Category: Travel

using credit cards when traveling

Vegan Hamburgers and Grape Nuts (oh, and using credit cards overseas)

Posted on by Michael

Using credit cards overseas. You almost certainly will, but how you use credit cards overseas is not a decision to be taken lightly.

Traveling can be very counterintuitive. Habits and behaviors that work perfectly well in everyday life don’t always work when you’re on the road, especially if that road is not in your native country. At the very top of the list is how you should be using credit cards overseas, and how you should balance the use of your credit cards when traveling. I’ve written about using cash and using debit cards overseas, so it’s time to complete the trilogy by talking about using credit cards overseas.

using credit cards overseas
There are precautions you should take while using credit cards overseas, but it may be a good option for you

I want to start with the following assumption, which is a biggie, but it has to be the starting point. I’m assuming you have good credit, are not already maxed out or even close to it, and that you’re not further putting Continue reading “Vegan Hamburgers and Grape Nuts (oh, and using credit cards overseas)” →

The Debit Card Decision

Dealing with Debit Cards When Traveling Overseas

Posted on by Michael

Using debit cards when traveling overseas is not always the best option. In fact, I would go so far as to say using debit cards when traveling overseas is never the best option. While ATM’s are usually within hailing distance no matter where you are, there are plenty of factors you should take into account before using them to get cash, and you should definitely be wary about using them for purchases.

Using debit cards when traveling overseas
Using debit cards when traveling overseas might not be your best option

While shooting on location this spring in Australia and New Zealand, we seriously considered not taking Continue reading “Dealing with Debit Cards When Traveling Overseas” →

We’re Not In Kansas Anymore…

Posted on by Michael

…because even Kansas has widespread cell service. This is life in the real Australian outback.

Australian outback petition
More than attracting tourists, these are the real issues for the people who call the Australian outback home

I wanted to share this quick video hit from the road. It’s another example of what you do when a story opportunity presents itself. We didn’t have access to most of our gear, but we did have access to an interesting story. We had pulled over at this roadhouse on the Lassiter Highway, about two hours out of Alice Springs on the way to Uluru, and noticed a petition on the counter. They’re not going for access to Facebook or Twitter here. This is actually a matter of life and death. Here’s our conversation.

This brief conversation, in the heart of theAustralian outback, is yet another reminder that one person’s travel is another person’s real life. As travelers, we’re interlopers, and it’s best to remember that. Leave a light footprint, assume nothing, and take only expeience when you leave.

The Best Way To Travel With Money Overseas: Do’s and Don’ts

Posted on by Michael

There are important tips you should keep in mind when it comes to the best way to travel with money overseas. Getting the biggest bang for your travel buck should be a part of your planning, whether your heading out for a spontaneous weekend getaway or putting the final touches on a trip around the world that took a year to organize. It’s certainly a lot easier to manage your money, and your budget when your travels are limited to one country, but there are some guidelines that are fairly universal.

This week, I want to talk about cash… actual hold-in-your-hands cash, and the best way to travel with money. We’ll delve into debit and credit cards in later posts, but although we are moving towards a cashless society, you will almost certainly run into at least one situation where physical money does need to change hands.

Best way to travel with money overseas
Starting your travel with at least some cash on hand instead of relying on credit or debit cards can be the best way to travel with money.

I’m officially old enough to be able to use the phrase “back in the day” non-ironically. So… back in the day, money management for Continue reading “The Best Way To Travel With Money Overseas: Do’s and Don’ts” →

The Alice Depot
Alice Springs
WWI Memorial

Alice Springs and the Mirage of Civilization

Posted on by Michael

Stepping onto the platform of the Alice Springs rail station, it helps to have a sense of history in order to appreciate where you’re standing. On the surface, this could be any rail platform in almost any town with a rail stop in the world. Close your eyes, as I did, in order to remove the last traces of eyesight from my already limited visual perspective, and that is in fact the first sensation… that you’re not anywhere in particular. The sounds of passengers who have been confined to a series of rail cars for several hours or days is a common experience for many world travelers – the press of clothing, the sounds of directions given by attendants to the neatest cab stand, rental car counter or the baggage car – I’ve experienced the same routine in Atlanta, Denver, San Francisco and any number of other stops… and now Alice Springs. The first impression is that to visit Alice springs is to visit, as Bill Bryson called it, “Anytown America.”

I respectfully disagree.

Alice Springs train depot
The train depot on the edge of Alice springs

Even though flights to Alice springs are easy to book, and the town is often a quick pit stop on the way to Uluru, dig al title deeper. The Alice Sprigns to Uluru part of our documentary and our travels in Australia. The feel of a fresh breeze on your shoulders and on your face is a welcome relief after more than a day of recirculated air. As I had mentioned, our brief time shooting through the open window of the luggage car was a welcome luxury most passengers Continue reading “Alice Springs and the Mirage of Civilization” →