How To Avoid Luggage Fees And Work Your Way Around The Airlines For Free

Luggage fees are a bane that travelers can avoid with thoughtful preparation, a positive attitude, and some luck. By using the airline’s rules against them you don’t have to get caught up in the airline feeding frenzy and can weave your way around ever increasing charges and fees.

Find Out What You’re Up Against

Most of the exact weight limits and carry on restrictions vary across airlines as well as between domestic and international flights. Don’t assume you know what they are, even if you have a rough idea – you don’t want to be caught 5 kilograms over and $75 short because you didn’t do your homework.

• Luggage Limits – This site gives you an updated and easily search-able listing of every airline’s restrictions on luggage, as well as the fees associated with them.
• Measure Your Luggage – Using either a digital luggage scale or holding your bags or hopping up on a regular scale, find out how heavy your bags are.

You’ll also want to know what the airline defines as carry-on luggage as opposed to “personal item or baggage”. In addition to the weights, make sure your bags fit (or look like they do) the rough dimension requirements as well.

Have An Extra Bag At Check Out

In general it’s best to stick to a single carry on when possible, but have a second bag with you when you check in for your flight. This bag will be used to temporarily dump any extra weight your suitcase is carrying during the weigh in process. It doesn’t have to be a fancy bag either, large plastic shopping bags seem to work best. (They also don’t tend to get weighed by airline staff for some reason.)

If your checked bag does happen to be overweight, take out the heaviest items and place them in your temporary bag. Ask to have the bag re-weighed and don’t worry about holding up your fellow passengers. Once the bag is under the luggage limit and the fee avoided, you can try putting the items back into the larger bag, check both, or take the temporary bag with you on the plane.

Airline luggage restrictions are almost always per bag. They don’t consider total weight so having a small temporary bag with you is does the trick in most cases. Also, never check your electronics or valuables in your checked baggage – if it can’t be avoided, be sure to pack them low and under clothes to obscure them.

Charm Yourself A Few Grams

You may yourself have had that unspoken negotiation with an airline employee; quiet eye contact pleading your case when your suitcase is just slightly over a baggage weight limit. Using your charm and friendly attitude you might just be able to get away with it, so long as you get your relationship off to a good start.

• Be Tactful – Use Sun Tzu’s The Art Of War to win battles at the ticket counter.
• Compliment Then Complain – Make the employee your ally against the unscrupulous airline try to charge you more money.
• Be Friendly From The Start – It’s easy to be nice when you want something, but you’ll come across more genuine if you start out a conversation that way.
• Put Them In Your Shoes – Try asking politely in any number of words, “if you were in my shoes, would you want to pay for a few extra grams or kilos?” Another good one is, “if I were your mother/father…”
• Plead Your Case (And Maybe Fudge The Truth) – You’re on a budget, had to book a last minute flight to see an ailing friend, or had your wallet recently stolen.
• Flirt – Sometimes there is chemistry there and if it saves you a few bucks, all the better.

Just how much over you can be is often up to the airline employee but at 10% you’ve got a pretty good chance and with some luck and charm 20% isn’t out of the realm of possibility.

Be Discrete With Your Handbag

Some airlines have begun looking for over-sized carry-on bags (and charging you for them) at the boarding gate. If your bag is over-sized or won’t fit into the small display common in many airports now, make sure you don’t draw any unwanted attention to it.

• Backpacks up to 50 liters, like the GoLite Pursuit, meet most dimension requirements although can’t often be contorted to fit into those rectangular displays. Keep your backpack on your bag giving it a smaller, lighter appearance rather than lugging it by hand.

It’s also a good idea to board when it’s busiest – your slightly bulging backpack is less likely to be noticed in a crowd.

Avoid The Fees By Traveling Light

That seems simple enough but when packing it’s tempting to try and fit just one more souvenir paperweight or bottle of wine. Give yourself some slack before departure and keep your suitcase weight under 80% of the limit if possible. That will give you some room for things to bring home on the way back.

• Read Digitally – You can use an eReader to cut the weight from carrying books. (Here are the important differences between the Nook and Kindle for international travelers.) You can also purchase and download books directly to your laptop.
• Longer Doesn’t Mean Larger – Packing for 2 weeks is no different than packing for 2 months or longer.
• Choose The Right Luggage – Pick the right backpack and check out what your fellow travelers are flying with.
• Drop Some Unnecessary Weight – Put your backpack on a diet.
• Become An Elite Flyer – Most frequent flyer programs waive baggage fees for their most loyal frequent flyers who hold minimum balances.

