How Not To Be A Tourist

What kind of traveler are you? Do you travel to see what life is like as a local? Or Do you travel to impress your friends and family? This is the difference between a traveler and a tourist. A traveler creates their own itinerary and learns about the culture of the place. A tourist is on a guided tour. 

I want to be a traveler that fits in instead of the typical “tourist” who sticks out like a sore thumb. I want to blend in and learn about local customs.

How not to look like a tourist:

1.       Consult your map discretely.

2.       Dress like the locals. Wear a messenger bag instead of a backpack or a fanny pack. Dress conservatively.

3.       Ditch the athletic shoes. White athletic shoes are stereotypically American. Flip-flops are also very noticeable as American attire.

4.       Buy accessories at local stores, especially ones that you see the locals wearing.

5.       Avoid US brand name clothing.

6.       Keep your camera out of sight unless you are using it.

How to live like a local:

1.       Respect shared public spaces. Do not speak loudly. Remember that you are representing your country. Learn the local customs about personal space. Observe locals to know how far or how close to stand.

2.       Research the sights and history of your destination. Make sure you know the basic geography, the name and rate of the local currency, language and dialects, capital city, major towns, unusual customs, and any dangers.

3.       Learn the native language. You don’t need to become fluent. Even knowing a couple of words and short phrases is fine.

4.       Don’t rush. Prioritize the sights you want to see and allow plenty of time.

5.       Bypass tacky tourist spots and go to more interesting and authentic backstreets.

How to eat and drink like a local:

1.       Go to local restaurants instead of known fast food franchises.

2.       Take whatever condiments they give you. Requesting typical US condiments is a sure giveaway that you are American.

3.       Give up the ice. In many parts of the world, you will be served your drinks with little or no ice.

4.       Use local table manners.

5.       Avoid walking down the street while eating. This is against proper etiquette in most countries.

13 free things to do in Victoria, British Columbia!!!

I went to Victoria when I was working at Camp Orkila in the San Juan Islands. To get there I took a ferry from Orcas Island to Sydney, British Columbia. I took a bus down to Victoria. I was able to walk to my hotel, which I booked beforehand. After dropping my stuff at the hotel, I walked to downtown Victoria and explored!!!

The #1 most popular thing to do in Victoria is visit the Butchart Gardens. Unfortunately, I was unable to go because it was too far from the downtown district and I was only there for 1 night.

Free things to do:

1.       Stroll through Beacon Hill Park. There is a petting zoo, a lake, and beautiful gardens. The children’s petting zoo accepts donations. I walked through the park and got to the ocean. You can see the Olympic Mountains across the water.



Beacon Hill Park



2.       Tour and shop China Town.

3.       See the Parliament Building. The building lights up at night.

4.       Walk through the Empress Hotel.

5.       Check out the churches in town. These include the St. Andrew’s Roman Catholic Cathedral and the Christ Church Cathedral.

St. Andrew's Roman Catholic Church

6.       See the Craigdarroch Castle.

7.       Watch performers at the inner harbor. Each evening through the summer months, the inner harbor causeway comes alive with street performers and merchants.

8.       Market Square. This charming mall has a courtyard that quite often is filled with free entertainment. It consists of a courtyard surrounded by three stories of shops and eating establishments.

9.       Take a garden walk. Visit the University of Victoria and the Governor’s mansion. Each has an excellent garden that you can tour for free.

10.   Take a free tour. The BC Provincial Legislature, the Victoria Estate Winery, and the Vancouver Island Brewery all have free tours.

11.   Go on an antique walk. A walk east along Fort Street from Douglas will take you past numerous antique shops.

12.   Go on a hike. Go on the Galloping Goose trail, The Dallas Road Waterfront, East Sooke Park, Juan de Fuca Trail and the West Coast Trail.

13.   Go on a beach walk. Victoria has many excellent and scenic beaches. Check out the Dallas Road Cliffs, Willows Beach, Cadboro Bay, Whitty’s Lagoon, and Island View Beach.

*Tips:

Make sure you have a map!

Stay at a hotel that is close to the downtown district so you can walk.

Learn the Canadian currency.

15 Tips on How to Travel on a Budget!!!

I have been able to travel to many places because I have been smart with my money. You don’t need to stay in luxurious hotels in order to have a good time. When I was a hiking guide in Alaska I met a woman who told me she spent $25,000 on her Alaskan cruise! I wanted to tell her that I spent $500 on my Alaskan vacation, but I held my tongue!

1.       Instead of eating out for every meal, go to a grocery store and buy food.

2.       Camp instead of staying at a hotel. If that is not an option, stay at a cheap motel like Motel 6 or stay at a hostel. Most people don’t realize that it is possible to get a private room at a hostel. Go to hostels.com.

