Debbie and Murray in Little Cayman
Murray and I have been traveling together for about 20 yrs and have developed a certain philosophy (or style) of travel. We want to share our thoughts with you about planning a trip, packing, and traveling, in the hopes that we can convince a few more travelers to follow our example. We have four statements that describe our travel philosophy.
1. Only take what you really need
We travel (with a few exceptions when we travel with bikes) with carry on luggage only. Having one bag, that is airplane cabin regulation size and weight, and one “purse” can be a challenge, but we think we have it down pretty good. In this blog, we will talk a lot about packing and traveling with less and we will share our packing lists.
2. Travel to places that are not like home
The most exciting and interesting trips we have had are to those countries that are not like where we live. These destinations sometimes put us out of our comfort zone, but we have interacted with workers in a small brick factory in Vietnam, played on exercise equipment with women in Lhasa and listened to morning singers in China. We would not have these experiences otherwise. Our blog will take you with us on our travels to far away places.
3. Maximize travel time with available travel funds
Murray likes to share this simple thought, “Why stay in a $150/night 5 star hotel for one night when you can stay in a $50/night 3 star hotel for three nights”. We have stayed in some very clean, safe, quaint locally owned hotels for a fraction of the cost of an international chain hotel. We will discuss how to stretch your travel dollars.
4. Be your own travel agent
We book almost all our travel ourselves. With the resources available now – internet, books, friends’ recommendations – it is now possible to be your own travel agent. It does take some time and patience, but you come out much better informed. We will talk about our process of planning and booking a trip.
If you have questions, comments, packing ideas or travel stories, please use either “Leave a Comment” after a post or the “Contact” page. We would love to hear from you!
A Necessary Disclaimer
All websites and products that we mention on this blog we have discovered ourselves. We are not endorsing, nor getting paid to use their names. We are providing these websites and products to be helpful and do not guarantee their information and products.
Hi Murray and Debbie, It was fun diving with you in Hawaii. Your blog is great. I will check it routinely to follow your adventures. Safe travels, David, Portland, Oregon
Thanks David! We enjoyed chatting with you on the dive boat. Hope you get diving again real soon. We will keep in touch. Murray and Debbie
Hi Murray and Debbie,
I’m getting ready to do the West Coast Trail next year.
Any advice you have would be appreciated; especially as it relates to getting 6 people who are in their late 50s physically and psychologically ready for it. I believe we will have a great time, especially if we prepare properly!
Hi Tracey!
How exciting that you are doing the West Coast Trail. First recommendation is to go South to North. Get the hard part over first when you are fresh. Take poles, especially the ladies and if anyone is on the short side. They will help with higher step ups.
Train. Lots. We started walking in the river valley (hilly) 3 times per week about 4 to 5 months ahead. We carried our packs, starting with 5 pounds of weight and increasing each week until we were up to full weight (about 30 pounds). We got up to about 12 or 14 kms distances. Get in the gym and do squats and step ups, with weight and increasing the weight slowly. This saved me.
Test all the food you will take. Dehydrate food. Measure quantities so you don’t take too much or not enough. Test the cooking of it on a small stove and the minimum number of pots etc to take. We tested everything. Lay it all out on the floor when you do the final prep and pack to double check it.
Don’t rush the hike. We took 8 days so we were not rushed. Enjoy the campgrounds. Always be looking down to the trail when you are moving. If you want to look up, stop.
If you have any more questions, please send them to us. We are happy to share. Good Luck!
I’m enjoying reading your blog. Great pictures Debbie.
Susan
Oh, thank you Susan!
Hey you two! Since everybody here at Wakatobi knows your names, i need not repeat.. but “ You Two” are an unbeatable team! Its been sprinkles on the icing of the cake to meet you and learn about your travels! You inspire by being you! We plan to follow your travels and perhaps get lucky to meet again!
Thank you for the note! We enjoyed meeting you two and hope to cross paths again soon.