Tried-and-true tips for when you're traveling abroad.
Travel
Fish Funerals and Free Caribbean VacationsPosted on February 8, 2012 by Jennifer Stevens
I like to travel. I work much of the time from my home in Colorado (where my tax-deductible office is exactly 11 steps from my bedroom and has a million-dollar mountain view). But, I’ve also worked from Vail, Denver, and Leadville… I’ve toted my computer to France, Honduras, Panama, Guatemala, Germany, and the list goes on (and on).
The Travel Writer and the Sea UrchinPosted on February 7, 2012 by Steenie Harvey
Saturday night in Murcia City, southern Spain. I’m in El Secreto tapas bar, trying to summon up the willpower to eat a sea urchin. It looks absolutely bizarre. And in all honesty, absolutely vile. But as all vacationers need to eat, food stories are a travel writer’s staple.
Where To Go For The Best Beaches in Costa RicaPosted on February 6, 2012 by Jason Holland
There’s an easy escape from gringo culture in Costa Rica. The sleepy town of Dominical is inhabited by a mix of bohemian expats, laid-back surfers (some on permanent vacation), and friendly locals. A few years ago, the trip from Quepos to Dominical took over two hours on a bone-jarring, potholed dirt road. But thanks to a recently paved two-lane highway, it’s now just 45 minutes.
Where to Eat in Panama CityPosted on January 31, 2012 by Jessica Ramesch
Amid the towers of steel and chrome waft the tantalizing smells of seafood and spices. Argentine, Cuban, Swiss, German, Thai, and Indian are only a few of the offerings you’ll enjoy today in Panama City.
How to Get Free Room and Board OverseasPosted on January 27, 2012 by Suzan Haskins
You can volunteer at an organic farm next to the Podacarpus National Park in Vilcabamba, Ecuador, or on an apple orchard and organic bakery in Mendoza, Argentina. Help make goat cheese on an Irish farm near Ballyvaughan, County Clare in Ireland, learn about wine making on a vineyard in Italy’s Piemonte district while staying in a village house with a view of the Alps…
Ditch Your Cubicle and Work Overseas (All Expenses Paid)Posted on January 24, 2012 by Darius Fisher
Four years ago, I worked in a cubicle in a basement office in San Francisco’s financial district. The pay was decent. I worked in sales for a litigation support company. But putting on business-casual garb, schmoozing with paralegals and hitting the phones…sucked. So I did something about it. I sold my belongings. And I gallivanted around South America for 14 months.
Good Fortune in Japan, Fishing in Africa…Posted on January 19, 2012 by anon
A round-up of the weird and wonderful events taking place around the world over the coming months.
From Beach to Mountain: Great Havens Close to Panama CityPosted on January 19, 2012 by Jessica Ramesch
Fireworks explode in the sky above me. Reflected in the Panama Bay, I see fiery skyrockets, tungsten stars, and spidery bursts of pink, purple, and green. It’s the celebration of the Chinese New Year—an event Panama City has adopted as its own and celebrates with gusto.
From Italy with Love: Nine Ways to Fall for FlorencePosted on January 19, 2012 by Steenie Harvey
Together-forever partners. Passing fancies. Torrid affairs. Love comes in many guises— and Italy was made for amore. Yet although Florence is a love song to art and culture, it doesn’t fit my idea of a romantic summer getaway.
An Italian Agriturismo: Farm to Fork in Le MarchePosted on January 19, 2012 by Melissa Ruttanai
The couple’s 300-year-old Italian farmhouse is now open for business. ©Melissa Ruttanai
As newlyweds, Ashley and Jason Bartner were beginning a new phase in their lives. Jason was a graduate of the French Culinary Institute in New York City. Ashley was an aspiring actress. But when they stepped off the plane for their honeymoon in Italy, they had no idea how different life was about to become.
A Warm-Weather Road Trip in New ZealandPosted on January 19, 2012 by Emma Carry
New Zealand gets some of the finest weather in the world, and while snow falls on parts of the U.S. and Canada, folks in the “Land of the Long White Cloud” are hitting the hiking trails, swimming at the beach, and celebrating Christmas in shorts.
Escape the Beach-Town Tourists in Costa RicaPosted on January 19, 2012 by Jason Holland
The Costa Rican beach towns of Quepos and Jacó can feel a bit like Daytona Beach. Themed restaurants, multi-story condos, U.S. chain hotels and resorts…
How You Could Pay For Your Next Trip to South AmericaPosted on January 19, 2012 by Danny Warren
I’m not a professional photographer, but for over five years now I’ve used stock photography to supplement my income and help cover travel expenses. One of my favorite trips in recent years was to La Paz, Bolivia.