3.       I have become so frugal that sometimes I sleep in my car! You can sleep at most rest areas.

4.       Another idea is to house-swap or rent out your home. Go to HomeExchange.com, HouseSwap.com, homeexchangevacation.com or CasaCasa.org. Rent out your home while you are away on vacation.

5.       Couchsurf! Stay on someone’s couch for free. Often times, your host will show you around. Go to CouchSurfing.org.

6.       Instead of buying travel books, get them at a library.

7.       Spend your days cheaply. Walk around, and visit free or cheap attractions. Visit tourist information centers to find out what you can do for cheap! TripAdvisor.com has some great ideas for what to do in any place! My favorite things to do while traveling are hiking, visiting art galleries, going on free brewery or winery tours, visiting cemeteries, going for a walk in the park, going to free festivals, and going to a coffee shop to hear live music.

8.       Do not travel during the holidays or mid-summer. Prices are usually higher on hotel rooms, restaurants, and tourist attractions.

9.       Don’t buy souvenirs. Take pictures instead!

10.   Use public transportation.

11.   Carpool or hitchhike. You can travel with someone going the same direction as you or if you have a car you can look for people to join you. Go to erideshare.com  or hitchhikers.org. Rides are also advertised at hostels.

12.   Find airfares at a discount. Go online to Travelocity, Expedia, Orbitz, Kayak, Sidestep, and Priceline.

13.   Instead of going on a guided hiking/bus tour, research information about the area yourself!

14.   Work where you want to visit. I wanted to go to Alaska so I decided to work in Alaska. I was a hiking guide at Denali National Park. I was able to go on free plane tours, glacier tours, bus tours, jet-boat tours, and rafting trips. I am now working at Stowe Mountain ski resort. For cool jobs in cool places go to coolworks.com. I get to ski all season for free!

15.   Go WWOOF. This acronym stands for World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. You work on the farm in any location and you get free room and board. Visit wwoof.org.

Arches National Park

I have been to Arches National Park a couple of times. The last time was in late March. It was a wonderful time to go because it wasn’t too cold or too hot. My husband told me that he enjoyed Arches more than the Grand Canyon because you are so close to the formations and you can touch them, while the Grand Canyon is more of a “big picture” kind of formation. We were able to hike the majority of the trails in the park. Many of the arches are very accessible and are a short hike away.

●Arches National Park preserves over 2,000 natural sandstone arches!

●Arches is 5 miles north of Moab and is close to Canyonlands National Park.

●Humans have occupied the region since the last ice age 10,000 years ago.

Things to do:

1.       Backpack: You must obtain a free backcountry permit at the visitor center.

2.       Auto touring: If you only have a couple of hours, drive to the windows section and see some of the park’s largest arches. Stop at Wolfe Ranch which is a restored homestead of John Wolfe who settled in the area in the late 1800s. It is located near the beginning of the Delicate Arch trail. Drive to the Delicate Arch viewpoint.  

3.       Bike: A bike path connects the town of Moab to the entrance of Arches. This path continues to Canyonlands and Dead Horse State Park. You can bike along the road even though there is not a path.

4.       Camp: We camped at Slick Rock outside of Moab.

5.       Canyoneering: You don’t need a permit unless you stay overnight or if the route is in the Fiery Furnace.

6.       Ranger-led programs: You can attend evening programs which are 45 minutes at Devil’s Garden Campground. Take a guided walk. Take a Fiery Furnace tour. Tickets must be obtained in advance and are $10 for adults and $5 for children. The walk lasts about three hours and is moderately strenuous. You will walk on irregular and broken sandstone, along narrow ledges, and in loose sand. Reservations can be made online at www.recreation.gov.

7.       Rock Climbing

Things to see:

1.       Balanced Rock: (.3 miles round trip) There is a loop trail around the base of a fragile, picturesque rock formation. The balancing rock is the size of three school buses!

2.       Broken Arch: (2 miles round trip including the loop) Start this hike at the Sand Dune Arch parking area.

3.       Courthouse Wash Rock Art Panel: (1 mile round trip) The trail leads to a prehistoric rock art panel.

4.       Delicate Arch Viewpoint: (100 yards round trip)

5.       Double Arch: (.5 miles round trip) This trail leads to the base of two giant arch spans which are joined at one end. This arch was featured in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

6.       Landscape Arch: (2 miles round trip) Start this trail at the Devils Garden Trailhead parking lot. This trail leads to a spectacular ribbon of rock, whose span is more than a football field in length.

7.       Sand Dune Arch: (.4 miles round trip)

8.       Skyline Arch: (.4 miles round trip)

9.       The Windows: (1 mile round trip) This trail leads to three arches (North and South Windows and Turret Arch)

 The North and South Windows

10.   Park Avenue: (2 miles round trip, 320 feet elevation gain) This trail descends into a spectacular canyon.

11.   Tower Arch: (3.4 miles round trip) Start the trail at the Klondike Bluffs parking area.

12.   Delicate Arch: (3 miles round trip, 480 feet elevation gain) This is the famous arch that is shown on the Utah license plate.

