Love to travel, but hate tours? This blog offers insight on how to go it alone, from safe accommodations to seeing the best, and maybe the worst. After all, independent travel is an adventure. Flexibility and traveling on a budget are critical. No five-stars or all-inclusives. So hop aboard. Learn to enjoy travel at your own pace and price. Meet other adventurers like yourself and mingle with the locals. Remember: You may travel alone, but you wonʼt be lonely. gloria.independenttraveler@gmail.com
I've been a traveler since I can remember. I spread my wings as a flight attendant at age 20, then married a traveling man and we've never stopped. While based in Anchorage, we've ventured to India, Peru, Bali, Morocco, Burma, Tunisia Singapore and Ecuador. I love ferreting out places off the beaten path. And when things don't go quite as planned, that's just part of the adventure.
READER-SUBMITTED
Traveling by air isn't getting any easier. What kind of experiences have you had?
READER-SUBMITTED
That's a tiny Machu Pichu at left. View more travel shots in our vacation gallery.
Divot snorkeling at the confluence of Brook's River.
Divot at the Falls and Ted cavorting at the mouth flowing out to Naknek Lake.
AIRFARES
BEST TIME OF YEAR
Click on "almanac," then on "historical climate" and plug in the city you wish to check.
www.travel-images.com/electric-plugs.html
For electrical appliances, it's great to know the voltage used in a country and the types of plugs.
CURRENCY RATES
For more information on currency exchanges and helpful hints, read my blogs, "Should I change" and "I've decided to change."
TRAVEL WARNINGS
This site can help you determine the type of crime that goes on in foreign countries against visitors. It also will tell you areas of the country you should avoid.
WORLD TIMES
Features the current time anywhere and weather. Helpful when you need to call for reservations or want to call back home while away.
WHAT TRAVELERS SAY
A favorite sites to see what other travelers have to say about places to stay and visit worldwide
Video of Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, Utah - 11/20/2009 5:44 pm
Is texting permitted on approach to landing? - 11/19/2009 8:50 am
Turkey day travel tips for heading Outside… - 11/17/2009 7:11 pm
TravelFlash: Free WIFI in Seattle’s airport now through Jan. 15 compliments of Google. - 11/13/2009 5:48 pm
Have a question for the Independent Traveler? A new feature makes it easy. - 11/11/2009 11:25 am
Where should I go in February? - 11/8/2009 8:00 am
Road sign answer. - 11/7/2009 11:11 am
Utah and Alaska highway road sign quiz. What's the difference? - 11/4/2009 7:03 pm
Highway speeders in Utah pay big time. Alaska could learn a lesson or two. - 10/31/2009 3:13 pm
Monumental experiences in Monument Valley - 10/28/2009 6:43 pm
Hola from Mexican Hat, Utah - 10/26/2009 7:55 am
Southern Utah's golden arches... - 10/22/2009 8:08 pm
Enjoy an Indian summer in Southern Utah's canyon lands - 10/20/2009 2:06 pm
Delta Airlines charged with hacking into e-mail account in attempt to derail the Airline Passenger Bill of Rights Act - 10/17/2009 12:15 pm
To cut costs, one airline suggests passengers go before they go. - 10/10/2009 4:56 pm
TravelFlash: Get an annual subscription from United for baggage charges. - 10/6/2009 7:29 pm
TravelFlash: Alaska Airlines offers PFD Fare sale, $209 ANC to HNL good through Aug 2010 plus discounts to other destinations. - 10/2/2009 9:54 am
TravelFlash: Coming to an airline near you? Holiday “miscellaneous surcharges”. - 9/29/2009 7:36 pm
Grab your camera and capture the fleeting fall colors... - 9/23/2009 7:06 pm
Finally a website that gives you good rental car rates every click… - 9/21/2009 7:14 pm
TravelFlash: Worldwide hotel prices slashed to five-year low, airfares following suit. - 9/16/2009 6:34 pm
TravelFlash: Hawaii hotels at record low prices - 9/12/2009 12:33 pm
NOVEMBER 20, 2009 - 5:44 PM
On my recent visit to Arches National Park, I hiked a mile and a half uphill, about 500 feet over slick rock, to see Delicate Arch. Silly me, I was surprised I wasn't the only one (or at least one of a few) to think about photographing the arch at sunset. Not.
As you can see there were many, many of us. It sounded like chicken coop chatter, but was still impressive.
(To see more on my Utah trip, scroll through my blogs in the right-hand column.)
NOVEMBER 19, 2009 - 8:50 AM
No texting onboard aircraft at anytime during flight.
Q. I sat next to a woman who texted before we landed. Is that legal?...Larry
A. No, no and no. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations prohibit the use of wireless devices during flight. End of story. No use of items that receive or transmit signals period.
