Around the world in 80 days with Michael Palin.

No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain.

Through the backdoor with Rick Steves.

An Idiot Abroad with Karl Pilkington?

In a list of some of the most famous travel presenters to ever exist, surely Pilkington must be joke?

It was.

In An Idiot Abroad, Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, the first people to share Pilkington with the world by airing his obsene, yet hilarious comments on their XFM show, send Pilkington, followed by a camera crew, to see the seven wonders of the world.

While most people would kill for the opportunity, Gervais and Merchant know that what they call “the typical little Englander” in Pilkington will cringe at the thought of leaving the safety of home to be put out of his comfort zone.

Their scheme worked. 

Back against the wall, Pilkington eats testicles in Egypt, rides a camel for hours in the deserts of Jordan, even takes on a bull in Mexico, well for a few seconds. The more each moment abroad chips away at the non-traveler, the funnier his rants and reactions become.

Driving camels across the desert in Jordan. Photo from webtvwire.com

But is the show comedy or travel?

Having seen an interview with Pilkington on the special features of Gervais’s Politics, I went into Pilkington’s first show expecting mainly to laugh, but also see some interesting things. However, by the end of season one I found myself enjoying the show more for the Northerner’s journey than his jokes.

People can say what they want about Pilkington, he’s rude, close-minded and ungrateful, but that puts an interesting spin on travel that I’ve never watched before. After all the laughs, An Idiot Abroad actually turned out to be a good travel show for three reasons.

1.) It shows the less glorious side of travel.

Watch most travel shows and I guarantee they’ll lead you to believe it’s easy life. Flash hotels, no lines, no crowds, clean public transportation and private beaches. The truth is, most people without a camera crew will never travel like that.

Traveling is not always easy. That’s not meant to scare people off, but make them aware before they form their expectations for a trip.

Part of Gervais and Merchant’s plan was to make Pilkington as uncomfortable as possible. But they really just put him on the average backpacker’s path. Being hassled to buy things on the streets of Egypt, noisy hostel dorms in Brazil, crowded attractions in Mexico.

It’s not good or bad, it’s just part of travel.

2.) The itinerary is great. 

An Idiot Abroad is only based around visiting the seven wonders of the world. Along the way Pilkington sees and takes part in a lot of other great things.

In Rio he dresses up and dances in Carnival and visits a nudist beach. In Mexico he eats the worm from a bottle of tequila, visits a Mayan town and almost gets killed on Easter Sunday trying to escape what I can only explain as a fireworks-and-burning-paper-mache parade. He even hikes to visit a part of the Great Wall of China most tourists don’t get to see.

Pilkington visits the pyramids in Egypt. Photo courtesy of Entertainthing.com

But my favorite is his border crossing between Israel and Palestine. I haven’t seen a lot of travel shows focused on Israel and have never seen any about Palestine. He crosses the border to see the spot where people believe Jesus was born. Along the way the way he sees the separation barrier, which is a massive concrete wall, between Israel and Palestine.

After visiting Jesus’ supposed birthplace, Pilkington says it didn’t really affect him. In fact, the wall had more of an affect on him. Seeing the barrier in the show, I can see how.

3.) Pilkington’s moments of enlightenment are more meaningful.

The last type of person an agency would use to sell their country, attraction or sight is Karl Pilkington. He went into every destination and wonder expecting the worst, which made his moments of enlightenment that much more meaningful.

I think the average person can relate to him more than any adventurous person willing to try anything. If Pilkington could have one amazing moment on his travels, then most people can have twenty.

I found myself genuinely happy for the guy after he spent the day with a swamiji in India. Pilkington went swimming in the “like minus five” Ganges River with the holy man and spent the night at his house. Watching him smile and dance there, it was clear he was enjoying the adventure.

While Pilkington will most likely continue his rants and pessimistic lead ups to destinations in season two, I’m sure deep down he enjoys it. He’s told stories of the world to his friends back home and as much as he wants to deny it, he’s a traveler.

Have you watched An Idiot Abroad? What are your thoughts on the show?

