travel Archives - Page 2 of 2

Travel on the Cheap: Hostels

March 16, 2015March 9, 2015Samantha Gratton

For much of our trip to South America this spring we are staying in hostels, and I have had so many questions about it. I think sometimes hostels are known as these places college kids go to party and all of the furniture is a testament of such happenings. Well, sometimes that’s true. But to say that all hostels are like that is like saying all hotels are just like a Super 8. It simply isn’t a fair representation.

In college, I had the opportunity to study abroad a few times so I spent time in my fair share of hostels. When you only have class on Tuesdays and Thursdays for three months in Europe, you see a few hostels. Sure, sometimes I stayed in a bunk bed and brought my own towel. I also met people from all over the world who became my best friends for the a weekend. I can’t say I have kept in touch with all of them, but they surely made my visit all the more meaningful. I also stayed in hostels that were essentially hotels but posted their information on hostel sites to get more people to stay there. My point is, the possibilities are endless. One hostel will not be like the next. Sometimes it’s worth it to book a hotel and sometimes your greatest experience will come from a hostel.

Here’s what you should know about hostels:

You might make amazing friends or you might just stay for a night and go about your way on your own without meeting hardly anybody. Each hostel has its own vibe, but it’s also dependent on who is staying that evening.
Hostels may have rules, like a curfew to be back in bed by, an age limit (either too old or too young) or time during the day you are not allowed to be in the hostel (usually so they can clean). Make sure you understand the rules before you book, but also know that these rules aren’t all bad.
Many have rooms full of bunk beds but some also have the option of a private room with twin beds or a double bed. Check the booking options but also realize that you pay per person staying.
Some are upfront about being a loud environment–if this is what you want, great! If not, heed their warning and don’t be surprised. Others can be quieter so check the reviews to get a good feel for what you might experience.
Hostels are all over the world, which means they are also in the United States!

My hostel experiences have ranged from okay to awesome, so I would definitely recommend looking into it. As long as you understand the setting and shift your mindset from what you might expect at a hotel, you’ll be good to go!

*Some of the above links contain affiliate links. I have stayed in plenty of hostels and stand by everything I just said. Should you happen to decide to book a hostel through one of these links, then I get a percentage of the sale.

Travel 101: Packing List

March 10, 2015October 23, 2015Samantha Gratton

After quite the ordeal to find the “perfect” bag, we finally resolved that these Osprey bags were almost exactly what we I wanted (let’s be real…I did all the researching and second guessing on bags here). While the intention was not to match or anything, these turned out to be the best travel-friendly carry on backpacks for us. They are carry on sized, can open all the way up for easier packing and have a good amount of support through the straps for walking around all day.

For Her – Osprey Farpoint 40 | For Him – Osprey Porter 46

(More about travel backpacks here)

What to Pack:

