Countries Visited

Travel Goals

The Best Travel Books

August 10, 2008

Part of the tool belt of any traveler is a good book. Long bus, train, or plane rides can get pretty boring and can give you a lot of “dead” time you may need to fill if you haven’t mastered the art of the ten hour blank stare. While traveling, I always enjoy reading books about travel, exotic locations, and living your dreams. It makes me feel good about what I’m doing and keeps me dreaming of different place. Even if you aren’t traveling, a good travel book can help motivate you to get out there. Here are some of the best travel related books that keep us dreaming:

The Alchemist- A story about following your dreams, this is one of the most read books in recent history. It’s sold 65 million copies and has been printed in 150 languages. The story follows a young Shepard boy from Spain to Egypt as he follows his heart, goes with the flow, learns to love, and learns the meaning of life. The book is filled with amazing quotes like, my favorite, “If you can concentrate always on the present, you’ll be a happy man….Life will be a party for you, a grand festival, because life is the moment we’re living right now.”” It’s one of those books that makes you feel good to be alive. It’s a quick read, in part because it is only 167 pages, but also because you can’t put it down. And once you do- you’ll pick it up again.

On the Road- Written in 1957, Jack Kerouac’s Beat Generation classic is a classic travel novel. Kerouac’s character’s (who he modeled after himself) frustration, desire to see the world, and adventures resonate with all of us who need a little relief from modern life. The story follows his character Sal as he leaves New York City and heads west, riding the rails making friends, and partying the night away. He finds thrills, adventure, love, sex, drugs, poverty, and excitement while moving from a weak character into someone whose life experience brings confidence. It’s a true American classic and a true travel book.

Do Travel Writers go to Hell?- A book about the underbelly of travel writing, Thomas Kohnstamm caused a firestorm of controversy with the publication of this memoir. His story of freebies, and plagiarism, and subsequent interviews, sent the travel writing world into a frenzy and caused some serious ulcers at Lonely Planet. Despite the debate, it’s actually a good book. Smart, witty, and seriously funny, the book follows the author’s first writing gig for Lonely Planet and all the mishaps, sex, and drugs that went with it. It will have you laughing throughout the story.

Unlikely Destinations- Written by the founders of Lonely Planet, this tome chronicles the start and rise of the company whose guidebook is in your backpack right now. The story follows them from when they set out from England in the 1970s to the beginning of the 21st century. In between, you hear all their travel tales and their early business struggles. It drags in some parts but is a fascinating read about the company that helped start the travel guidebook industry and forever changed how we travel.

The Beach- Alex Garland’s tale about backpackers and their search for paradise can be found in all over the streets of Asia. Following Richard and his quest to “do something different” in Thailand, we see the backpacker’s desire to explore and find new places but never really completely. The book is part adventure and part an exploration of why we always search for these utopias and the consequences of that quest. It was turn into a movie featuring Leonardo DiCaprio but the book is very different with a different ending, different characters, and a different love story.

Oracle Bones- Written by Peter Hessler, this novel about China spans the late 90s and early 2000s. It gives a fascinating look at many aspects of China from its culture to its politics to its food. The author lived in Beijing for years and his observations into daily life are insightful. He befriends an Uyghur, one of China’s ethnic minorities, and the storyline gives a lot of insight into how China treats some of its lower class citizens. This book is thick, and while not a beach read, certainly will give you a lot of information about the world’s rising dragon.

Smile When You’re Lying- Written by the slightly jaded Chuck Thompson, this book is a humorous criticism of the travel writing industry. Chuck Thompson rails against the gloss of travel magazine, overused euphemisms, and the lonely planetization of the world. He argues that all those travel magazines are nothing but glorified brochures. All the good stories, and he includes quite a few of his own (my favorite was his story of getting robbed by Thai school girls), don’t get included. Sometimes the books meanders all over the place but it kept me laughing all the way through.

Vagabonding- Written by the godfather of vagabonding Rolf Potts, this book is a must for those new to long term travel. Rolf spent ten years on the road (he even walked across Israel). This books contains valuable insights, quotes, and a lot of practical information for the first time vagabond. From saving to planning to life on the road, this is a must for newbies. It’s a inspirational book and, while an experienced traveler might not get much practical information from it, its a good affirming read.