I love the idea of a bucket list and especially love reading other bloggers’ lists. I not only get ideas of things to do from their dreams, but I personally enjoy watching them cross something off their lists.

So if I love it so much, why have I never done it myself?

Because the idea actually scares me. Jotting down every thing I want to do before I die! I’ve always been the type to just go with it and grab any opportunity that is thrown my way. But I’m constantly noting things I want to see and do, so why not express it with the world.

Thanks to some inspiration from Latin Abroad and Two Travelholics, I’m finally getting around to writing my very own bucket list. Since I’m doing it so late in the game through, I’m going to take Two Travelholics’ advice and make a sort of reverse bucket list, write some of the accomplishments I’m proud of. Here are some things I want to do before I died, some may already be checked off and plenty more will be added to it.

1. Tandem Skydive check: Interlocken, Switzerland 2007 and Mission Beach, Australia 2010
2. Travel from China to Russia by train.
3. Live in an Ashram in India for three months.
4. Live in another country. check: England 2007, Australia 2010, New Zealand 2011
5. Walk across the USA, seriously!
6. Visit Uruguay.
7. Backpack South and Central America.
8. Ride an elephant to a waterfall while wearing a green dress.
9. Swim with whalesharks. check: Donsol, Philippines 2011
10. Become a dive instructor.
11. Get over my fear of sharks. check: Malapascua, Philippines 2011
12. Live and work on a vineyard in Tuscany, Italy.
13. Write a guidebook.
14. Go on safari in South Africa.
15. Climb Kiliminjara.
16. Breathe the air in Montana, USA.
17. Bungy jump. check: AJ Hackett Cairns, Australia 2011
18. Bungy jump from Macau Tower.
19. Get married in Vegas.
20. Bring my dad on a backpacking trip.
21. Live in Spain.
22. Visit Antarctica.
23. Travel India with my first travel partner and best friend, Erin.
24. Learn how to ski.
25. See the Northern Lights in person.

I love checking Google Analytics to see where my readers are coming from. It feels like I’m not only visiting the world, but the world is visiting me, which is especially special when I’m not on the road.

So when I saw Waegook Tom’s #ReaderLove Challenge on Twitter, I had to write something. I’m so appreciative to anyone who has clicked to my blog for even seconds. Being able to share my experiences is amazing to me, but to see people respond is extraordinary.

So thank you to my readers all over the world. Here are the top ten countries you all come from and what I like about those places.

10. Germany

Ich bin ein Berliner!

I visited the country for a few weeks almost five years ago now. After all the years and all the new destinations, Berlinremains one of my favorite cities in the world.

It seemed like what I imagine Paris was like when modern art was just starting out. Berlin is a very edgy city. Between it’s dark past, represented by remnants of the Berlin Wall, and it’s colorful future, represented by its art scene and graffiti.

My favorite find on the trip was Tacheles, an abandoned mall that artists took over in the 90s. People can walk though the artists residency, view work and meet the creators. The spot also has a bar on the ground floor with a rocket ship for people to sit in. Only in Berlin.

Photo of Tacheles by Joe Dunckley on Flikr

9. Singapore

I almost visited you on my recent trip to SE Asia, but didn’t because I heard it was quite expensive and my bank account was already pretty low.

I have to admit that I was a bit weary about visiting Singapore after hearing from someone that they give you a book of rules upon arrival, that includes things like ‘No chewing gum!’. Later my Uncle told me it was the cleanest place he’d ever been and a gorgeous city, so my apprehensions disappeared.

I now constantly hear what an amazing city Singapore is and hope to visit one day soon. I’d like to swim in the infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands.

8. Thailand

I, and I think all backpackers, can’t say enough good things about Thailand. What an absolutely amazing place!

For starters-Bangkok was not what I expected. I have to admit I thought it would be exactly like the seedy city constantly portrayed in the movies. But not even choosing to stay away from anything seedy, I saw nothing of the sort. However, I did see Wat Pho, the Grand Palace and Khao San Road. All of which were special in their own ways.

