When you travel around the world with your family you’ll find yourself using all kinds of transport. Sometimes it’s a hire car, sometimes a camper, often it’s bus or train travel. Occasionally it’s a trusty horse or camel and every so often some kind soul will even loan you their own car for you to zip around town in!
Having such variety makes every new transport experience an adventure. The photographs you take of the family riding camels around the pyramids of Egypt will document a transport adventure that is talked about for years to come. Especially if any member of the family is scared!
You’ll remember our post about the great camper we had in Australia. We found it a lot easier to drive than we ever expected and can’t wait to try one out again. We weren’t too sure we were going to be able to manage it but it turned out to be really basic even for those with no experience.
We also tried a jetboat to race around Sydney Harbour – not technically a form of transport but a high-speed adrenaline rush that resulted in lots of squealing! See, I told you the photos are priceless when any member of the family is mildly apprehensive and terrified!
We’ve enjoyed the bamboo railway in Cambodia and ferry rides in Thailand. As well as using a basic hire car to venture out on our ill-fated visa run from Malaysia.
Even in the US there are so many options for travel. One does not need a car of their own. In fact, I think there are many, many benefits to ditching the car and jumping on board a train or bus. Imagine being able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery. No GPS checks, no bathroom breaks needed, and with kids, there is no doubt in my mind that train travel with its ability to get up and walk around is the absolute best way to travel!
With the Internet and all it's various search capabilities, it is easier than ever to find great deals. If you want to search tickets from the east coast all the way to the west you can easily research, purchase tickets, and be on your way in no time! You can search for bus or train travel anywhere in the country at the click of a button! Man, I wish this was available when we did our massive road trip back in 2006.
You’ll remember our post about the great camper we had in Australia. We found it a lot easier to drive than we ever expected and can’t wait to try one out again. We weren’t too sure we were going to be able to manage it but it turned out to be really basic even for those with no experience.
We also tried a jetboat to race around Sydney Harbour – not technically a form of transport but a high-speed adrenaline rush that resulted in lots of squealing! See, I told you the photos are priceless when any member of the family is mildly apprehensive and terrified!
We’ve enjoyed the bamboo railway in Cambodia and ferry rides in Thailand. As well as using a basic hire car to venture out on our ill-fated visa run from Malaysia.
With the Internet and all it's various search capabilities, it is easier than ever to find great deals. If you want to search tickets from the east coast all the way to the west you can easily research, purchase tickets, and be on your way in no time! You can search for bus or train travel anywhere in the country at the click of a button! Man, I wish this was available when we did our massive road trip back in 2006.
What different ways have you traveled around the US or the world? Tell us about it in the comments below!
As we looked back today on our travel in Malaysia I found myself feeling really nostalgic for a spot that not too many people visit. We loved Kuala Lumpur for the beautiful city life and amazing places to explore, adored the process of looking for and booking an apartment for longer stay in Penang, and reveled in the uber relaxing atmosphere of the Perhentian Islands but the spot I think about most often these days in Cameron Highlands.
Cameron Highlands is a small cluster of towns up in the mountains of central Malaysia. We originally decided to visit as an escape from the heat but quickly fell in love with the area and ended up staying 3 weeks.
Getting there
There is no airport or train service up to Cameron so you basically have 2 options. Rent a car or do what we did and ride the bus. We took the bus from Georgetown in Penang but there is also service to Cameron Highlands from most major towns and cities throughout Malaysia. The midway point is Ipoh, another really cool little town, and you can take a train there and then the bus from that point but I think the bus ride all the way is the most used route.
The bus ride was about 3-5 hours depending on traffic and how many stops you make. We opted for the nicer VIP bus but even those do not have bathrooms on board. No idea why nearly every bus in Asia is missing that vital component but that just seems to be the way it is. We stopped once and hit a little traffic so start to finish was roughly 4 hours. I highly suggest going with the VIP bus as the seats were very comfortable and the bus was not even close to full. I believe it cost about $12 per person.
Where to stay
There are 3 main towns in the Highlands; Brinchang, Tanah Rata, and Ringlet. Most tourists head to Brinchang and/or Tanah Rata as they offer the best proximity to most attractions as well as lodging and food options. There is even a KFC in Brinchang and a Starbucks in Tanah Rata!