13.   Devil’s Garden Primitive Loop: (7.2 miles round trip) This trail leads to 8 arches. There are narrow ledges, and scrambling on slickrock.

14.   Double O Arch: (4 miles round trip) Start the trail at Devils Garden Trailhead. Spur trail leads to Partition and Navajo Arches. Dark Angel is ½ mile farther. It is a free-standing 150-foot tall sandstone pillar.

Glacier National Park

St. Mary Lake

Glacier National Park is a magical place. Kyle and I enjoyed Glacier more than Banff, Jasper, and the Tetons. We got to Glacier in September. There were not a lot of people which was nice. However, the Going-to-the-Sun Road was closed.

●Over 35 Hollywood films were set in Glacier National Park.

●If current trends continue, scientists believe there will be no more glaciers by 2020.

●Glacier was established as the 10^th National Park.

St. Mary Falls

Top 7 Places to Go:

1.       The North Fork: This is one of the most uncrowded sections in Glacier. Rough dirt roads tend to deter people. However, the trip is well worth it because once there you can see views of Bowman and Kintla Lakes, visit a homesteading site, and see recently burned areas.

2.       Goat Haunt: You can either visit by boat from Waterton Lakes National Park or you can hike there. This is a remote area of the park that is very peaceful and tranquil.

3.       Lake McDonald Valley: This area is located at the west end of the park. Thousands of years ago glaciers carved out this valley. Lake McDonald is the largest lake in the park at 10 miles long. You can access the popular Avalanche Lake and Trail of the Cedars (.7 miles) from this valley.

4.       Many Glacier: This is the heart of the park. Mountains, glaciers, lakes, hiking trails and wildlife are located here. The Grinnell Glacier trail and the Iceberg Lake trail take off from here.

5.       Two Medicine: This area includes amazing vistas, extensive trails, waterfalls, and lakes. Many backpackers and hikers come to this area.

6.       Logan Pass: From here, Reynolds Mountain and Clements Mountain tower over fields of wildflowers. Logan Pass is the highest elevation in the park at 6640 feet. It is extremely popular so get there early to ensure a parking spot or take the Lake McDonald Valley or St. Mary Valley shuttles. The Hidden Lake trail and the Highline trail take off from here.

7.       St. Mary Valley: St. Mary is the eastern gateway to the park. A drive along St. Mary Lake provides some of the most incredible vistas available in the park.

8.       Sperry Glacier



Other things to do:

1.       Go on a guided tour: boat, bus, hiking, horseback ride, raft

2.       Go camping: There are 13 campgrounds in the park.

3.       Go cross country skiing or snowshoeing

4.       Go on a ranger-guided hike

5.       Go biking

Sedona, Arizona

I have been to Sedona a couple of times. Each time I go, I am more astounded by the beauty of this place. This is Red Rock Country. There is something for everyone…history, arts, outdoor sports, and shopping. This city is surrounded by red-rock monoliths named Coffeepot, Cathedral, and Thunder Mountain.

Things to do:

1.       Slick Rock State Park: This is a natural water slide formed by the slippery bed of Oak Creek. The park is located in Oak Creek Canyon 7 miles north of Sedona. This park is highly visited during the summer so make sure to get there early! There is a $20 parking fee during the summer months. Wear shorts so that you don’t ruin your swimsuit.

2.       Cathedral Rock: This is a short, steep climb into the gaps of cathedral rock. There are excellent views. It is 1.5 miles roundtrip. There is an elevation gain of 600 feet. From 89A, take 179 south 3.4 miles. Turn right on back o’ beyond road for .6 miles. The parking lot is on the left. You need a Red Rock pass in order to park there. See #10 for more information.

3.       Oak Creek Canyon: This canyon is a spectacular 16 mile gorge with streams and waterfalls between sheer rock walls. There are hiking trails along the canyon. The canyon is located between Sedona and Flagstaff on 89A.

4.       Devil’s Bridge Trail: Devil’s Bridge is the largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area. It is a mere 400 foot climb and is 1.8 miles roundtrip. If you’re brave you can walk across the top. To get there drive through Sedona, turn right on Dry Creek road, drive 2 miles, take the right fork, drive 1.3 miles and turn right to the trailhead. High-clearance vehicles are recommended. You need a Red Rock pass in order to park there. See #10 for more information.

5.       Chapel of the Holy Cross: This Roman Catholic chapel is built into the rock. It was designed by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright. The views from the chapel are breathtaking and it is remarkable how the chapel fits nicely in the red rock. There is no admission to enter. Open daily, 9-5. The chapel does not hold regular services. Take 179 south toward Oak Creek for 3.1 miles. Turn left on chapel road and go to the end.