I spent six weeks traveling the country, island-hopping, partying, swimming and eating…a lot!

Since I’ve seen quite a bit of the country, I’ll mention Koh Lanta, a place I didn’t have time to visit, but would like to on my next visit to the country, and trust me, there will be a next visit.

Photo of Bamboo Island near Ko Phi Phi by Bobbi Lee Hitchon

7. Philippines

Growing up I knew so many people from the Philippines, but never thought of visiting. Then I met a dive instructor in Australia who said, “You MUST go!”

He wasn’t kidding.

I was only suppose to visit the country for two weeks or so, but ended up staying for over two months. I saw whalesharks in Donsol, made family in Cebu City and earned my divemaster on Malapascua.

There are plenty of more places I wanted to visit, but didn’t. On the top of the list is Palawan, completely untouched and completely gorgeous. I will be back and I’ll even eat balut again.

Photo of Malapascua by Bobbi Lee Hitchon

6. India

My dream destination. A close friend and I have been talking about visiting India for years and have set 2013 as our year to go.

Why is India the number one country I want to visit?

The food, the culture, the colors, the yoga, the Taj Mahal, the Goa!

Why have I not been there yet?

I wasn’t ready and still don’t think I am.

Anyone I’ve talked to who has ever been, either loved it or hated it. Regardless, it changed them. I think India is as distant a culture to me as there is and that’s why I love it and want to go. But I want to love it. So I’ve decided to build my view of the world up before. But trust me I will get there.

Most people have told me to spend at least three months visiting. So during those three months, I hope to see it all then retreat to an Ashram in Rajasthan.

5. New Zealand

My new homeland. I have to admit that I never actually thought of visiting your country. After seeing the changing landscapes on my drive from Queenstown to Blenheim, I have no idea why.

I’ll be bold and say that New Zealand IS the most beautiful country I’ve ever been too, hands down. I’ve seen some lookers, but never in my life have I said, “Wow, look at the scenery,” more times and in New Zealand.

Now living in Wellington, I can also say that New Zealand has my favorite city in the world. As small as Wellington is, it packs so much culture. The city has so much art, sport, coffee and MUSIC! There must be a possibility of at least ten gigs in the city per night.

I live close to and work on Cuba Street, which has the most amazing vibe I’ve ever felt in any city. The kindness of the people living here will make you feel like you’re in a small town, but everything the city has to offer is that of a world-class city.

I love this country more each day and can’t wait to travel around it.

Waking up to snow in Queenstown, NZ. Photo by Bobbi Lee Hitchon

4. Canada

America’s hat!

I never really thought much into Canada until I started traveling. I hate to admit it, but amongst the world, they are easily the cooler ones in North America. People love Canadians and so do I. Every Canadian I’ve met has been laid back and great to party with.

I love you all, even though most of you get offended when you’re mistaken for Americans.

After meeting so many Canadians and learning about the country, I’m started to plan a long-term visit for after New Zealand. My first stop is Vancouver.

3. United Kingdom

I’m assuming most of my readers from here are because of Ric, a true Bollingtonian. But I want to send as personal thank you to the first country I lived in outside the United States and all it has to offer.

I became obsessed with London when I studied there in 2007. The city is so classy, so beautiful and so magical. Whenever I thought I had the whole city figured out, I’d find a new alley full of restaurants or get off at the wrong tube stop and be completely lost in a new place all over again.

I spent many nights tramping around London with Uni friends and had some of the best nights of my life, which usually ended in eating multiple hot dogs from illegal vendors.

I saw one side of the country living there and a completely different side living with people from the UK in Australia. For starters, not everyone sounds like Hugh Grant. I can’t believe how many accents you have going on there. Given I’ve fallen in love with a Northerner, the Manchester accent is my favorite but I also can’t get enough skowser, especially when spoken by Stevey G.

I’ve only spent a short amount of time visiting Ireland and Scotland, but the time was packed with some amazing experiences and breathtaking sights.

