Packing List for a Long Distance Walk

June 28, 2010

I’m off to Great Britain tomorrow with a girlfriend to hike the 70 mile Cumbria Way which bisects the Lake District in England and the 95 mile West Highland Way in western Scotland. I’m a bit smarter than last year when I hiked the Dingle Way and the Kerry Way in Ireland with a fully loaded backpack. This time I’ve organized a baggage service to move my big backpack every night at a cost of £ 7 per bag. I’ll carry a daypack and that’s it.

Here’s a full list of what I’m bringing.

 

• One large backpack
• A daypack (will bring as carryon)
• An oversized bag that holds a wallet, book and electronics (carryon)

Footwear

• Broken in leather hiking boots (consider orthotics too)
• Lightweight trail shoe (with extra laces)
• Chaco scandals

I am not taking any good shoes.

Clothing

• 5-6 pairs of underwear
• Sleeping attire
• 2 liner socks and 2 hiking socks ***I hike as much as I can in my Chacos despite the looks I get! You may want more socks.
• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 pair quick dry long pants that zip into shorts
• 1 pair capris
• 1 pair stretchy type capris – Lululemon in Canada (they may get tossed at the last minute)
• 1 down vest that stuffs into nothing

• 1 windproof fleece
• 4 hiking t-shirts (I bring old ones I can pitch after a number of days)
• Arm warmers – buy at a biking store – HIGHLY RECOMMEND – no need for long sleeve tshirts then. You could also bring leg warmers.

• 1 dressier shirt
• 1 scarf
• 1 dressier sweater
• 2-3 tshirts for the evening
• Rain pants, rain jacket
• Ball cap
• Warm hat, gloves
• Bandana
• Bathing suit – am I dreaming? Perhaps it won’t come.

Electronics

• Dell Notebook computer that weighs under 2 pounds + plugs
• Memory stick
• Panasonic Optio W20 – waterproof camera as a backup
• Panasonic SDR-Sw21 Video Recorder + battery charger
• Lumix G1 with 2 lenses + battery charger
• Garmin Forerunner 305 + battery charger (for measuring distance)
• Plug adaptor for Great Britain
• Downloading cables
• Ipod
• Iphone – I don’t have one but my friend is bringing hers.

Miscellaneous

• The 10 essentials
• Rain cover for daypack
• Reading material – 5 books in my case. I tried to bring fewer but two will be read just on planes.

• Journal, maps, pens, markers
• 2 water bottles (you could bring flavoured crystals of some sort ) ; I’m not bringing a water purifier for Britain.
• 15 energy bars – one per day and one extra. These are hard to find overseas plus they’re much cheaper to buy at home. Buy a variety and taste them before you leave.

• Expandable clothes line + a small container of soap
• Whistle
• Binoculars and bird book
• Eye shade – for the plane
• 2 pairs of reading glasses ($Cdn60 in London’s Heathrow last year for 1 pair!)
• Sunglasses
• Half gaiters
• Sunscreen + lip balm (may not even pull it out judging by the weather forecast)
• Toilet paper + kleenex
• Extra ziploc bags in different sizes
• Dirty laundry bag
• Tripod (maybe – because it’s small)
• Cloth for cleaning camera lenses
• Collapsible hiking poles (optional)
• Carabiner for the outside of a pack; it has all sorts of useful purposes including holding scandals
• Passport, credit cards, ATM card, driver’s license, insurance papers, cash (some in smaller notes if possible). Leave unnecessary cards at home.

First Aid Kit

It’s not very big but it’s got enough if we get into trouble.

• Assorted blister aids – bandaids, moleskin, tape
• Gauze and dressings
• Antibiotic cream like Neosporin
• Triangular bandage
• Sam splint
• Ace bandage and safety pins
• Advil, Benadryl
• Hand cleaner
• Emergency blanket ( the ones that weigh 1 ounce that reflect your body heat)

Toiletries

What I’m bringing and what my friend is bringing is quite different. She has 4 types of cream alone - eye, face, body, sunscreen. I might just mooch. Don’t forget the following:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Small mirror
• Contacts, glasses and eye solution
• Earplugs – I’ve been warned by her husband
• Makeup – depending on who you are
• Small shampoo and conditioner bottles
• Deodorant
• Razor
• Hairbrush (so obvious I usually forget it)
• Tweezers, scissors, nail clippers, Q-tips
• Prescriptions and/or vitamins

This list looks incredibly long but in fact I have chosen clothes that stuff into nothing and lightweight fabrics whenever possible. This trip is no beauty contest. If we do any fine dining it will be in jeans and scandals. Certainly no one needs all the electronics I’m bringing but I plan to write blogs every few days. Once I start loading my bags I may fine tune just a touch.

