My Guest Post On 5 Things You Won’t Expect On Your First Trip To India
January 12, 2010 by Anil P.
Filed under Guest Post
I’ve been to India several times and it’s a place that continues to surprise me on each visit. Every time I’ve been though, I can’t help but reflect on my first trip there and all of the things I couldn’t prepare for. India is sensory overload and try as you may, it will be difficult to get around these 5 things you won’t expect on your first trip to India.
I wrote the guest post for a blog I’ve been following for a few years, Le Monde, written by Nisha who is from Mumbai. I’ll be interested in hearing the comments on the piece from her and her readers.
I’m currently backed up on a number or writing and other projects so won’t be guest posting for the next few months. In the meantime though, if you’re looking to reach a new audience and are interested in guest posting please feel free to contact me. I’m also looking for some guest posts on my other travel blogs, How To Travel With Pets, Travel Blog Advice, and Tech Guide For Travel.
[photo by: mckaysavage]
Compelling Reasons Americans Shouldn’t Make Their First International Trip One To Europe
In many ways Western Europe is the easiest transition for Americans to make when traveling abroad for the first time. The cultures, infrastructure, and familiarity between the two make Europe (primarily mean Western Europe) a good place for people who’ve never left the US to get their feet wet to international travel.
Yet, there are many compelling reasons Europe isn’t the ideal first place to visit. There are many reasons to not make your first trip outside of the US to Paris, London, or Berlin. For those of you who are deciding on your first international jaunt outside of the US, consider these reasons to put another region of the world at the top of your list.
Europe Is Expensive
Europe is expensive and the British pound, Euro, and others are strong against the dollar. Figure out the best places to travel on a weak dollar and make the most of your simple travel budget.
Consider Central and South America, both places that have generally advantageous exchange rates.
Caters To Western Tourists
Compared to most other parts of the world, Western Europe’s travel industry to a large extend caters to Americans and Europeans. France, Germany, England, and the rest of Western Europe are where many Americans, first timers or not, travel to each year. It certainly can make traveling easier if it’s your first time out, but it can also give you a mistaken view of the world and tourism.
Although the numbers are rising (since it’s now required for travel to Canada and Mexico), two-thirds of Americans still don’t have passports. If you’re trying to drag your husband out for his first trip overseas you might be thinking Europe because it’s the most similar to what he knows. It can also make travel interesting-dull (for first timers) and reinforce the notion that the world is much like the US. You (or your reluctant first timer) might be less inclined to travel abroad afterward; going through the hassle of airport security, and spending money on airline fees only to see places that vaguely resemble home.
Not to take away from the intricacies of European culture but you’ll be better able to discern them if you have a wider frame to put them in.
Others Have Done It
You won’t be the only or first American to make your first international trip to some destination outside of Western Europe. As Sherry Ott added to one of my posts last year about 5 Turkish cities to add to your itinerary (other than Istanbul):
Turkey was the first country I traveled to – only 10 years ago. I loved it as it ignited my wanderlust and I haven’t stopped since. I find myself longing to go back and see Turkey again since I’ve become a more seasoned traveler.
It’s Good For America
The more Americans travel, the better it is for America. There are many reasons why Americans don’t travel overseas and there is a perception that the world hates Americans. The world opinion of the United States has fallen considerably since 2000, yet many of these attitudes are about the government and specific international policies. Every traveler acts as an ambassador to their home country – and the impression you leave behind is more influential than any government or marketing initiative.
Notoriously Americans don’t travel and if they do, it’s to Europe. Citizens of the world superpower are under a microscope by everyone else, yet most have never met an American. People stereotype most what they understand least – something that goes both ways.
[photos by: cemre, ThomasThomas, keithusc]
The Secret Underworld Of Turkish Germany
I’ve been in Germany for a few weeks now and see two worlds that often blend in asynchronous harmony. One is invisible to a degree for many Germans and travelers here. As an ethnic Turk I’ve been able to see this hidden world and experience what it’s like to be a member of it as well.
Turks In Germany
Doner kebab and Turkish people might not be the first things you think of when Germany comes to mind but 2 million Turks comprise nearly 2% of the population. Due to high unemployment in Turkey during the 1960s and favorable labor laws in Germany, many Turks settled to find jobs. The evidence of Turkish culture is predominant almost everywhere, from grocery stores, restaurants, to rear view mirrors.
Why Is It An Underworld?
When I walk down the streets, people see me first as a German Turk. Many times this comes with preconceptions on how I will act or behave and my willingness to integrate into German society. (Especially when I have difficulty communicating.) It’s when I speak English do attitudes change – I can’t say this for all Germans, but there is a tension that is relieved when you’re just a Turk, not a German Turk.
The flip side is that I’m often welcomed warmly by German Turks who I encounter at Turkish grocery stores and elsewhere. When they learn that I’m new to Germany they assume I’ll be staying (longer than the 3 months I’ve planned) and try to make this transition as easily as possible for me. There is a network of support that exists for new Turkish immigrants who live an uneasy existence within Germany.
The prices are cheaper at certain stores (as opposed to if my German friends pay), the cuts of meat at the store are better, and there is advice and welcoming hand in many cases.
A Unique Blend
I’ll be speaking more about the complex interactions between these two cultures in the coming weeks, but as many distinct divisions as there are between these communities, there are almost as many where they meet and overlap. There is a unique German Turkish culture where foods, music, and peoples cannot be found anywhere else in the world. For both travelers and many non-ethnic Turkish Germans this world is neglected and overlooked but welcoming if you’re willing to explore it.
[photos by: Audrey Scott]
Do You Use Credit Cards To Finance Your Travels? [POLL RESULTS]
Several weeks ago I introduced you to the hidden underbelly of traveler debt and asked if some of you are using credit cards to finance your travels, and to what extent. I was a little surprised that only a few of you responded you’ve got some debt on your accounts, but glad that’s the case.
Do You Use Credit Cards To Finance Your Travels?
- Yes, but I pay them off at the end of every month (33%, 6 Votes)
- Nope, I don't use credit cards at all (22%, 4 Votes)
- I use credit cards for some travel but never carry a balance (22%, 4 Votes)
- Credit cards come in handy sometimes and my balance is manageable but not zero (17%, 3 Votes)
- Yes, and I've got some debt to worry about (6%, 1 Votes)
Total Voters: 18
Loading ...Debt is difficult to manage and can help you travel in the short run but negatively effect your plans down the road in a big way. There are many good ways to reduce debt and save for your travels like cooking peasant meals, cutting your electric bills in half, or using some unconventional methods. Personally I recommend the direct approach and overcoming debt all together.