So cheers to the UK for reading, all you have to offer, but most importantly for creating my Ric!

2. Australia

For starters, the country is stunning. You have rainforest, amazing beaches, great cities, great diving and so much more.

Past the beauty, what an amazing place to live. I’m pretty sure it has a lot to do with the fact that you still have all your natural resources to provide money and jobs, but your lifestyle is the best in the world.

It seems that most people live comfortably in Australia. School is free, even university until students make a certain amount of earnings, the healthcare system is fantastic and wages are ridiculously high. Sure the cost of living is a bit high, but it all works out in the people’s favor I think.

Melbourne won most livable city in the world this year and I understand why.

I spent one of the best years of my life in Oz and am so thankful for the work holiday visa. I saw some incredible things and met even more incredible people.

I love Australia.

My favorite stop on my journey around the country is Port Douglas. But I missed the entire West Coast, which I regret and really hope to see one day.

1. United States

My homeland.

I’d say half my visitors from here are family and close friends. I very special thanks to you guys for still loving me when I’m a million miles away. Another thank you to my fellow citizens who follow this blog.

Living 22 years in the States, it’s obviously the one I know most, but is actually one I’ve traveled least. My favorite place in the USA will always be Florida. Despite all the state’s voting problems, it was the first place I ever vacationed to, which I think started my love of travel. St. Augustine, Key West, Miami, South Beach-you’re all beautiful.

I never really wanted to travel the States, because I take the country for granted, which I think a lot of people do with their homeland. But the more time I spend talking with people who have traveled around my country, the more I like the idea of buying a winnebago and hitting each state, especially Montana. This may sound weird, but I want to breath your air.

You’re turn

Take the #readerlove challenge and give your readers a big shout out on your blog. Write about the top ten countries where your readers come from and reason to visit that place. Leave the link on Waegook Tom’s reader love post then post the story on Twitter with the hashtag #readerlove.

Entering the world of couples travel can be a bit shocking for those used to doing it solo. Couples must consider compromise with plans, issues with money and general breaks from one another when needed. It’s not an easy switch, but a rewarding one if you find the right person.

Most things couples must find out for themselves, but for some issues, they can look to couples who have already traveled together for advice. Couples like Mike and Luci of 1000 Fights, Laura and Roberto of Travel for Love and Amy and Kieron of Don’t Ever Look Back have logged quite a few miles with each other and still plan to do more. Here they offer some of tips and experiences to first time traveling couples.

Learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses – Don’t Ever Look Back

Our first trip together was to Bali and although it was unsaid, we each had our own roles to fulfil on that trip. For example, Kieron was responsible for the bargaining and negotiating at the markets while Amy took care of our belongings to make sure they were always safe and it worked perfectly! If we both tried to manage our budget, it most likely would have ended in arguments!

Originally from Australia, Amy and Kieron first traveled together in 2007. Their next big trip will start in Hawaii July 2011. Photo provided

Work together-1000 Fights

Traveling together is always going to force you to work together. You have to figure out where you are and where you are going. How you are going to find each other in a museum. You are going to have to work together to understand those you come in contact with.

Take some time for yourself – Travel for Love

You’ll be doing some compromising when you travel with a partner, so be sure to do some things just for you. It’s your trip too! I really enjoy visiting spas and getting pampered, and it’s not my fiance’s favorite, but I still take the opportunity to visit spas and indulge a little on the road. He gets to do his own thing and we look forward to spending the rest of the day together.

Compromise – Don’t Ever Look Back

On our last trip to the US, we went to the baseball and wrestling (Kieron’s choices) and to Disneyland and a Las Vegas show (Amy’s choice). While we may not have totally enjoyed each others choices, it was all part of the experience and had a good time nonetheless. Stubbornness has no place in couples travel so agree to disagree and compromise.

Learn to love – 1000 Fights

One of my favorite parts about travel is watching Luci interact with people of other cultures.  We have known each other for nearly all of our lives. Watching her in different situations, makes me love her even more. Take for example, our trip to the Amazon in Peru. The jungle is NOT Luci’s cup of tea.
With that said, she handled the challenge with grace and openness.

