Keepsakes

I love to pick up souvenirs on my travels. I recommend the ones you will actually keep and not throw out during your Spring cleaning. One of my favorites to collect are the stained-glass shot glasses. I love the labor that goes into them and their vivid colors. I also love collecting the paper currency of other countries because I have fun making comparisons. You can decide on a denomination to collect in paper currency or coins. For the souvenirs you would love to purchase but knows it maybe to bulky to pack, take a picture of it, you'll still be able to enjoy it as a portrait on your wall or in the confines of a travel album.

Hammocking

A necessity, I take my Hammock everywhere I go and not only on my travels. I keep it in the back on my vehicle for those spontaneous encounters with trees that are in close proximity to each other. They induce sleep and inspire relaxation. On your travels seek them out, I spent $20 for mine in Puerto Rico and they also act as great sovenirs if they are monogrammed.

Calendar of events

A great way to find out what's happening in the country you're planning to visit is by picking up a book about that country at your local AAA office or by browsing the web to look for a calendar of events about what's going during you visit. In the event you stumble upon a local art show or any type of annual event while perusing the local streets, pick up a flyer if there is one available and keep it as a souvenir or reminder especially if you plan on visiting again. Talk to the locals, they are sometimes the best link to great cultural events. - Puerto Rico

Eats

Try the local foods, some of the best tastes are found at the little shack by the roadside and if the locals are brave enough to eat there, then you have nothing to worry about. I remember on a trip to the Bahamas my girlfriend and I befriended one of the locals who took us to Dirty's, a little makeshift hut. Let me tell you, it was the best Conch Fritters I've ever had. Ask the locals for recommendations on where the best places to eat are and ask about their personal favorites. Don't eat at an establishment you're already familiar with, like McDonalds. The whole point of travel is the newness of everything that culture or place has to offer. Indulge, jump in! I've sampled some of the best flavored Tequila in Mexico, Rum cake in the Bahamas, mouth watering Coo Coo and Flyingfish in Barbados, Typical food in Costa Rica, and the list goes on. There are even dishes in my own country that I haven't had before, my goal is to seek them out and dig in. - Costa Rica

Inspire travel

Invite your friends to travel with you, it cuts down on the costs of accomodation and it inspires travel. Take friends that are open-minded, that won't complain about everything that goes wrong, and that would be willing to try new things like ziplining or hiking through the rainforest or just a walk through the neighborhood on a relaxing day. I don't know how to swim and I depise being in those little canoes where I can touch the water, but I never give up the chance as long as I have a functioning life jacket. The last time I was in a canoe was back in 2010 down the Pomeroon River in Guyana, South America and it was an exilarating ride at the hands of a skilled driver.

Cruzin on a Sunday afternoon...

Cruising is in my opinion is the best way to see quite a few countries in one shot, it also makes your travel resume look good. You can always revisit the countries you loved, to spend more time exploring them, and even if you never get the chance to go back you can always say you were there. When crusing, try to book a guided tour for each location you visit, even if it's a bicycle ride around the city, you will learn a lot about that culture and it's people. Stay away from the tourists shops, the only people you'll meet there are other tourists, save that meeting for the ship's dinners, the congo line and discos onboard. The reason for travel is to immerse yourself in the culture and its people. Purchase your gifts and souvenirs from the locals no matter how annoying they can sometimes be. Hold your ground when bargaining and remember that's the way they make their living so be kind. - Cayman Islands

Traveler-in-Training

I'm afraid I've created a Monger, my Traveler-In-Training is always ready for the next trip. Her Facebook status recently read "Somebody buy me a ticket".She's headed to Greece this summer on a study abroad program. I can't believe she's making it there before I do, but that's alright, Greece isn't going anywhere. Get your Travelers-in-Training started early, it'll be the best gift you'll ever give them. My friends know I'm not rich, but I bet my acquaintances believe I am. Remember it's not what you make, it's what you save and if travel is your passion like it is mine, save for it, use a portion of your tax return every year and plan a trip. I post all of my travels on FB, not for the purpose of showing off, but for the purpose of getting friends and acquaintances started. - Cayman Is.

Slumber in style, you're on vacation. Bring a few friends along and share the costs.

The Mountain Paradise hotel in La Fortuna Costa Rica was amazing in every way.

Iguanas are everywhere in Costa Rica. Ever had curried Iguana?

Creepy Crawlers in Costa Rica. My traveler in training took this while we were hiking the rainforest in La Fortuna.

A Wanderful New year to all!

Wander and roam the Earth.