Despite your best efforts though, sometimes baggage fees just can’t be avoided so you should include them in your simple travel budget. Any money you don’t pay for fees can be added to your savings or for a fancy night out – at least you’ll have it to spend on something else! For multi-city flights or RTW trips just be sure to lighten the load before your next flight so you don’t keep paying over and over again.

[photos by: Live And Basic (two suitcases at airport), juicyrai (woman at airline check out), Giorgio Montersino (airline hostesses), mil8 (carry on limit), p0ps Harlow (baggage claim)]

How To Become A Traveling Chameleon And See The Sights Without Being One

Blending in when traveling, that is, being less noticeable as an outside or tourist, lies in the subtleties of patient observation. It’s the grandiose gestures which give you away and the inconspicuous ones that keep your cover. There is no single one way to blend in and soon after arrival you’ll need to discover the native mix first to become a traveling chameleon.

Leave The Extra Gear Behind

Locals walking on the streets typically don’t carry large specialized bags with them everywhere. Pockets might not be bulging with wallets; light jackets may be worn in what you consider warm weather. Whatever it may be, you likely have packed it or can leave it locked in your hotel. The items that can help you blend aren’t those found in specialty shops, unless of course you’re going to hang out with a bunch of hikers.

• When you do whip out your camera for a few photos, put it away when not in use.

Changing your focus can not only help you take better travel photos but make your camera less obvious as well.

Observe Faces, Not Places

The majority of cultural clues in a given place are walking all around you, expressed and in plain sight on the faces of everyone you’re trying to mimic. How do people interact with each other – at the grocery store checkout, how much eye contact takes place, for how long? You need to observe faces for how fundamental signals are conveyed like “yes”, “no”, and “friendly” versus “acknowledgment”.

• Notice The Little Things – Tiny differences in behavior that you exhibit are what make you stand out. Put your clothes on someone from the city you’re visiting, they probably wouldn’t be mistaken for a tourist.
• Watch The Pace – People all over the world walk at different paces; slow down or speed up to match the flow around you.
• Observe Conspicuously – Absorb all that’s going around you in snapshots, not trying to see everything at one. Getting caught wide-eyed disrupts your flow (see above) and makes you stick out.
• Learn A Few Words – Whether it’s the language, jargon, or native accent, even knowing just 4 words can go a very long way.
• Chat With Someone Living In The Area – There are 3 language social networks you can use to talk to locals and share a bit about yourself as well.
• Opps! – Don’t commit these international faux pas.

Remember, the people around you are live examples of numerous mannerisms, facial expressions, and sounds that all tell you what makes a local seem like a local.

The Benefits Of The Blend

Aside from the insights you gain through careful perception, the less outside attention you attract, the smoother your movement will be on sidewalks, markets, and popular tourist spots. Traveling chameleons are less attractive targets for pickpockets, overzealous shopkeepers who don’t know you can bargain your way to a good price.

One of the best reasons to blend in though is the confidence it gives you. Travelers who feel less out of place are more likely to go to lesser known restaurants, engage locals more frequently, and experiment with new experiences.

Added time is another bonus – or at least the perception of it. You can slow down and make the most out of your last impressions, using the process to look back on your entire trip, in between, and ahead for your next trip.

You’re Not A Local; Limits To The Disguise

There is no absolute, no complete blend possible. Locals can (eventually) always distinguish everyone else from themselves. It take a moment, perhaps until you utter your first few words of broken Spanish, but it’s not when you go unnoticed that’s important. It is what you notice to achieve that state that not only keeps you undercover, but lets you uncover the culture you’re visiting. You’re not completely changing who you are but rather making subtle adjustments to fit in just that much better.

[photos by: ifijay (chameleon), sculpture grrrl (faces), glsims99 (confidence bench)]

4 Things Every Traveler Without A Plan Should Be Prepared For

Some travelers shun plans and wing every part of their trips – and you can continue to do so, while focusing your limited plans, to have more time for your impulsiveness. If you’re a traveler without a plan, these 4 minimal-planning-required preparations will save you money, time, and often a headache or two.

1. Getting From The Airport To Where You’re Staying

It can be fun to try a new or challenging mode of transportation when visiting a new city. A simple Google search or phone call to your hotel or hostel though can give you an idea of how much it will cost, what your options are, how long it might take, and what you can expect. It’s also a good idea to have an address or some basic walking directions with you in case you don’t get dropped off quite where you expected.

2. Basic Currency Conversion

Again, this is where some simple Google hacking can come in handy. Find out how much your local currency is worth at your destination and what the symbol for that currency is. The US dollar sign ($) and variations on the British Pound symbol (₤) are common and can be confusing if you’re unaware. Along with the symbol, find out some common costs for things you might typically buy (bread, soda, bottle of water, etc.) to get a better idea of how much those bills are really worth.

