Fair Dinkum Travel as parenting;; it starts with the simple sleep over...

I was asked the other day why I am so passionate about travel as an everyday part of our personal growth and family values...
Here is a small version of the gains made when traveling outside your personal community and welcoming others into yours.

When kids are young.. Sleep Overs are essential.. they are the first step in learning how to travel..
You learn that there are different ways, styles , cultures and beliefs about how things are done or thought of.. New foods to try and conversations to have... different churches or religions to be exposed to...

Host exchange students.. not only share your culture but participate in theirs.. We have developed wonderful friendships, explored local markets we never would have gone and learned to cook foods from around the world..

 Up next Camping (or for me motor home) next to other families: everyone is on the same playing field, meeting new people , sharing resources and exploring nature... (always take advantage of Ranger talks and programs..) Sit next to someone different... ask where they are from...

Formal travel.. even from with in the 50 states can open your world view.. and see how many different ways people choose to live...

NOW take that on a grander scale, International Travel.. Stay in bed and breakfasts, spend breakfast talking to your hosts (with children present) about current local issues and topics.. Go to a local park (let the children play), before leaving home, study or watch a movie about where you are going.. If the children are studying something in school, apply it or compare it to how it is done where you are visiting...

There are so may ways travel and living outside your personal world is educational and enjoyable...

FAIR DINKUM!!

How to help the community

A lot of what I am interested in is breaking down barriers of people from different cultures and countries.. Obviously one way of helping areas is financially.. with the fires here at home.. this is also the case...
for the next few days.. shop small businesses, restaurants, mom and pop services and any other businesses that went without patrons over the last few days......Getting out and about will help us all appreciate our communities and shopping locally with help get our economy back on its feet... 

More about how this helps in other culturess on another post. :)

Preparing your home for traveling abroad

I live in Carlsbad, Ca. and we are in the middle of  Fire Storm 2014... We are safe and have our evacuation plan and items ready to go.. This is something that we have ready to pull together at a moments notice.. Pictures, Meds, Laptops, Phone Chargers and pets. Most of our important docs are in the cloud.. 

We have several neighbors that are out of the country on vacation... They have done all the routine tasks to prepare for travel.
1. Lights on timers
2. Stop the mail
3. Clean out the fridge
4. Have pets in lodging...


Having to evacuate is different... and here are a few tips to make sure that a disaster at home (although heart breaking) does not cause even more loss then needed.

1. Make a list of what you need in an emergency evacuation. Pics,       Jewelry, Documents, Meds ,other items...you should have

    this anyway...

2. Place items in your bank safety deposit box or a home safe that       can withstand fire for at least 30 minutes.
    Making sure your fridge is cleaned out is important.. as here in         Carlsbad and other areas of San Diego the power has been turned     off.. You do not want to come home to an untouched house
    that reeks of spoiled food.

3. Make sure your insurance is up to date.. and you have pics of           items especially those not stored safely to  help with ins. 
    claims upon return... 

4. Leave on your trip knowing that living life to the fullest is 
    better then things.. but the things you treasure or     
    need are taken care of.. if all else is gone..



No one can predict when a disaster can occur.. but knowing your most important items are safe allows you to enjoy your trip with less stress and more enjoyment...

Best Cycling option EVER

I have always wanted to bike thru Europe.. my only problem is I didn't want to peddle thru Europe...

This last weekend, my husband and I rented Electric Bikes from Pedego Carlsbad... It was great.. We went from Carlsbad to Cardiff by the Sea. We stopped to have lunch and on the way back even took a ride by the lagoon and stopped at the house..

This got me to thinking and researching.. and YES!! you can rent electric bikes through out Europe and the world... What a great way to see the sights, feel the wind in your hair and still have energy at the end of the day...

There are a few things to remember..
ONE : Sun Block.. we both used it but forgot to add extra to our arms..
TWO: The bikes are a bit heavier.. so a little bit of maneuvering and elbow grease may be needed from time to time..

Best Mother's Day Gifts under $30. for travel

Since Fair Dinkum Travel is about genuine travel and getting to know the locals.. there will be no high end gifts touted here.. but these are great and Number 8 is my favorite.
Best Travel Gifts Under $30

Happy Mother's Day...

Still the best App for Travel Around.. Trip Advisor

I live and breathe TripAdvisor.com ... I write reviews and check out locations before I go ANYWHERE..

Even in the smallest of towns or countries, someone have posted something... 

A long time ago, I wrote about how to have a great locals trip and save $$ at the same time.....

One of the items is stay at a bed and breakfast and enjoy all the benefits your host offers... 

(I will write more on another day about why this is so important)

Second, ALWAYS check out reviews on trip advisor and contact reviewers and ask questions.... 

Remember what might be a problem for one is a perk for another... 

Last but not least.. when safe, take the locals means of transport... this works great almost anywhere except 

where I live in San Diego.. There is some public transport but your choices are limited....


I decided to remind readers of Trip Advisor as there are so many newer apps out trying to duplicate the best....

Fair Dinkum

Kendall

The Beautiful side of Africa

Here is a great list from Lonely Planet on the best places in Africa...Travel Places in Africa/ Lonely Planet


Here is a great You Tube site for all travel Africa..

Enjoy Southern Africa Travel Safari, Tourism - Wildlife - Films - Photos - 360

Cuba... So close and for many Not So Far

Here is an news piece by Al Jazeera News on Americans traveling to Cuba...

In the spirit of All things Latin in honor of Cinco De Mayo...

Here is the articleAmerican Tourism in Cuba

Cinco De Mayo.. The Un Mexican -- Mexican Holiday...

We have hosted students from around the world.. We always tell them that in the United States, we have one good Drinking holiday per month...
The grand daddies of them all are t.. Cinco De Mayo and Forth of July.....

It is a very popular holiday in the U.S.A.   here is a link to what it really is about...

Cinco De Mayo 




If you are visiting the U.S. please know this is a Major Alcohol Day/Evening...

Please take a taxi or have a designated driver...

But enjoy one of Americas adopted holidays...

Ole'

Travel Game (courtesy of BBC Travel)

Here is a great game to get us up to date with the world around us... As this blog becomes more about empathy, compassion and understanding of other lands and cultures.. Knowing where they are is always a great first step..
This is just one fun way to do it. Courtesy of BBC.Com

It is the GeoGuesser Game.. Enjoy...

Start here and share your results... when done... (only if you want.)