Scary, but I too have seen what appears to be passengers texting once the pilot announces that we will be landing in so many minutes. The same people don't reach for their cell phones after landing, leading me to believe that they already informed someone of their arrival. It frightens me that these people are ignoring the regulation and putting us all in potential danger.
The FCC says there is insufficient information to determine if wireless devices will interfere with an airplane's navigational and communication system. Maybe that is why some yahoos ignore the regulation. However, who wants to be the first person to find out that personal cell phone use does interfere?
If anyone sees a fellow passenger texting, s/he can give them the benefit of the doubt and tell them texting is prohibited and why. If this doesn't do the trick or the person gets nasty, immediately ring the call button and report the incident. Remember, it's your life too. Or course, you can bypass being nice and ring the button first.
Have a question? Post it to me directly through the question box. I will answer your e-mail or post a blog.
NOVEMBER 17, 2009 - 7:11 PM
"S" is for suitcase, but remember no more than 50 pounds each.
Next week the holiday travel season begins with Thanksgiving. You can make it easier if you:
1. Check in online and print out your boarding pass the day before you go.
2. Pay for extra luggage charges online.
3. Weigh your luggage. Maximum 50 pounds a bag.
4. Make sure you have only two carryons and that they are the correct size. (Check your airline’s website for carryon restrictions.)
5. Place all liquids and gels (3 ounce containers or less) in a quart-sized plastic bag. Put all other liquids in your checked luggage. Secure their lids and place in plastic bags to avoid leakage.
6. Check in for your flight at least one and a half hours before departure. (Some carriers close check-in forty-five minutes prior to departure. There could be long lines.)
7. Expect long, slow security lines.
8. Wear easy to remove boots or shoes with socks to avoid yucky floor stuff.
9. Keep an eye on your computer, purse and camera when going through security. Place your least valuable items through the x-ray machine first. If traveling with a partner, have them go through and watch for your stuff. Make sure you retrieve all your carryons.
10. Check in immediately with the gate agent to upgrade or change seats.
11. Don’t forget to turn off your cell phone and put it in a convenient place you can access after landing. Avoid all temptations to text on the landing approach. Your life and others are at risk.
12. Enjoy your flight and be nice to the flight attendants.
Any other tips? Post them below in the comments section or send me an e-mail…Gloria
NOVEMBER 13, 2009 - 5:48 PM
Thanks Google.
Google announced its early gift to holiday travelers, free WIFI at 47 airports and for passengers onboard Virgin Air.
This is great news for Alaskans who don’t want to pay for access when transiting through Seattle’s airport.
And that’s not all. Google is offering prizes for submitting a photo of yourself using WIFI at any one of the participating airports.
To find out more about the program, log onto Free Holiday WIFI.
NOVEMBER 11, 2009 - 11:25 AM
If you look to the right of this blog, you'll see a new feature on my blog, the "Ask the Traveler" question box. This feature allows you to bypass the comments section below and e-mail me a question directly without going through the sign in process.
Just fill in the box with your name (first only is fine) and e-mail address so that I can reply. Then ask your question.
I'll either answer your question directly by sending you a personal e-mail reply or I will answer it in a future blog, if I think the answer is something many people would like to know.
So ask away, I'm waiting.
Gloria
NOVEMBER 8, 2009 - 8:00 AM
Q. My husband and I have two weeks off in February. We like international travel. Where do you suggest we go...Karen
A. My first consideration would be weather. February is an iffy month for many destinations. Europe is cold, but Southeast Asia is wonderful. Next, you need to consider budget. For instance, given the strength of the Euro, Europe is spendy for Americans. In contrast, Southeast Asia is a bargin.
Next consider the type of trip you want. Are you seeking adventure or relaxation? And don't forget to consider traveltime to maximize your two weeks.
Once you have answered these questions, check out weather conditions for your intended destination at MyForecast. You can then click onto Oanda.com to examine currency rates. A quick look at TripAdvisor will give you insight as to the cost of accommodations.
Next I would Google the type of activities you are searching for, i.e. best beaches in the Caribbean, snorkeling in Belize, hiking in Nepal, biking in Romania etc.
If I were going somewhere in February, I'd consider Mexico, Central and South America. All are good buys and great areas to travel with good weather this time of the year. I especially like Equador and Peru.
If Mexico conjures images of swine flu and crime. Think again. Don't generalize media headlines to the whole. Mexico is a big country and still one of my favorite destinations.
Have a question? Post it to me directly through the question box.
NOVEMBER 7, 2009 - 11:11 AM
Brandon, a retired State trooper, immediately noticed the difference between the pictures of Utah road signs I posted and ones along the highways in Alaska. Missing are bullet holes. He said “it was a goal during my entire career to just once catch a sign shooter in the act.” Unfortunately, he didn't.