3. Learn A Few Words

You don’t need to know an entire language or every bit of the local jargon to visit a new region or country, but not knowing (or using) any thing can make you feel quite the outsider. It might also help you out when bargaining or perhaps trying to make new friends so get started with these 4 word combinations you shouldn’t neglect to translate and make use of one of the many free online language resources.

4. Buy A Universal Adapter

Incredibly cheap, universal adapters convert most any electronic connection to another. You don’t want to be bumbling around for electrical socket connectors, and won’t have to with a universal adapter (best get two for a backup). Purchasing plug adapters from airports are expensive and locally difficult, since they’re often designed to work outside of that particular country.

Create The Structure At Home, Improvise On The Road

By setting up a even the most vague road map of your next trip before you leave, you’ll see and do more even with a minimal planning style. Rather than transforming yourself into a good planner, make your laziness more efficient.

• Get all your travel plans figured out in 8 minutes.
• Create a simple travel budget.

These minimal preparations will hone your travel stress, especially if planning stresses you out. No matter what your travel style though you can harmonize your planning and spontaneity to get just the right amount of preparation that makes you comfortable while still saving you money and time.

[photos by: Visualist Images (airplanes at gate), bradpio (various currencies), tea.. (girl with mouth open), Wayan Voa (international plug converter)]

7 Ways To Bump Your Frequent Flyer Earning Up A Notch

Not signing up for a frequent flyer program is one common mistake many travelers make, but even the most reluctant travelers can be earning miles in 8 minutes or less. You may already be signed up and have a few miles scattered across several programs, have lost track of your miles accounts completely, or are still waiting for your next flight to earn a few more miles.

With a few organizational tricks and tools you can start earning many more miles from home than you ever could in the air by bumping up your game to the next level.

1. Use A Single Account Per Alliance

When you sign up for an airline’s frequent flyer program, in most cases you can earn miles by flying on any of that airline’s partner flights. So, for example, you can earn miles on United’s Mileage Plus when you fly on Lufthansa (both Star Alliance) but only if you used your United frequent flyer account number for that Lufthansa flight. Many people make the mistake of using their individual mile accounts for each airline, which usually means you end up with small amounts of (unusable) accumulated miles scattered across programs.

2. Track Miles The Digital Way

Don’t waste time and discourage your mile earning enthusiasm by trying to track various accounts from different websites with logons and passwords you’ll never remember (unless you’re using KeePassX). Rather, use Award Wallet to keep track of all your frequent flyer programs in one place and get notified if any are about to expire. When booking use MileMaven to find all of the promotions for a particular flight route or hotel and trade your smaller account miles with others on Points.com to rack up a bunch on a single airline.

3. Get A Boost With Credit Card Bonuses

Most airlines and many banks offer you a bonus of several thousand miles for signing up to one of their credit cards. In fact, wait a few months after signing up and you’ll notice the offers get increasingly more enticing. Wait for one you like, or, if you’re not loyal to a particular program consider a points-based credit card. For most of the credit cards there is a minimum total to get the bonus miles ($250-1,000 in 1-3 months) and you’ll have to keep the card active for at least 6 months.

4. Know What You Need To Fly

This is perhaps the most basic yet confusing piece of information to find about the various frequent flyer programs. To best redeem your miles you need to know how many are needed for a free upgrade or round-trip ticket. Frequent Flier has a list of the most popular programs and how many miles you need to redeem for US domestic. You’ll still have to do some digging for international flights, here are the requirements for OneWorld partner airlines and Star Alliance members.

5. Ask For Unused Miles From Friends And Family

Sherry brought up a good point last week, many of us have family and friends who fly infrequently or have miles set to expire. Rather than let them go to waste, you can ask to have the miles transferred to your existing account. It does cost a fee to do so (about $50-100) but the investment might be worth its weight in a free ticket or upgrade.

6. Holding A Minimum Balance Has Its Perks Too

Most airline frequent flyer programs have an ‘elite’ or ‘premier’ level attained when you reach slightly less miles than you need for a domestic flight. When you reach this level, typically you get some perks like being able to use the business or first class lines (even if you’re flying coach), boarding before everyone else, and get priority on your luggage at the baggage claim.

7. Shop At The Online Mall

Many airlines and most of the airline alliance frequent flyer programs have online malls that are made up of familiar stores like Barnes & Noble (where you can buy eBooks from overseas), Best Buy, Macy’s, and Dell where you earn more than 1 mile per dollar spent. (Purchase with a credit card linked to your miles account and double the earnings.) All you need to do is click through to those stores from the online frequent flyer mall for a particular program to earn bonus miles on things you’d buy anyway.