Snacks – SO many snacks. With a long list of food allergies/sensitivities/whatever you want to call it, I don’t exactly know what I will be eating when outside of my home. So, Lara Bars, Think Thin, Trader Joe’s Fruit Bars, trail mix, KIND, Luna Bars and so many others become trusty companions rather quickly. But even without food challenges like mine, it’s always a good idea to pack plenty to eat on the go.
Important documents (duh) – For this trip, it’s a passport, plane ticket, immunization records and the receipt of the reciprocity fee (saying we paid the money required to enter the country).
Printed itinerary – this one doesn’t always make the list for people, but I think it should. We have a mix of planned and unplanned days ahead, but it’s nice to have it all in one place. Ours includes all the information (and directions) to each of the places we are staying (we’re staying in six different hotels/hostels in our time there!) as well as information on a few things we’d like to see or do. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it helps put it all in once place.
Phrasebook – yes, they still make these. Lonely Planet has an excellent line of phrasebooks that are ideal for travel.
Notebook (Noticing an old school theme here yet? things like paper and books) As much as we love technology, they can at times be less reliable, plus they can become a liability. Who might want to steal my computer? On the flip side, who would be interested in grabbing my tiny notebook? This is for random notes and thoughts along the way.
Camera – I already gave you the full run-down on this one.
Clothes, shoes, toiletries. You know, the things that you pack no matter where you go. Nothing groundbreaking really other than the fact that we are fitting it all into one backpack each. Packing layers is key. So is rolling your clothes and supposedly, packing cubes are all the rage these days. We’ll try out a few packing cubes, but don’t think you can’t pack light without one.
Clever Travel Companion Shirts – We’ve tried the money belts before and think they are okay. This is the first time we are trying the shirt/tank with a pocket built-in, and I feel pretty good about it.
Small bags – I’m sure you’re thinking, we get it, you’re only bringing backpacks. But we aren’t going to want to have our full backpacks with us while hiking through the jungle or climbing a mountain (are we doing those things? time will tell). Therefore, we’ll each be bringing smaller bags as well to take around during the day. I’ll be using my Keen purse I bought a few years back and the hubby will be bringing a tiny backpack that folds up super small. Both have great pockets with zippers – what I consider to be an absolute must for a day bag.

What We Didn’t Pack:

Large suitcase – I promise I didn’t do this just to be difficult. I’ve packed large suitcases in the past (like when I studied abroad for an entire semester) and it can serve a purpose. But it can also get in the way. With the amount of moving around we’ll be doing, it seemed best to keep things simple.
Current cell phone – meaning, don’t try to get a hold of me while we’re gone. We are bringing old phones for the purpose of wi-fi when it is available, but otherwise there didn’t seem to be a need to bring our actual phones, especially considering how common pickpocketing is.
Engagement ring – GASP. Don’t worry. I’m still married. Also, still wearing my wedding ring. My rings are antiques and not exactly the kind of thing you can replace. I never got my rings soldered together, so sometimes it’s nice to leave the engagement ring home in a safe place.
Computer – I am not going to Argentina to blog or send emails, believe it or not. When you only have one (small) bag, you are also forced to prioritize, and a computer did not make the cut. We’ll have access to computers in some of the places we’re staying if absolutely needed, but it’ll be good to take a break. I’m sorta looking forward to that kind of freedom from technology.

For more info about travel bags specifically, I wrote an entire post dedicated just to travel backpacks, luggage, and daypacks. I’d say that’s a great place to start, and it makes a huge impact on your overall packing strategy!

*Affiliate links used above. We really do use Amazon a whole bunch.

This Week’s Three

February 27, 2015February 27, 2015Samantha Gratton

Just like that it’s been another week, and I missed Thursday’s post yet again. I just can’t keep up for some reason this month. I think it has something to do with having a ton more projects/work plus an upcoming trip to plan and prepare for (more on that super soon!).

1. The snow came and it was real this time. I know I mentioned a bit of winter weather last week and for many parts of the country having snow two weeks in a row is not quite newsworthy. In Raleigh, it feels more like the world is coming to an end. Schools have been out for almost a full two weeks, the grocery stores have no bread and time stops. I have photographic evidence…(unfortunately for me, I really was out of groceries the night before the storm hit).

2. Travel is amazing. The problem with travel (or beauty of it), is that it never feels like you can do it enough. This week we hosted another couchsurfer who had done plenty of travel as she is a video producer with National Geographic. You couldn’t help but get a little wanderlust while talking to her. So often I think we feel our lives are “set” in the path we’re going but then when you re-assess, some of those constraints and plans are not as restrictive as you think. I love that about travel. It forces you out of routine and opens up a new world of thoughts and possibilities.