I don’t like Scotch but for those of you who would enjoy a wee dram add a flask to your list.

Leigh McAdam

www.hikebiketravel.com

Climbing Colorado’s Fourteeners

May 27, 2010

Before I lived in Colorado I hadn’t spent any length of time in the mountains and the world of climbing high peaks was unknown to me. Then I went to an evening talk at Neptune Mountaineering in Boulder given by Ed Webster on Mongolia of all places, and I was hooked. Colorado’s 54 Fourteeners as they are called, may not be Mongolia but now they beckoned.

You don’t have to be a mountaineer to climb many of the peaks. Some are little more than walk-ups – under the right conditions. All can be deadly if you’re unprepared. Many trailheads are within 2-3 hours of Boulder and Denver. The closest trailheads have the largest number of visitors. If you can hike on a weekday or get to some of the more remote southwest peaks then chances are you’ll have very little company.

I’ve climbed 35 of the peaks but almost none of the really difficult ones. The likelihood of completing all 54 of them diminishes every year. I don’t know if I’d have the guts now to do the knife edge traverse on Capitol Peak or the wherewithal to try the crumbling but beautiful peaks known as the Maroon Bells. What I do know is that each and every climb was memorable and well worth doing.

Here are my favourite fourteeners

• Long’s Peak especially heading through the Key Hole – exhilarating and a tad scary.
• Quandary Peak but as a snow climb in the spring. I have NEVER had so much fun on a mountain. In under 10 minutes I glissaded 2600 feet to the base. Do not attempt this without knowing how to self arrest with and without an ice axe.
• Snowmass Mountain near Aspen is beautiful and can be done as a two to three day backpack. Expect world class scenery through here.
• Mount Sneffels near Telluride is a stunning peak.
• La Plata Peak has fantastic ridges and beautiful cirques.
• Mount of the Holy Cross near Vail is a beautiful mountain with a tough climb at the end of the day of almost 1000 feet.
• Mount Elbert is the highest peak in Colorado and the second highest peak in the contiguous United States. It calls you. Views from the top are amazing.

I’d love to return to Colorado to climb the Wilson Group of peaks down in the southwest corner of the state and Uncompahgre and Wetterhorn Peaks are still on my list. I think I could be happy holding at 40 summits.

If you’re going to start hiking and climbing Colorado’s Fourteeners, get a very early start so you’re heading down from the summit by noon. Thunderstorms are exceedingly common in the early afternoon. And don’t forget your 10 essentials. Happy climbing.

Leigh McAdam

www.hikebiketravel.com

This Week’s (April 22-29th) Great Reads

April 29, 2010

There has been plenty written this week about the fallout from the ash cloud. We’ll hear more in the weeks to come as the event will be dissected and analyzed to bits. Stay tuned.

Last week The Sunday Times had this to say: Get packing: Brussels decrees holidays are a human right. The Greeks will be happy. At least they won’t have to give up holidays in the face of austerity measures.

A website worth bookmarking is called Practical Hacks. Kevin states “that he provides practical, down to earth tools, techniques and ideas to help busy people”. Every week you’ll find some gems on this site.

A contest out there is run by the Global Bloggers Network. It’s easy and the prizes are great. It  requires a quick visit to 6 websites and then answer 6 simple questions relating to those sites. It’s well worth doing.

This week’s roundup from travel blogs around the world include the following articles.

The Best European Beach Holidays for Travel Snobs Budget, beauty, boating and beautiful people. Great pictures and interesting list.

Culturally Correct Nudity – Staying Safe If you’re traveling ouside of North America then give this a quick read.

Our Favourite Countries Seven countries are chosen from 38 visited. Some interesting outcomes.

The 10 Cheapest Cities in the World There are some surprises in the list.

How do we Pay for our Extended Family Trip This isn’t just any family trip but a 20,000 mile bike ride over 30 months from Alaska to Ushuaia, Argentina. One amazing journey. I wish I was one of those kids!

Bed Bug Alert: What to Know Before You Go Make sure to read the comments section since it has more good advice.

A Real Rattlesnake Adventure – Surviving the Bite

April 13, 2010

Meet Ken. Adventure Personified. A Can Do Kind of Guy – for instance Ken was at one time the youngest leader (only 19 years old) to lead a successful climb and summit of Denali, the highest mountain in North America.