Seven Years in Tibet- Originally published in 1953, this classic tells the tale Austrian mountaineer Heinrich Harrer’s 1943 escape from British India, his trek across the Himalayas, and his stay in Tibet. Warmly welcomed, he became the tutor to the young Dalai Lama. He vividly recounts Tibetan traditions and customs that were little seen or known by people to the outside world. Tibet was relatively unknown then and Harrer tells of a world destroyed by the Chinese invasion of 1950, which forced Harrer to leave. The book is a great insight into Tibet as it used to be.

In A Sunburned Country- It’s hard to pick just one book by Bill Bryson that’s good because they all are. He’s one of the most prolific and recognized name in travel writing. This book chronicles a journey through Australia. It takes from east to west, through tiny little mining towns, forgotten coastal cities, and off the path forests. Bryson includes lots of trivia information in his tale has he travels around in awe and sometimes fear (box jellyfish, riptides, crocs, spiders, snakes- OZ has some deadly creatures) of this enormous country.

The Motorcycle Diaries- The story of Ernesto “Che” Guevara’s eight-month motorcycle journey across South America as a 23-year-old medical student in 1951-52. The book (recently turned into a movie) mixes observation, adventure and politics. Guevara left home with a doctor friend of his and this eight month motorcycle trip was the start of his path towards revolutionary. He explores Inca ruins, visits a leper colony, and helps miners and farm workers. His time with the underclass fomented his desire for political changes and solidified his politics and portents what the future held for him.

Posted by NomadicMatt | Filed Under Travel Lists | 19 Comments

Top Ten Best Tropical Islands

July 7, 2008

I’m a beach lover. The sun and I get along quite well and there’s nothing I’d rather do than live on a tropical island. One of the main purposes of my travels is to avoid winter. I’ve been to islands all over the world, though there are still some paradises this nomad has yet to see.

These are the ten top islands and beaches in the world where people can sit back, relax, enjoy the sun, and wonder if they really should board that flight home.

The Seychelles
Located off the east coast of Africa, these islands are pure paradise. If anywhere in the world would get me to give it all up and live in a beach hut, the Seychelles. Perfect beaches, perfect water, tons of islands to choose from and all the seclusion you want. The Seychelles are my dream and should be yous too. This group of 115 islands offers everything a beach lover could ask for. Sadly, these islands are pretty expensive but I guess there is a price to pay for paradise. The best time to visit is during the cool season from May to September, when it rains less.

For more information, check out the official Seychelles Tourism website on how to book your holiday.

The Maldives
Located in the middle of the Indian ocean, this chain of 1,000 (200 are inhabited, and only 5 have any substantial population) is just a series of coral atolls that are barely above sea level. During the 2004 Tsunami, many of these islands were completely washed away. The government has build flood barriers to help lesson any future tsunamis. These little coral islands are surrounded by excellent diving and snorkeling, white sand beaches, and filled friendly locals. Private resorts litter the islands and a vacation here is also very pricey. However, Bangkok Airways offers cheap flights to and from Thailand. The best time to go is during November to May, when the weather is cool and dry. June through October sees wetter and hotter weather due to the monsoon season.

For more information, visit the official Maldives tourism page.

Ko Lipe
Located in southern Thailand, this semi-off the map island is one of my favorites. Here on Ko Lipe, the super friendly locals bring in the daily catch for amazing seafood as the island’s water is teeming with life. Accommodation is still basic and most places turn off the electricity around midnight. Close to the island is an a little island that provides excellent snorkeling opportunities. You may even spot a few reef sharks. Bathtub warm water and fine sand beaches kept me here for over three weeks. It will do the same for you. Visit during in November or March for the best weather and the fewest people. May through October sees a harsh monsoon season that shuts the island down. (There is a last boat!!). The best way to get there is by boat from Pak Bara.
Ko Lipe
Check out the Ko Lipe website for more information.

Bali
This tourist mecca is voted one of the best islands in the world year after year. There’s enough room on Bali for everyone, the surfing is great, the food amazing, it’s dirt cheap, the parties are great, the locals some of the friendliest in the world, there’s a volcano to climb, temples to see- Bali has it all. Bombings in 2004 and 2005 back hurt tourism on the island but the government increased security and there has been few problems since. The locals are very friendly. For those looking for a move active tropical vacation, Bali is the place to go. The weather remains pretty constant all year round, though April to October sees slightly drier weather.
Bali
Find out all the happenings on Bali here.