3. I think that possibly, maybe I’m falling for you… Remember that song by Landon Pigg? It came out a little after we met. The very first time we met was at a Battle of the Bands (sounds epic, right?). But the second time we met it was at a coffee shop. From there on out, we continued to get to know each other and later fall in love as the hubby worked in four different coffee shops over the course of several years. Each had their moments, but that first coffee shop will always remain special to us. So many memories were shared there, conversations had for the very first time and hours of me sitting, just watching as he worked behind the bar. Last night there was a latte art competition at our favorite local coffee shop in Raleigh, and he threw his hat in the ring. Nerves may have gotten the best of that latte, but I had the best seat in the house just reminiscing about years ago.

And then, he made this video of the night. Because he’s amazing. And his current career path has a lot more video in it. Can you find us in it?

Thursday Three

February 6, 2015Samantha Gratton

And it’s Thursday, yet again! This week has been one of those longest weeks ever, yet somehow I’m not quite ready for the weekend. I know, that sounds crazy. It might have something to do with the fact that we are playing some music this weekend at a local coffee shop and also have some couchsurfers headed our way for a few days. In both cases, I am nowhere near prepared. So if my harmonies are off tomorrow or my house isn’t quite clean enough for guests, I blame the following blog post and all of its contents.

1. Groundhog Day–the moment you realize more winter is coming regardless of what that marmot says. Thankfully, we can celebrate the dark of winter and be silly by throwing another Groundhog Party. Yep, we’re those freaks. I’ve been hosting such ridiculous parties since high school. Over the years, we’ve been given so many groundhog art pieces to adorn our home and brighten our February. Therefore, we feel it’s completely logical to invite a few people over and insist they bring some brown food with them.

2. You can’t do everything. With a lot of new and awesome opportunities coming my way this week (more on that later) I’ve definitely had to assess what is doable and where my priorities lie. Not always easy, but necessary. Sometimes I get caught up in wanting to do everything and pleasing everybody, but it just isn’t realistic. You’ve got to do the best with what you can and move forward.

3. I think half of the REI employees recognize me as soon as I arrive. (And probably roll their eyes, too). I have been seriously on the hunt for the best backpack ever. Wait, what? Didn’t I already blog about a new backpack? Yep. And then the hubby wanted a new backpack. So we ordered him one. And then I started second-guessing the one I brought home for myself. You see, it was more of a hiking backpack with so many straps and clips that I started envisioning a massive tangle walking down the street. Sigh. So, hours and hours after reading countless reviews I finally ordered a new one. We’ll see how this goes.

Travel Essentials: Around Town Camera

January 27, 2015January 28, 2015Samantha Gratton

With an upcoming trip to Argentina this spring, you would think that I’ve been nonstop planning. The thing is, so much more goes into a trip than simply itineraries. I have researched everything from the type of backpack I want to buy (the plan is carry-ons only) to the many hostels that will house us for an evening or two. There is so much to prepare beforehand, but guess what you have to show for it all in the end (other than taking the trip of a lifetime and the memories that you will cherish forever)? It’s the pictures.

Here’s the thing: I love taking pictures, but I hate lugging my camera around town. You would think having such a great camera (we own a Canon 7D) and a love for photography would result in a camera being around my neck and in my hands at all times. But the reality is, it feels like such a commitment. I know that sounds ridiculous, but unless I am going somewhere with the intention of shooting something in particular, I take more photos on my phone than with my nice camera. I know I’m not alone here, I see you and your phone pics.

Bearing in mind that we will only be bringing oversized backpacks for our two weeks roaming abroad and our camera would account for roughly 23.7% of that space (give or take), it seemed logical to rethink the situation.

Introducing the Canon EOS M Compact System Camera! The perfect small camera that still allows you to use your fancy lenses (EF and EF-S lenses) but manages to fit in your purse if needed. Much research was done, but ultimately this met both our criteria and budget best.