Getting there
There is no airport or train service up to Cameron so you basically have 2 options. Rent a car or do what we did and ride the bus. We took the bus from Georgetown in Penang but there is also service to Cameron Highlands from most major towns and cities throughout Malaysia. The midway point is Ipoh, another really cool little town, and you can take a train there and then the bus from that point but I think the bus ride all the way is the most used route.
The bus ride was about 3-5 hours depending on traffic and how many stops you make. We opted for the nicer VIP bus but even those do not have bathrooms on board. No idea why nearly every bus in Asia is missing that vital component but that just seems to be the way it is. We stopped once and hit a little traffic so start to finish was roughly 4 hours. I highly suggest going with the VIP bus as the seats were very comfortable and the bus was not even close to full. I believe it cost about $12 per person.
Where to stay
There are 3 main towns in the Highlands; Brinchang, Tanah Rata, and Ringlet. Most tourists head to Brinchang and/or Tanah Rata as they offer the best proximity to most attractions as well as lodging and food options. There is even a KFC in Brinchang and a Starbucks in Tanah Rata!
We liked Brinchang a lot and it is where you will find the night market but we did prefer Tanah Rata with its cute walking street and parks. We found it had more green space to play and more of a Swiss lodge feel to the hotels. There are almost too many hotels to choose from! You can wait until you get there but that can be a bit dodgy and if arriving late you may not want to cart your stuff all around looking for a hotel. I prefer to book online for a couple nights at least, that way you can relax, have a spot right away, and if you don't like it at least you don't have to drag your stuff all over trying to find a suitable replacement.
We stayed in a variety of spots in Cameron Highlands. Our favorite higher end hotels (about $100 a night) were the Strawberry Park Resort and the Cameron Highlands Resort. Favorite mid range (around $40 a night) was the Hillview Inn with loads of green spaces and fun spots for the kids to explore and the Heritage Hotel. Favorite budget spots (Under $20 a night), which is where we spent most of our time, were the Check in Hotel and the Snooze inn, both centrally located. Nothing fancy but clean and comfortable!
Where to eat
The absolute best and most inexpensive spot to eat is at the night walking market in Brinchang. My family of 5 could get pizza, burgers, and amazing corn on the cob (or local fare but we had our fill by the time we discovered this market) for about $10 total! It was our favorite while there. Other budget options are the many local street vendors (just go to the ones with the most locals eating at it), and the KFC strategically placed in the town center.
If you want a nice mid range and more local fare there are amazing steamboat cuisine spots where you get a nice boiling pot of water at the table (imagine them letting a boiling pot of water sit at your table in the US) and literally cook your own foods in it. They bring an assortment of meats and veggies and you dump them in and watch it cook. Pretty cool although the smell was a bit off putting to walk by (think burning hair). You can also eat at many of the strawberry farms for a decent price. We had some amazing strawberry laced meals and the butter lettuce smoothie was out of this world. We are still trying to replicate it 5 years later!
Higher end you'll want to eat at one of the nicer resorts, that was our experience anyway and not one we really explored too much. If you are dying to spend $50+ on a meal then that would be your best bet although I discourage the idea as the street foods are so wonderfully fresh and delicious.
What to do
The list of fun and unique things to do in the area is quite long and since I have already droned on too long I will leave you with this list. You can find more info here on my site or do some google searching to see if it is a good fit for your family. We enjoyed each and every one of these spots:
- Tea plantations
- Gunung Brinchang
- Mossy Forest
- Strawberry farm
- Night walking market
- Cactus farm
- Parit Waterfall
- Bee farm
- Robinson waterfall
- Jungle walk to the worlds biggest flower (and its HUGE)
- Butterfly farm
- Sam Poh Buddhist temple
- TempleSri Thandayuthapani Swamy Hindu temple
- Pos Rantau - an orang asli village
- Cave tour
- Water rafting
Final Tips
~The weather is nice and cool in Cameron but there is a strong rainy season in April, Sept, and October. If you want to avoid the rains definitely do not go during that time period. Even if you go another month you will most likely still get some rain so bring rain gear and warm clothes.
~If you are going to trek or check out any caves it is best to go with a guide. It is far too easy to get lost and when the cool rain comes in you'll be glad you are with someone who knows the fastest way back. Plus they know all the cool spots to check out!
~You can get between the towns via taxi, scooter rental, or bus! Cheap and easy! Its too far to walk to most spots and I wouldn't suggest hitch hiking..
~If you are taking the bus to Cameron I would be sure and take some Dramamine if you are prone to motion illness. It's a beautiful drive but very twisty.