I interviewed Ken last week about his rattlesnake encounter of June 2000.

Ken has always loved snakes. He doesn’t recoil and scream the way I do. In fact he had successfully and willingly picked up 100 rattlesnakes. It was #101 that was the problem.

The rattlesnake adventure began on the Shadow Canyon Trail, tucked in behind Eldorado Springs in Boulder County, Colorado. Ken and his wife Suz were about 25 minutes up the trail when they saw the Prairie Rattlesnake. Ken wanted to check it out but Suz who had seen it all before carried on up the trail.

Here is how it started.

Ken grabbed the rattlesnake near the head but not near enough. Snakes are flexible. This one was able to swing its head back and get a fang into Ken – right at the junction of the index finger and the hand. Imagine a fish hook when you think of the fang.  You can’t just shake the snake off – you have to pry it off just as you would with a fishhook. The venom was visible as a pea sized globule under the skin – a so called ‘wet’ bite. Many rattlesnake bites are ‘dry’ meaning that no venom is injected. It’s more likely to be a ‘wet’ bite if the snake is young and this one was young since it was only about 18 inches long.

Ken yelled to Suz “It got me!” She didn’t believe him…at first.

This is the story and timeline of what happens when you get bitten by a rattlesnake.

When Ken tells the story he emphasizes how calm he felt. His immediate reaction was to suck the venom, a yellowish fluid, out of his hand.

NEVER, EVER DO THIS. EVER. IT IS A VERY STUPID THING TO DO.

Sucking venom into your mouth will hasten the entrance of the venom into your bloodstream and especially so if you have any tiny cuts in your mouth. By the way, a venom extractor kit is all but useless too. You only have a minute or less to get it working. That includes finding the kit in your pack and reading the instructions. 

Ken tied a tourniquet around his arm and immediately set off for town. In theory you aren’t supposed to move but a rescue up on a trail would take far too long. Within 5-10 minutes Ken felt a tingling like pins and needles in his hands and mouth. Within 15 minutes he states that “his whole body felt like it had a giant dose of novocaine.” By the time they reached the hospital in Louisville an hour had elapsed. He managed to  walk into Emergency but then collapsed and couldn’t move. All control over bodily functions ceased.

 Louisville Hospital had never seen a venomous snake bite; in fact there was a 20 year record of no admissions due to venomous bites in any Boulder County Hospital. Consequently unsure toxicologists had to consult with colleagues in Texas to learn more about the treatment of a venomous bite.

Ken was immediately admitted. Antivenom was not immediately administered because of allergy concerns  (many antivenoms have an equine component to the serum). His hand and arm began to swell. The swelling is usually monitored by marking the skin and noting the time. By 10 pm, 8 hours after the bite, the swelling has reached his elbow. Suz, feeling things were under control,  headed home. Somewhere around 3 am Suz received THE PHONECALL.  Ken was getting worse. The swelling is now at the top of his shoulder. He was getting regular injections of morphine and in fact over his hospital visit received 17 injections in total. It’s not the bite that hurt – he rated that as a 2/10 where a 10 is the worst pain. This pain was caused by the swelling against the faschia of the muscles. His left arm and side became so swollen that his neck was pushed to the side.

At 6am the next day a new doctor finally gave Ken the test for antivenom.  Then they gave him antivenom via an IV drip right away. It’s really supposed to be administered in the first 4-6 hours to have an effect. By now his left hand was so swollen – 3 inches thick – that a fasciotomy was contemplated. In this procedure the muscles are cut lengthwise to relieve pressure. His pulse was barely detected in his hand. Swelling continued for 48 hours. Ken’s blood was also being regularly monitored. The Prairie rattlesnake venom is a combination of a neurotoxin and a hemotoxin so there were grave concerns about his blood clotting, internal bleeding and tissue damage.

After 48 hours the swelling began to decrease but it took another 2 more days in the Intensive Care Unit and another two days in a regular hospital bed for a total of 6 days in the hospital. Amazing.

As it was the next month he was off to Africa to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro.  Initially his immune system seemed to be compromised as he contracted malaria despite preventive medication. A week later he was well enough to attempt the climb and incredibly 6 weeks after the rattlesnake bite he summited. There have been no lingering effects and today there isn’t even a scar to show the world. The rattlesnakes in Boulder County have been left in peace for the last 10 years. Ken is a wiser man, and a very lucky one. He’s also lucky in that his health insurance covered most of his $US27,000 hospital stay!