What I love about it:

Purse and pocket friendly, at 9 oz it’s easy to bring just about anywhere
Interchangeable lenses, meaning we can use the lenses we already have with an adaptor
Video capability with full HD 1080p movie mode
Similar specs and quality to our current camera, including the sensor type, megapixels and video format
Lower price than many other mirrorless cameras

Why doesn’t everybody have one of these? Well, when you look for cameras there are a lot of things to consider. Ultimately, this made sense for us because we had already invested in Canon gear and wanted to be able to shoot both photos and videos in the most compact model possible. Being so small, it does not give off as much of professional vibe, so for someone trying to break into the photography world they could spend a similar amount of money and get a camera that is bigger and looks more serious. A few other companies are more known for mirrorless cameras so those in the market for a mirrorless camera might consider another brand first. Canon actually stopped producing this camera because of negative reviews from an initial autofocus driver issue (which was later resolved), so the price has gone down. These “negatives” to some were less important to us and helped bring the camera into our budget. (Note: If you are just looking for a basic point-and-shoot camera without interchangeable lenses, then that likely be the cheaper route and definitely simpler to use if you do not want to change a bunch of settings).

Admittedly, it is still an adjustment. The LCD screen in the back is a touch screen (which may eventually be really cool but it takes some getting used to) and there is no viewfinder because it is a mirrorless camera. It uses an SD card and has a different size battery than we currently have, so we’ll need to stock up on each of those. Thankfully, I have a few more months to work with it before putting it to the test. While we bought it primarily for this trip, it is a complementary second camera to the one we already have for future photo shoots or videos. So far, we have been incredibly pleased with this purchase. Now, if only we could decide what else to put in the backpack…

*Note: Affiliate links have been used above but we really did buy this camera and no one provided anything to me for free or at a discount. It’s a real review based on our experience and research. If you do decide to click on some of these links, I may get commission on the sale.

The Big News

January 14, 2015Samantha Gratton

2015–this year’s going to be a big one. It will bring change and challenge, questions and joy. I mean it. As much as I haven’t quite figured out all of this year’s goals, I know it will be a big one in our lives. We’ll be coming up on five years of marriage and will have been in North Carolina longer than Iowa in our married life. Change is inevitable in our jobs, as it is with our friendships and families.

Were you expecting something else? Oh, yeah.

It seems like half the people I know are buying houses or having babies. It makes sense, I suppose. It’s the “next step” and I am so, SO excited for all of them. They will all be wonderful parents and homeowners, families and neighbors. I really mean it, too. We’re fortunate to be friends with some amazing people, and I am thrilled for their next steps and adventures.

Our news?

Well, we love each other a lot. So, we decided it was finally time.

We’re going to…

ARGENTINA!

We’ve been wanting to take a trip outside the country for awhile now and have been saving all of our pennies (read: all money from birthdays & Christmases, tax refunds and freelance gigs) for years. So, we finally bought the tickets, and we will be visiting this beautiful country for two weeks this spring!

At first you might say, “Aren’t you looking for a job?” and then question, “Is this really the best timing?”

You are not alone. I had all of these questions and more. But then we thought about a few key things and decided this was the best timing. Things have not all gone according to my plan this past year, but that’s not to say that it hasn’t brought some incredible opportunities along the way. We have been wanting to take a trip to explore the world a little, just the two of us, since we got married. There was always been something else keeping us, whether it was time or money or other logistics (oh I don’t know, like moving halfway across the country).

When you don’t have a job, you suddenly find yourself with a lot more time. As far as money, well, that’s something we’ve been saving for this specific purpose for years now. This last year without a full-time job has been tough and we’ve had to make certain financial sacrifices. But thankfully, we have been debt-free for a few years now and try to maintain a very frugal lifestyle. It’s a bit of a risk because of course we’re hoping that I have a job soon, but one thing I’ve realized this past year is that we don’t know what’s next. When the hubby asked for the time and it was approved, we decided to just jump at the chance and hope for the best with whatever else is to come this year.

Okay, so why two weeks in Argentina?

