Long answer: I was betttterrrr. Right DH?

I claim there are a number of important complicating/compounding factors.

First, how many of you have gone to Thailand for the first time and not purchased anything? If this is you, I want to know how you did it. While I actually thought the markets in Cambodia in 2013 were better, I still couldn’t resist picking up something in Thailand.Second, will we ever return to Bhutan? I do not know. I’d love to, but it’s a long way and we have a lot of other bucket list priorities in the meantime. I wanted something to remember Bhutan by when I strolled through our condo, which is already overflowing with travel memorabilia.

Third, what, exactly constitutes a knick-knack? I contend I did better on the knick-knack front this time. I did not bring home any wooden phalluses (from one inch to three feet, you can find them in Bhutan), Buddhas, prayer wheels, or elephants. Success!

So the real question…what did we buy?  Well, we purchased some gifts for others, handmade in Bhutan. We bought stamps in both countries (that seems like a legit collectors item…not a knick knack).  We also bought DH a t-shirt in Thailand, and I got a tuk tuk charm for my charm bracelet. Yes, I did get another scarf, which coincidentally matches perfectly with my newly acquired teal better sweater. And no, I didn’t need either item. But they’re pretty.

And we bought one “big” item from Bhutan. I say “big” because it was about $35 (1800 ngultrum). It’s a carved, wooden mask, similar to those the Bhutanese use in the huge festivals they hold each year (called Tshechus). It’s a deer, and DH spotted it in the market after saying no to the scary ones I pointed out that had skulls as headdresses. He is easily spooked, so we had to get something that let him sleep at night. It’s awesome, and we both love it. We also purchased a wood carving at the national school that teaches Bhutanese crafts in Thimpu. It was not expensive, and is a flat wall hanging of a snow leopard. I think it’s cool!

I even turned down Tin Tin paraphernalia in Bhutan. Why would you only make Tin Tin embroidered shirts in child sizes?! And I’m not talking American child sizes that I can fit into, I’m talking like toddler sized shirts. I guess I could have purchased one for Toasty, but DH pulled/dragged (kicking and screaming?) me away from the Tin Tin table before I could really get a better look. All the more reason to move Brussels up on our bucket list…hehehe.

So all in all, incremental progress, right? I seem to be collecting less on every trip.  Maybe my hypothesis was right after all–that the more you travel, the less you want to purchase? I do admit that more and more of it looks similar after awhile. Though both DH and I had our eye on a beautiful, huge, elephant painting in Chiang Mai. It’s a good thing we are out of wall space more or less. And there will be no upsizing our condo just for the sake of fitting more travel “memorabilia”, that’s for sure!

What did you buy in Southeast Asia? Did you find anything in Bhutan you just had to bring home?

I’ve been getting admittedly cranky lately with some of the bashing I’ve seen from travel bloggers regarding organized tours. I get it, not all tours are for every traveler, and I’ll be the first (and have been the first) to complain about the annoying throngs of rude tourists who push you out of their way. I’ll also be the first to say that taking a tour with 60 or 100 people is pretty much my worst nightmare, as I’m not a people person, and I hate being treated like a sheep (unless it’s the black sheep…).That said, the general bashing of tours, of the people going on the tours, and constant repeating of how independent travel is the only  “right” way to travel is really frustrating to me.When I say organized tours, I’m talking about multi-day tours with transport, guides, food included.

Here’s why:

1. Tours can be a highly efficient and more relaxing way of seeing things in a short period of time. There are certain places and things that are really hard to see efficiently and are easier to tour. An organized tour means that you don’t have to be constantly planning, plotting, and scheduling.  You don’t have to worry that your transfer isn’t showing up and that you have to get to the next location today because you only have 10 days and have activities scheduled at the next location. Moreover, sometimes on vacation I don’t want to have to worry about the details!