6.       Bell Rock: This is a great hike with beautiful vistas. It is a 3.5 mile hike each way. The formation looks like a gigantic Hershey’s kiss. Take 179 south for 6.4 miles. You will see the parking lot on the left before you reach Bell Rock Boulevard. The trailhead is located at the north end of the parking lot. You need a Red Rock pass in order to park there. See #10 for more information.

7.       Take a jeep tour: There are multiple tour companies in town. You can get up close and personal with the rugged landscape. They show you things you would never see by regular car.

8.       Shop and dine in uptown Sedona: There are also many art galleries in town.

9.       Visit Tlaquepaque, Sedona’s Premier Arts and Crafts Village: There is a combination of Old World and Mexican architecture. It is home to more than 40 shops and galleries. At the intersection of 89A and 179, take 179 for .2 miles. The entrance is on the right hand side.

10.   Go on more hikes: You’ll need to buy a Red Rock Pass in order to park your car at the trailheads. They are $5/day or $10/week. You can purchase them at the visitor center at 331 Forest Road in Uptown Sedona. (800) 288-7336. Some popular hikes include Broken Arrow Trail, Soldier’s Pass, Boynton Canyon, Coffeepot Rock, Fay Canyon, and Llama Trail.

Jasper National Park

I was in Jasper in September 2010. It was a beautiful time to go because of the fall colors. Most of the tourists visiting this time of year are from Europe.

• Jasper is the largest National Park in the Canadian Rockies.
• It is located in Alberta North of Banff National Park.
• A day pass is $8 for adults, $4 for kids, $7 for seniors and $16 for a family

Things to do:

1. Athabasca Falls: It sits at the junction of 93 and 93A. The falls have a drop of 60 feet. It is a short walk to the falls and you can continue on a walk to the river.
2. Maligne Canyon: This is a self-guided interpretive trail that crosses 6 bridges to a spectacular gorge! The gorge is over 50 metres deep.
3. Tangle Falls: The falls are located along the Icefields Parkway.
4. Athabasca Glacier: To do a snowcoach tour go to the Icefields Centre which is along the Icefields Parkway. The snowcoach goes on the glacier. Prices are $49 for adults and $24 for kids.
5. Sunwapta Falls: Two falls make up the 18.5 meter high Sunwapta Falls. The falls are located along the Icefields Parkway towards the southern boundary of the park.
6. Mount Edith Cavell: It is a 30 minute walk to see Angel Glacier.
7. Medicine Lake: East of Jasper town site on the way to Maligne Lake. Medicine Lake is the largest lake in the Canadian Rockies!
8. The Jasper Tramway: The tramway is the longest and highest guided aerial tramway in Canada. From Jasper town site, head South on the Icefields Parkway. Follow the sign to Whistler Road.
9. Horseshoe Lake

More things to do...

1. Go skiing/snowboarding at Marmot Basin ski area
2. Go golfing
3. Go rafting at the Jasper Park Lodge
4. Shop and eat in the town of Jasper
5. Snowshoe or cross country ski
6. Canoe or kayak

Bryce Canyon National Park

I went to Byce in December 2009. Going to Bryce in December is absolutely gorgeous! It is also a great time to beat the crowds. You are more likely to see more of the bigger animals, such as deer and elk.

Things to see and do:

1. Visitor Center: Here you can obtain hiking and driving directions, a schedule of ranger-led programs and see the 20 minute film entitled, "Shadows of Time".

2. Rainbow and Yovimpa points: viewpoint of the Grand Staircase, Bristlecone Loop hike (.8 miles)

3. Ponderosa Canyon: Agua Canyon Connecting Trail

4. Agua Canyon: view of the hoodoos

5. Natural Bridge: view of an arch

6. Fairview Point

7. Swamp Canyon: Swamp Canyon Loop Trail (4.3 miles)

8. Paria View: good place to look for Peregrine Falcons, Paria Loop (cross country skiing trail)

9. Bryce Point: Peek a boo loop trail (5.5 miles)

10. Inspiration Point

11. Sunset Point: view of hoodoos, Navajo loop trail (2.9 miles)

12. Sunrise Point: Queens garden trail (2.9 miles)

13. Fairyland Canyon: Fairyland Loop Trail (8 miles)

Go backcountry camping, car camping, cross country skiing, attend ranger programs, snowshoe and hike!!!

Budget tips:

1. Get the National Parks Pass for $80 if you plan on visiting other National Parks.
2. Camp instead of staying in a hotel.
3. Take the free shuttle to save gas and the environment.
4. Don't take a guided tour. They tend to be expensive. Instead, attend a ranger program or do research before arriving.
5. If it's too cold to camp, stay in a hotel outside of the park. (Panguitch, Utah)
6. Make your own food instead of eating at a restaurant.