Road Warriors: Bloggers in Motion
Want to be location independent or a digital nomad? Blogging has exploded over the past few years opening the door to endless opportunities. A number of bloggers have been able to have professional writing careers, quit their desk jobs to travel the world, or prolong that backpacking trip indefinitely. Enduring Wanderlust travel blog caught up with four travelers who manage to keep their blogs flourishing while globetrotting.
The Bloggers
Gary Arndt of Everything Everywhere was blogging before the word was invented. He went around the world in 1999 and kept a website allowing his company’s employees to follow his travels. He made subsequent trips to Iceland and Argentina updating on his website. His latest travel blog is thriving as he continues to wander the globe.
Lara Dunston of Cool Travel Guide is a professional travel writer who teams with her husband Terry (travel writer and photographer) to produce countless research and articles for magazines and guidebooks. On the road for the past three years, Lara’s life and work are unique takes on the concept of location independent.
Christine Gilbert of Almost Fearless left her managerial position at a large Fortune 500 Company to be freelance writer who travels the world while working remotely. Her blog follows her day-to-day experiences. She is currently wandering through Mexico and Central America.
Matthew Kepnes of Nomadic Matt is a vagabond who has been traveling continuously since finishing his Master’s and quitting his job in July 2006. Backpacker extraordinaire, Matt has managed to build a network of friends around the world who often house Matt during his journeys.
Christine Gilbert, Jack (White), Molly (Black) © Christine Gilbert
The Challenges
Time is a universal issue for bloggers on the run. Balancing professional duties, traveling, and taking care of the inner working of their blogs isn’t easy. Add to that the poor Internet connections in a number of countries and it becomes essential to plan ahead. Christine follows a rigid schedule allowing time to write, apply for freelance jobs, and handle the social networking aspects of blogging while Matt sets aside certain days or mornings for the majority of his output.
With a heavy focus on photography, Gary struggles to upload the 50,000 images taken over the last two years. Internet connections in the Middle East have hampered him of late. Of the four bloggers, Lara has the most difficult time keeping up with the blog itself because of her heavy writing and travel schedule. Though her blog is updated regularly, her focus remains on the travel writing that pays the bills. Travel and guidebook writing sound glamorous, but come with a lot of responsibilities in a short amount of time.
Lara explains that we “essentially go to wherever the work is, so when we got an offer to do a book in Amsterdam, we rented an apartment there for about 6-8 weeks, we went to Buenos Aires for two and a half months, renting two different apartments in two different parts of town so we could get to know those places…we were on the road in Italy for 3 months researching books including one month in Milan, and now we’ve been in Australia for a while now – we did a 4 month road trip for two books – this is a huge country!”
Open Road For Location Independent Lifestyle © Lxsocon
The Technology
Twitter has been a tremendous help for Gary. Thousands of people have found his site through the micro-blogging site allowing him to improve traffic to the blog along with giving him lots of travel tips for each location he visits. Christine uses a similar strategy asking her followers (lots of travel experts) about a best plan of attack for each new location. Christine travels with an extra laptop and power cord to ensure that her work gets done on her schedule.
Lara has found that technology remains a mixed bag. Many countries have slow web connections including a reliance on dial-up in some hotels. Even countries like Italy and Australia have woefully slow connections in many establishments. Not to mention, a lack of access in the Australian Outback or country towns. Without ample time to go to Internet cafes, Lara must complete the bulk of her work in hotels, which charge very high rates. She finds it difficult to justify spending more than $20 to add one blog post. Lara and her husband prefer places like Brussels and UAE that have abundant access to free Wi-Fi.
Digital Nomad Writing Gear © RintaKumpu
The Passion
When asked about delaying or giving up blogging none of the four were considering it. Each gets a certain joy from sharing their travels with others. Gary finds that in the big scheme of things blogging is pretty easy. Both Gary and Christine pondered about the life cycle of a blog especially after the trip ends. The former found that the problem with many blogs was a lack of updates or a total abandonment whereas Christine wondered about transforming a blog that focuses on trip reports into other avenues such as multi-author blogs. For Lara and Christine, getting paid for their travel writing has left a sense that no end was near for their travels or blogs. The same is true for Matt who recently dropped anchor in Taiwan after an extended stay in Thailand.