Have you been to Cameron Highlands? What tips do you have for our readers? Leave them in the comments below!
When people consider taking a cruise for their family vacation, it is no surprise that the Disney Cruise Line is at the top of the list. Disney parks have long been a family fun destination. Putting them out on the water only adds to the amazing experience.
A Disney Cruise offers something for every member of your family, no matter what their age. There are plenty of kids’ programs available as well as lounges that cater specifically to teens and activities that they will enjoy throughout the trip.
Your family can compete in karaoke contests and game shows at Studio Sea or relax and take in a live show in the grand Walt Disney Theater. The Buena Vista Theater features movies you all love, including those in 3-D.
Your kids will be thrilled to get the chance to meet their favorite characters up close all over the ship and even collect autographs for their album. Celebrate together at one of the festive deck parties aboard the ship too.
The Disney Cruise fleet includes four ships: Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. Each ship offers its own unique style and takes cruisers to exciting ports of call in places like the Caribbean, Canada, Mexico and even the Mediterranean and Europe.
There are many home ports from which you can embark on your Disney cruise, including Galveston, Texas, Los Angeles, California and Port Canaveral, Florida.
Adults can enjoy a little rest and relaxation in the scenic spa facilities and squeeze in some time for fitness in the workout area. There are great dining options, including an adults-only restaurant, Palo, which features Italian cuisine. You can also escape to the adults-only pool for a quiet swim. The ships have nightclubs and lounges for dancing and music, like Sessions and WaveBands.
The staterooms onboard all the Disney ships are tailored to fit a family vacation. There is plenty of space with room for storage. Rooms vary in size, from the 1,781 square foot Concierge Royal Suite with Veranda, which sleeps five, to the Standard Inside Stateroom of 184 square feet, which sleeps three or four.
The prices for cruise packages vary depending on when you travel, the cruise itinerary, ports of call and stateroom you choose. They can range anywhere from $3,000 for an Inside Stateroom to $12,000 for a Concierge Suite with veranda, for a family of four.
Prices include your accommodations, entertainment, dining and select onboard activities, including character experiences.
Your family can taste a variety of dining offerings through casual, self-service dining buffets and restaurants to satisfy any palate.
A Disney Cruise for the family is a vacation that is worth planning. Everyone will enjoy an amazing experience of a lifetime. Get started on planning your adventure now, because the wait to depart will be hard enough.
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| (Wiki image) |
Your family can compete in karaoke contests and game shows at Studio Sea or relax and take in a live show in the grand Walt Disney Theater. The Buena Vista Theater features movies you all love, including those in 3-D.
Your kids will be thrilled to get the chance to meet their favorite characters up close all over the ship and even collect autographs for their album. Celebrate together at one of the festive deck parties aboard the ship too.
The Disney Cruise fleet includes four ships: Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. Each ship offers its own unique style and takes cruisers to exciting ports of call in places like the Caribbean, Canada, Mexico and even the Mediterranean and Europe.
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| (wiki image) |
Adults can enjoy a little rest and relaxation in the scenic spa facilities and squeeze in some time for fitness in the workout area. There are great dining options, including an adults-only restaurant, Palo, which features Italian cuisine. You can also escape to the adults-only pool for a quiet swim. The ships have nightclubs and lounges for dancing and music, like Sessions and WaveBands.
The staterooms onboard all the Disney ships are tailored to fit a family vacation. There is plenty of space with room for storage. Rooms vary in size, from the 1,781 square foot Concierge Royal Suite with Veranda, which sleeps five, to the Standard Inside Stateroom of 184 square feet, which sleeps three or four.
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| (Wiki image) |
Prices include your accommodations, entertainment, dining and select onboard activities, including character experiences.
Your family can taste a variety of dining offerings through casual, self-service dining buffets and restaurants to satisfy any palate.
A Disney Cruise for the family is a vacation that is worth planning. Everyone will enjoy an amazing experience of a lifetime. Get started on planning your adventure now, because the wait to depart will be hard enough.
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| New VW DoubleBack campervan |
I went from one beautiful location to the next with mountain bikes in tow, a good friend to share the experience with, and some great tunes drowning out the sound of the open road and the lack of muffler, which fell off after somewhere in Virginia.
Those were the days. Stopping at random rest stops when we got tired. Cooking up some grub and playing chess before popping the camper top up and crashing. No schedule. No jobs. Just the open road and our hunger for experiences in new locations as our motivation.
