Warning : Massive blog post due to my procrastination on a Project :)
I tend to do a lot of traveling, and while some times it would be nice to be disconnected from technology and others. I unfortunately can not afford to be too far disconnected.
Keep in mind.. I am still a student(currently studying in Uppsala,Sweden for a Masters degree in Artificial Intelligence and Medicine), and I also occasionally work for my old companies.
If you haven't guessed by now I am a technology geek, My jobs usually involve me staring at something with a screen so I tend to be fascinated with all the new applications and technology that is out or coming out, but how do i stay updated while wandering around ?? what do I bring with me when I visit a new place?
Most travelers will tell you to bring a map, your passport, money ,your camera, and a guide book
The Unconventional Tourist on the other hand.. would tell you to bring a Smart-phone, your passport, credit cards, debit cards, your camera, a tablet or mini laptop(or regular laptop if it is not one of those massive 17.3" beasts)
Why should you bring the above things? A Smart-phone now replaces your need for paper copies of things, most companies(i.e Airlines and hotels, even some hostels) allow you to checkin just by showing the confirmation email.
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| A godsend to travelers world wide |
Need to figure out where that nightclub is in the city you have never been to before? : Google maps is your friend.
Camera Battery die? No problem use your Smart-phone.. most of the newer models have a camera built that is as good as the lowest range of digital consumer cameras.
Are you an obsessive, compulsive social media whore? : Your Smart-phone will let you "check-in" to random places in a new city with applications like the popular Facebook, Twitter and now Google Plus, you can even post pictures of that fancy urinal you saw in your Hostel or hotel ;) and of course status updates so you can be the envy of all your virtual friends!
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| Unique urinals in the St.Christophers Hostel @ Amsterdam |
For the items in-between the Smart Phone and the laptop, I believe they need no further explanation other than, without your passport or money you wont be getting far.
Although keep in mind EU people can usually walk through the borders with little more than there national Identity cards.
Credit cards have always been useful while traveling, however newer technology(well not really so new.. but the lazy people over at visa finally allowed banks to access their transaction network over the bank debit systems) this now means you can do away with that pesky credit card and instead instantly be poorer by using your debit.(Warning: check your bank for the % fee when using your debit over visa in a foreign country)
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| Typical Visa Debit card, ask your bank today if they have one |
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| Favorite past time of the traveler waiting for their connection |
Now then why the tablet or laptop: No no I don't mean an Ipad for you Apple people, I'm talking about a tablet like the Acer Iconia or the Archos tablets. These essentially will preform all the things you need while on the go, you tube, internet surfing, emailing, Angry birds in HD, etc.. you can also use your regular laptop.. the reason why I list the regular laptop is for one simple reason.. the wireless chipsets in the newer laptops have the ability to inject packets..
For the not so tech savey people, I'm talking about "borrowing" wifi. Welcome to 2011 people.. Wifi is available in most places even in some planes(Delta Airlines anyone?).. This is primarily the reason why you can usually see me online even in the most remote place..
Some people probably wonder how is it that I go about Traveling? Do I always book tickets well in advance? do I ever have a plan, how do I make sure I am not poor when I travel?
These questions are easily answered, Usually you can get really good deals by booking WELL in advance, but sometimes it can be beneficial to book last-minute.
Look for resellers on budget Airlines like RyanAir, EasyJet, STAtravel.
The airlines aren't solely the primary method of travel, you can even take trains, or ferries! Think EUrail, and Europe Ferries
DISCOUNTS, DISCOUNTS DISCOUNTS.. Student life is awesome, yes you can say we are generally poor, but we also have access to many travel discounts and often stay at Hostels.
Hotels vs Hostels
What's the difference?
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| Forget about this movie, Hostels are not this |
When I started traveling I was used to family vacations to Cuba or the Domincan Republic.. you know all those all-inclusive type of resorts. Here staying in a Hotel is pretty much it, you get the perks of your "own" room, clean sheets every morning, beautiful view etc..
Hostels, on the other hand are not strictly better than Hotels, but. I highly recommend them. Here is usually what you get: A bed(these are usually bunk beds), clean sheets, lockers, access to the shower, maybe some wifi, meeting some cool people/making friends.
When traveling it isn't ALWAYS about comfort, keep that in mind.. all you really need is just a bed and a place to store your stuff and take a shower. A hostel is usually MUCH MUCH cheaper, and it can be really fun to meet other people who are usually sharing the room(although you can opt for a 'single dorm' if it is in your budget')
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| Actual Hostel |
Cost for 1 night in a hotel: $100 EUR, cost for 4 nights in a Hostel $100 EUR. :)
Eating/Sustaining Life
I love European cities, why? because generally if you do a bit of legwork you can find a cheap 'local' hangout or my favorite sometimes is to use the local super foodmarkets.. they usually have a Sandwich, Chips and a Pop deal. mm BLT with Doritos chips and Dr.Pepper.
Don't forget the local farmers market or the market square, sometimes there are 'street' carts that have really delicious food. Much more cost effective then going to a restaurant every night you are traveling.
American travelers, be warned... there are no IN-N-OUT burgers in this part of the world(Europe and etc..), the meals are not the "massive stuff your face meals" as a close friend put it. You may be surprised to see portions here in Europe are significantly smaller.
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| yes I'll have two number 9's, a number 9 large, a number 6 with extra dip, a number 7 large, two number 45's, one with cheese and a large soda |
Do I ever have a plan?
Pretty much no.. I tend to do things randomly, that being said I see a city by wandering around the streets. It's always nice to drop by and see the local University, Tourist attractions are usually advertised everywhere and it may be fun to do them, certainly I have done my fair share but I never go with the INTENT on doing them. You can usually pick up a events magazine in the city you are in, this advertises specific festivals that are on going, unique events in the city.. although if you go to a country where you do not speak the language, just whip out that smart phone and use google translate :)
You can find some pretty interesting and crazy stuff in random cities, things like the Amsterdam Red light Pub crawl, or la Tomotina festival in Spain and quite possibly the weirdest thing I experienced was being asked to dress up as a Mascot for one of the nations in Uppsala.
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| La Tomotina |
Mascot suit VG Nation
Well there you have it, I think I have given you a bit of an insight into how I travel, this is by no means a comprehensive set of tip and tricks. I think I should spread these out over the life of this blog.. Should make for some interesting entries!
Bye for now, The Unconventional Tourist
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