Don’t Stop There

Always try and keep your frequent flyer account in mind when you spend money, travel, or sign up for a new airline program. Often, there are miles waiting there to be had if you simply ask.

• Pets since they can earn miles too with Jet Blue Jet Paws, Virgin Atlantic, and Continental Pet Pass among several others. Airlines don’t advertise these programs so call if you’re unsure about the airline’s policy on how to travel with pets and earn miles.
• Split miles as Earl mentions, you can also book one-way tickets without giving up round-trip miles.
• Donate your miles. Matador Network shares 109 ways to use frequent flyer miles for good.

You ultimately may want to redeem the miles you’ve earned for a free flight but beware airlines are changing the game. In order to make good on those miles you’ll need to book well in advance, and can only fly where that single airline goes (no code-shares generally). Refunds or changes of flights once booked aren’t typically allowed either so keep that in mind and always stay on top of the airlines to get the value of the miles you worked so hard to earn.

[photos by: Alicakes* (number one), daftIntrovert (boost gauge), laurakgibbs (question mark and arrow), o.blaat (sharing beer), kalleboo (priority luggage), Ed Yourdon (girl using laptop in park)]

How To Put Your Backpack On A Diet

Backpacks tend to gain weight over time because their human owners get less diligent about keeping them packed light and efficiently. The longer a given trip is the more stuff that’s going to fill your backpack’s “waistline” – and you might not even notice. That is until your backpack explodes like a pipe bomb the next time you try to find your socks or you pull a back muscle.

Backpacks, like people, need to go on diets from time to time – or better yet, try and watch their weight over the long run. Lightening up your backpack isn’t difficult; it’s a matter of getting back to basics and what you probably already know.

Lay It All Out

You’ll underestimate the amount of stuff you pack if you get lazy and try to eyeball everything. Human beings tend to overestimate what they need and underestimate what they don’t. It’s a great survival trait but in the modern world makes us think we haven’t quite packed enough, “just in case” and the same effect goes for counting calories. (Unless you measure and count everything you eat, you’ll probably (grossly) underestimate how much you eat.)

• Rather than guessing, layout everything you will be packing. Count the number of shirts, pants, socks, everything you’ve packed and see if there’s simply too much of one thing. Eliminate what you don’t think you’ll need and get rid of that shirt you haven’t worn in a year. Then invite a friend or family member over to take a look at everything you want to pack, sprawled out and organized by type (i.e. clothing, electronics, etc.)

Getting a second opinion is crucial as you might be tempted to pack something you really want to be useful but just quite isn’t. A second pair of eyes will also catch ways to pack more efficiently.

Use The 80% Rule

Stuffing every last thing you can think of into a backpack and struggling to close it while the zippers are holding on for dear life, isn’t good for your backpack or your back. The first time you pack your bags before leaving home will be the most efficient. That’s when you’ve taken the careful time to layout all of your things and fit them in as best as you can.

After all of that if your backpack is still stuffed, it’s only going to get worse down the line. Leave about 20% empty since you’re not likely to ever pack that well again.

Oh, and of course, you’ll buy souvenirs, gifts, and other things despite your best efforts not to.

Pack The Day Pack

It’s cute looking like a double-sided turtle but rather inefficient for most travelers. You can look into purchasing a folding day-pack like the REI Zip Travel Pack, and stuff it into your larger backpack or travel bag. Limiting yourself to a single bag – or just by reducing the number of bags you carry – will cut down on your overall travel weight. Once you give yourself the luxury of a large day-pack you are sure to use it and end up with two overstuffed backpacks.

Go Back To Basics

We all know that exercise and watching what we eat translates into a healthy body weight – and most of you know the basics of packing efficiently; but it’s easy to get lazy when you’re jetting around the globe.

• Roll Your Clothes - But not your socks; and learn how to pack like a stripper.

• Cut Down Your Cables - There are converters from USB to wall outlets and cheap USB conversion packs that will let you get rid of all those redundant cables you carry. There aren’t many standard inputs, look at the ends of your (i.e. charger) cables and toss out the ones that work with more than 1 electronic you carry.

• Don’t Go Carry-On Crazy – You’ve got a lot more space than you think already. Learn how to stick to a single carry on.

• Weigh Your Luggage – You don’t need a fancy luggage scale. Hop up on a regular scale without your backpack, record the weight, then hop up there with your backpack on (or luggage in hand). The difference between the two numbers is the backpack weight. Most airports also have scales for luggage near check-in lines and hotels usually have them as well.

• Tie Extra Shoes To Your Backpack – Especially useful for business travelers who want to travel light but still get their run in at the hotel gym in the morning.