The new VW DoubleBack campervan will run £55,000 ($87,250). The price tag is slightly above what the typical carefree twenty-something could afford. But even at this price, there is a waiting list for this fine machine. DoubleBack says to expect delivery in the second half of the year if you order it today.
Visit www.doubleback.co.uk for more information
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There are many options for getting from Chiang Mai to the border but because of our large family we chose to go in a hired van complete with a driver. We had wanted to rent our own car and make the drive ourselves but every single car was either booked for the day or exorbitantly priced. We paid 4000 baht, or roughly $120. That was split with another family and so the cost was $60. This was far less then even taking the public bus at $20 a person. That remains the best option for those travelling alone or even for a couple. Renting your own car or scooter is also an option and would be less expensive then the van with driver but reserve well in advance especially if travelling during the high season.
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| Hot springs fountain |
During the beautiful 4 hour ride to the border we encountered perfect roads, beautiful mountain vistas and hairpin curves. I would recommend Dramamine or at least some type of bag if you are prone to motion sickness at all. After living in Costa Rica, not much can scare us on the road, but the curves may be a bit frightening to some! The car itself was comfortable with ample leg room. There were 8 of us and we had the whole thing to ourselves. It was more than enough room.
We slowly approached an area lined with vans, buses and every conceivable product being peddled. We knew we had made it and that the real work would now begin. Out of the van we all shuffled, happy to be out of the car for a while. The driver dropped us right in front of the huge blue gates around the border, gave us his cell and told us to give him a call when we were ready to head back.
We walked over to the left side and followed the only English signs there...passport control! The exit forms were already in our passport, had we known this it could have been all filled out already. We didn't realize so we stepped aside to quickly fill out the forms. Back in line and in about 5 mins we were through and onto the other side. At this point you cross over the bridge to the Burma side. An easy 2 minute walk. You can see the obvious differences between Thailand and Burma immediately.
As soon as you get on the bridge hang on to your belongings. Children and vendors come out and start grabbing on your arms, begging for money or for you to follow them to a tour of some sort. We went over to the right side of the bridge and were directed into the Burma office of immigration. We were told to bring $10 for each passport but the officials there, who were smoking in the office and spoke good English, would have none of the US money. 500 Thai baht per person and then when you tell them it is just for an hour or so they take your photo and hand you a copy of that then take and keep your passport. You get it back but man what an unsettling feeling to leave them with these guys. I spend my travel time constantly counting 1, 2, 3, 4, 5...OK they are all here. So having him walk away with these was distressing but I knew about it ahead of time so I accepted it and walked on.
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| Markets on the Burma/Myanmar side |
We knew we were there to do a job but for me it felt awful to see so little of a new country. I know we will be back and the hagglers were really haggling us but still.
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| Very odd placement on this one |
Overall this was a super easy border run. We coupled it with an overnight in Chiang Dao to visit the caves but we could have returned after spending a leisurely time at the border and have been home before dark. Now if only we could get 30 days so as not to do this every 2 weeks...
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After we started travelling a few years ago I realized that even a short time difference can really make a difference. Even a 2 hour difference effects our sleeping pattern, keeping us up later in the day and sleeping a bit later in the morning. But 2 hours doesn't make or break a trip and for a week we just let it go and stay on that pattern. that way when we return home we will be back on our normal schedule.
What about a long distance trip?
Well we started out in Costa Rica and flew to LA, no problem there! Then we flew from LA to Taiwan and immediately on to Bangkok. We even slept quite a bit on the plane, which surprised me. We landed and got to our hotel around 330am, that was the first mistake! It felt a bit like a baby that has their sleep cycle reversed. We tried to sleep at night, even tried forcing ourselves to stay awake during the day but all to no avail. We would inevitably sleep a bit during the day, and then no matter how tired we were, we just couldn't sleep the whole night through! I think the toughest part was trying to entertain, and keep quiet, our somewhat rowdy troupe of boys, in the middle of the night. It wouldn't have bothered us so much had we not been in a hotel where, I am sure, we were heard at all hours! When all was said and done it took us about 1 week to all switch our gears and get on schedule. Some of us made the transition earlier than other but it wasn't until we were all on schedule that we were really getting a full nights sleep.
So what can you do to ease the suffering?
It seems that we made a few mistakes before we even left home! Following a few simple tips would probably have helped so I will list some here in hopes that you can "switch over" quicker then we did!