Communicate – Travel for Love

Early in a relationship you might not know your partner’s travel style and when you hit the road together you might be surprised to learn some things don’t mesh well with yours. If you communicate your expectations in advance you’ll be able to make plans that suit you both.

Travel is more than just a hobby, but a means of being together for Travel for Love. Laura hails from USA and Roberto from Brazil. This engaged couple meets in places around the world as they await on the US immigration process. Photo provided

*Bonus tip*

Expect to fight – 1000 Fights

You are going to fight. (When you do, please share them on our site.) Fights happen. They are a good thing. They are a clash of ideas held by passionate people. What’s so bad about that. The key is not being mad at each other. Realize that you simply have a difference of opinion. Simply work it out. Give in some times. Stay strong sometimes. It helps if you both take turns. Making up can be fun as well!

Mike and Luci's relationship stretches all the way back to the 2nd grade. They make sure to take time as a couple each year, visiting and fighting in some place. Photo provided

Thanks to 1000 Fights, Travel for Love and Don’t Ever Look Back for contributing to this post. Visit their sites to learn more about their trips as well as couples travel.

While Anjanette Morton of “Anj writes about…” may have taken some time to put up her Kreative Blogger Meme post due to trying to think of her list, my reason for taking so long has to do with number two on mine. It wasn’t until I looked at a to-do list from months ago that included writing this post that I finally found some inspiration to start blogging again. So thanks Anj for nominating me and without knowing it, giving me some much needed inspiration to write again.

With much thought, here are seven things you may not know about me:

1. I want to wear a green dress to my wedding.

2. Although I call myself a writer and love it, I go through huge periods when I either just can’t write or am too lazy to even try.

3. I have no idea what I want to be when I grow up and I don’t think I ever will.

4. Sometimes I’ll hold back on doing things because I’m afraid of rejection.

5. I’m an emotional eater.

6. I still miss my mom.

7. There have been quite a few times in my life when some kind of accident happened that no one would fess up to. Most of those times it was me. Sorry.

Here’s to continuing the inspiration to those whom have already inspired me.

Lauren Fritsky
Julia Hays
Bobbi-Jo Melissa O’Gilvie
Emily Kostic
Cristal Aisha

All extremely diverse, they have in common ambition, heart and intelligence. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I do.

Nominated ladies, here are the rules.

1. Copy the award to your blog
2. Insert a link to the person who nominated you
3. Share seven things about yourself that you haven’t told us before
4. Nominate other bloggers for the award – share the love
5. Link to their blogs
6. Tell the nominees about their award

On a real adventure kick recently, I googled best travel books today to try and find some strong reading material to match my mood. I looked through google’s feedback and found not only are none of the lists similar to one another, but none of them included the majority of my favorite travel books.

I think my judgment on literature is pretty good, so I felt a bit insulted. I’m a member of Oprah’s Book Club, I look for books on New York Times Best-Seller Lists and I don’t always follow literary trends.

My top five favorite travel-inspired books (for now)

1. “Shantaram“ by Gregory David Roberts
2. “The Razor’s Edge” by W. Somerset Maugham
3. “The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown
4. “Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert
5. “In a Sunburned Country” by Bill Bryson

But I haven’t read it all, so I want to see what people recommend I crack open next. Vote for your favorite travel book of all time below. If you can’t find it listed, make sure to add it or leave a comment.

Best travel books lists I used for this quiz:

• Telegraph’s 20 best travel books of all time
• Conde Nast Traveler’s 86 Greatest Travel Books of All Time
• World Hum’s Top 30 Travel Books
• TNT’s all-time 10 top travel books

Photo courtesy of Horizon Books

The term WWOOF is thrown around in hostels and bus stations throughout Australia quite frequently, but not everyone knows exactly what it means, nor how great it can be for travelers. Willing Workers On Organic Farms is an international volunteer network. While the organization is available is numerous countries, it seems most well-organized and practiced in Australia.