As for the answer Elise posted, nope it's not wooden posts. Shari noticed the black edges around the signs. Not that either. And one anonomyous reader asked if it was because Utah signs were diagonal. Nope, Alaska has diagonal signs too.
Thanks readers for your feedback. And congratulations to Brandon for the first correct response.
A common road sign even in Utah, however I question their choice of beer.
NOVEMBER 4, 2009 - 7:03 PM
Awe!
It took a several of days of driving in Utah, but then it became very apparent, the difference between highway road signs in Alaska and Utah .
Check them out then e-mail me or post a comment below as to what you think is different.
Sign One.
This sign lacks something commonplace on Alaska highway road signs.
Sign two.
This sign would be unusual in Alaska.
Sign three
Hint: It's not the cow.
Got it? Tell me what you think in the comments section below or e-mail me at gloria.independenttraveler@gmail.com
OCTOBER 31, 2009 - 3:13 PM
My rent-a-car taking a little roadside rest.
I've been driving in Utah for twelve days and one thing I want to warn people about, especially Alaskans who are use to ignoring speed limits is don't speed unless you want to contribute to the state and city coffers.
Both state and local police are like flies on honey everywhere. I've never seen so many officers and people pulled over ever. Law enforcement officers are everywhere and it shows by the way people drive.
OCTOBER 28, 2009 - 6:43 PM
Iconic buttes seen in John Wayne movies, tower in front of Monument Valley visitors center.
I've seen the area, Monument Valley, time and again in old westerns and in commercial backdrops. It is exciting and a bit surreal being here in person.
Officially named Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, it occupies the southeastern corner of Utah and northeastern corner of Arizona. I am pleasantly surprised by the parks accessibility and spectacular views of its iconic buttes from the visitor parking lot and campground.
I'm here in late October so I'm missing the frenzy of summer visitors and fortunately 100 degree temps. Today is a balmy 70 degrees. Perfect for an acclimatized Alaskan.
OCTOBER 26, 2009 - 7:55 AM
Mexican Hat rock, outside of Mexican Hat, Utah
What a ride! We are now in Mexican Hat, Utah and about to head south to Monument Valley after a couple of overnights.
Getting here from Moab was scenic and interesting. We stopped at Bridges National Monument Park and then headed out via State Route 261 bound for Mexican Hat.
OCTOBER 22, 2009 - 8:08 PM
Delicate Arch, the most photographed in Arches National Park
Alaska has unsurpassed raw beauty, but southern Utah has equally stunning landscape that has been cut to its core for thousands of years.
Today we visited Arches National Park outside of Moab, Utah. We hiked three miles round trip to the most photographed arch, Delicate Arch, for sunset photos.
While the sunset fizzled due to cloud cover, the arch did not disappoint. It is mammoth and puzzling to imagine how it formed. Geologists have their theories, but when I look at Delicate Arch perched high on a slick layer of sandstone their explanation doesn't convince me. There must be other forces at work to create something this magnificent.
OCTOBER 20, 2009 - 2:06 PM
The Colorado River parallels Utah's State Route 128.
Absolutely spectacular is the best way to describe my drive into Moab, Utah yesterday. I left Denver in my rent-a-car following I70 to the Utah border then turned off on State Route 128 at the recommendation of my geologist daughter.
The road follows the Colorado River winding through deep canyons. Designated as the Upper Colorado Scenic Byway, Route 128, is indeed worth diversion from the more popular turnoff Highway 791.
OCTOBER 17, 2009 - 12:15 PM
Photo courtesy of Delta Airlines
First its corruption on Wall Street. Do the airlines have their own form? That’s what the Coalition for Airline Passengers’ Bill of Rights allege in a case that went before the Federal Court this week.
It is suing Delta Airlines for allegedly hacking into their founder’s, Kate Hanni, e-mail account to gain knowledge in order to derail the bills before Congress. The Coalition is actively soliciting Congress and passengers to pass the Airline Passenger Bill of Rights Acts.
Currently there are four airlines passenger rights bills before Congress to protect passengers from enduring instances like the horrific delay of Continental Express when passengers were not allowed to deplane for six hours.
Have your own horror story? Share it in the comment section below."
OCTOBER 10, 2009 - 4:56 PM
The airlines continue looking for ways to cutback on costs. The latest idea comes out of Japan.
Japanese carrier All Nippon Airways (ANA) is requesting that passengers use the toilet before they board to cut down on the weight of human waste deposited on the plane.
Less weight conserves on fuel, making the plane lighter. Burning less fuel results in less carbon emissions which is good for the planet.
