Travelzoo for Travel Deals?

Hey Trippers,

I struggle with taking up the topic of last minute travel because I preach about planning for those who want to travel on a budget.  Even I find myself unable to just click on a deal that’s for the near future.

When I was living in London, the UK based lastminute.com was launched to huge fanfare.  As a result, its value skyrocketed without profit margins to support it.  It soon became so yesterday.  If you find your life has the flexibility where you can take off at a moment’s notice, you might find these type of websites very useful.  Travelzoo is a website I came across that offers all types of travel deals: from travel plans in the future to last minute deals.

I decided to put Travel Zoo to a little test.  I have already booked a trip to Europe in June – peak travel season and a few months away.  I soon found out that they use other travel search engines (Travelocity, Expedia, and Orbitz) for anything other than the specific package deals they offer.   So, for me it wasn’t going to save me any time.  I would rather use momondo.com.  Momondo’s an easier way to find just about every available airfare for that time and for that destination.

Last year during our European trip, we used a website on-the-fly by the name of

Booking.com for last minute hotel room deals.

Booking.com.  It’s a clearinghouse for last minute hotel rooms available that’s affiliated with Priceline.com.  There’s usually a room here and there on offer in each random hotel.  We used it to fill in the gaps between our pre-booked hotels that were located in popular destinations.  We had good luck with our bookings and found the rates to be of fair value.   If you’re traveling to an in-demand destination – it’s best to pre-book (always scouring for deals first) but if you have to fill in-between dates, booking.com is a good way to go.  And we always make sure we book hotels with free WiFi capability so we can book the next night or two as we move along.

It’s probably worth a search on Travel Zoo for a last minute trip when you have a specific destination in mind or if you are one who’s willing to throw care to the wind and go where the deals are.  Chances are, you just might end up going to Las Vegas . . . . (and Wayne Newton is no less scarier!)

Happy Last Minute Tripping,

Carter

I spent a couple of weeks in Spain on holiday in December 2009.  It was my 6^th trip over there.  With regards to a culture I relish, Spain is right up there with the Italians.   I love, love, love the Spaniards, the history, tourist services, and landscape of that country.  Every trip back has shown me its big secret – diversity.  Just when you think you can pigeonhole them, they show you something 180º from what you thought.

The itinerary of this trip:  In the province of Castilla y León, I spent time in Segovia, Salamanca, and Ávila, a return trip to Toledo in Castilla-La Mancha, and then into Madrid for the remainder of the trip.

Castilla y León is the largest province in Europe and is mostly a “high plain”.  So, we were at or around 795 m (2600 ft) to 1131 m (3710 ft) the segment of the trip.  Toledo, a 55-minute drive outside Madrid is at 702m (2034 ft).  Madrid is a bit lower at an elevation of 646 m (2119 ft).  Surprisingly I spent a day with a headache.  The usual triggers: skip a meal, lack of caffeine, and too much alcohol didn’t apply.  I rarely ever get one.  It turns out this sea level dweller was adjusting to the altitude.

I landed in Madrid’s Barajas Airport, rented a car and drove up through the Guadarrama Mountains into Segovia.  First surprise was snow.  The last time I was in Madrid it was hot and the possibility of snow would have seemed crazy!  I passed a ski area on the way to Segovia.  That was the beginning of a new perspective of Central Spain.  Its yet another reason I love traveling off-season.

My pre-trip expectations were for a mostly dry weather.  My previous two trips to Central Spain, I had dry weather every minute of every day of every week.  So, I was prepared for but didn’t expect too much rain – let alone snow.  Rain means museums and there is a wealth of them.

Like anywhere, Spain does have its problems.  As a tourist there is only one that impacts you everyday – smoking!  And they have a loosely enforced No Smoking Law!  If you smoke, you’ll be in heaven.  If you don’t, you’ll find it challenging.  I’ll discuss this in another post.

I shuffled through all the 1000’s of photos from my trip and have put together a gallery on-line.  The link is HERE.  Be warned there are almost 350 photos in the gallery.  There are descriptions that explain each shot.  They are in chronological order.  So, you’ll see similar shots at different points because I wanted to go back again.  Also, I was using a new camera on this trip.  (Of course, I carried the old SLR just in case)  I decided to downsize and go for convenience rather than carry a bulky camera case in addition to all I usually carry (day bag, video camera, guides, maps, etc.)  The new camera is a Canon PowerShot S90 and for the most part I have raves.