Leigh McAdam

www.hikebiketravel.com

Great, Useful and Not To Be Missed Reads From Travel Blogs Around The World

April 8, 2010

Enjoy this weeks not to be missed articles from travel blogs and other sources around the world. Your blood pressure may be on the way up by the time you get to the airline news.

The First Night  Anyone who’s endured a long flight and landing in a strange city, especially at night, will be able to relate to this article.

What all the Books Failed to Mention About Korean Culture I’m not sure anyone is going to want to teach English in Korea for a year after reading this post.

All Glass Art, All the Time in Tacoma Put this hotel and city on your radar screen when you head to the Pacific Northwest.

ATM Skimmers: What They Are, How to Spot Them, How to Protect Yourself  Read this article so you can tell if an ATM machine is a skimmer.

Mexico – Riding the Famous El Chepe Train This journey is high on my wish list!

Ryanair to Charge for Airport Lavatory Use  It’s going to cost you either 1 pound or 1 Euro in a few months and the number of washrooms on board is going to be reduced from 3 to1!

US Air Carrier Spirit Air Announces $45 carry-on Baggage Fee What’s next?

10 Tips for Healthy Travel…and how to find an English speaking doctor when you need one.

April 5, 2010

It’s never a good thing to get sick or injured when you travel but statistics suggest that up to 25% of people do exactly that – though mostly in a minor sort of way. The need for medical care is a stress especially when you’re out of familiar territory and you can’t speak the language.  So what can you do – before you go and on the road, to ensure your health?

Here are 10 tips for healthy travel.

• Make an appointment with a travel clinic 4-6 weeks before your planned trip. Some shots require boosters and take time to take effect.
• Buy or put your own medical kit together. Personalize it according to your medical conditions, destination and the length of your trip. Include an anti diarrheal, antibiotics (check with your doctor on what is best), pain killers and high altitude drugs if you’re heading above 8000 feet. Also add over the counter remedies for stomach upsets, respiratory problems, pain and fever, motion sickness and allergic reactions. Sleeping aids may be helpful for some people too. Bring your medical kit in your carryon luggage. You cannot afford to lose it.


Medium Sized First Aid Kit

• Check expiry dates of all drugs before leaving home – prescription and over the counter.
• Bring a phrase book if you’re traveling to a country where you don’t speak the language. You could also purchase Kwikpoint, a visual language translator.
• Have your physician fill out a clinical record for you before you go. Carry a copy.  Know your blood type!!
• Bring your personal physician’s contact information with you.
• Join IAMAT – the International Association for Assistance to Travelers. They are a Canadian foundation that provide (free of charge though donations are welcome) a list of qualified English speaking doctors in over 90 countries and 350 cities. Physicians have agreed to a standard schedule of fees which range from $US100 to $US170 per visit.
• Buy health insurance. Your provider should have a 24 hour hotline number and the ability to get you a physician referral. Of course that is easier said than done in many countries.
• Some credit card companies provide 24 hour emergency hotline assistance too. They can refer you to English speaking doctors and dentists, help you charter emergency air services, find hospitals and help you replace prescription drugs. Check the fine print of your card holder agreements beforehand to see what is and isn’t covered. Carry those emergency phone numbers with you. Benefits are particularly good if you are an American Express Platinum level cardholder.
• Make copies of your insurance, clinical record and physician contact info and leave it with a trusted friend or family member. You could also leave it with a document storage company.

Healthy traveling.

Leigh McAdam

www.hikebiketravel.com

The 10 Essentials for Outdoor Adventures

March 21, 2010

Let me tell you a true story that never made the headlines. This happened 30+ years ago near La Ronge in northern Saskatchewan at a bush camp close to where my husband worked.  There was a young woman who was the cook in camp. She sometimes had time on her hands and wanted to be doing more than just the cooking. One beautiful, unseasonably warm, sunny day in January she was finally given her chance and was told to do a traverse and hook up to a known point. Unfortunately miles into the traverse a blizzard literally blew up out of nowhere; she was poorly dressed and woefully unprepared.  Nevertheless she continued walking for close to 20 miles looking for a known road (while actually paralleling the nearby road) until she succumbed to the cold. They found her frozen in a sitting position with a compass in her hand. Had she carried the 10 essentials, chances are she would be about 55 years old today.

Emergencies can occur in any weather to anybody anywhere in the world.  So, if you’re heading outdoors into any sort of wilderness situation then packing the following 10 essentials could save your life or at the very least make an emergency situation more comfortable.

