The Jot Down: Keeping a Travel Journal

A good journal is a place where memories live. It adds meaning to every journey, and it gives the writer a whole new perspective about their destination.

If you know me personally, you’ll probably think that my memory is a mess. But with my love for wandering and my chosen profession, I need to jot every detail of my trip down to make sure I write the best piece of travel advice I could give.

Still not sure on how to start with your travel journal? Here are a few tips that will help you get started.

 Image source: shutterstock.com

Write down your itinerary

Keep track of your trip by writing down your itinerary before you start with your daily on-trip entry. Your itinerary may include the mode of transportation you used to get to your location for the day, expenses, and notable firsts while on your journey.

Go deep with the details

Your entries don’t have to be grand and artsy all the time but don’t be afraid to describe what you experienced. It can be in the form of words, a picture, or a sketch.

 Image source: theletsgoladies.com

Take time to reflect

What did you learn while on a trip? Traveling exposes us to different cultures and beliefs, and there’s surely a takeaway from every destination you set foot on. Take time to reflect, and express your soul through your entries.

Traveling is all about learning about one’s self while experiencing different places. Get more travel tips when you follow me, Louis Habash, on Twitter.

Free Things to do in Singapore

For three consecutive years, The Economist Intelligence Unit has named Singapore the world’s most expensive city. Bad news for budget travelers? Not really. There are numerous activities in the Lion City that do not come with a price tag. Here are some free things you can do in Singapore:

 Image source: straitstimes.com

Enjoy outdoor activities Enjoy hiking or cycling at the Southern Ridges Trail and the MacRitchie Forest Trails. Or simply follow the bike lanes around the city and visit pocket parks at every estate. The Singapore Botanic Garden is also a great place for some outdoor fun. If you have more time, you can also make the trip to Pulau Ubin, a quick getaway from the busy city of Singapore.

Image source: thousandwonders.net

Walk, walk, walk Popular tourist attractions and iconic Singapore landmarks are right by the Singapore River. Marvel at the modern architecture of the Marina Bay Sands and enjoy the outdoors at the Supertree Grove. If you’re lucky, you can catch a free performance at the Esplanade. Don’t miss the Merlion and the neoclassical architectural landmark, Fullerton Hotel. If you’re up for the long walk, you can also stroll further along the Singapore riverside to Robertson Quay, Boat Quay, and Clarke Quay.

Image source: finetravel.com

Soak up some history and heritage Walk around Chinatown and Little India to view intricately designed temples. Sample authentic Chinese and Indian cuisines at hawker centers. I never leave Chinatown without having my beef noodle fix. For shopping, go over Mustafa Center where you can buy anything and everything from branded perfumes to electronics.

Hello, I’m Louis Habash. I’m a freelance travel writer, nature lover, and photographer. Follow my travel adventures on Twitter.

One Step Closer: A Trip To Korea’s DMZ

Have you ever wondered how it feels like to stand in two places at the same time?

If you’re a curious tourist like me, the Korean DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) is the perfect place for your adventure. I went there one winter morning with some new acquaintances because my other friends were not into the idea of stepping foot in North Korea.

Image source: telegraph.co.uk

Most people opt to take DMZ package tours offered by various travel agencies (price ranges from $34 to $80), but I vowed to look for the cheapest way to get to North Korea—by Korail.

I took the public DMZ train from Seoul Station to Imjingak.

I was lost as soon as I arrived at Imjingak, so I asked a group of people who looked like they just got off the train from Seoul, just like me. They told me that even if we took the public train to Imjingak, we’d still have to pay for a bus tour that will take us to certain sites and landmarks.

From the station, we walked 10 minutes to where the bus tours were. Below the observation deck, we went to the ticketing office. I had to present my passport and pay for the trip, which costs about 8,000 won (roughly $7). The tour takes two hours.

The bus tour was not bad at all! For just less than 10,000 won, I was able to see the Imjingak Park, the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, DMZ Theater, Dora Observatory, and the Dorasan Station.

Image source: commons.wikimedia.org

I don’t want to spoil the fun for you because I want you to experience crossing the border yourself. Here are some friendly reminders, though, if you want to take on a North Korean adventure:

• Always have your passport with you. You’ll need it at different points while on tour.
• Photos are not allowed at some points. (Well, a lot of people have tried to take pictures, but it would be too risky to do it.)
• Don’t think about your #OOTD, and just wear something decent. You can find a list of what you can and cannot wear while in DMZ here.

We went back to Seoul after the tour via the public Korail train, too. Overall, I spent roughly $25 including meals for my trip to the DMZ.

That’s it for now. I hope you’ll enjoy crossing the border as much as I did.

Louis Habash here. Follow me on Twitter for more budget-friendly travel tips.

Gute Idee: a Budget-Friendly Guide To Visiting Berlin

Image source: Telegraph.co.uk

It’s very easy to fall in love with Berlin. The German capital’s artsy atmosphere and laid-back appeal are a treat for tourists. There’s no need to worry if you’re a first-time traveler. You’ll be surprised to know that you can do so much in the city without sacrificing your budget.

For music lovers

If you appreciate classical music, the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra usually conducts free concerts featuring the best musicians from different parts of the world. If you’re into rock bands and pop acts, join summer street parties like Karnavale and Fete de la Musique. Some jazz clubs also have free shows during weekdays. Berlin is the perfect place to explore various music genres because it is home to the world’s renowned music schools.

For art and history geeks

Image source: Travelsmartblog.com

The Museumsinsel is an island north of the Spree River where state-owned museums are located. In fact, the whole area is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can purchase a ticket for all of the five museums, which is usually cheaper than buying a ticket for each building. Afterwards, you can check out the majestic Berliner Dome and have a picnic at the Lustgarten. But don’t leave Berlin without seeing the East Side Gallery, filled with street art from citizens, in memory of what was once the wall.

