areas of the planet, I had no distractions, only my lens and my connection with nature. People often ask me why I named my company Miraclecatcher. Here is the answer: when I stop, breathe, and listen, I can feel and appreciate how beautiful and amazing this planet is. Thus, by catching miracles, I found peace. That is my wish for all of you--peace in your mind and peace in your heart.
Until next week, be well and prosper, MM