• Shop Smart - Choose the right backpack for your traveling style and get a smaller backpack than you think you’ll need.

Keeping your backpack’s weight and your packing habits in check is a bit like controlling your own waistline. Rather than loading things up and going on purges in a cyclical fashion, it’s better to track and maintain healthy habits consistently over the long run. A heavy backpack does more than weigh down your back but it also burdens your mind. The easier and faster it is for you to pack before you head to your next destination, the less stressful the entire process will be and you’ll have more energy to spend improving your travels.

[photos by: kharied (woman on scale), get down (backpack contents), mynameisharsha (looking at backpack in mirror), Pink Sherbet Photography (measuring waistline)]

Is Quito Dangerous?

Quito, Ecuador has a terrible security reputation and the question, “is Quito dangerous”, is one I’ve been asked often. Many travelers, even experienced ones, are hesitant to visit the South American city due to security concerns – but just how dangerous is Quito?

High Crime Rate

Qutio has an exceptionally high crime rate, even when compared to other big South American cities. The most common crime against tourists is pickpocketing, either by quick hands or intimidation. The use of knives is becoming more frequent in muggings but violence is usually rare if you’re compliant. Despite the statistics and the State Department warnings, walking the streets of Quito isn’t a terrifying experience.

Know Your Limits

According to the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), in Quito crime occurs at all hours, but much of that depends on where in the city you are. The tourist and backpacker areas of Plaza Foch, Parque Itchimbia, Cumbaya, and La Ronda are safe both day and night due to a (very) heavy police presence in the area. You’ll be free to walk around these areas, even at night, and will clearly see where the police protection ends. By sticking to those areas, especially at night, you shouldn’t encounter any problems.

• Although the area around the apartment I was staying at looked very quiet, I was told not to walk around much after dark. At night you shouldn’t assume a street is safe, even if right next to a populated area.
• When in the Old Town, stick to the square and the well lit side streets (they will be obvious). There is a heavy police presence here and while you’re likely to see beggars and prostitutes, will be relatively safe walking around.
• OSAC statistics show that traveling in groups of 2 or more significantly reduce your chance of being a victim of crime in Quito.

Despite this, getting around in the city by taxi is relatively uneventful. You can drive around most places at night very cheaply and it’s a good alternative to walking if you aren’t sure where you’re going. It is still a good idea to keep your electronics and jewelry out of sight just in case.

Quito Common Sense

In Quito you never walk around with more money in your pocket then you’re willing to have stolen. You shouldn’t stroll around chatting on your cell phone either – both the distraction and the phone make you an enticing target. It’s also standard practice to keep your electronics out of sight at all times.

• That said, walking around most parts of Quito during the day isn’t scary.
• Stay within the main streets at night and if you’re unsure of a route by foot, take a cab to be on the safe side.
• Never walk in any of the parks at night.
• The police response to crime reports is minimal and street criminals are rarely apprehended so don’t expect much if you have to file a report.

Practice common sense, like keeping an eye on your belongings and being aware of your surroundings and in most of the city during the day you should be fine to walk around. At night, most of the areas around hotels and hostels have a heavy police presence and the streets with security are very brightly lit up relative to anywhere else.

Not Too Dangerous To Visit

I may have made Quito sound like a scary place for some of you but it’s not. With all of the warnings I had heard about it I was expecting a much more chaotic scene as opposed to the normalcy I encountered. By using the advice above and sticking to the right streets at night you’re much less likely to face trouble, especially in the major touristic areas. Avoiding the city completely and missing places like the Mitad del Mundo and the other heights of Quito would be robbing yourself out of the food, culture, and beauty that is Quito.

How To Use Multi-City Flights To See More Places For Less

You can often find cheaper flights by routing yourself through a number of destinations using multi-city trip searches. Many people assume that adding stops on your flight from say, New York to Madrid, is more expensive than just letting the search engine like Travelocity or Kayak do it for you. I’ll show you how you can use this method to add a few days or weeks at the cities in between, make it to your final destination, and return home – all without paying a cent more for airfare and potentially saving quite a bit on airline tickets.

First Look For Stopovers

Many national airlines, like Icelandair, offer stopovers in the capitals of their county of origin. For example if you’re flying Air France from Washington DC to Tokyo with Air France you can call to ask if they’ll let you stay in Paris for a few days. Typically stopovers don’t cost any extra airfare and you may be able to get a package deal or try your hand at hostel (wait, what is a hostel?)

• Often you’ll need to call the airline, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.
• If you have a credit card linked to a frequent flyer account and book over the phone, remember that both Star Alliance and One World will get you bonus miles (3-12) for every dollar you spend on the ticket. This is also often the case if you book directly through the airline’s website.