People pay $60 for a one-year membership that includes support, access to the organization’s online forum and a book full of hosts. Hosts range from vineyards to cattle raches to hostels. The work varies, but it is usually four to six hours per day. Travelers receive free food and accommodation in return for any work their host’s requires.

That’s the basics, but the organization is so much more than that. It opens travelers up to experiences they can’t find in a guide book, encourages cultural exchanges and so much more. There’s plenty of reasons to WWOOF, here are just a few.

Family: Every hosts is different, but some invite guests to live with the family. It may not be for everyone, but it can work wonders for those feeling a little home sick. As children, most or us are eager to get away from home and be on our own. People may underestimate the importance of little things like eating dinner, running errands and watching a movie with their family at home. They soon realize it when they’re out on their own in a foreign land. Living with a hosts family can help fill that void when traveling for long periods of time.

2/24/2010-(Left) Me playing Maedy and Konrad Birti at Kancoona Valley Wines after a day of working in the vineyards. Photo by Anna-Lise Rouquier

Friends: Staying at a house that accommodates more than one WWOOFer makes the experience even better. Some WWOOFers really bond and even travel together after their time with a host. Working and living together allows for more conversation than in hostels. It’s a positive environment to get to know another person and can make the experience a lot of fun. Plus, people may get the chance to learn from other cultures besides their own and their host’s.

Food and leisure: Since most WWOOF hosts reside on farms, they usually serve fresh vegetables, meat and more. A lot of times WWOOFers enjoy home-cooked meals, which sure beats hostel bread and tuna fish. The food is from that culture and homemade, so WWOOFers get a chance to try new things, for free. Plus, hosts sometimes take their guests for leisure activities, whether it be hiking a local mountain or going on a vacation with the family.

Lessons: WWOOFing allows travelers to learn things they can’t just visiting tourist’s attractions or staying in hostels. People actually live like the locals do and learn all those little nuances that are part of that particular culture. WWOOFers can also learn more about things like farming, wine-making and cooking. Whatever their host family may do, volunteers get a taste of.

2/13/2010-Anna-Lise Rouquier (right), a WWOOFer from France, helps Joe Birti, owner of Kancoona Valley Wines, with winery work. Kancoona Valley Wines is one of many hosts available through WWOOF Australia. Photo by Bobbi Lee Hitchon

Communication and manners: It’s not always easy to stay with people that don’t follow the same routine or traditions as one’s own. It can be frustrating, but is character-building. People may learn to be more accepting or better listeners. Plus, this isn’t one’s own family or a friend of the family, so guests should be on good behavior, which could lead to practicing better manners in other aspects of life.

To really get to know a culture, people need to do more than visit the sights and read plaques. They need to live, eat and drink like the locals do. WWOOF is an easy and safe organization that assists travelers doing so.

Photo courtesy of Japan Podshow

After a few trips around Europe, I started to loathe McDonald’s. The American restaurant chain is everywhere, near the Spanish steps in Rome, Italy, the Louvre in Paris, France, even in Rynek Glowny, the main square in Krakow, Poland. Those golden arches I loved as a child, were ruining all my grand travel dreams and photos as an adult, but the world-wide fast food restaurant hasn’t taken over everywhere.

There are still some secret travel spots in the world, some even hidden in the nooks and crannies of large cities. However, travelers won’t find these secret spots following guide books and hotel maps. It takes a lot of searching and talking with locals. Some spots may require long walks, getting lost and sometimes even a little danger, but it’s all worth it to find that one place no one you know has ever been to or even heard of for that matter. Here are a few I’ve found during my travels.

I.) Vela Luka on the island of Korcula, Croatia.

Photo by Bobbi Lee Hitchon

Escape busy cities and even busier beaches during the summer in Europe with a weekend in Vela Luka, located on the island of Korcula on the coast of Croatia. A tiny shore town, on a tiny island, it’s one place on the Adriatic Sea that hasn’t been invaded by cruise ships and day trippers.

