Wanderlusting - Advice

Do I need a passport for my baby?

greg — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 19:21:33 +0000

In case you are, for example, the parents of a child and you are taking a trip I have created a handy website to help you determine if you need a passport for that child.

It's called: Do I need a passport for my baby.

I hope you enjoy it. I enjoyed making it. I didn't enjoy learning about this new policy while in line to get on a flight because it meant I missed the flight and had to stay home in Denver instead. Denver is nice, but not as nice as being on a trip.

Going abroad: Do I need a converter or an adapter?

greg — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 22:27:01 +0000

I frequently am asked "when going abroad, do I need a converter or an adapter or both?"

What is a power converter?

A converter takes energy from the wall in one format and turns it into another. So, in Argentina the power is 220-240v, 50 Hz, AC. That means the voltage is 220 to 240 and it comes in 50 alternating cycles per second. For comparison the United States of America is 120 volts at 60hz. You can see different standard power measure from around the world at http://www.kropla.com/electric2.htm

Now, will that work for you? Most electrical products should say in tiny little writing something like

Input: 100-240v, 50-60hz.
Output: 6.5-18.5v, 4.6A max.

Highlights of San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico

Nikki — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:55:24 +0000

San Cristóbal de las Casas is a charming colonial town nestled into the green mountains of Mexico's southern state Chiapas. Home of the Zapatista uprising of 1994, the feeling in town these days is much more refined than revolucionario. A few things to check out:

Mexico City Highlights

Nikki — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:49:44 +0000

Although we didn't see nearly as much as we hoped with museums and events closed for swine flu, here are some great things to check out in Mexico City.

Any trip to Mexico City should start by reading David Lida's First Stop in the New World: Mexico City, the Capital of the 21st Century. The book is chock-full of fun facts and interesting insight into a fascinating city.

Tips for travelers to Argentina

Nikki — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 14:36:22 +0000

Do people speak Spanish in Argentina?

On a 4-month tour of Latin America, one of my friends arrived in Buenos Aires after spending a month in Mexico, and came to the conclusion on the first day "I guess they don't speak Spanish in Argentina." True, the Spanish (castellano) spoken in Argentina is so different it literally seems like another language. Here's some things to keep in mind language-wise on your trip to Argentina:

Accent: The biggest difference with the Argentine accent is that "ll" and "y" is pronounced as "sh", so yo me llamo becomes sho me shamo. There's also a very distinct rhythm/cadence to the language that is different from any other Spanish speaking country.

Mexico City Advice to Sharon in SC

Brook — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 00:27:13 +0000

A question comes in from a wanderlusting reader:

Hi Brook….I am visiting Mexico City “again” in October. I have seen all
the main attractions on a typical tour such as the Zocalo, Murals in Natl
Palace, Museum and Castle in C. Park, Guadalupe Shrine, Pyramids, Insurgentes
Market, Ballet, Xochimilco…What is left? I am presently trying to hire a
guide friend to pick me up in her car, and take me to other interesting
places not hit by the tours. Do you have any suggestions for requests I
should make? We will be in the DF for only ONE day (a Sunday) before heading
up to San Miguel Guanajuato, etc. on our tour bus with the rest of our group.
Thanks if you have time…Sharon in South Carolina

Hi Sharon,

The Mexico City Airport: Terminal 1? Terminal 2?

Brook — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 21:25:07 +0000

Hello all,

Because the Mexico City Airport (Benito Juarez, airport code MEX) opened a second terminal recently, I thought I would share a quick tip. The airlines that arrive at Terminal 2 are:
Continental
Delta
AeroMexico
Lan
Copa
Aeromar

All others arrive at Terminal 1. The metro (Yellow Line, stop: Terminal Aerea) goes to Terminal 1, and is very easy to find and take. You can take safe taxis from either terminal by buying a ticket at a taxi stand (not by answering one of the gentlemen yelling "TAXI!", they are not necessarily safe). I don't know Terminal 2 very well, but if you have to meet someone at Terminal 1, there are two international arrivals gates about 200 yards apart and very nearby is a restaurant called Freedom which is easy to find and a good spot to meet up.

Top 5 Ways to Ruin a Train Ride in Spain

greg — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 17:45:55 +0000

The other day we rode the train from Valencia to San Sebastian. It was kind of cool to get the experience, but there were a few things that didn't go quite as planned:

thought for the day: help a lost traveler

greg — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:18:57 +0000

So, as we continue our preparations for the knaddison global tour of Spanish speaking countries this morning I was walking through the bus terminal in downtown denver trying to find my bus when I found an Aisan man who looked lost. I asked if he needed help and he said yes. It turns out that he was going to Boulder and in fact going to somewhere very close to where I work. So, I offered to walk him most of the way there. He's from Guangzhou (the third largest city in China, apparently) and was very happy with my limited Chinese phrases (nee hau, shi shi).

solidarity with other central american travelers

greg — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 15:53:57 +0000

Some good friends of ours have just begun a trip of about 6 months through Central America. Their goal is go learn Spanish really well, do some volunteer work to help improve the environment, and/or socio-political system, and to have a little fun as well.

Central American Travel Blog

They have set up a nice travel blog to cover their trip and even have a first post from guatemala. Great news!

Rain Skirts - Like Rain Pants - but way better

They are also working on and planning the basis for a really innovative company selling Rain Skirts which is a functional and fashionable alternative to a trench coat or rain pants. It's a great idea and nearing full fruition which is very exciting as well.

So, congrats the Reid and Libby for their boldness and dedication to their dreams. It's really cool to see these things coming together for them and to support them in the process.