What a Way to Earn a Living—Whisky, Castles and Scottish IslandsPosted on January 18, 2012 by Hauke Steinberg
For one of the most breathtaking experiences in the Scottish Highlands, take the A87 highway from Fort William to the Isle of Skye and descend into Glen Shiel to Loch Duich. A few miles farther along the lakeshore, you’ll suddenly come across the iconic sight of Eilean Donan Castle sitting on an island at the point where three of the great Scottish sea lochs meet.
Panama: Where Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta Jones and Other A-List Celebrities Like to VacationPosted on January 13, 2012 by Jessica Ramesch
Go for the Canal…Stay for Everything Else. That’s what the New York Times is saying about Panama. The publishing giant’s travel section listed Panama as number one out of 45 Places to Go in 2012. Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones don’t disagree. They are on vacation in Panama this week with their family.
Small Town Costa Rican LifePosted on January 12, 2012 by Dev Parikh
I made my escape to Costa Rica in May 2010, to teach English in San Jose. I recently discovered a beautiful little mountain town (where a friend lives) that’s an easy day trip from the capital. Urasca is a small town in the province of Cartago, at about 3,000 feet above sea level. It has a climate quite different to San Jose—Costa Rica is marked by its micro-climates.
Panama Video: The Mountain Village of Santa FePosted on January 11, 2012 by Jessica Ramesch
In this video, International Living Panama editor Jessica Ramesch visits the mountain village of Santa Fe in the Veraguas province of Panama. The tiny town is rich in mountain charm, from its small, friendly community of locals (and just a few expats) to its lush vegetation and rural mountain feel.
The One and Only Time it’s OK to Duck a TabPosted on January 11, 2012 by Steenie Harvey
I don’t enjoy spending my own money. Not if I can spend someone else’s. After all, travel writers give publicity to a destination which then helps ‘sell’ it to a wider audience. And studies have shown that readers pay far more attention to a travel story than an advertisement.
Head-to-Head with Mexico’s ‘Crazy Potato’Posted on January 11, 2012 by J. Keith Howie
The afternoon sun beat down on the concrete building radiating heat around the pool, making it mandatory to take a dip in the cool refreshing water and to enjoy the extraordinary view across Mexico’s Zihuatenejo Bay. It provided me with a great opportunity to take some photos from the pool to sell on one of the Micro-Stock agencies I post to.
Wanted: Your Holiday PhotosPosted on January 11, 2012 by Caroline Maryan
Fog clung to our clothes. The air smelled of wet wood smoke. The wind chilled our bones. We were on our way down Mount Misen, on the Japanese island of Miyajima. We’d ridden two ropeways to the top, cameras in hand, to photograph the famous panoramic view of the Inland Sea. Sadly, visibility was poor and it was starting to look like we would be heading back empty handed.
Dublin’s Secrets: An Insider’s Guide to the Top SpotsPosted on January 3, 2012 by Eoin Bassett
You haven’t come to Ireland if you don’t see a traditional music session, and there are plenty offered up for tourists in the Templebar quarter and beyond. But what no one knows is that just five minutes walk from there, behind the city’s famous Four Courts building, you’ll find the real thing.
Adventures in South AmericaPosted on January 3, 2012 by Eva Bartlett
High in the Venezuelan Andes, crammed into the Chama River Valley, there’s a small city with a growing reputation. Home to colonial buildings, shady plazas, and leafy parks, Mérida has become increasingly popular with travelers looking for a South American experience. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, it’s a major center for adventure sports.
The Problem With These IL Countries is…Posted on December 21, 2011 by Suzan Haskins
It’s impossible to compare and contrast the merits or disadvantages of entire countries. It’s not because there aren’t differences between entire countries… there are obvious and, sometimes, major ones. The visa choices and requirements of Belize may be a better match for you than those of Nicaragua. Panama’s tax laws may meet your needs better than those of Costa Rica right now.
Drums, Buskers, and a Circus FestivalPosted on December 20, 2011 by Darius Fisher
A round-up of the weird and wonderful events taking place around the world over the coming months.
- Colombia’s Most Magical Mountain Villages
Posted on December 20, 2011 by Jasmine Stephenson
Colombia’s cities have a little something for everyone. Cali is famous for its tropical climate and salsa fever. Medellín is a livable, sophisticated city with modern architecture and beautiful people. Bogotá, Colombia’s capital, offers international dining, globally renowned festivals and museums, and colonial Cartagena is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Take a Wild-Island Road Trip in the Med
Posted on December 20, 2011 by Nazareen Heazle
My foot hovers over the brake of my little black Peugeot rental car as …
Are You Skeptical About International Living, Too?Posted on December 20, 2011 by Celeste A Wright
The approachability of all the speakers, the many tables set up with displays relevant to the presentations, and the absolutely priceless opportunity to mix and mingle with people who have actually made the move to South or Central America, and had nothing to gain by giving their opinions, completely demolished my skeptical view about International Living.