Arriving in the port, travelers will see placid green and blue waters lining a mountainous green landscape, speckled with clay-orange houses.

The island is a best kept secret for scuba divers as well. The calm, clear waters are a great place to learn how to dive. Croatia Divers offers open water, advanced and other certifications. Divers are unlikely to see any sharks, but will spot a lot of squids octopus and other sea life.

There are only a few shops and restaurants in town, but an array of worldly cuisines and authentic merchandise. Expect fresh seafood daily, friendly locals and beautiful sunsets. Being in Eastern Europe, Vela Luka is more affordable than well-known beach destinations in Western Europe and not too far away. At dusk the sky turns pink as the sun sinks away to reveal a perfect starry night.

How to get there: Ferries from Split, on the coast of Croatia, usually run at least once a day, but check the times before arriving. Purchase tickets online or at the port. Visitors can reach Split by train from Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. The train ride alone is a great travel secret, as passengers get the chance to see Croatia’s beautiful landscapes.

II. Myrtleford in Northeast Victoria, Australia

Photo by Bobbi Lee Hitchon

While most of the Australian population lives in cities along the coast, travelers really must visit the country to truly experience the land down under and one day on a group bus isn’t enough. Once a bustling tobacco center, after the Australian government band production of tobacco, Myrtleford has calmed down, but kept its unique charm. The small town along Great Alpine Road is an ideal stop or starting point for winter sport-enthusiasts and nature lovers.

With very few commercial businesses, tiny bakeries and coffee shops are family owned and operated. Women carry baskets instead of purses and tiny cottages on back streets are surrounded by rose bushes.

The tiny town is also center to an up-and-coming Australian wine destination. Visit the town information center on Great Alpine Road to learn more about local wineries as well as other town activities. While travelers won’t find many of their kind their, it’s easy to fit in with the friendly locals.

How to get there: The best way is by car, via Great Alpine Road, the Great Ocean Road of the mountains. By car, tourists can stop in the city, but also visit surrounding attractions and nature reserves. By public transportation, travelers can take a V-Line train from Southern Cross Station in Melbourne. Get off at Seymour and take a bus to Wangaratta. At Wangaratta board a bus to Myrtleford, which drops passengers off in the town center. It sounds confusing, but it’s fairly simple and the bus drivers are very helpful.

III. Piazza at Schmidts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

A recent addition to Philadelphia’s up-and-coming Northern Liberties neighborhood, Piazza at Schmidts is a popular spot among locals. The new, pricey apartment complex has an extremely modern glass and metal design located amongst classic Northeast American architecture. Buildings surround a massive brick square surrounded by vintage clothing stores, restaurants and bars. Eastern European-like, stringed street lamps hang above the grey brick courtyard scattered with patches of greenery.

The courtyard is especially busy in the summer when Phillies games are shown on a massive jumbotron in the courtyard, Questlove, drummer for The Roots and Philadelphian, hosts open parties on the weekends and hipsters surround PYT, a burger joint with nightclub located in the rear. The Piazza has markets and events for people at any age, year round.

How to get there: A massive dirt parking lot is located next to it. Parking is free, which is unheard of in Philadelphia (land of Parking Wars). It’s not a far walk from Old City, which has a few subway and Patco stops. From Market Street, just walk about ten minutes North on N. 2nd Street. It will be on your right.

Five bloggers I nominate to share their travel secrets:

• The Aussie Nomad
• Travelin’ Chucks
• Thom and Sean’s World Trip
• SofloBojo
• Travel Yourself

Travel blogger Chris Richardson documents preparation for his upcoming round-the-world trip on his website The Aussie Nomad. There he’s talked about everything from leaving mum to selling his most priced possessions. But in June, Richardson’s content will switch from trip prep to trip experience. In an interview, the 28-year-old IT consultant talks about how this trip came together and what he is most excited for about it.

Bobbi Hitchon (BH): When did you decide go on a round the world trip?