- Try switching your schedule little by little the week before you leave. Go to bed later or earlier and try getting used to either sleeping in or getting up earlier in the morning. Depending, of course, on which way you are crossing time zones.
- Book a flight that lands during the day rather then in the middle of the night, stay awake until a decent sleep hour and hit the hay. This worked wonders for my friends that landed around noontime. They seemed to be on track within 2-3 days.
- During your first few days be sure to get outdoors and get plenty of sunlight. It will help regulate your internal rhythm.
- Be sure to get some sleep on the plane, but not too much so that you are unable to sleep once at your destination. Neck pillows, eye covers, and earplugs may help!
- Stay hydrated and walk around often while on board the plane. Dehydration and lack of movement seem to stifle the "switching over" process. This also means NO ALCOHOL! I know it is tempting especially on a long flight but this will only speed up dehydrtaion making the entire process more difficult to overcome.
- Be prepared mentally! Part of the jet lag, that I found most difficult, is a really overwhelming feeling of exhaustion at times. I think being ready for it helps.
- If you are jumping 12 time zones, the mother of all overhaul trips, do yourself a favor and stay at least 2 weeks!
- Some say the natural remedies of yoga stretching or deep breathing also can help by facilitating relaxation and ultimately sleep.
If you follow these tips and accept that you need to take it easy the first couple of days it should be an easier transition. The more people you have the harder it seems it is to get on track. Either way it will pass and you'll be enjoying your new destination in no time!
How do you fight jet lag?? Share your tips below.
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From the time we entered the line to receive our EVA Air boarding passes at LAX, welcomed by a smiling greeter, we knew the service on this Taiwanese airline was going to be far superior to anything we experienced on a domestic American flight.
To preface, we've flown on nearly every U.S.-based airline in the past, always in coach. And let's just say the service has been in huge decline in recent years. So, it's not very difficult to outdo the Americans in service where free pillows and meals are now extinct, and stewarts are annoyed if you ask for anything "extra" ordinary.
Although we were quite nervous about our comfort level for a 15-hour journey in coach, we immediately were at eases to discover the plane was not completely full allowing us to separate into the scattered vacant areas to have a bit more elbow room. The trick to this is being the last group to board the plane which we always intentionally are. Additionally, the leg room was noticeably larger than coach seating on domestic U.S. airlines.
Once we settled into our seats where fresh blankets and pillows awaited, we discovered that the seat-back TVs had movies, television shows, video games, and in-flight GPS tacking. All of which served to entertain us for hours during the long flight.
The large team of stewardesses, all attractive enough to have been models to promote the airline, never stopped working the entire 15-hour flight. Two full meals were served, snacks and drinks were available throughout the duration, and extra blankets, headphones or pillows were dispersed with a smile.
I told friends afterward, that I probably could have stayed on that plane for a week...which is a bit of an exaggeration. However, EVA Air gets super high marks for comfort and service -- especially compared to U.S. airlines. So, if you're planning a trip to Asia, we highly recommend using them. PS: They were the least expensive airline as well....
Visit their website here to get your ticket quotes.
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| Bangkok this way |
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| Ready to get going |
We always board LAST, not sure why the airlines ask that people with children board the plane first. To me it seems crazy to coop up kids any longer then necessary, so we opt out of that insanity. Soon after getting settled we heard the roar of the engines and it finally sank in that this may be the last time we see our home. Tears start to fall for myself and my middle son as we watch Costa Rica become a tiny spec in the distance. It was the first time that I cried, or really felt sad, about leaving at all and it felt great to finally have that rush of emotions! The landscape outside our window for the next few hours helped us to feel better, as it was so beautiful! Volcanoes, snow capped mountains, and crystal clear lakes. Having never flown this route before, we were all amazed at seeing the stunning Central American landscape from the air. We know we'll be back at some point!
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| Beautiful volcanoes in Central America |
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| Hollywood sign during our decent! |
Once the lights turned off after dinner, all 3 boys seemed to fall fast asleep. They sort of dozed off and on as did my husband and I. 13+ hours passed and every one was still doing great. I am so proud of all of us. The last hour was tough as the baby was sick and tired of being on a plane. We also hit some pretty strong turbulence that sent me straight to anxiety alley but I pulled through and didn't throw up, hit anyone, open the plane doors, or cry...well maybe a little bit of crying but lets just call it welling up! With the lights on and the strong turbulence it was hard to relax but we made it!