Sounds like a better idea than Ryanair’s pay as you go plan. And toilet charges are not all Ryanair is planning.
Yesterday, CEO Michael O’Leary suggested that charges for airsick bags were being discussed. They are even thinking about passengers carrying their own luggage to the plane as a further cost cutting measure.
What do you suggest the airlines do? Post your suggestion in the comments section below. Be as inventive as you like, but keep it clean! This is after all a family newspaper.
OCTOBER 6, 2009 - 7:29 PM
Photo courtesy of United Airlines.
Yesterday United Airlines announced that it will offer an annual Premier Baggage subscription for $249.
Wow, how nouveau! Instead of paying $20 for my first bag and $30 for my second bag on United, I can pay $249 upfront so my first two bags travel free for a year.
Better do the math here. Unless you make five trips originating on United Airlines and check two bags each time, you won’t make out on the deal. Or if you travel big and or heay (overweight and oversized bags not included in the subscription), you may not break even.
It’s almost fun watching the airlines creative money raising strategies. Almost being the operative word.
Maybe we should all travel Southwest where “bags go free”. Then again Southwest doesn’t transfer your bags to other airlines so what happens then? And of course, as of this moment they don’t fly to Alaska.
Wonder if our quasi monopoly carrier will think about following United's lead. Anyone, anyone?
OCTOBER 2, 2009 - 9:54 AM
Alaska Airlines is offering great discounts to capture some of your PFD money with travel starting on Oct. 09 through Aug. 25, 2010.
Check it out and book now as seats are limited. Don't forget to read the fine print for travel restrictions.
SEPTEMBER 29, 2009 - 7:36 PM
The airlines have this little nickel and dime game going on to increase the cost of flying without officially raising ticket prices. They started with charges for a second bag. Then graduated to charging for the first bag too.
Next came the insane when Ireland’s Ryanair threatened to charge for toilet use. What’s next?
Miscellaneous surcharges over the holidays.
This past week, American Airlines led the way announcing it will charge an extra $10 "miscellaneous surcharge" for travel on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 29 and for flights on Jan 2 & 3. Delta, Northwest, U.S. Airways and United Airlines quickly followed suit. As of this posting, Alaska Airlines is staying out of the fray.
This recent charge has many of us asking, why not just raise the cost of a ticket and stop the piddly charges for this, that and the other.
You’d think that the extra work of agents making annoyed passengers pay for a first or second or both bags would have taught managers a lesson, but not! Management seems to lack logic or worse gets perverse satisfaction in making customers unhappy.
So beware of holiday surcharges and if you haven’t booked yet, now is a good time to make reservations on a carrier that isn’t taking the coward’s way out.
SEPTEMBER 23, 2009 - 7:06 PM
A view of the Kenai River.
I left at 9am this morning in time to catch multiple pods of Beluga whales rolling, blowing and splashing in the Turnagain Arm along the Seward Highway.
My goal? To capture the fall colors before winds and rain diminish them to carpeting.
The trees were fluorescent in the morning sun and the skies robin egg blue. A perfect fall day.
After safely making it over the Turnagain Pass, I turned off on the Sterling Highway for Cooper Landing stopping for a gander at the swans feeding in Tern Lake.
Along Kenai Lake and the Kenai River, there were a handful of fishers decked out in heavy coats, hats and gloves trying their luck before the first snow blots out this little window of time.
The roads were virtually deserted and it was a great day to enjoy one of the best things Alaska has to offer. Unbridled, spectacular landscape.
If the weather Gods continue being kind to us, get out and see fall for yourself. Post your photos in the Vacation Gallery for all of us to enjoy.
Enjoy!..Gloria
SEPTEMBER 21, 2009 - 7:14 PM
I’ve just spent days trying to find the best rate on a rental car domestically over the web. It’s been a crazy ride. On Friday, I found a great rate on Expedia.com, but when I went back to book it the following day the rate was double. So I checked out PriceLine.com and found the same car for $150 over the lowest Expedia rate.
When I finalized my dates, I tried to book it on PriceLine and viola, it was $300 more. What in the heck gives? I wondered. Out of curiosity I started checking out other cities and rental rates. They were all over the place too, changing every time I logged onto the site.
Finally, I hit pay dirt at HotWire.com. Not only did I get a low rate compared to the other sites (anywhere from $200 to $300 less), I also got the same price consistently for the same city and same class of car every click.
I’m renting through HoteWire an Enterprise Rental car, that quoted me a price $300 more for the same dates and same car on their website, Enterprice.com.
It was a steep learning curve, but worth it. As a result of HotWire.com’s consistently low prices, my husband has decided to book a car for a trip that was going to be all air travel.
Have any tips for booking rental cars? Post them below.
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