Chris Richardson (CR): The idea had been brewing since my first major trip overseas to Hong Kong & Singapore back in 06/07. I spent Christmas in Hong Kong and New Year in Singapore, loving every minute of it. The food the culture and oh did I mention the food. Let me just say that the octopus balls I consumed while travelling on that trip were awesome and everybody needs to try them, just don’t let the fact they appear to move put you off.

The turning point was in 2008 when my girlfriend and I parted ways. Suddenly the road ahead changed from a perfectly planned route to a dusty one lane back road with no signs. I re-evaluated my life and decided the way forward should be with a backpack and a plane ticket.

BH: What is the hardest part about preparing to leave home for an extended period of time?

CR: Probably convincing my mother I wasn’t about to throw my career and her chance of grandchildren away. I have a close family so where I might speak to my mum or brother every couple of days now, living on the other side of the world with the time difference is going to make that much harder.

BH: How are you preparing for your trip (visas, finances, vaccinations, etc.)?

CR: Its been a gradual preparation. In the beginning I planned out the obvious how much money do I want to have, where I might like to go and what visa will I need to work there, what do i do with all of my belongings etc.

Along the way I conquered smaller goals like moving house to save money, setting up automatic saving plans and selling any furniture I didn’t want to put into storage. Its only recently that my brother has thrown a spanner in the works and planned his wedding for 3 months after I head to Europe.

BH: It’s not very easy to just leave family, friends and a career, how do you face personal apprehension and outside doubters?

CR: I think because I have moved around a bit over the last 10 years, first to study and then to work, it’s not as hard as it could have been. I will obviously miss my family and friends but with facebook, twitter and email keeping me currently filled in on everything, living overseas is just extending the distance I have to travel to get to see them.

As for my career and the doubters, well what’s life without a few challenges?

BH: Where are you most looking forward to visiting and why?

CR: At some stage I would love to visit Kansas. For no any other reason than to catch up with a long time pen friend. Over all the years and the ups and downs we have always stayed in contact. An unbreakable bond of sorts that I made a promise too such a long time ago and intend to keep.

BH: Do you have any long term plans for the trip, working, volunteering?

CR: My trip is rather open ended, simply because my current life has too much planned out. It begins in Europe where I hope to spend 2-3 months (money allowing) looking around before working my way to London where I will have a 2 year working holiday visa waiting for me.

After that well, I would love to get involved with some volunteering in Africa as well as trying my hand at woofing in Western Europe. Maybe after that I’ll make a new friend in Asia and we will ski our way across Canada. Thats the beauty of backpacking, you decide where to go, with who and when.

BH: Why did you decide to document the trip online?

CR: I stumbled into it a little I guess you could say. Researching backpacking in the beginning I found a  great community of travel bloggers. I just wanted to be part of it. They are all full of desire and passion for what they do that I too wanted to share stories and adventures with them.

BH: What do you hope will come of your website?

CR: I really don’t know. I read so many other blogs written by experienced writers or journalists (I’m just an IT geek hacking away at words), all doing the same as me that I don’t think I’ll ever really compete to be an authority in anything. I guess if it does nothing other than to inspire just one person to break free of their career for awhile and see the world then it will be worth it.

Photo of Chris Richardson in Hong Kong Disneyland in December 2006 courtesy of Richardson.

I’m not much on video competitions, but THE WORD Australia’s Best Backpacking Job in Australia was too good an opportunity to pass. As I mentioned before, I’ll be leaving for Australia soon, not just to travel but to live and work. This seemed like a great opportunity, plus it was lots of fun. By the way, I live in NJ and it’s January. Pretty sure it was at least 20 degrees Fahrenheit tonight and I was outside in a wet suit, which is now frozen. Seriously. That’s dedication.

All you have to do to vote for me is view the video. If you like it, view it as much as you can. Leave it on in the background while you are doing something else. Show your family and friends. Thanks for any support. Even if I don’t win, you can expect more videos on the site just like this. Happy viewing!

Just so you know. I don’t actually say maverick. It just fit so well in the sentence.

Photo of me in Naples gripping the massive Nutella jars the hostel had as condiments.