Airlines used to promote stopovers heavily years ago when long layovers were more common but a few still do. Icelandair usually features good deals and you can make the most out of your stopover in Iceland the next time you flight across the north Atlantic.

Begin With A Single Stop

Stopovers are the easy way to save a bit of money while adding another stop on your journey. To find even better deals and open up your travel options, go to your favorite online travel agent – for this post I’ll use Kayak.com; you can of course use Travelocity or a host of others.

• Start with a regular round-trip search and get a round trip figure.
• Take note of any stops and the cities the layovers are in.

Hack The Route

Now that you have a ballpark figure, starting point, and final destination you can begin hacking the route.

1. Use the multi-city option and begin with a single route. Look for the cities generally on the way that don’t cross oceans or backtrack through continents (much like how RTW tickets are setup).



2. Look for any stop that costs less than 50% of your original round trip price. A flight to Paris from many North American cities on United is often cheaper if you fly through Guatemala City or Buenos Aires as opposed to booking a regular round trip fare.
3. Get creative. Look for any major cities you can think of or want to see. Often two places that seem completely unrelated are important routes for airlines and to fill seats they offer lower fares.
4. Be flexible. Play with the travel dates, starting your searches with Wednesdays. If there is more than one nearby airport try using them as well.

Treat this part like a game to find the single lowest fare to some city remotely along your way. It is often time consuming and you can spread out your searches over a few days. Also, use Farecast to narrow down the best time to buy.

Getting The Second Leg Done With

Now you’ve got a very cheap one-way ticket to Buenos Aires on your way to Paris, so you can start looking for the second flight to get you all the way there.

You know at least one leg is cheaper than 50% of the total round trip price; now begin playing with dates and connecting cities to get an lower overall fare.

Using the same multi-city search, see what happens to your total airfare when you add the final destination. If it’s less or the same, great – if not, change the dates, or the city in between if your travel plans are flexible.

• If you’re really after the lowest possible fare and don’t mind a bit of extra travel, you can add another stop, using the same method above. So your flight from New York to Buenos Aires to Paris might actually require a day in Amsterdam.
• Hopefully you’ve got some frequent flyer miles – if so, you might be able to use them for the more expensive legs of your trip.

It sounds crazy, but often these added routes are still cheaper than conventional round-trip fares.

So, What’s The Catch?

What you save in money, you lose in time searching for every possible connecting city or varying dates you can think of. Not to mention you’ll spend a few days or a week in another stop along the way, which might not be ideal for everyone.

You’ll also likely have to deal with longer layovers and if you’re checking in luggage, that’s more time you’ll be hanging around airports. There is of course the added cost of the hotel, hostel, or lodging in your middle destination, which could end up more expensive depending on your travel plans.

Not Only For Round-Trip Tickets

Having said all of that, using multi-city flights is a great way to see or revisit a completely different city or country on your way to that final destination. You don’t necessarily have to be going round-trip either.

• You can also try booking past your destination (and getting off at the layover) and using hidden cities for lower fares.

I’ve used this method many times to “stopover” in places for up to a month or more, and still save on airfare. It’s one of my 10 pieces of practical advice for backpacking novices and you can use it next time you want to spice up your trips for less.

[photos by: _sarchi (globes), k.landerholm (chisel), Marcus Ramburg (skeptic)]

Exploring The Heights Of Quito, Ecuador

Quito, Ecuador is a city of heights and elevations. It’s one of the first things immediately evident as you walk off the airplane at Mariscal Sucre International and see the runway surrounded by mountains. The air is thin, and you may even lose a step for a few days while you adjust to the world’s second highest capitol city. Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Center, sits at an average of 3,000 meters (~10,000 feet) above sea level and you can enjoy its highs and lows in ways both subtle and bold.

See The View From The Top

Take the world’s second longest cable car, the teleferico, and climb Pichincha Volcano to a height of 4,100 meters (~ 13,400 feet). Try to go on a clear day and you’ll be able to see most of the city of Quito, which sits nicely in a valley among the Andes mountains. If you’re up for it, you can also bike or hike up Pichincha Volcano, but that’s an all day excursion and be sure you’ve had time to adjust to the altitude.

A Dinner With A View

In the evening make your way to the Parque Itchimbia area. It’s a bit across town if you’re staying the popular Plaza Foch (where most tourists end up) but the food and the views of the historic downtown are incredible, especially at night.

• Cafe Mosaico or any of the restaurants immediately next to it offer some of the best views.

The entire downtown area is brightly and clearly visible, including the La Basilica Church – a site that will test your fear of heights if you have one.