I’ll be working on the Spain pages on the Know Your Trip Website in the coming weeks.  Eventually, we’ll be filling in Andalusia and Barcelona.  So look for them.  Enjoy the photos and sharing a little bit of my trip.  I can’t wait to go back!!!!

Happy Tripping!  Carter

Crammed in like sardines

Does the title tell you how mad I am?  And I know the ins and outs of the game.  I got a call from a good friend of mine asking about his seat selection for a flight he’s taking next week.  I told him to go on line to his airline’s website, enter in his Flight Confirmation Code, and change his seat.  He couldn’t do it!  The airline wouldn’t let him do it.  Three reasons:

Capacity - When your flight has reached 80% capacity all seat assignments defer to the airport check-in.  Even if you arrive very early, chances are the highly desirable seats won’t be available.   So, it is crucial you book the seats you want immediately when you book your flight.

Status – Your status with the airline is not high enough to allow you to make the changes.  Yesterday, I booked a trip to the East Coast and because of my status with the airline and my membership in the Mileage Program; I was assigned my seat preferences as default.  I prefer aisle seats so I can mover about the cabin easily and without disturbing anyone.  My seat preferences are in my profile with the airlines mileage program.  If you are traveling with someone who has a higher status and you book your travel together, you can tether to their status for better seat selection.

Revenue - Your Airlines hold back prime seating to SELL to passengers at the airport.  It’s come to the point where you have to pay through the nose for 5 MORE measly inches!  But to someone who’s overweight that could be the difference between agony and comfort.  If I had higher status with my airline I’m flying, I would have been defaulted to these seats at no extra charge.

All of this is a reminder for you to select your seating carefully when you book your flight – otherwise you can expect an elbow in both your sides or someone sleeping on your shoulder.

Seat Configuration Websites – Consult the following websites to help you with the process:

Seat Guru

Seat Expert

For more on an iPhone App to use as resource for seating information on-the-go.  CLICK HERE

Happy Tripping,
Carter

Hey Trippers,

Here’s the itinerary of my latest trip to Europe in May.  It was an intense and focused affair (99% of trips are) because I was gathering info for the Know Your Trip Website.

My itinerary was as follows:

Day 1: Fly into London, UK – drove to Birmingham
Day 2: Drove to Liverpool
Day 3: Drove to Birmingham
Day 4: Drove to Stratford-Upon-Avon – Drove to London (gave up car)
Day 5: London (public transport)
Day 6: London (public transport)
Day 7: London (public transport)
Day 8: London – Munich – (picked up car) drove to Salzburg, Austria
Day 9: Salzburg, Austria –  drove to Trieste, Italy (parked car)
Day 10: Trieste, Italy (public transport)
Day 11: Trieste, Italy – drove to Venice, Italy (parked car for entire Venice stay)
Day 12: Venice, Italy (public transport)
Day 13: Venice, Italy (public transport)
Day 14: Venice, Italy (public transport)
Day 15: Venice, Italy (public transport)
Day 16: Venice, Italy (public transport) –  drove to Verona, Italy
Day 17: Verona, Italy – drove to Lake Garda – drove to Innsbruck, Austria
Day 18: Innsbruck, Austria – drove to Munich, Germany (gave up car)
Day 19: Munich, Germany (public transport)
Day 20: Munich, Germany (public transport) – flew to Frankfurt, Germany (public transport)
Day 21: Frankfurt, Germany – flew to Seattle, USA

I’m printing this because I want to assure everyone that I gather virtually all my information.  I use other experienced travelers and on-the-ground research whose opinions I trust for any gaps.

When I hand out travel advice and suggestions, it is based on personal experience.  I live what I preach because meaningful, enjoyable travel can be done on a BUDGET.  Sometimes I do splurge because I want to experience that particular part of a trip or destination.  Sometimes I regret it but most of the time I don’t.

When I endorse an attraction or business, I pay my way and get nothing for free (unless its free for you too).

I rent cars and/or use public transport.  I use air miles and/or pay fares.  I pay for accommodation and/or use points.  I pay when I dine everywhere.  No freebees there.  Nothing is really free.

There are many destinations that won’t make it on to the Know Your Trip website for quite sometime because I don’t believe they can be done on a BUDGET, are over-touristed, too dangerous, or Trippers just won’t find the place very enjoyable.