2. All tours are not made equal. Repeat: All organized tours ARE NOT made equal. This echoes what I said above. Come on–the big bus tours with 60 people in Kruger going on safari are light years away from tours with well-known, good operators and 10-12 people. Yes, I realize much of this has to do with what you can afford, but I really dislike that these tours get lumped together and crapped on together. Perhaps most importantly, tour companies vary widely on their treatment of employees, approach to conservation and environment issues, cultural learning, etc. This also relates directly to the next three points…

3. You can be just as isolated/un-immersed in a ritzy hotel, traveling independently, as you can be in an organized tour (YOUR CHOICE!) This is one of my pet peeves–those who stress independent travel, then go to a resort and don’t leave, or leave to go see the popular sights, go to a nice restaurant, and return to the hotel and claim that their experience was more “authentic” than someone who went on a tour. What a load of crap. A trip is what you make of it, and who and how you choose to engage, regardless of how you travel.  While big box tours may not offer such opportunities, smaller tours most definitely do.

4. Tours are NOT just for people that haven’t traveled, or are uncomfortable traveling independently. Again, seriously? Some of the most interesting people I’ve ever met were on tours. Incredible, inspiring, people. People with amazing careers. Fun life stories. Most have traveled independently quite extensively, and are at ease in different cultures. Yes, we’ve had some real doozies on tours too (people that required apologizing for…never fun). But this has truly been the exception, not the rule. Again, depends on the type of tour–please see #2!

5. Not all tours are “bad deals” when you add up the cost of all the hotels, meals, and services. The constant implication (or explicit complaint) that all tours are rip-offs is just silly. Yup, there are rip-offs, but if you aren’t paying attention, you can be ripped off whether you spend $800 on a sh*tty Groupon deal or $10,000 on a tour that should have been $5,000.  Price out how much services and hotels would be separately, to avoid paying a “luxury” tour company $1000 a night for a room that is selling for $150 online. Be an educated consumer and be sure that you are paying for what you get; but avoid falling into the trap of thinking that just because it says tour that it just has to be overpriced.

Do you think there is a time and a place for organized tours? What has your experience been?

Sure it’s far, but I want to go!

Why travel, particularly long distances, with only a limited amount of time?  I’m under no illusion that traveling this way is like long-term or perpetual traveling, and I definitely feel like we are missing out on things. But think of all you can see and experience, even in just a few days or a week!

Here are just some of the reasons why I think you should still travel wherever you damn well please, even if you have just a short period of time to spend there.

Wildlife. Many of the world’s most interesting creatures are not in North America. Yes, I do realize that some people actually don’t like animals, but if you do like animals, you’ll probably understand the draw. Trust me, seeing a cheetah in a zoo–no matter how nice the zoo–is never the same after you have seen a cheetah in the wild. If you love animals, and have the ability and the opportunity to go see them in their natural habitat for even a single day, do it.

Natural Wonders. Some don’t require a long visit, but are located a very long way away. For example, the Serengeti. Table Mountain. The Great Barrier Reef. Mount Everest. Iguazu Falls. The list just goes on and on. Many natural wonders can be seen in just a few days, if that’s what you have! Three days can enable you to see some of the coolest things on the planet.  I totally think that this is worth a long flight.

Perspective. Getting away from home sweet/safe home is important, even if its just for a few days or weeks. A destination that is totally foreign in culture, in language, in food, and in history can provide you with a new or added perspective. After even a few days probably realize that your favorite latte isn’t that important, and are also be able to return to work and home with added appreciation or interest in the challenges that others face in their day-to-day lives.

Food. I don’t think this requires much explanation!  Food is one of the easiest things to experience in a short trip.  While we live within walking distance of nearly any type of food you could imagine, we all know that the Americanized version isn’t what you will probably get abroad. While food may not be the only reason you visit a location (or it may be…depending on your foodie interest), it is still a great one!

History. You may not be able to fully grasp the complexities of a country’s or a population’s past, but you can certainly learn an incredible amount in a short period of time. Additionally, there are so many fantastic museums around the world that can easily be visited in a few hours or a day. While we all can google (well, not all of us, as I learned), I think history is still something that is best learned in the place where it occurred. And well, sometimes this isn’t close to home.

Ditching the Comfort Zone. Traveling for a few days or a two weeks is still likely to push you out of your comfort zone. Whether it’s being nervous about the total lack of English signage, the weird foods you may eat, or awkward cultural interactions, travel is a great avenue for pushing us all out of our comfort zone. I think saying something is “too far” often means “eh, I don’t want to leave my comfort zone” more than anything else.

Adventure.  So much can happen in two weeks. While your experiences will certainly depend on your travel style in a new country, adventures are a great reason to fly for 24 hours to visit somewhere new. Whether this is skiing in the Andes, visiting Everest Base Camp, taking the Trans-Siberian railway, or scuba-diving in the Maldives, even shorter trips can be filled with so much adventure.

