Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference” Robert Frost Travel philosophy ~ But of course, to plan an unbelievably, memorable adventure that can be cherish in your minds and shared with photos and words. In the infancy of planning a trip, read as much as you can about your intended destination. Do not be afraid to buy travel books and GOOGLE all you want, check out blogs of other travelers. The prices of the books and time spent in cyberspace are cheap for the unforgettable experiences they will bring. Remember others have already done the homework for you; use it so you don’t waste a minute of your time while traveling. Make a list of “must-see-and-do”, places to visit, sights etc. Check out times and try to go on off times and hours to get a better experience away from the crowds. Then the fun begins . . . the extensive homework to plan routes, lodging, visiting, tours, etc. Always leave wiggle room in your itinerary for unexpected gems found along the way and don’t feel a need to stick with a schedule or itinerary faithfully. That person you meet on the road might just have some local knowledge that will add to the experience. Stop and just listen, it takes a lot of listening to hear what is being truly being said. “Knowledge is learned but wisdom must be lived” Anne Wilson Schaef Travel locally; meet wonderful new people from all walks of life and cultures. Try staying mostly in private homes or home based B&B’s and camping, if equipped, where a convenient room cannot be found. Try smaller family run hotels in larger cities. What better way to learn about your host country and their culture than to meet and stay with the locals and see how they live. Remember you are in their country or locality; never push your dogma or customs on them. Learn to live and think locally, enjoy the new experience.   “We have arrogantly assumed that our way of living is better when we have not experienced, known and/or participated in other ways of living, Sometimes what we learn from other people and cultures doesn’t have to be political or spiritual. It can be something that is just good to do. Anne Wilson Schaef Travel with a small group or even individually. People will be more open toward you if you are on your own rather than in a large tour group. At the end of the day, know that you have used your time and spent money wisely. Back road eating is part of the experience of your adventure. Eat locally whenever you can, try to stay away from franchise establishments whenever possible. Check out where the tourists aren’t, head down that backstreet. I am no gourmet and don’t want to eat like one, give me a good, filling home cooked meal anytime. That dive or dinner full of customers probably has exceptional food for a reasonable price. Every country or locality has its specialty; you must try and find it. Don’t ask locals where you should eat but ask where they would go for {breakfast, lunch or dinner} when they go out to eat. This will always get you to a good local establishment away from the tourists rather than where they think you will be comfortable. Then there also is that picnic lunch, eat under the trees or stars, what a wonderful experience you can have for little money.

The Motto is Pack Light!!!!!

  Happy travels! “May the calm be widespread, may the sea be as the smooth surface of the greenstone, and may the rays of sunshine forever dance along your path” Maori Prayer. A little bit about myself: Interests ~ *Traveling*Wandering*Motorcycling*Photography*History & Historical sites *Art*Museums*Architecture*City & country walks*Camping*Hiking*Backpacking* History ~ I was born in Long Beach, CA and since I was 1 month old raised and lived in Orange County, CA. I have been blessed with a family that enjoys the outdoors and travel. I have been on camping and day picnic trips from the mountains, beaches and deserts since I was in diapers and as always have enjoyed being and sleeping in the outdoors. As a young boy my family traveled every year. We crossed the country in a car along the original Mother Road, Route 66, and later along the Interstate; by plane and also train. As I grew up we visited National Parks and Forests, National Monuments and places of Historical interest across the USA. My father always stopped at all the Informational Monuments along the roads we traveled. He had to read each and every one of them. I started riding motorcycles at the age of 10 and still enjoy the thrill riding. Married life has been good to me. My wife Jodi also shares the same interests that I do. We love to travel and have enjoyed cruises to Alaska, Mexico, through the Panama Cannel, and the Caribbean. Our latest travels have taken us on a 4 week 6,000 mile USA cross country trip by car; a 4 week car trip through England, Scotland and Wales; a 4 week car trip through Germany, Austria, northern Italy, and Switzerland; a 3 week train trip from Paris through Italy; a 3 week car trip through France, the Netherlands and Belgium; and a 3 week train, cruise in Sweden, Norway and Denmark, . Then we have all the local shorter trips we are able to do the rest of the time.