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| Our "big" plane from LA to Taiwan |
We were tired but super excited to finally be in the country that I had spent so many countless hours researching. We headed to immigration where, again, I was a bit nervous. No questions were asked and we got our 30 day visa. Luggage all made it and the hotel staff was there ready to help us. Five minutes later we were on the shuttle and within 15 minutes we were raiding our min-fridge in our hotel room! Sleeping at that point is a whole other blog post. But it would be fair to say that jet lag and being on the opposite side of the world felt a bit like being an infant that has their days and nights reversed.
All in all, the travel day was a great experience thanks to a great airline and an awesome family. I was able to see a couple things that surprised me; one was that my children are even more adaptable then I ever gave them credit for, two is that my husband is amazing and maybe not quite so addicted to nicotine than he lets on, and lastly, that I should never worry about things until I need to. What a waste of mental space! We all rocked the 30+ hour trip to Bangkok and I am so proud! Everyone we encountered was kind and helpful. Although this was a really long travel day, it wasn't so hard after all.
If a long day of travel is holding you back from seeing the world, don't let it. But make sure you have a couple weeks to tackle the jet lag and enjoy!
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As Americans living abroad, we have not traveled inside the United States for the past few years. When preparing for our recent trip to Asia we were petrified of encountering the naked body scanners or opting out to have our children groped just to pass through the good ole USA – the former land of the free and innocent until proven guilty.
As a liberty-minded, health-conscious family, the idea of choosing between soaking our children with radiation or subjecting them to full-body molestations seemed to be no choice at all.
Perhaps foreshadowing things to come, when we left from Costa Rica, our items were triple checked and our middle child was swabbed for chemical weapons and given more intensive round of full-body wanding at the gate. Apparently, they can never be too careful as children may have secret suicidal plots to blow up plane carrying their family to make a political statement about charging for in-flight meals and snacks, or because they won’t air Pokemon episodes on the seat TVs.
The Costa Rica security agent did not respond well to my wife’s complaints of how ridiculous it was that our eight year-old Gringo son was suspected of being a chemical bomb maker. As my wife politely explained how crazy she thought this extra measure was, he asserted his authority and threatened, “Do you want to fly today? I can have you thrown off this flight!”
We made it on the flight despite my wife’s tenacious dress down of the fool with a badge and power trip.
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| Despite our pleasant treatment by the TSA we Still encountered some friendly propaganda |
Upon re-entering the security area, we saw rows and rows of full-body scanners and herds of people filed in the labyrinth of mobile security gates. Immediately, our tension level went up, concerned that we now had to make our dreaded “choice.” After all, who could afford to miss a flight with their family because they opt out of both violations of privacy?
To our surprise and great relief, we were ushered into the “family” lane which had very friendly TSA agents who joked with the kids as they passed through the traditional metal detector that failed to recognize a silver coin (1 ounce), a lighter, and an electronic cigar in the pockets of my cargo pants. I normally drop the coin in a tray but this time I forgot. Maybe they were turned off altogether.
As we breathed a sigh of enormous relief while collecting our items off the conveyor belt, I watched with sadness the conditioned masses submit to the wrath of paranoid state power. I suppose they really had no choice, as we figured would be the case for our journey.
Next came the gambit at LAX. We thought for sure we’d have to submit our dignity there before boarding an international flight to Thailand. There were even more radiation-spewing scanners at LAX. But again, we were ushered into a family isle with the standard metal detector. This time, I remembered to remove the silver coin from my pocket and we glided through security without a hitch.
Although we feel great relief having avoided enhanced security measures that resemble the worst of what America’s security state has become, we must ask why some are exempt and others not?
Sure, it’s common sense that eight-year-old Americans are not suicide bombers. But what about the fact that it makes common sense that nearly all travelers are not going to bomb the plane? Or the fact that traditional security measures are more than sufficient? Or, that they have not caught anyone trying to bomb a plane with these increased measures?
It’s time to bring back freedom for everyone in the land of the free.
Image credit: Dees Illustration
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| Wiki image |
ZenHabits
For almost a year now, my wife Eva, my six kids and I have been walking and riding mass transit almost exclusively.
We have bikes but we’re still new to them, and we also use City Carshare for longer trips out of the city. But for everything else, it’s walking and mass transit — for meeting with people, going to restaurants and movies and museums and parks, for grocery shopping (we only buy what we can carry), farmer’s markets, fairs, visiting relatives, and more.