Cultural Exposure/Experiences. Sure, you can have cultural experiences at home–but it’s a bit different having these experiences when you are actually in another country. Again, your immersion will depend on you, but you can still have wonderful cultural interactions during shorter trips. With a good attitude and some effort, you can learn a great deal about cultures different from your own.

Let’s call a spade a spade: “too far” is an excuse.  That’s the excuse you use when you don’t want to go see family more frequently. It’s the excuse you use when you are too lazy to walk and instead take a cab.  It’s what you say when you order takeout instead of going to get groceries.

Ninety percent of the time, it’s only “too far” or “too short a time” to travel when you don’t really want to travel.

This year will be a big travel year for us…and I can’t think of a better way to ring in my 30’s.  And in the spirit of TravelingSaurus, here are 30 tidbits of nonsense and wanderlusting, accompanied by photos. Enjoy!

5 Things I Want to Accomplish Before 40
1. Finish a triathlon (1/2 ironman).
2. Perfect my macaron.
3. Write a book with DH.
4. Get back into equestrian activities.
5. Speak another language fluently.

Last 5 International Destinations

1. Naples, Italy
2. Belize
3. Uganda/Rwanda
4. Vienna, Austria
5. Cambodia

5 “Dream” Destinations On My Bucket List

1. Galapagos (planning for 2016…yes, we plan in advance!)
2. Madagascar
3. Antarctica
4. Mauritius
5. Mozambique

5 “Doable” Destinations On My Bucket List

1. Spain (crossing fingers 2015!)
2. Belgium
3. Germany
4. Iceland
5. Australia

5 Awesome Experiences I’d Recommend
(I was going to say favorite experiences…but I’m too fickle for that).

1. Gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
2. Visiting Abu Simbel, Egypt
3. Sailing and snorkeling the British Virgin Islands
4. Seeing black rhinos, Damaraland, Namibia
5. Attending the Chelsea Flower Show, London (didn’t see that one coming, did you?!)

5 Favorite Museums Outside the United States
(Fine. I’ll choose some favorites).

1. Kigali Genocide Memorial Museum (Kigali, Rwanda)
2. Egyptian Museum of Antiquities (Cairo, Egypt)
3. Robben Island Museum (Cape Town, South Africa)
4. Canadian Museum of Immigration (Pier 21) (Halifax, Canada)
5. Churchill War Rooms (London, England)

Happy and content about what’s been accomplished, and excited and looking forward to what is to come. That is what turning 30 should be all about, right?

As only a part-time traveler, I usually go places for between 4 days and 2 weeks.  My destinations really vary, but to give you an idea, recent trips have ranged from Belize, to Cambodia, to Uganda, to Naples, Italy. I’ve finally developed a solid packing routine, and figured out what I really need and what I should really leave. I always pack only in a carry-on these days–even for the longer trips–so space is at a premium.  Here are the ten things I never pack, regardless if I go to a city, to the beach, to archeological sites, or on safari.

But one caveat: these do not apply to destination weddings and big formal events. I’m not that hard-core, and I totally checked a bag to our destination wedding last year.

On to the list:

1. Cotton sweatshirts/hoodies: Oh, lots of reasons for this one. First, they are bulky and heavy–enough said, particularly for those of us that like to pack in a carry-on only. Second, they are not multi-functional. Can you throw a cotton sweatshirt with your university name on it over that nice sun dress? Well you can, but you shouldn’t. Third, they take forever to dry. In a dryer. On high heat. Good luck if you ever get wet in one or need it to dry somewhere cold and humid. I know it’s great to roam around your house in one of these puppies and it feels all cozy, but they just aren’t practical while traveling. Get a good cardigan in more tech-like material or wool (I have one from Athleta I love), and carry a proper fleece if you need one for real warmth (I’m obsessed with my Patagonia Better Sweater). Or bring a stylish jacket for the city that can be dressed up and down.

2. Converter: I’ve never, ever used one or carried one, so please chime in if you have a device that requires a converter. An adapter is a must–so you can plug in your electronics into the actual socket–but most devices (ipods, ipads) can deal with voltage on their own these days. Thank goodness. This is an extra gadget that most travelers can live without.