Fiji
Though this country has some 322 islands, less than a third are inhabited. Most of the action happens in western islands but no matter where you go this is heaven. Most young people head to the Yasawa Island group. Anytime the name Fiji is heard, visions of beaches and tropical ocean dance in people’s head. There’s good reason for that- because this place is one of the best places to go in the world and with so many islands, you’re bound to find one you like. It’s a popular destination with young people and honeymooners with something for anyone. The temperature remains mostly constant through the year with cyclones occurring between November and January.
Fiji
Visit the official tourism board webpage for more information.

Tahiti
The name has long been synonymous with tropical paradise. Those pictures you always see of tropical bungalows in the water? That’s Tahiti. One of the biggest honeymoon destinations in the world, Tahiti offers pure paradise and a lot of romance. Here you can relax in the sun, scuba dive, enjoy fine seafood, and take a morning dip right into the water from your bungalow. The island is expensive and caters to a more affluent tourist crowd. The weather is tropical all year round and very humid though May to October sees cooler temperatures.
Tahiti
Tahiti Tourism can help give you the ins and outs of planning your next holiday there.

Big Island Hawaii
Hawaii’s biggest island has everything you could ever want to do and more. But what separates it from the other islands is Volcano National Park. Explore volcanoes, climb through old lava tubes, and watch as new lava oozes into the ocean. Then there’s all the waterfalls on the island too. Big Island has it all. I mean it’s Hawaii- how could you go wrong!? The west season is from October to March though the weather is cooler. However, despite being located near each other, weather conditions on each islands can vary greatly so you never know what to expect!
Hawaii
For more information, check out Hawaii’s tourist board.

The Cook Islands
Another south pacific island group (see a pattern here?), the Cook Islands are pretty far off the map. OK, not too far but they are considerably less visited than some of its neighbors. These tiny islands are named after James Cook, the intrepid man who discovered them. With few amenities, this place is the best place to find your inner cast away and escape modern life. The islands see similar weather to the rest of the area with temperatures hot and humid all year round.
Cook Islands
For more information, visit Cook Island Tourism.

Curacao
Located in the Caribbean ocean, this Dutch owned island is prefect. Voted one of the best in the Caribbean, Curacao is like being in tropical Holland. The town is built in the Dutch style but the surrounding areas are all tropical. Hit the beaches, lay in the sun, and party the night away. This may not be Gilligan’s Island but what it lacks in privacy it makes up for in romance and fun. The weather is pretty stable here. It’s always hot and usually sunny. If it rains, it’s between November and January. Don’t worry about hurricanes- it’s below the hurricane belt!
Curacao
Check out the government’s official website for more information about the islands.

Perhentian Islands
Located on the eastern coast of Malaysia, the Perhentians are two islands. Both are stunning covered with a lot of palm trees, wide beaches, and crystal blue water. There’s not much to do here and visitors typically lay on the beach all day, resting from the night’s drinking before. It’s the perfect place to put up a hammock. A strong monsoon season limits when to go between March and October. During the other times, it’s best to head to Thailand where the weather is nicer.
Perhentians
The Perenthian Islands website can help you with your next trip.

Posted by NomadicMatt | Filed Under Travel Lists | 27 Comments

Top Ten Historical Sites

June 24, 2008

The world is filled with amazing things to see- both natural and man made. But here are the Top Ten historical sites in the world- places you must go visit. Places so great flocks of people fly all around the world. That’s what makes these historical sites special. So old but still so interesting.

Machu Picchu
Located in southern Peru, this fascinating city lies on top of a mountain that’s accessible by train or 4 day trek. It was an important center for the Inca civilization but was abandoned when the Spanish came and is famously referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas.” The location was made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. Concerns over growing numbers of tourists has led to limitations on tourists there, though only by a fraction of what is necessary. It was also named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.

Tikal
This Mayan city-state is one of the largest and best preserved ruins of the civilization. Located in Guatemala, this place lets you experience your inner-Indy early in the morning or late at night when the tourists go home and it’s just you and the jungle. Tikal was a dominant force in the Mayan world and is a dominate force in archeology today. It’s a wonderful place to explore and deserves at least two days and is easy accessible from neighboring Belize.

The Pyramids at Giza
Over 3,000 years old and we still don’t have a good idea as to how they built them or how Egyptians got them so precise. The Pyramids align to the stars and the solstices and contain vast chambers we still haven’t opened. They are truly a marvel of human engineering that was fit for kings. The largest one, called the Great Pyramid, was built by the Pharaoh Khufu. Also in this area is the Sphinx, another historical site that baffles researchers with its own mysteries.