Climb (Literally), To The Top Of La Basilica Church

As I was discussing with a friend, the climb to the top of La Basilica just wouldn’t fly in the US or Europe. Upon first glance of the church, which costs $2 to enter, you just expect to walk up the flight of stairs in the tower…but, it doesn’t end there. You’ll take a small bridge across the church’s arches, and climb ever narrowing stairs (ladders really) to reach the tiny tower at the top. Many people simply couldn’t get over their fear of heights and got stuck in between ladders along the way. Don’t think about the wind or the 90 meters (~300 feet) to the top. You’ll feel like a bird perched upon the clouds and get a close look at the maze of streets below.

Walk Across Snow On Cotopaxi Volcano

There are 11 volcanoes – all of them active – around Quito. One of them, Cotopaxi is also a national park and you can enter for a few dollars on most days between the hours of 8am and 3pm. The summit sits 5,900 meters (~19,400 feet) above sea level and it’s cold. Bring a jacket and good shoes as you’ll be walking across snow. There are small buses and tours that go regularly and it’s much easier to find that way than driving by yourself.

• That said, the park is the kind of place that’s great to explore without a tour guide if you’ve got some experience hiking and are physically fit.

Look Down At The Equator

Another great view of where hemispheres meet is the top of the Museo Ethnografic Mitad del Mundo. From there you might be able to catch a glimpse of of Quito’s snow capped volcanoes and watch tourist after tourist make the pose with one foot in each hemisphere. Just try and resist.

Hop On A Chiva And Celebrate

The “Chiva” otherwise known as a party bus, are hard to miss at night in the Cumbaya district. It’s a lively place full of bars and where you can go to drink Ecuadorian Pilsner beer, snack on choclos (a type of fried corn), and dance the night away.

• The area is relatively safe and you can wander from bar to bar. Start at a place called “58″ to warm up and explore from there.

The chivas run by ever now and again and on their open roofs locals dance and sing with no end.

Send Your Taste Buds To The Next Level

The small tomato-based dip called “aji” is a wonderfully spicy appetizer. Everyone makes aji a little different and you won’t find the same recipe at any two places.

• The spice doesn’t last or linger in your mouth for too long and if you’ve got a taste for food with a kick, you can add some aji to the otherwise bland “fritada” dish. It’s a traditional Ecuadorian dish that is a mix of fried pork, corn, and potatoes although the variety varies.

Finally, to bring your temperature down to normal, cool yourself down with the juice from tomate de arbol; a slightly sour but refreshing tomato juice.

Enjoy The Lows Too

There are hot water springs right outside of Quito, and the historic downtown area‘s presidential palace, church, and square shouldn’t be missed at night. Even the strolling around old colonial street, La Ronda, you can’t help but take the steep hills and valleys that define the landscape of Quito. The heights of Quito give wonderful views a the city that touches the clouds, and you’ll appreciate it that much more when you descend to explore the streets, markets, and culture down below.

Making The Most Out Of Your Last Impressions

Travelers tend to make quick judgments about the places they visit as soon as they arrive. It’s a practice that allows one to quickly adapt to different environments and puts a focus on first impressions. The first differences you see, hear, and experience as you leave the airport or drive across a border. We’re told that first impressions are the most important but much of what we learn about a place occurs when we’re getting ready to leave.

Suddenly the destination behind us becomes familiar while the road ahead is the unknown. Don’t neglect the final moments and make the most out of your last impressions by slowing down to notice them.

Focus On The Process

Reflecting on the changes of your perceptions about a given place from the first moment to the last, lets you to appreciate the familiar before you leave. You can experience sites, restaurants, and towns more like a local by revisiting places you’ve been and not cramming your final moments trying to see everything you haven’t. It’s tougher to do on shorter trips but spending some time to reflect before you jet off will extend and enrich your experience.

Reconnect Before You Disconnect

Explore the things you haven’t tried, foods and places for example, in those final days. Those are the things you’re most likely to remember. Don’t be satisfied with first impressions or base you conclusions on them alone. If you happen to be staying in a resort get out of it to see the area just outside or visit a local market and chat with people. How many times have you been somewhere and not spoken in depth with someone who lived there?

• Frequent travelers strive to absorb all they can in constant motion but can neglect to see the things only visible when you slow down or simply stop.

The process and change that occurs between your first and last impressions – and observing that process – will give you more insight into the local culture and yourself as well. Your final moments in a place are the best ones to look back right before you have to look forward, don’t disregard them.

[photos by: Peter Kaminski (goodbye stop), [Magec] (man with SLR)]

10 Pieces Of Practical Advice For Backpacking Novices

Backpacking has many definitions and while it’s difficult to peg down what is backpacking exactly, in general it revolves around light travel on a small budget. It’s the primary way I travel and for those of you planning an RTW trip or going backpacking for the first here’s some practical advice that will make traveling with a backpack less stressful. What most people consider inconvenient about traveling are actually a backpacker’s advantages.