It’s been one of the best things ever for us.
We’ve adjusted from being car users when we were on Guam. I love walking tremendously (I can walk anywhere in the city), but I also love the mass transit … for the lessons it has taught my family.
Some of the lessons we’ve learned so far:
1. How to wait. Mass transit isn’t always on time (surprise!). But rather than look at that as a reason why riding buses and trains suck, we learn how to see that as an opportunity. My boys climb trees while I do pullups and (admittedly rudimentary) gymnastics from a low branch. We tell jokes and I swing the little kids around. We share things with each other, make each other laugh. It’s a good time.
2. How to walk. Mass transit doesn’t take you everywhere, so we walk more than most families. That’s a great thing. Even my little ones are in pretty good shape and rarely complain about walking. We deal with the weather, which is something most people don’t do, as they’re cut off from the world in their glass and metal boxes. Truthfully, we don’t always walk — we love to race each other up hills and be out of breath. It’s wonderful.
3. How to deal with humanity. We’re often shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers, which is something you never experience with a car. We deal with smells, with annoying people, with those who talk loudly, with the mentally challenged, with plain crazy people. In other words, with people. And this is a great thing. We learn that we come in all shapes and sizes, that life isn’t the perfect picket fences you see on TV, that the world is real … and that that’s OK. We’re learning to celebrate differences.
4. How to live sustainably. We haven’t cut our emissions to zero, but by the simple act of giving up a car, we’ve cut our use of resources and our emissions down more than most people will by recycling, buying less, using less heat, using less paper, etc. I’m not saying this to brag, or to judge others. I’m saying we’re learning, and while we have a lot to learn, I think we’re making progress.
5. That transit can be more convenient than cars. Sure, it’s nice to be able to hop in your car and go somewhere quickly, no matter the weather. That’s convenient. But there are inconveniences with cars that we forget about: the frustrations of parking (especially in San Francisco), traffic jams, rude drivers, car accidents, flat tires, car maintenance, having to stop for gas, having to actually drive instead of relaxing on the trip, sitting all the time instead of moving around, and more. Again, I’m not judging cars, but all of that, if you think about it, makes riding on a bus or train actually seem nice.
6. How to live frugally. My kids aren’t poor, but I want to teach them that there are good ways of living that don’t have to cost a lot. That spending money for conveniences isn’t necessarily a good thing. We shop at Goodwill, ride transit, cook in big batches, eat little meat (my wife and I eat none). We’re not the most thrifty ever, but we’re teaching the kids that it’s possible. (Read more.)
7. How to live with less control. When you have a car, you feel that things are under your control (forgetting about traffic, accidents and the like). But when you’re riding mass transit, things are not under your control. You’re at the mercy of the schedule, of drivers, of other people slowing the system down, of trains breaking down and backing the system up, and so on. You learn to let go of the illusion of control, and to deal with changes as they come. This is a miraculous lesson.
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1. Look at Airline Sites Offering Deals: Some people reject airline Web deals as hype without substance. That's frequently a mistake. Airlines typically mark down the seats that are empty on an upcoming flight. They'll put these deals on their "last minute bargain" page. Here are links to some of the better bargain pages for airlines on each continent. More: Look at Airline Sites offering Deals
2. Consider Five Basics: One of the toughest parts of airfare shopping is simply getting started. Here are five techniques you can employ at the start to focus on the best fares without spending all day on the Internet.
More: Consider Five Basics
3. Don't Miss the Details: Should you book your flight to Moscow through Germany or Iceland? It would help to know what each country charges in taxes. Why is my sale fare 30% higher when I get to the Internet check-out? It pays to examine airfares with a careful eye. You'll be surprised how small fees and taxes can amount to big add-ons. More: Don't Miss the Details
4. Start with a Realistic "Base Price": Would you like to know how much someone paid earlier today for the route you are searching right now? How about the best price in the past week? Getting an idea of the going base price for a given ticket will help you sort out bargains and bloated fares. There are Internet tools designed to help you with this important task. More: Start with a Realistic "Base Price"
5. Take a Long Look at Budget Carriers: Budget carriers do business in a way you might not like. They sometimes charge more for heavy baggage or an inflight snack. On occasion, they use remote, small airports. But if you can put up with the quirks, you can find real savings. Look at easyJet and others like it to see if this option is for you. More: Take a Long Look at Budget Carriers
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