Why not? Alright, I know that’s not the answer you were looking for. To some, this seems like a lavish trip and to others in might seem like a small vacation, no big deal. Sure, I wish we could go for a month or more, but the reality is this is still more time than most people get to take all at once. I was able to study abroad twice when I was in college and knew then that it was not something everyone got to do or an opportunity that would present itself again. I feel similarly about this. Of course there are people who travel all over the world and have these awesome experiences, but to us, this is a big deal. This is something we’ve been dreaming about for a while. We see it as an opportunity to explore a different culture, see some different scenery and really invest in our marriage through a unique experience.

As to the location itself, we’ve heard a lot of good things and think it looks like a beautiful part of the world to see. It gives us a chance to brush up on some of that high school Spanish, see an epic waterfall and explore a continent neither of us have ever been to. We’re still figuring out what else might be in store during our time there but are also open to just finding out a bit while we get there.

That said, we’d love to hear any tips or suggestions should you know the area! We’re really excited about this, and I look forward to sharing about it more with you!

This Week’s Three

August 9, 2014Samantha Gratton

So, I missed Thursday by a few dozen hours. Whoops, sorry. But figured I would go ahead and blog the week anyway as it’s been full and good and a little unexpected.

1. Some days there are no words for everything you are feeling. There can be joy and sorrow, happiness and hesitation, disappointment and relief, defeat and hope all at the same time. This week has had a few things like that. They sit mostly on the “good” side but are still taking a while to get our minds wrapped around them all.

2. Nothing says “summer” like a road trip. In the past week we took two semi-impromptu trips and both included a good amount of rain. We saw friends by the beach and family near the mountains, each for a couple days. While brief, it was much needed and quite enjoyed. Trips like these are a huge part of what makes me excited and inspired. The hubby and I recently had a discussion however where he made note of the distinction between a “trip” and a “vacation” (to me they are usually the same thing. To him, a vacation includes almost no agenda and clearing of your head–preferably in a cabin in the woods. I see a vacation as going somewhere and trying new things and gaining new experiences. Honestly, when it comes down to it, I couldn’t care less what you call it, but I’m glad to understand what the difference is for him. Knowing things like this as a couple helps to better communicate expectations and goals when we take time off to go somewhere.

While in Asheville, we checked out Moog--where all sorts of electronic instruments are made — While in Asheville, we checked out Moog, which is where all sorts of electronic instruments are made

3. A season of change is upon us. I wrote a little last week about beginning again and I keep being reminded every day how much we are about to enter into something new even without knowing what it is. We have some friends moving this direction, new opportunities, new challenges and new direction in what we want in life. When life gets stuck in a stagnant stage I seem to grow impatient quickly, yet when there’s time for constant growth and change I can get overwhelmed or panic. One day at a time though, so I’ll be sure to keep you posted once more is known.

It’s a New Life

February 9, 2013December 9, 2014Samantha Gratton

It didn’t end when we got the keys to our new place. Or when we completed our first week of work. Or even, the first time we said “y’all” without a giggle. Everything about this move is still a process as we change, as we grow.

I can’t speak for moves that are more job-related, as ours was far from it. We just showed up here one day and became a part of this city. I don’t mean to bore you as I know you are well aware that we moved, but sometimes it still blows me away. We got here and reinvented our lives it seemed. I almost wish we had dyed our hair green or something because no one would have known the difference. Our routines are different, our friends are different, our identities—even slightly different.

When we lived in Iowa, people knew us by various things, be it music or personal history. When we moved, we dropped all of that. Parts of our life are no longer as big as they used to be, while others have become bigger. Some parts are yet to be determined. It’s interesting to see what stuck. What was innately “us” regardless of people, places and things. While other elements of us may have only been for a season, there are certain talents and tendencies that won’t go away.

So do it. Make a change. Travel. Leap. Move. Do something crazy. Challenge yourself. It may not all be fun or easy. You might end up more confused than when you started. But the core of who you are can take it. You’ll grow and change, and the things that remain the same may tell you more about yourself than the things that changed.