Though none of the bloggers have been recognized on the road in connection with their blogs, Lara and Terry had a touching moment when several travelers in Dubai recognized their photos from the Lonely Planet guidebooks. In fact, three groups of people in a carpet shop all recognize and approach them. They’d all been using their books and loved them and had great feedback – one woman from Australia was on holiday, another was a Scandinavian girl, and a third was a German girl that had moved to Dubai and was using the books to get to know the city. “That was funny. And sweet. It’s nice to be recognized and nice to hear people appreciate all the hard work we put into writing the books.”
Read more about being location independent or a digital nomad.
Follow On Twitter
Gary @EverywhereTrip
Lara @laradunston
Christine @almostfearless
Matt @nomadicmatt
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing an article or photograph for publication.
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Cusco, Peru: A Photographic Journey
March 6, 2009 by Gennaro
Filed under Destinations, Features, Photography
Editor’s Note: This feature includes a combination of photos by Bella Hobbel and Gennaro Salamone.
Cusco was the historic capital of the Inca Empire. Peruvians continue to proudly point out the remaining aspects of the culture including a durable Inca stone wall. Even today, Cusco has maintained a level of grandeur. That and its close proximity to Machu Picchu make Cusco one of the most popular cities for travelers to South American continent.
Follow this photographic journey through the historical capital of the Incas:
Cathedral of Cusco, Peru © Gennaro Salamone
The Plaza de Armas of Cusco is filled with beautiful architecture. This gathering place is the location of the city’s cathedral. As with most Peruvian cities, the influence of the Spanish Empire is visually apparent.
Procession, Cusco © Bella Hobbel
Catholicism has a substantial influence on local culture. Processions to honor patron saints or Jesus Christ are regular occurrences. These processions are a great way to observe locals spending time with their families.
Indigenous Textiles and Food Markets © Gennaro Salamone
Indigenous textile markets provide travelers with plenty of warm clothing options for the trip to Machu Picchu. Together with the textiles, Cusco has a sizable food market with fresh produce, cheeses, and meats. It’s also a fun place to observe the haggling between locals.
Architecture, Cusco © Gennaro Salamone
Cusco’s architecture shows both Incan and Spanish influences. It is, perhaps, the best place in Peru to view this combination. A bonus to travelers is viewing the majestic hills around the city along with the stunning blue skies. Perfect for photographers.
Local Kids, Cusco © Gennaro Salamone
Cusco is filled with local kids trying to pass the day. It’s a good idea to spend time observing their joy, as you sit in the Plaza de Armas, trying to avoid overexertion and altitude sickness.
View another journey through the floating islands of Lake Titicaca photos or the Bodh Gaya, India photos chronicling the place of Buddha’s enlightenment.
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing an article or photograph for publication.
Receive our free content by e-mail directly to your inbox or through an RSS reader.
8 Best Chocolate Shops in NYC
Named after its founder, Jacques Torres, who grew up in a small town in the southern region of Provence, this chocolate shop tops the list. With four locations in the city, Jacques Torres manages to create chocolate that will triumph over your taste buds. For the ultimate experience, visit their Hudson Street location to witness chocolate being made from fresh beans. The entire place is enveloped by glass to allow patrons to watch the factory do its magic.
Jacques Torres, New York City © J Hritz
Martine’s Chocolates creates a variety of fresh cream chocolates and truffles. Their delicacies are handmade right in front of their customers with the finest ingredients including Belgian Callebaut couverture chocolate, French butter, fresh American cream. Martine’s is, perhaps, the best place in the city to watch the chocolate-making process. Be sure to take out an order of your favorites in their signature pink boxes for a friend.
3. MarieBelle
MarieBelle doesn’t manufacture chocolate. They create works of art. The most aesthically pleasing on the list, MarieBelle’s chocolates will satisfy all of your senses. Their traditional blue boxes are the perfect gift for a loved one. Each box is filled with a sampling of their finest work. MarieBelle also has entertainment on Wednesday nights. Visitors will enjoy Jazz In The Chocolate Factory at their Madison Avenue location.
MarieBelle, New York City © Clemson
Founded by Kee Ling Tong, Kee’s Chocolates makes handmade bon-bons and hand-rolled confections. Their flavors have an international taste with imported yuzu from Japan, sea salt from France, and saffron from Spain. This is the ideal stop for individuals who prefer a small SoHo shop over the glitz of La Maison or elegance of MarieBelle. Be sure to try the ultra-creamy truffles.
La Maison du Chocolat built its reputation as one of the preeminent chocolatiers in France. It has extended that legacy to New York City. The most expensive chocolate on the list, La Maison creates mouthwatering ganaches, pralinés, and a variety of fruited chocolates. Do note that it’s closer to an ultra-high end boutique than a quaint shop.