Include in your backpack:

1. Map – A GPS does not replace a map. Not only should you have a map but you should know how to read it. The batteries in your GPS can die; I was also once in a situation of extreme cold where the GPS didn’t work.
2. Compass – know how to use it; this may sound like an antiquated piece of equipment in the digital age but it always works (OK – not always – it doesn’t work if you are around strongly magnetic rocks or in the vicinity of the magnetic north or south pole)
3. Flashlight and headlamp with spare bulbs and batteries
4. Extra food  – an extra day’s worth of food is ideal for warmth and strength
5. Extra clothing – this can keep you or an injured partner warm and help prevent shock
6. Sunglasses
7. First aid kit - everyone in your party should have a kit;  buy a readymade one or construct your own
8. Swiss army style or similar pocket knife
9. Matches in a waterproof container (I always take a few lighters as a backup)
10. Fire starter such as a candle or paste you can buy in a camping store

Although those are the 10 essentials there are a few light weight additions that I believe are worthwhile.

• extra water plus a filter or drops for purifying
• sunscreen
• duct tape – it can repair a lot of gear
• cell phone though DO NOT RELY on it
• bivy sack or at the very least a green garbage bag and a small piece of foam - to help preserve warmth if you’re sitting

Go prepared and you’ll be ready for any outdoor adventure.

Leigh McAdam

www.hikebiketravel.com

Earthquake Safety Tips for Home and Travel

March 15, 2010

I don’t pretend to be an expert on earthquakes but because I live in a high risk zone AND because there have been alot of fatalities already this year I thought I should do more to educate myself on current thinking. I am also heading to Chile at the end of the year and would like to go prepared, at least mentally, so I’ll instictively know what to do if an earthquake occurs.

I had been saving an article called The Triangle of Life written by Doug Copp. It turns out his suggestions have been broadly discredited so read on below to see what you really should be doing in 2010.

Before an Earthquake

• Assess your home and workplace for hazards and begin fixing them. For instance, you could remove pictures over your bed, put heavier items lower down in cupboards, attach  hot water heaters and pianos to a wall and know where your water, electrical and gas shutoffs are. Have the tools in place to shut off the gas.

Then be prepared for an emergency.  Specifically the following should be in place – at home, in your car and in the workplace, especially if you live in a medium to high risk earthquake zone.

• decide ahead of time on an emergency family meeting place
• choose a family member outside of your province or state who can co-ordinate information
• Collect important personal papers and keep them in a fire proof, waterproof container. I carry just about everything I need to know on an old fashioned piece of paper in my wallet. Remember, cellphones may not initially work. Sometimes texting will work but circuits will probably be overloaded.
• Put together an emergency kit. It should include first aid supplies, food and water for a mimimum of 3 days, extra clothing, prescription medicine, and a whole lot of miscellaneous items like flashlights, car keys, portable radios, matches, cash (ATM’s won’t work) pet supplies.. Download a full emergency supplies checklist…and then buy them.

During an Earthquake

• Drop, cover and hold is still the recommended action – though the first 3 seconds are key. Cover you head, neck and whole body if possible by getting under a sturdy table. Otherwise get down near an interior wall and protect your head.

More injuries and deaths result from imploding glass and building contents being flung around at high force. In a serious seismic event you too can be violently thrown around so practice the drop, cover and hold scenario. Then think about it what you’d do if you were on the road -  decrease your risk in an unfamiliar environment by spending a few minutes imagining what actions you’d take if you actually felt an earthquake. 

Be prepared.

After an Earthquake

• Assess injuries and damage. Notify loved ones.
• Leave your home if told to do so or if it is structurally unsafe.
• Begin the clean up.

Southern California has published a useful seven step guide to prepare for earthquakes if you’re keen on more information.

Leigh McAdam

PS. If you’re interested, read my guest post about Vancouver’s Stanley Park on Keith Jenkin’s Velvet Escape blog.

www.hikebiketravel.com

Insights, travel tips and good reading from travel blogs around the world – part III

February 11, 2010

Enjoy this weeks list of insights, travel tips and good reading from travel blogs around the world.

Worst Airports in the World – 2009
Great Outdoors, Korean Style
Add this to the ‘Before you Die List’: The Maligne Canyon Ice Walk (near Jasper, Alberta)
7 Things You Do Backpacking That You Should Do At Home
Blood, Drugs and Sangria – How to Vacation in a War Zone (good tips on driving to Mexico)

Leigh McAdam

www.hikebiketravel.com

Cash, credit or travelers checks – what’s the best way to go when you’re traveling?

