Independent traveler : Where should I go in February?

Independent traveler

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

Gloria Maschmeyer

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.

Gloria's photos

PHOTOS

Gloria's photo gallery

See Gloria's photos from her world travels.

READER-SUBMITTED

Vacation shots

That's a tiny Machu Pichu at left. View more travel shots in our vacation gallery.

Submit a vacation photo

Gloria's videos

Floating England's Llangollen Canal

See a little snippet of floating the Llangollen Canal in Western England in a narrow boat.

Fun with Divot

Divot snorkeling at the confluence of Brook's River.

Fun with Ted and Divot

Divot at the Falls and Ted cavorting at the mouth flowing out to Naknek Lake.

Plan your trip

AIRFARES

www.travelocity.com

www.expedia.com

BEST TIME OF YEAR

www.myforecast.com

Click on "almanac," then on "historical climate" and plug in the city you wish to check.

ELECTRICAL CONVERSIONS

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

www.oanda.com

For more information on currency exchanges and helpful hints, read my blogs, "Should I change" and "I've decided to change."

TRAVEL WARNINGS

www.travel.state.gov/travel

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

www.worldtimeserver.com/

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

www.tripadvisor.com

A favorite sites to see what other travelers have to say about places to stay and visit worldwide

CAR RENTAL

www.hotwire.com

A good site for finding the best deals on renting cars anywhere in the world

TRAVEL INSURANCE

www.squaremouth.com

Web site that compares costs of travel insurance between companies.

Where should I go in February?

Posted by indietraveler

Posted: 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.