Angkor Wat
This ancient city in Cambodia was the center of the Khmer empire that once ruled most of Southeast Asia. This empire went extinct but not before building amazing temples and buildings that were reclaimed by the jungle for hundreds of years. Though this place is packed with tourists, it’s still breathtaking to see. Temple regions to the north and south see far fewer tourists than the main temple group. The best time to visit is early in the morning before the tour groups arrive. The most popular temples are Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Phrom, and Angkor Thom. In order to really experience the temples, you’ll need to purchase the three or five day pass.

Petra
Carved into a canyon in Arabah, Jordan, Petra was made famous by Indiana Jones’ third movie. It was “discovered” in 1812 by a Swiss explorer. Prior to that, it was unknown to the western world. Though its founding is not known, it appears this place had settlers as early as the 6th century B.C. Under Roman rule, the site declined rapidly and was abandoned by the late 4th century. In 1985, Petra became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was recently named on of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

Stonehenge
Located near Salisbury, England this megalithic structure is over 3,000 years old and its stones coming all the way from Wales. Scholars still are not sure how they got the stones from Wales and have tried to replicate the feat with dismal results. The attraction is now fenced off and you can no longer go into the circle. Visitors now can only walk around the attraction. It’s worth visiting for the mystery behind it and the really good audio tour.

Colosseum/Forum
The Colosseum and the Forum are right next to each other so I included them together. Remnants of a civilization that once controlled the “known” world, these sites are breathtaking not only for their beauty but for of their history and age. You’re standing in the spot Caesar walked and gazing into the area where gladiators battled to the death. The Colosseum has slowly crumbled throughout the ages and much of it is restricted, especially the floor and basement where everything was organized. There is also a good museum there too. The forum is great to walk around (and it’s free!!), though a ticket is required for Palatine Hill, where Rome’s elite used to live.

Parthenon
Though currently getting a face lift, the Parthenon is still amazing. The ancient temple to Athena stands as a symbol of the power of Athens and a testament to Greek Civilization. Moreover, it provides a great view of Athens and nearby ruins. The surrounding ruins, temples, and buildings are equally as wondrous. Built in the 5th century BC, the temple used to house the treasury. Over the centuries, much of it and the surrounding structures have been destroyed by war and thieves. Luckily, the structure still stands…at least for now.

Easter Island
Located out in the Pacific ocean and special territory of Chile, these statues are the only thing left of culture that once lived here. These gigantic and amazingly craved heads are just another reminder that primitive people are not really all that primitive. The stones that attract visitors to this island are made out of volcanic ash and many still remain in the quarry, left by the settlers as diminishing resources on the island left their tribes doomed to war that finally killed them off.

Taj Mahal
Built in the 1600s, this building is a testament to undying love. Located in Agra, India, this white marble tomb built for a Emperor Shah Jahan’s deceased wife is a must see for everyone. in 1983, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Taj sees between two and four million tourists annually. There have been recent restrictions on tourism in an effort to help protect the site. However, the greatest threat to the site is the air pollution that is destroying the white marble the building is constructed of. It too was named one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

Posted by NomadicMatt | Filed Under Travel Lists | 22 Comments

The Best Travel Movies

May 30, 2008

Travel movies are the best movies for those with a nomadic heart. They inspire us to get out on the road, stay on the road, or visit a particular place. They get us excited about new cultures and whet our appetite for that upcoming trip. Essentially, they rock our world. Here’s the best travel movies out there that will have you jumping on the next plane:

The Beach
Released in 2000, the movie follows Alex Garland’s novel about young backpackers who set out to find paradise but ended up destroying it had me drooling over Thailand. Those beaches, those parties, those people. It seemed wonderful. Backpackers in Asia are always reading the book and the movie plays in all the guesthouses. It says something about our hopes for the road- we want to find our own idyllic, romantic paradise. The one we all think won’t be destroyed. The movie has a different ending, characters, and storyline though the theme is the same.

The Motorcycle Diaries
Set in South America, this movie follows the life of Che Guevara from doctor to revolutionary. Starring Gael Garcia Bernal, this poignant tale features amazing images of South America from the desert to rain forest. Beautifully cast and directed this movie will make you want to jump on a motorcycle and explore the continent. Even if you do not agree with the politics of the movie, its acting is first rate and this movie transcends the politics of the man it follows.