January 19, 2010

The way we pay when we’re on the road has changed dramatically over the the last few decades.

Traveler’s checks have gone the way of the dinosaur. Third world countries don’t like them and westernized countries aren’t far behind. Unless you’re staying at a big hotel or resort, likely catering to an older clientale, don’t even consider them. You’ll probably pay a huge fee just for the privledge of cashing them. End of discussion.

Cash is king and you’ll never be sorry to have it, unless of course you’re robbed. Nonetheless, it is still my preferred method of payment, especially on short trips. Keep in mind the size of the denomination. If you start flashing big bills around in a poor country you could be setting yourself up as a target. Instead, get a mess of small bills- US $1 and $5 dollar bills will be gladly accepted just about anywhere in the world and are perfect for tips. For longer trips try and bring at least $100 worth of those small bills and then stock up on $20 bills. Anything bigger than a $20 is usually suspect or extremely difficult to change, especially for smaller vendors in third world countries.  The small bills will take up alot of room but they”ll save you alot of money as you won’t find yourself overtipping. Always keep a bunch handy, perhaps in a pocket,  and that way you’re not flashing a wallet either. Canadians – don’t even think about trying to change your Canadian dollars unless you’re either desperate or prepared to lose alot on the exchange rate.

The Euro is extensively, but not solely used in Europe. Holdouts include the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Croatia. Poland, Hungry and the Czech Republic will eventually adopt the Euro but that hasn’t happened yet. The same rule applies with Euros – get alot of them but get them in smaller denominations and the poorer the country you’re visiting, the more likely you will need those small bills. You can  always use them for restaurant tips.

Credit cards are also invaluable but they are not problem free. Consider the following:

• if you take a cash advance at an ATM machine with your credit card you will be incurring interest charges immediately, at very high rates too.
• if your card is compromised, especially on a long trip off the beaten path, you will have a challenging time getting it replaced. Two years ago my daughter was in Egypt at the beginning of a 4 month African trip and her card was compromised, probably in a Canadian airport. Not only did she have a very difficult time even cancelling the card from a distance, she had no easy way of getting a new one. Sending a new card to Sudan and Ethiopia stretches the limits of FedEx. I would highly recommend leaving all your banking information with a trusted friend or family member who has the authority to act on your behalf while you’re away.  Otherwise your frustration with the banks will go through the roof – their advice will be to have the person who is travelling make a collect call to sort things out. Just try that in parts of Asia and Africa – it won’t be happening!
• almost all credit cards now have a surcharge tacked onto any foreign transaction. There will be bank currency conversion fees and a transaction fee just for the privledge of using your card. Before you leave home find out what those fees are and if they are outrageous look for a new card issuer. In the United States, Capital One is one of the only banks that charges no fees – but online research suggests that they are dreadful to deal with. The bottom line is do your research ahead of time but expect to incur charges when using your credit card. 
• Call the bank that has issued your card beforehand and let them know where you are going to be traveling. You’ll be much less likely to have a charge denied.
• Watch out for credit card minimums. Sometimes those minimums are as high as $30 so you’re going to need that cash.

ATM machines have made international travel much easier. They’re becoming more common but again, they aren’t without their problems.

• Fees can be high and can include  an ATM non customer fee, a currency conversion fee and a flat fee. The smart thing to do is to take out the largest amount of money possible (since some of the transaction fee is fixed you will be charged the same amount if you take out $20 or $500 ) and preferably in an unusal amount so you don’t just get large bills. If you do, try to get to a bank and get them broken down immediately into smaller bills.
• Your card can become demagnetized. Take an extra card as a backup if that happens.
• Always shield your pin number at bank machines. In Mexico, a sophisticated mirror system was in place at an ATM machine and one of the men in our group had $1000 neatly removed from his cash account.

Before you head out on a trip:

• set up online banking and when you have a secure server check that your transactions are legitimate.
• bring a small calculator and do the math, preferably before you get to a border, and especially if you have a good idea of what the exchange rate might be. When we crossed the border from Malawi to Zambia we were besieged with money changers, many of whom were legitimate but there were others who profited only because of the confusion of figuring out in one’s head how many kwatcha one should be getting when going from Malawian kwatcha to Zambian kwatcha. Add noise, confusion and time constraints and you’ll set yourself up for a bad experience.
• Don’t wait until you’re down to your last $50 in the local currency, especially if you’re nowhere near a bank or ATM machine. Plan ahead.
• It is not unusual to be asked for your passport when you’re converting money in a foreign country.
• Don’t keep all your money in one spot. Some people keep two wallets – one that has the bulk of your money and one that has about $100 in US or Euros notes and a bunch of notes in the local currency. That way if you are robbed or held up and they ask for your wallet you can give them something, not all of it - but enough of it to make them think so.