My subsequent blog posts will break down parts of the above trip to show you where I found savings and where I could have done better.  Traveling is not only a passion for me but I learning experience – every trip.  My last blog post was a segment of that trip.  I’ll start the flow of information and experiences tomorrow . . . .

Happy Tripping,

Carter

After countless hours over many many months, Knowyourtrip.com has finally started the launch process.  To all of my friends and family who thought that I have disappeared off the planet for the past year, this is why!  It is a work in progress as the process of adding information will never stop.

Thanks to Union Street Media (too many to name) for building knowyourtrip.com and for guiding me through the process.  Thank you to former USM Project Manager, Maggie McDonald for showing the patience and professionalism during that process.

I commit to all users that I will do my best to impart my passion for meaningful travel information and maintain a fun, easy to use web experience.  This has never really been about making money.  Although, that is the bottom line.  Keep in mind, travel does not have to be expensive, especially when it is to explore other countries and their cultures.  There is a whole world of different people and cultures that deserve your attention.  And maybe it will help you understand why we’re all here.

I’ll be posting regularly on this blog now.  This is where you can give me all your feedback and suggestions (be gentle!).  I’ll be heading on another adventure tomorrow but will be connected to this blog and Knowyourtrip.com.

Thank you all for your support.  You will never know just how much it means.

Happy Tripping . . . . .

Carter

Hey Trippers,

This isn’t a political blog and rarely will I ever go there.  I just returned from a six day trip to witness the Swearing-In of Barack H. Obama as the 44th President of The United States of America in Washington, District of Columbia.  What I can do is provide you a link to a photo gallery from the trip.  If you’re interested, have a peek HERE.

What I will share with you is my preparations.  When you plan a trip to a destination that will have more people visiting then any other time in history, you have to make extra special preparations.

Weather and as a result, clothing, was my biggest concern.  We knew that it was going to be outdoors, the temperature range could be between – 14C (7F) and about 10C (50).  It could be raining, snowing, or dry.

Walking was also a big concern because the Metro Underground train system was going to close stations. There could be unannounced closures because of the 2 to 5 million people visiting the city.  All it would take is someone to fall on the tracks (It happened) and then you’ll end up walking. I was in London attending the Millennium Celebrations and it was a huge fiasco (a story for another time).  I learned from it and applied my lessons to this trip.

The day of The Inaugural Ceremony roadways in and out were closed.  Coaches, Buses, Passenger Vans were only allowed in so far.  The National Mall was fenced off on all sides with temporary fences – starting the day of The Inaugural Kick-Off Concert two days before.  The public could go in an out freely but only at certain gates.  All this meant a lot of walking – miles of it.

Restaurants were busy.  At the popular ones, it was common to have to wait in a long time.  Fast food and Starbucks were mobbed – forget sitting down.

Accommodation was pretty well booked up months in advance. Long waits for Taxis and Cabs to get around.  Our hotel service was exceptional despite being full.  We booked our hotel a distance away from the action.  We wanted to be nearer the airport and yet close enough to walk to and from the District of Columbia Center – in case anything disastrous happened.

Museums were busy but no long lines until the day before and day of The Inauguration. We’re glad that we went a few days earlier.

The guided tours of the U.S Capital Building were available on demand in the days leading up to the The Inaugural Kick-Off weekend, which was very surprising given the amount of people in town.

You have the background, now here’s the preparations for the miles and miles of walking the streets, museums, and the hectares (acres) of the sights:

• Gortex covered well-cushioned running shoes by Adidas. (Fashion was not considered while spending hours outdoors).  I think the gortex waterproof coating kept in the heat.

• Foot Warmers – Oxygen activated pads that adhere to any part of your foot.  They last for up to five hours.  These were needed by everyone in our group except me because my shoes keep my feet warm.  This could be a circulation issue as well.

• Hand Warmers - Chemically activated little pillows that slip into your pocket or gloves and last up to 8 hours.  I brought a case with me and almost used everyone between the members of our group.

• Long Johns ( tights to wear under trousers) – made out of a moisture-wicking spandex skin tight material to keep in heat and wick out moisture.

• Double lined Trousers with many pockets – Many events did not allow back packs.  Okay, we had cases for our digital camera and video, but what about our other necessities?

• A Merino Wool Undershirt to keep warm.  It wicks moisture too.

• A Long John Thermal Top made of cotton.

• A shirt made of moisture-wicking material.