Mondel Homemade Chocolates has been a neighborhood favorite, near Columbia University, for over sixty years. Mondel’s was also the preferred shop of four-time Academy Award winner Katharine Hepburn. It has a wide range of chocolates ranging from truffles and creams to cordials and break-up chocolate. Mondel also has a tasty selection of sugar-free chocolate.
Vosges Chocolates, New York City © The Pink Peppercorn
Vosges turns out the best truffles in New York City. Created by Chicago’s Katrina Markoff, Vosges’ truffles will leave you feeling satiated. Visitors will try a range of exotic flavors including curry, Thai pandan leaves, and wasabi in several of the chocolates. If you’re not living in Chicago or New York City, it’s possible to order these unique sweets over the Internet.
Evelyn’s Chocolates has been satisfying customers for decades in the Financial District. Created by Evelyn Robb, this shop has hand-dipped chocolates and delectable confections. Understated in comparison to its competition for New York’s best, Evelyn’s maintains a homey feel. It will feel just like mom’s kitchen. Try the homemade Chunkys.
In a New York state of mind? Read about the best pizza in NYC or free things to do in NYC.
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing an article or photograph for publication.
Receive our free content by e-mail directly to your inbox or through an RSS reader.
Airlines Fees for Toilet Use + More
March 3, 2009 by Gennaro
Filed under Travel News
This week, two budget airlines are in discussions with regard to unprecedented fees for their customers. Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary has admitted to pondering coin-operated toilets on their airplanes. Spirit Airlines, who recently had an issue with their employees over aprons with advertising, has proposed a special passenger usage fee for buying tickets. This fee would be accessed for consumers who purchase their Spirit tickets anywhere except the Spirit ticket counters.
Ryanair © Scott_W_9
It’s difficult to believe that Ryanair will actually go through with charging their clients to use in-flight toilets. While airlines have the right to make a profit, this measure challenges basic decency. What if a customer doesn’t have the correct change?
Spirit Airlines, on the other hand, already has a track record for initiating special fees in order to maintain their low-ticket costs. They claim that an agreement has already been reached with the U.S. Department of Transportation. While it’s an inconvenience to loyal Spirit passengers, it’s still part of the overall cost comparison for ticket buyers.
Read about bus traveling taking off in the United States.
Read about Delta’s decision to charge overweight passengers double the fare.
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.
Receive our free content by e-mail directly to your inbox or through an RSS reader.
San Marcos La Laguna: A Peaceful Retreat
March 2, 2009 by Gennaro
Filed under Destinations, Features
San Marcos is a small town located on Lake Atitlan. It’s a beautiful lake with several volcanos within view. San Marcos has a significant indigenous population, of Mayan decent, who connect with travelers through the sale of their crafts and textiles. Though one of numerous towns, in the Guatemalan Highlands, San Marcos stands out with its unique focus on spirituality. It attracts a variety of travelers seeking to relax on the lake, receive a variety of holistic therapies, and take a series of distinctive courses.
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala © Gennaro Salamone
Many of the activities and courses are connected to specific hotels. One of the most popular spots is Las Pirámides de Ka. Las Pirámides has inexpensive rooms (approximately $15) and an array of fascinating courses. The grounds are filled with vegetation and pyramid-shaped buildings that guests sleep in. Unlike a traditional hotel, guest of Las Pirámides are expected to be involved in their programs. They consider a stay there to be a full spiritual experience. The courses include The Mystical Kaballah, Lucid Dreaming, and an Introduction to Methaphysics. Every guest is expected to participate in the morning’s Hatha Yoga session. Non-guests are also allowed to attend for a small fee. San Marcos also offers classes in Reiki, reflexology, and massage therapy.
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala © Mario Pleitez
If that’s feeling a bit too New Age, travelers also have a great time simply enjoying the quiet atmosphere of the lakeside community. The favorite pastime of the locals is taking a dip in the waters of Atitlan along with glaring at the volcanos in the distance. It’s also possible to participate in horseback riding, kayaking, or scuba diving in the area. Travelers who expect to have an extended stay have an opportunity to partake in Spanish lessons tailored to the individual.
Where is your favorite place for a peaceful retreat?
Feeling spiritual? Take in this photographic journey connected with enlightenment. Want to relocate to San Marcos for a longer stretch?
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Feel free to contact him with questions, comments, or inquiries with reference to contributing a travel article or photograph for publication.
Receive our free content by e-mail directly to your inbox or through an RSS reader.
Barcelona, Spain