What are your tips when on the road? Can anyone recommend a particularly good or bad Canadian or American credit card? I’d love to hear from you.

Leigh McAdam

founder, www.hikebiketravel.com

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  • Gear reviews and tips
  • Green Travel
  • Guest Post
  • Hiking, backpacking and walking tips and tours
  • Miscellaneous travel tips
  • Other
  • Restaurant Tips
  • Safety Tips
  • Skiing Info and Tips
  • Spain
  • Travel Blogs from around the World
  • United States
  • Wine Tours and Tips

• Archives

  • July 2010
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  • April 2010
  • March 2010
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  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009

• Links

  • 501 Places - Read Andy’s musings on his adventures to 70+ countries.
  • A Little Adrift - A well written blog with great photos by a 20 something woman who has done a RTW trip.
  • A Pair of Panties and Boxers - She use to want the corner office. Now she wants the world. Monica blogs about her travels around the world & her travels through life. Either way she travel, it’s food for her soul.
  • A Travel Around the World - Marta ‘n Chris travel the world and share their tips, stories and excitement of the venture.
  • Abandon the Cube - Ever thought of Abandoning your cubical to travel around the world? We are two travelers who did just that. Join us as we travel, mostly by ground transport and sea, across the globe at Abandon the Cube.”
  • About Airport Parking - Covers parking information at every major airport in the US.
  • Alice's Garden Travel Buzz - Look for great articles on gardens around the world, plus spas, foodie havens and cooking schools.
  • Art of Backpacking - Mike and Teresa have a well written, extremely useful website geared to the international backapacker.
  • Australia - Australia travel guide. Find the best of Australia.
  • Beers and Beans - Follow a California couple as they wander the world. Excellent photography.
  • Best Beaches in Asia - This website will lead you to some of the best beaches in Thailand, Taiwan, Cambodia and Hong Kong.
  • Brooke vs The World - Well written blog tracing Brooke’s journey around the world with some interesting longer term stops for work.
  • Brooklyn Nomad - A Noo Yawka with a bad case of wanderlust – great quotes, great photography.
  • Candice does the World - Get a Newfoundler’s point of view about Newfoundland, life and world travel.
  • Carolina Nomad - Spencer is your one stop travel source if you’re travleing to the Carolinas.
  • Currency Converter - Get exchange rates for world currencies.
  • Dave's Travel Corner - The go to website for all things related to travel – blogs, message boards, resoucres, photos, clasiifieds, travel news…
  • Enlighten Travels - A multi year journey around the world is recorded with insight.
  • Ever the Nomad - Anja is a Lonely Planet author who travels and a traveler who writes.
  • Everything Everywhere - Gary is a VERY well traveled guy who writes and takes great HD photos.
  • foXnoMad - Great blog with lots of tips on tech, money,lodging, culture…
  • Gabriola Cycle and Kayak - Guided cycling trips to Mexico, Spain and France for adventuresome travelers at very reasonable prices.
  • Gap Year Escape - Follow Amar’s backpacking travels in the southern hemisphere.
  • Gourmantic - A well written food and travel blog.
  • Guy and Girl Travels - Get both perspectives on travel from this team. Great stories from all the travel angles – food, happenings, haunts.
  • Happy Time Blog - Follow Aaron & Georgie as they have alot of fun traveling/backpacking the world.
  • Health Conscious Travel - A blog on health, travel and green living.
  • Hole in the Donut Travels - Read about Barbara’s travels from the perspective of a 50 something female with a serious case of wanderlust.
  • Hop and Jaunt - Check out the website of this pair of traveling designers.
  • Hoseasons Log Cabins - Luxury log cabins throughout the beautiful UK countryside.
  • How to Travel with Pets - This is your go to website if you’re a pet owner and you love to travel with pets including birds, fish and reptiles.
  • i Backpack Canada - Corbin provides you with lots of advice and tips for hitting the road with a backpack in Canada.
  • Ian and Wendy - Follow this well traveled Canadian couple on their worldwide travel adventures.
  • Inside the Travel Lab - A well written blog on the art and science of unusual travels.
  • Janes Guide to Scotland - Look for travel tips and information from someone who calls Scotland home.
  • Jet Set Citizen - John and his wife are jet set citizens – a group of people living the lifestyle they choose involving travel, technology and social media.
  • Lonely Planet Author: Joshua Samuel Brown - Read the musings of Josh, an expat living in Asia.
  • Monna McD - Follow the writings of this Canadian woman living in Bangkok.
  • My Several Worlds - Carrie writes about photography, lifestyle, travel and teaching ESL in Asia.
  • No Debt World Travel - Learn Brian’s tricks of traveling around the world cheaply.
  • Nomadic Chick - Jeannie is joining a long line of former cubicle dwellers and is about to embark on a RTW trip. Her stories are great as so is her writing style.
  • Otts World - Follow Sherry on her travels and enjoy inspiring photos and video.
  • Paddy in Buenos Asia - A very funny blog on everyday life of an Irish expat now living in Hong Kong. Warning – may contain nudity, bad language and Irish humour.
  • Quiver Tree Family Expeditions - Let this company help you plan a unique trip for your family to some of the world’s great places. Kid and parent tested itineraries.
  • Riverville House B&B, Kenmare, Ireland - If you are walking or touring the Kerry Way in Ireland then add this B&B to your must stay list. You will find lovely rooms and welcoming hosts at reasonable prices.
  • Rome Hotels - Looking for a hotel in Rome??
  • Runaway Jane - A lovely website by this fulltime travel writer and freelance illustrator.
  • Snarky Tofu - Check out the videos.
  • Start Backpacking - Get info on the steps to start backpacking, backpacking medicine, cheap flights and more.
  • Sunmaster Holidays - Find holidays, all inclusive holidays and package holidays with Sunmaster.co.uk
  • Tech Guide for Travel - Reviews of tech products used by travelers and all sorts of useful techie info in easy to understand terms.
  • The 9 to 5 Alternative - Peruse well written articles about travel, lifestyle and entrepreneurship.
  • The Caffeinated Traveller - Insights into world travel with colourful images – perfect with a cup of coffee.
  • The Planet D - Read about and watch videos on the ongoing adventure travels of Canada’s Dave Bouskill and Deb Corbeil.
  • The Professional Hobo - Adventures of a girl with no fixed address.
  • The Travel Expert(a) - Marina blogs about traveling in Central America AND plans and organizes trips in Costa Rica.
  • The World Effect - Excellent photography and writing are the hallmarks of Beau and Meggan’s round the world blog.
  • Trail of Ants - Check out this Brit’s excellent writing. He’s traveled on the Trans-Mongolian railway!
  • Travel Blissful - Follow Erica’s stories, tips, musings, video and photography as they relate to travel.
  • Travel Wonders of the World - Mark blogs about his travels to over 80 countries.
  • Travel Yourself - Follow Cailin as she travels the world one country at a time. Nice photography. Upcoming TV.
  • Traveling Canucks - Nicole and Cameron are a couple and a well traveled one at that with over 47 countries under their belt. Their photography is a treat for the eyes.
  • Traveling Greener - Sonya provides green travel news, trends and information.
  • Traveling Savage - Keith is a wonderful travel writer who tackles a wide range of off the beaten travel path topics.
  • Traveling the World by the Seat of our Pants - Follow the good, the bad and the nasty as this couple travels the world.
  • Travels with Phillip - Phillip writes about sharing his love of travel with his three kids. Lucky kids. Great adventures.
  • Travels with Two - Great website with lots of useful information for trip planning – especially for couples.
  • TravMonkey - Paul gives you detailed info for backpacking around the world.
  • Tuscany Tours - Offers full day and half day tours in Florence and Tuscany, Italy.
  • Uncornered Market - Look for human stories, photography, street food reporting and personal growth stories.
  • Vacation Rentals by Owner, Homes, Beach House, Condo rentals, Cabin rentals, Cottage, Beach rentals and Lake rentals. - Worldwide Leader – vacation property rentals that specializes in connecting property rental owners with travelers.
  • Vagabonding Life - Greg writes thought provoking articles about travel since escaping from the cubicles of corporate America.
  • Velvet Escape - Read about Keith’s escapes and adventure travels to some of the world’s most interesting places.
  • Wild Junket - Follow Nellie’s wild ride around the world. She’ll teach you how to swear in Spanish and get you up to speed on odd Asian habits!
  • World Clock - Find out what time it is anywhere in the world + get international dailing information.
  • World Electric Guide - Provides information on plug types and voltages in every country around the world.
  • Worldwide Airlines - You’ll find both the major and some of the obscure airlines in countries around the world.
  • Worldwide Weather - Get weather forecasts for most countires.