3. An enormous, unweildy bag of makeup: See a trend here? By the time I pack into a carry-on, I know exactly what you’ll wear for most days.  I don’t need 10 colors of eyeshadow.  I need the basics.  For non-city trips, I often only pack powder foundation, blush, mascara, and an eyebrow pencil, in the event I want to look a little more put together at dinner. Do those elephants really care what you look like?  Do you want to spend 45 minutes putting on the perfect face before setting out on 5am game drive? No. Well at least I don’t.

4. Lotion: I have sunscreen for my face, and sunscreen for everywhere else (yes, I carry two different types of sunscreens in my TSA ziplock baggie).  So why would I pack more lotion?  If you are staying in hotels or lodges (and not camping), nearly everywhere has some type of lotion that can get you by for a few days, unless you have serious skin allergies or other issues.  I don’t need another tube of stuff.  Some people like to take aloe-based lotion for sunburns, but you shouldn’t be getting sunburned anyway! Remember to use SPF, people.

5. Hair dryer: In the last 10 years, I’ve not stayed in a single place where I needed to dry my hair that did not have a hair dryer. When I travel for work, the hotels all have a hair dryer. Even the lodge in Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda had a hair dryer. I only dry my hair when absolutely necessary (and I have extremely cooperative hair), so perhaps I’m not the best judge of this. I know some people can only dry their hair with a high-quality dryer, but I am not one of those people…so if you can, leave it. Figure out good styles with wet hair (i.e. a braid over the top), get creative. Plan ahead so you can let your hair dry first on its own if needed. Plus, they are space consuming!  And I may put a little more effort/time into my clothes because I don’t put a lot of effort into my hair… (full disclosure? this is true in my day-to-day life as well).

6. Sentimental items: If I lose/break/ruin something at home, I get upset–but not nearly as upset if something happens while I’m traveling, because I dwell on “how I shouldn’t have brought that.” Things in this category include my Burberry winter trench that was my husband’s wedding gift to me and family jewelry. I don’t always wear my engagement ring, either, depending on where I’m going and what I’ll be doing. It’s just not worth the worry.

7. White pants: The last thing I want to do while I’m traveling is constantly being worried about stains.  I actually don’t even attract stains at home, but I tend to sit in bird sh*t while traveling and my husband tends to always spill coke/wine whatever he’s drinking on the plane. (At this point, I sort of take it for granted and schedule it into my day–and make sure I don’t have white pants on.) Additionally, I don’t want to have to worry that I have on the one pair of underwear that shows through my white pants, and not notice this until it’s noon. Just simplifying here.

8. Linen clothes: Oh, I love the material. It’s light, it’s airy…and I have yet to find a linen that doesn’t wrinkle and look awful in 10 minutes of sitting.  I hate to iron, and I definitely don’t iron on vacation. So I don’t take linen clothes when I travel, at all.  Particularly because I find them harder to wear again, since they are so easily wrinkled. I love the crisp, classic, linen look dearly–so if you have a good recommendation on linen that doesn’t wrinkle as easily, please tell me! Or tell me how you deal with the wrinkles besides throwing up your hands in frustration…

9. Perishable food: This really seems obvious…but….sometimes I occasionally would pack some perishable food for the first international flight. I’m mainly talking fruits and veggies, not a sandwich or something which is harder to forget about.  There are two big issues with perishable food. First, in many places, it is illegal to bring in fruits/vegetables from another country. That’s why they ask you about it on your customs form.  Second, have you forgotten about an apple in your bag for 2 weeks, only to wonder what that strange mushy thing is when you are looking for your sunglasses? I have. It’s gross, and will not be repeated because I no longer pack perishable food!

10. Heels: Cringe here if you want, but I don’t ever pack heels unless the caveat above applies. On vacation? Never. First off, I’m on the tall side (5’8), so I’m not trying to look taller here. Second, I don’t care how comfortable you say heels are, they aren’t as comfortable as flats (heels..not wedges…those can be comfortable). I’m on vacation. Did I mention glampacking was not my thing?  I don’t want to be uncomfortable. Third, they are harder to pack. I can have super cute flats/sandals/flat boots, still look stylish, and not be wishing I could take my shoes off on the sidewalk/street. Which for the record, is gross.

There you have it!  I’d love to hear what you never pack.