• An Eddie Bauer Rain-resistant Outer Jacket that gathered at the sleeves and the waist to hold in heat.

• Scarf to wrap around face and neck to protect from the wind chill.

• Gloves – double lined, rain-resistant, heat retaining, with enough space to accommodate the hand warmer.

• Hat, double-lined wool or fleece and long enough to stretch over my ear.  I prefer the Nike Hat Phones to listen to music on my iPod and to keep warm at the same time.  The iPod stores on the inside of the hat in a pocket – so no cords.  You may want to consider ear muffs.

• Extra Pockets around my waist (not a fannie pack!)- I bought a set of these brilliant little things at The Portobello Road Market in West London. They are made out of a khaki material and fit securely with velcro around your waist  It adds six extra pockets for you to fill.  The velcro-ed flaps and zippers keep everything in there safely.  I would not use them for to hide wallets or valuables.    I gave up searching for them on the internet, so I’ll just have to go back to the

• Adult Diapers – That’s right, diapers.  It reminds me of when Senator John McCain was asked what kind of underwear he wears while on the campaign trail.  His answer?  “Depends . . . .”  I came up with the idea when I was at The Inaugural Kick-Off Concert (U2, Beyonce, Usher, John Legend, Tom Hanks, Garth Brooks, Jamie Foxx, Steve Carell, Bruce Springsteen, Denzel Washington, Shakira, Mary J. Blige, etc. performed for us)  I was attended by over 500,000 people.  I arrived four hours early and had to stand in a tiny spot being abused from all sides as people tried to get closer, back to their spot, or had to go to the toilet.  Trouble was once you left, there was no way you could get back.  So, in addition to the four hours waiting, I stood another two hours for the show and the aftermath.  I couldn’t imagine what to do during The Inauguration Swearing-In Ceremony when there was supposed to be a couple million+.  So, I wore adult diapers and DIDN”T NEED THEM!  I arrived at 4:30AM with a few hundred thousand others, got as close as possible without a ticket, and waited for seven bitter cold hours for the ceremony to begin.  Once in position, it was too cold to worry about how close you were.  It was about staying warm.  We had plenty of room to get to and from the toilets.  I didn’t regret wearing the adult diapers because they kept me warm.

Hope some of this helps you prepare for hours and hours in the cold, walking around, with only a freezing cold ground to sit on, or a bench if you’re lucky.  I was thrilled to be there because the six days were a memory of a lifetime – if not an endurance test.  I’m glad I was prepared because it made it all that much more enjoyable and bearable.

Happy Tripping,

Carter

Hey Trippers,

This isn’t a movie review blog but I just saw a movie I heartily recommend.  I feel it’s pertinent because a big part of my traveling is about immersing myself in other cultures. The movie, as you must have figured out by the title is “Slumdog Millionaire”.  It’s a engrossing and brilliantly told tale of a young man’s experience being on the Indian (Hindi) version of “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire”.  His horrid upbringing is perfectly edited into the answers he gives to each question.

Not wanting to spoil your experience, I won’t say much more.

It is a window into the city of Mombai (formerly Bombay) and it’s squalor.  The Director, Danny Boyle, weaves in the immensity of the poverty and the scope of what children are exposed to.  There’s even a stint featuring the iconic Taj Mahal tourist magnet.  The movie will tap into most of your emotions including disgust, humor, horror, and most importantly love.

That’s enough for now.  I’m so tempted to tell you more!  Here’s the trailer for “Slumdog Millionaire”:

Happy Tripping to the movies.  Go see it!

Carter

Hey Trippers,

Having just returned from a good ole winter airline travel experience, I decided I needed to write about this subject again – Airline status.

Having status with an airline can be a big asset to negotiating all the peaks and valleys of a trip.  Without my airline status I would not have made it to our destination – period.  Because of my status I was offered another earlier flight when my original flight was delayed and threatened with cancellation.  Due to the horrendous weather I decided to arrive at the airport 4 hours early which opened up my opportunity.  The flight had a long list of standbys but because of my status, I was bumped ahead of most people.  I was able to get on the flight and out of town.

At my next connection, Chicago, O’Hare, always a nightmare during perfect weather, I had a long wait for my original connection.  I requested an earlier flight that was scheduled.  Due to my status, I was bumped to the top of the standby list.  Tragic thing is I still arrived at my final destination an hour and a half later than my original itinerary despite arriving at my first flight 4 hours early and leaving from my connection on an earlier “scheduled” flight.

The final flight ended up being delayed for two hours because their flight attendant couldn’t make it to the flight!  They threatened to cancel the flight outright because of this.

Also, these flights are all packed and overbooked.  So, with my status I’m allowed to board earlier than others.  Why is this important?  Because then I have overhead bin luggage storage space available – by my seat.  This helps me to efficiently depart the plane rather than wait for others to exit while I wait for access to my baggage in a bin above a seat down the aisle. also given preferential booking for seating.  My status enables me to access my exit row aisle seat (a must for me) with more leg room.

When I call the airline to book, I am given a separate phone number to call for assistance and don’t have to queue with the general public.

Airlines want your regular business and they value your repeat business.

In order to acquire enough miles to attain status, I would pick a major airline than have a wide variety of destinations and partnerships with other airlines to fill in the gap.  Here is a list of advantages you may have access to when joining a mileage program with an airline and gaining status:

(Note: it varies from airline to airline and may depend on the level of status you attain)

• When booking a flight you get a priority telephone number

• Access to additional award travel inventory

• Access to preferred seating; exit rows

• Priority Check In Service

• Waived Baggage Fees

• Streamlined Security Clearance

• Boarding priority

• Access to on board storage bins sooner

• Priority Stand By Wait listing

• If your flight is canceled or delayed you get priority clearance on another flight

• Free airline travel once you accrue enough miles

All of the above is why I encourage you to try to stick with a single airline for your travel.  I will even pay a few dollars more, over the cheapest fare I find, to book on my priority airline.  It pays off in the actual enjoyment of your air travel.  Vow to join at least two mileage programs in 2009 – it’s free!

Happy Tripping in 2009,

Carter

Hey Trippers.

As you well know, carry-on baggage and airline policies have changed dramatically over the past decade.  Security issues and finances have trumped passenger concerns across the board.

With passengers prevented from locking their baggage since 9/11, the carry-on becomes more important than ever.  Why bother buying the TSA approved locks anyway.  I have heard reports of them being opened, removed, not re-locked, and never to be seen again.  I never bother locking my baggage.  Knowing that baggage inspection is a necessary evil, I have focused my strategy on the importance of my carry-on baggage.

Carry on policies vary by airline and destination.  International and USA domestic allow larger sizes.  Intra-European carry on allowances are much smaller.  United Airlines Domestic carry-on requirements:

Carry-on baggage should not be more than 9 x 14 x 22 in. (23 x 35 x 56 cm) (length x width x height) or 45 linear inches* (114 linear cm).

United Airlines doesn’t say what the weight allowed is.  American Airlines allows a maximum of 40 lbs. (18 kg) including your second personal item.

Compare that to Luftansa, European based airline:

Each piece of carry-on baggage may not be larger than 21.7 in. x 15.75 x 8 in (55 x 40 x 20 cm) and may not weigh more than 17.6 lb. (8 kg). An exception are foldable garment bags. They count as hand baggage up to a size of 22.5 x 22.3 x 6 in. (57 x 54 x 15 cm).

Big difference.

I never pack valuables or electronics in my checked baggage.  I consider whatever is in my checked baggage will be available FREE to whoever has access.  So, here’s a list of valuables, medications, and electronics I always carry on the airplane.  It makes for quite a haul but is necessary.

Valuables: Watches, Jewelry, Electric Shaver, Electric Tooth Brush, Leather Belts

Electronics: Laptop, Laptop Cord, Spare Laptop Battery, Digital Camera, Battery, Battery Charger, Camera Lenses, Media Cards, Tripod. Cell Phone, Cell Phone Charger, Headphones, iPod, iPod Cherger, Plug Adapters, Electric current Transformer, USB Connector, Flash Drive, Video Recorder, Video Recorder input/output Cable, Video Recorder A/C Cord

Medication: Prescriptions (in the original labeled filled bottles), OTC Medications, Tubes of Antibiotic and Anti-fungal Medications

That’s quite a haul.  I pack my day bag empty in my checked baggage.  I pack my laptop and accessories in my personal bag that is allowed by airlines to take in the airline cabin.  Then, I pack whatever I feel I need to have that can’t be replaced or will be hard to replace.  Needless to say, it fills it to the maximum.  I don’t know what I will do if I have to fly Intra-Europe.  Presently, I have always flown “Internationally” in and out without having to break the itinerary and be considered “Intra-Europe”.  I would have to change my strategy to pack some accessories in my checked baggage (tripod, carry cases, belts, etc.).  And I would stuff my pockets.

Extra Bag Fees are a part of airline travel now.  Typical Domestic Economy Class Fees are $15.00 (€10.50) each way for the first bag and $25.00 (€17.50) for the second.  International.  Remember, this is if your bag isn’t overweight!  If it’s over weight, you’ll pay more than ten times that – each way!

I’ll pay the fees when on a dream trip or if I need to pack more.  However, if I’m on a budget or need to travel light, I will force myself to pack less.  In an effort to pack less in my checked baggage, I layer clothing to wear on an airplane.  I wear my long trousers (shorts under if need be), T-Shirt (Singlet) long sleeve shirt (short sleeve under), sweater over that, windbreaker, and an over coat.  You can remove the extras once aboard.

Hell no!  I won’t give up my electronics!  Take time to think your packing through.  That’s part of the Travel Planning I aalways write about.  When www.knowyourtrip.com goes public, you’ll be able to download packing lists and individual item descriptions of why or why not to pack them, along with more packing tips.

More later . . . . Happy Tripping,

Carter

Hey Trippers,

For those of you that don’t already know.  My blog and the website project: www.knowyourtrip.com, aren’t just about traveling.  I don’t go to places to visit just to say I did.  The biggest enjoyment of my traveling is about immersing myself into another culture and learning more about how other people live and think.  A big part of that is hospitality.

As anyone who knows me will tell you, I have no problem striking up conversations with strangers.  It is me wanting to understand.  Understand how and why other people think the way they do.  It doesn’t always work out but I always come away with more understanding and feel better for it.

The second part of my project is to help enable people who have a passion for travel to do it on a budget.  In today’s world we don’t have the money to throw around.  Most people consider money to travel as a luxury.  My website isn’t about first class or luxury travel.  It’s about traveling on a budget.  I’m under no illusion that it doesn’t take money to travel.  It doesn’t have to be that way.

And now we have a great tool to enable everyone to travel on a budget.  It’s called The Couch Surfing Project!  This is a great website that puts travelers and budget (well, free) accommodation together.  The couch surfing means that you have a couch in your home available to host a traveler or two.  It isn’t just about hosting though.  You can state that you are “coffee and a drink” and this means that you are available to do just that.  You will enjoy a beverage with a traveler and show him around your town.

So, when you are unable to afford to travel, you can still share someone’s culture.  Open yourself up to a new understanding of a different culture, ethnic group, student, or wanderer.  Then, when it comes time for you to find some time off to travel, you can still do it on a budget.  for as much as an airfare and a bit of spending money you can experience a new culture.

Here’s a bit about how the website works:

• Join and become a member.

• Fill out your profile telling a little bit about yourself, languages you speak, add a photo or photo stream.

• State whether you are interested in not meeting up with anyone, you want top meet for “coffee and a drink”, or you have a “couch available”.  Then, fill out whether you have a couch, bed, bedroom, tent, floor or whatever, because many people aren’t picky when it’s free!

You’re probably worrying about safety and security.  “What if I host a serial killer?”  How American of you!!  Well, they have that covered too by using a “rating” system.  It’s kind of like EBay.  When you host someone, you log onto the website and write about your experience with your guest.  Part of the process is that he or she gets to do the same thing.  They rate you and your hosting.  So, you can log on and find about about someone before agreeing to host them and viceversa.

There’s an additional way you can reach out.  When you log in, you can see everyone that is visiting within a hundred miles of your house!  You can see how long ago they logged-in to the website.  this allows you to contact anyone in your area to say that you’re willing to show them around, meet for a drink, or you have a “couch” they can sleep on.

I have noticed that most of the members are in their twenties, but I have found some profiles in older demographics.  Like My Space and Facebook, I have a feeling that will change.  Before you know it, we mature individuals will realize that this is a great way to open up ourselves too people besides family, friends, city, town, country, and culture. the ‘Win Win” part is that we’ll show the world just how generous and wonderful we are.

Spend some time reading profiles and you’ll see there’s all sorts.  They all seem to have a few things in common; a passion for travel, sharing their culture, and experincing yours.  So, come on trippers, GO COUCH SURFING!  See you there . . .

Happy Tripping,  Carter