After the concerts and museums, you can also go to the flea market during the weekend. Aside from eclectic pieces for sale, you’ll also enjoy a wide selection of food items from different stalls. Just a tip: the churros and pizza margherita in Tiergarten are amazing.

Hi, Louis Habash here. I am a journalism graduate who fell in love with traveling. Explore the world with me on Twitter.

The New Orleans Area Is More than Just Mardi Gras!

New Orleans may be thought of as the ultimate party city, thanks to Mardi Gras. However, if you go to the Big Easy just to drink and dance once a year, you are missing an incredible chance to glimpse the region’s glorious and beautiful past.

The Houmas House is not only a beautiful building, but the grounds are famous for their beauty as well.

History and architecture buffs will love visiting the plantation homes in the area. There are many, many to choose from, but here are a few that are close to New Orleans. 

The Whitney Plantation (originally the Habitation Haydel) dates from the mid-1700s, when it began as an indigo plantation. Years later the owners decided sugar was more profitable. The Plantation is made up of the “Big House,” a stunning example of Spanish Creole architecture, as well as historic outbuildings. It bills itself as the only plantation museum in Louisiana with a focus on slavery, featuring exhibits, artwork, and first-person slave narratives. 

Houmas House dates back to 1803, to the time of the Louisiana Purchase. Sugar was grown on the plantation (at one time more than 20 million pounds of sugar per year), which eventually grew to 300,000 acres. Today, Houmas House is known for its amazing gardens. 

Many who visit the Myrtles Plantation say this mirror is the site of some spooky activity.

Of course, any plantation that is hundreds of years old probably has a few ghosts roaming around, and many plantations offer the option of taking a ghost tour. The most famous haunted plantation may be the Myrtles Plantation, which has the distinction of being the “one of America’s most haunted homes.” Ghost hunters have flocked to the site, and many of them have been impressed at the evidence of ghosts they say they have found. 

Whichever plantation you choose, you can’t go wrong. These amazing homes are full of history and interesting stories, in a setting you will never forget!

You’ll Never Run Out of Things to Do in New Mexico

White Sands by a full moon is a sight you’ll never forget!

New Mexico has something for everyone – nature lovers, history lovers, and even fans of the paranormal can find something to interest them.

If you love nature but aren’t into skiing or hiking, visit White Sands instead. It’s miles and miles of sandy, pure white hills to roll or sled down. Take off your shoes and feel the warm sand in between your toes. Come at night – the full moon, the purplish sky, and the white sand make a breathtaking scene you’ll never forget.

History buffs have many choices when visiting New Mexico. Not far from White Sands is the Trinity Site, where the first nuclear bomb was tested. You can also visit Los Alamos, where scientists developed the bomb. Or go even further back in time and visit Lincoln County, where Billy the Kid once roamed. Many don’t know that several Civil War battles were fought as far out as New Mexico; you can visit these sites today.

If nature and history aren’t your “thing” but you do enjoy a good legend, head down to Roswell, site of the famous (supposed) UFO crash of the late 1940s. The town celebrates the event each year with festivities, and there is a UFO Museum that is open year round.

Whether you believe that aliens landed in Roswell or not, you will enjoy a visit to the UFO Museum.

If you don’t like any of these things but you do like TV, Albuquerque may be the New Mexico destination for you. The city was home to Walter White and his cohorts of Breaking Bad fame, and the show is still a part of the town even though Walter is long gone. Sign up for a Breaking Bad tour, which will take you around to locations seen on the show (in an RV, of course). Stop by the Dog House for a hot dog, visit The Grove Café for some hot tea (the sugar packets are safe, they promise!) or get your car spiffed up at Walter’s old car wash.

Working While Wandering: Jobs for the Insatiable Traveler

When it comes to discussions about the best jobs for people who like being on the road, people expect me to say that travel writing is the best. I won't lie; it's a fun, but sometimes stressful job. But it's not the only opportunity around for those who want to earn money while moving across the map. Thanks to the many people I met all over, I've gained some insight about some of the most ideal careers for travelers.

Truck driving: For those who find the call of the open road impossible to resist, driving a big rig on America's highways may be a dream come true. Long-haul trips to deliver goods across states means you can earn some money while driving through some of the country's most scenic views.

Image source: wikimedia.org

English teacher: If you have a good grasp of the intricacies of the English language, your skills may be in demand in countries like Japan, China, and South Korea, to name a few, where locals like to take supplementary English classes to prepare them for international education or business.

Foreign aid worker: People who prefer to combine their travels with philanthropic activities may find fulfillment with international aid groups such as USAID, Oxfam, World Vision, and more. These organizations send humanitarian workers all over the world to bring relief to less-fortunate communities.

Go freelance!: Not being tied down to a 9-to-5 job is one way to have more time to travel. To support this dream, however, it helps to have a skill you can take with you so you can make bank. Some examples are Web programming, writing, or graphic design, all of which just require a laptop and a decent Internet connection, teaching yoga or dance, or fitness training, which can be done in the client's home or in a local gym, or instructing for sports like surfing, tennis, or golf – activities which can take you to some of the most amazing locations all over the world!

Image source: wikimedia.org

If you think about it, there's a wealth of job options out there for those who want to travel as long as you keep an open mind and learn to be flexible. You can probably even find a job in your dream locale. That said, while working abroad or in different cities is an adventure, always make sure you're getting paid fairly and being treated fairly!

Hello there. I'm Louis Habash, a freelance writer with an incurable case of wanderlust. Follow me on Twitter for 140-character accounts of my globe-trotting adventures.