Video: Berlin’s Christmas MarketsPosted on December 16, 2011 by Steenie Harvey
Whether you’re shopping for traditional wooden toys, nutcrackers, tree decorations or unusual gifts, nowhere does Christmas markets quite like Germany. And Berlin, the capital, has over 50 Weihnachtsmärkte to investigate in the four week Advent run-up to Christmas.
Free Trips in Costa RicaPosted on December 13, 2011 by Robert Carry
With long stretches of sand along the coast, jungle-clad hills, beach towns that range from sleepy to surfer-central, Costa Rica is a great place not only to retire, but also to vacation. Even better—that trip can be free. Through an online contest, the Costa Rica Tourism Board is “gifting” $1 million in week-long vacations to people throughout the U.S. and Canada. Each winner and a guest will spend eight days…
Happy Holidays OverseasPosted on December 8, 2011 by Kent Zimmerman
When my old boss asked us if we wanted to go to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, over Christmas week, we jumped at the chance. It was such an amazing experience we never looked back. A Christmas in Mexico with all its color, warmth and vibrancy became our new family tradition. We didn’t miss the snow. The gorgeous blue waters and the long, warm evenings saw to that.
Visit This Castle When You Travel to ItalyPosted on December 7, 2011 by Steenie Harvey
I’m in northern Tuscany’s Lunigiana, the “Land of 100 Castles”. Originally built in the late 12th century, Fosdinovo is one of its best. Crowning a hilltop, it’s a square, fortress-like structure with inner garden courtyards and gorgeous tapestries. Incredibly gruesome stories, too.
Thailand: Teach English OverseasPosted on December 6, 2011 by Chris Clancy
About nine years ago I traveled to Thailand for a vacation…and I immediately fell in love with the place. The food, the culture, the beaches, the friendliness of the people…but most of all, the weather. Thailand is known as the “Land of Smiles.” I think the Thais are so happy because every morning when they wake up they see the sun shining in their windows.
Life and Travels in FrancePosted on December 1, 2011 by Pamela Griner Leavy
Getaway breaks to the French Alps town of Annecy are the stuff of dreams—majestic mountains, fresh air, flowery lanes, a crystal-blue lake, and a canal-filled medieval old town rivaling romantic Venice. Jim and I have retired to Paris, France, so places like this are on our doorstep.
Revealed: The Most Expensive Food on the PlanetPosted on November 30, 2011 by Nancy Reed Krabill
In October, the real attraction in Le Marche, Italy is white truffles. If you’ve never tasted a truffle, you may not see the point. After all, as the fruiting body of an underground mushroom it doesn’t sound that nice. But don’t be fooled, these “diamonds of the kitchen” are highly prized. In 2007, a single white truffle weighing 1.5 kilos fetched the record price of $330,000.
Thailand’s Last Secret GetawayPosted on November 29, 2011 by Robert Carry
Popular as the Thai islands are, if you know where to look, you can still find the Thailand of old—warm, turquoise waters…banks of vibrant coral…chalk-white sand…friendly locals—only minus the masses. I came across one such place during a recent trip around Southeast Asia. I probably shouldn’t be telling you this, but it’s an island called Koh Lipe.
- Ice Sculptures and Camel Wrestling
Posted on November 24, 2011 by Darius Fisher
A round-up of the weird and wonderful events taking place around the world over the coming months.
Bangkok’s Best Bargain MarketPosted on November 24, 2011 by Robert Carry
Thailand’s markets—jam packed with everything from knock-off designer bags to mangoes—are legendary. But if it’s true bargains you’re looking for, some are better than others.
Turn Your Passions into Free TripsPosted on November 24, 2011 by Darius Fisher
Imagine sipping hot apple tea with shopkeepers in the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey… bargaining for beautiful handicrafts and textiles… exploring a 11,000-year-old temple—one of the world’s first—at Gobekli Tepe in the country’s southeast… then hitting the Aegean coast to check out ancient cities of the Roman Empire… That’s what Celeste Nossiter is doing in May 2012… and she isn’t paying a dime.
Dublin’s Secrets: An Insider’s Guide to the Irish CapitalPosted on November 24, 2011 by Eoin Bassett
One of Europe’s 10 most visited cities, Dublin’s many museums, quirky tours (from literary …
Art, Parks and Waterfront WalksPosted on November 24, 2011 by Glynna Prentice
From the balcony of my hotel room in the medieval center, the casco viejo, I look down on cobbled streets lined with enticing restaurants and bars, trendy shops, hair salons, butchers, bakers, and—a few blocks away—the largest enclosed food market in Europe. Down the street, on a raised platform, a juggler is performing. Tourists and locals stroll in small groups, laughing, joking, and window-shopping.