Any Indiana Jones
Indy made everyone an archaeologist and an adventure seeker. From Egypt to India, Indy showed us the world and the mythology of ancient cultures. The movie brought out the adventurer in me and helped foster a love for history. It also did wonders for Petra, Jordan. Who didn’t want to see the city after watching the Last Crusade!? Despite the lackluster fourth installment, these movies not only remain some of the best of all time but some of the best in travel.

Thelma and Louise
Released in 1991, tragic story stars Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis as two woman driving across the American Southwest in search of adventure, escaping the law, and finding friendship. The movie is stunningly acted, winning many accolades, and also features breathtaking shots of the American west that will make you want to get in your car and see country…unless gas prices keep rising, then we’ll just have to settle for this movie.

Lawrence of Arabia
Released in 1962, this Peter O’Toole classic is set during World War One and follows a British soldier’s interaction with nomadic tribes. O’Toole is the T.E. Lawrence who unites Arabian tribes against the Turks. With stunning images of the desert, you’ll soon be wanting to lead your own expedition through the desert, though probably not for war. Lawrence may remain a controversial figure but there’s not controversy that this a a great film set against an amazing backdrop.

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
A movie about Australian drag queens that take a road trip across the desert in order to perform at a lip synch show. It’s funny, it’s heartwarming, it won a bunch of awards. The stars get shocking reactions as they wander across the outback towards their show, stopping along the way. Most importantly it highlights two of the best things about Australia: the outback and awesome accents.

A Good Year
Made in 2006 and starring Russell Crowe, this movie features him as an uptight banker who finds his soul again when returns to his uncle’s vineyard following his death. All he wants to do is sell it and make some money but soon the countryside and a pretty French girl have him changing his tune. (French girls always have you changing your tune!) It’s a great movie for the wine lover and along with Under The Tuscan Sun will have you heading off to the nearest vineyard before the credits finish.

Eurotrip
A silly movie about backpacking Europe, this movie will nonetheless have you wanting to see all those places they filmed. The movie takes you across Europe in a whirlwind of stereotypes but, its pretty funny and anyone who has roamed Europe can probably relate to a few of the situations. The script isn’t great and some of the situations goofy but it does a good job of canvasing you across Europe and features a very memorable appearance by Matt Damon.

Seven Years in Tibet
This movie about a German mountaineer Heinrich Harrer and his time with the Dali Lama. Released in 1997 and starring Brad Pitt, it takes a good look at Tibetan culture on the eve of the Chinese invasion. You get an outsider’s perspective on this remote nation and of the ruler who now lives in exile in India.

Posted by NomadicMatt | Filed Under Travel Lists | 12 Comments

Online Travel Communities

April 29, 2008

Today is my website’s one month anniversary. It’s been a good first month. I’ve changed the design of the site about three times but I’m enjoying where it is at now. There are still more things to do and to add but for the post part the site is done. I’ve developed a good reader base for one month and I think with increased exposure, I’ll continue to grow my readers.

One thing that will certainly help is all the travel writing I’ve been doing. I should have looked into this years ago! I’m now writing for about 3 online travel magazines, I have a potential deal with Lonely Planet, and I’m looking into writing for a few more travel magazines. Things are looking up!

These travel communities have proven an invaluable resource and help to me. Not only have they helped me improved my writing but they’ve exposed me to other travelers and travel bloggers. Additionally, these websites are an invaluable source of travel information and stories.

Sites

Matador Trips- A new website dedicated to stories on travel, travel advice, travel tips, travel dos and travel donts. This website is by long term travelers for long term travellers. I highly recommend it and you can find my articles posted on this site. I have one coming up about the Top 10 parties in the world!

Vagabondish- Another travelzine. Originally built as one man’s blog, the site has expanded into an online travelzine where travelers share their stories and tips. Unlike Matador, this is geared more to personal stories from the road.

Expatriates Blog- A new website about expatriates and their experience overseas. I’ll be writing for this site too!

The Freshman Traveler- A website dedicated to connecting young college aged travelers. It’s a good community website and has a good forum function

Additionally, there’s a lot of awesome blogs out there by other travelers. I’ve putted some in my links section. I’ll be putting more soon. I enjoy reading them and I’m sure you will too!

Posted by NomadicMatt | Filed Under Travel Lists | 2 Comments

Get updates via email: