DISQUS

I'm the opposite, Christine. Don't mind the writing but don't think I'll ever be great at it, but running a business that allow you to work with a view of the beach - now that's cool!

<abbr>Heatheronhertravels´s last blog post..An eco-chic birthday party at Fernhill Farm - in Somerset</abbr>

Oh to have the stamina to party like an 18 year old again!

<abbr>Heatheronhertravels´s last blog post..The Amateur Traveler visits Rethymno in Crete</abbr>

Yes but maybe you'll need to decide between that classic gentlemanly Europe or the dark passionate South America, or the hunky outdoorsy Australia or will you have a secret affair with them all?

<abbr>Heatheronhertravels´s last blog post..Friday photo - the lady at McDonalds in Cusco - in Peru</abbr>

What a laugh, it's good to see our funny ways through different eyes.

<abbr>Heathercowper´s last blog post..12 ways that Flickr can enhance your blog</abbr>

eek!I bet you were glad you'd taken the time to learn some Spanish.

<abbr>heatheronhertravels´s last blog post..Paperblanks supports Passports with Purpose</abbr>

I thought Tungurahua in Ecuador was pretty special, but now I'm realising there are active volcanoes all over South America.

Looks like a good father and sun bonding activity

Hey Gary, your thinly disguised attempt to dominate the blogsphere doesn't fool me! - but I'll have the recycled rice bag if you're passing out the goodies.

You might consider filming your next video direct from the handicraft maker's stall, so you can play on that feel good factor even more. I don't need the 10,000 dong but I'd like to feel I was doing my bit for world poverty, while helping you get your blog to the top of the ratings.

Most people don't travel continuously like you Gary but plan a one off trip with limited time to get the most out of their holiday. I'm one of these and for me part of the pleasure is the researching what I'd like to see when I'm there.

I use Travel guidebooks (preferrably free from my library) before I go to get an overview and feel for the atmosphere and culture of a place and the main things to see and do when I get there. I will normally also take my guidebook for a quick and easy reference when I get there. Even if they're not completely up to date, they give you an idea of typical opening hours, means of transport etc.

Once I've used the guidebook for my initial research I will also seek out websites, blogs and podcasts that can give me an insider's view of some of the more offbeat or current things to see and do. However, when I'm there I don't normally have time to keep checking things out on the internet when I could be out seeing things.

I could do without a guidebook but I feel I get more out of my trips to have one with me.

This gives getting off the beaten track a new meaning!

That makes me laugh - it almost looks like they're making a student video. Not quite the BBC.

It's great to travel when the kids are younger as long as you can slow down a bit to their pace. Once they get to the tweenie & teenage years it's a whole different ball game. My experience is that there's a whole different set of compromises - you need to factor in lots of shopping, swimming pools, internet access, and if you're lucky they might try the local cuisine or begrudgingly visit that art gallery with you.

Nevertheless I persever in the hope that some of the experience will rub off - currently planning visit to Berlin with teenage daughter and friends in tow.

Heatheronhertravelss last blog post..Medieval frescos at Orosei - in Sardinia

How about exploring ways you can make or save money from any property you own to support your travelling.

You can rent out your property if you are away for an extended period. Or do a house swap to keep accomodation costs down. Or go and be a house-sitter or house-keeper for someone else - while not actually earning you can make your money go lots further by reducing accomodation costs. Or use a social networking site to find other travellers who can give you free accomodation (you have to be prepared to reciprocate of course).

heatheronhertravelss last blog post..Piggy street art - in Bath

Have you come across Notes from Spain yet? - there are some great podcasts & language resources - & they are based in Madrid.

http://www.notesfromspain.com/