1. Get A Smaller Backpack Than You Think You’ll Need

Many backpackers obsesses over picking the right backpack. Your backpack doesn’t have to be perfect in every aspect and while its fun to shop for them, one that’s not exactly what you wanted won’t make or break an entire trip. When confronted with a choice between two sizes, go for the smaller one. As Luke mentioned, you’ll end up filling your backpack up, no matter how big or small.

2. Stay In A Hostel

Most budget travelers tend to stay in hostels to save money and meet other travelers but many people still have misconceptions. Hostels are much like hotels; they vary considerably in terms of quality and amenities. You can learn a lot about a given hostel by reading the reviews on sites like HostelWorld or Hostelbookers, read more about what a hostel is, or get adventurous and save more money with these alternatives to hostels and hotels.

3. Sign Up For Frequent Flyer Miles

I cringe when I meet well traveled people who’ve never signed up to an airline loyalty program. Remember, nowadays you’re not just signing up for a single airline but typically become a member of an airline alliance. So by signing up for miles with Lufthansa for example, you’ll earn miles on any Star Alliance member flight and Award Wallet makes it easy to keep track of all your programs in one place. Miles programs are one of Nomadic Matt’s Secrets To Successful World Travel, how I fly free to many places, and cost nothing to sign up.

4. Buy Multi-Destination Tickets

There is the notion that multi-destination airfare is more expensive than direct flights. You can easily add a few days Europe on your way from New York to Istanbul without paying any more for the ticket; ride a bike in Amsterdam or visit Christiania in Copenhagen for instance. Try a multi-destination search on Kayak to see what turns up, or if feasible, check out one of my favorites, IcelandAir and make the most out of your stopover Iceland under the ash cloud.

5. Learn Some Of The Local Language

A few words go a long way in reducing your anxiety plus the frustration that can come with not knowing any of the local language. Start simple with these 4 word combinations you’ll find handy, all of which you can learn for free on these language social networks.

6. Engage People

That doesn’t mean going up to everyone you see. I’m shy myself but often when traveling the opportunity to be social and meet locals presents itself and all you have to do is take advantage. Servers in restaurants, other travelers in your hostels, or tour operators are all potential people who can tell you about the local culture, things to do, and perhaps are bit about your next stop as well.

7. Keep A Simple Travel Budget

Most travelers are worried about money but don’t bother to track their spending habits carefully prior to their travels. Use Excel (or the free Open Office) to create a spreadsheet and detail where all of your money goes a month prior to traveling and during your trip. Break down your expenses in your simple travel budget and give yourself a better idea of how much you’ll really need to save.

8. Bring Your Laptop

A laptop can double for so many other things like a telephone using Skype, a TV, and all around email and Twitter machine. You’ll likely save money by bringing a laptop as opposed to going to Internet cafes and a small netbook won’t take up too much space in your backpack. Just make sure to lock down your laptop before heading out the door.

9. Don’t Be Afraid

The world is an overwhelmingly safe place and most people in the world are friendly and not much different than you. Go out there and see what you can without fear but also take common sense with you. Brush up on the local scams and things to watch out for, and your travels are much more likely than not to be safe. You’ll see more by getting out from the tours and expensive hotels and exploring on your own.

10. It’s Not That Hard

Traveling is easy. Even backpacking. You can make your life easier and see more things by planning ahead before you go anywhere but it’s not absolutely necessary. Book the transportation, somewhere to stay, and get on your way. Even with the worst budget and forgetting to pack socks you’ll get there just fine and figure out things as you go. The biggest mistake anyone who wants to travel can make is not traveling in the first place. You can overcome the obstacles one by one and travel the world.

Be Flexible And Enjoy The Journey As Well As The Destination

Rigid plans are easily broken and it’s important to incorporate flexibility into the backpacking process, even your plans. Account for lost days of relaxing, space in your budget for that occasional (very) late night out, and turn even the worst ash cloud into a positive experience. You can’t change much by forcing your plans or fretting that you didn’t pack this or that. By letting go just a little bit and realizing most of the biggest stresses are caused by the smallest things you’ll free your mind to wander as much as your body. Enjoy the ride.

[photos by: Squiggle (child's backpack), nest hostels valencia (Valencia hostel), Chris Guillebeau (miles account summary), craftyhag (bunny hop), Raul Tejero (hola), Kyrremann (hello world), pfala (dollar sign in coins), rblock (cat using netbook), akseez (confident kid), MyFavoritePetSitter (getting on airplane)]

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