Photo above by Oldtasty

I have never seen a country with a more aggressive tourist industry than Thailand. You emerge from Hua Lumpong station and make your way to the southern exit. It takes a fraction of a second for taxi and tuk-tuk drivers to yell at the top of their lungs, “Hello sir! Taxi sir! Where you go!? Where you go?”

If you have a foreign face and need or want something, someone will try to take advantage of you at some point. Here are a few tips to getting what you want at the price you want, not just in Thailand, but across Southeast Asia.

Photo above by neal_mcquaid

Speak Thai, or make your best effort.

Even a few words in Thai can go a long way. Obviously this will work better if you are fluent and can prove to the driver that you’re not a ignorant tourist, but if you’re still learning, stick with the numbers.

Negotiate the price before you depart, or even get in the cab.

Most likely, if they peg you as a tourist, you’ll be asked for 3-4 times the rate given to a local. Here’s how to use “How much is it?” in Thai: Tao arai khrap (or kha, for women)?

There’s no such thing as a free ride.

Don’t ever accept a free ride from a taxi or tuk-tuk. Often drivers will drop you at their “friend’s” gem or gold shop and pressure you into buying something. You also might end up on a tour of the city, which was not included in the free fare.

Photo above by René Ehrhardt

Navigating the Markets of Beijing

Before traveling to Thailand, I had slowly made my way from Osaka to China. Beijing was as familiar as ever: so much pollution that you can stare at the sun for minutes at a time, streets filled to the brim with cars and people, and never-ending construction.

Situating myself in the Sanlitun area, I found a clothing market close to the Workers’ Stadium. Surely I could find decent, cheap backpacks here – one as a carry-on, one for the open road.

I found what I was looking for in the corner of the basement, next to a selection of women’s “brand name” shoes. What followed was…

Feigning apathy.

I made it seem as though I was just browsing, while looking at my watch and giving the impression I had something better to do than shop for cheap backpacks. In actuality, I was narrowing my selection. This didn’t stop the shopkeeper from giving her best foreigner sales pitch:

“Look sir, you want backpack? Look at the quality here! FEEL the material! This one from Hong Kong, not fake, good for you! Look sir!”

Don’t let them know exactly what you want.

Start asking about another item you have absolutely no interest in, then switch to the one you do want to buy. It’s a game, you see.

Listen to the opening price, then counter it.

The opening price will be more than ten times the manufacturing cost. You could buy it for less than cost, as the merchants really just need one ignorant foreigner to make a purchase at an inflated price.

Respond with your first offer. Name a price ridiculously lower than that requested. If they ask for 2000 RNB, suggest 50.

Walk away.

Photo above by Yan Pritzker

Naturally, they’re going to make some attempt to bring you back, most likely by gently grabbing your arm and acquiescing: “ok, maybe I can make a friend; you very smart, you must live in China.”

They’ll counter probably with something like what they said their bare minimum cost is for the item… 1200 or so.

Name a price slightly higher than that you previously requested… 55 RMB. “Are you joking? Not enough!”

Walk away again. Amazingly, the price which had been declared the “bare minimum” has fallen… 800.

Don’t stop now.

Keep right on raising the price in small, small increments… 60 RMB.

Keep going through this until you end up at around 100-200 RMB, which is reasonable given a starting price of 2000. Walk away as many times as it takes, and don’t waver – despite everything they tell you or try to guilt you into paying, they know exactly how much it costs and how much profit they’ll make if they can just get that one buyer who doesn’t want to go through the trouble of haggling.

Helpful Tips

In general, whether you’re passing through the aforementioned countries or spending time in Cambodia, Laos, or Vietnam, the same advice applies to not getting mugged abroad: don’t flash cash. Try to speak as much of the local tongue as you can.

And, as anti-traveler an idea as it is, don’t try to make friends…

I’m not saying you couldn’t meet a potential friend in the Thai tourist industry, but there would always be that nagging question: is it me he likes, the internationalization I bring to his shop, or my wallet?

Unfortunately, it’s usually the latter.

Photo above by René Ehrhardt

Remember that haggling is more of a performance than anything else; you are playing the role of the poor hippie backpacker while the shopkeeper is playing the role of the poor-must-make-money-to-feed-my-seven-kids merchant.

But as travelers we must remember that this can be the truth. Don’t needlessly press those asking an extra 1 USD for a T-shirt, or quibble when a taxi hikes the fare by 30 cents.

Know when to walk away and how to play your part: if you’re sporting a $300 pair of Oakleys and arguing over the price of a 20 RMB dragon statue, you’re only going to make a fool of yourself and every vagabond following in your wake.

On the flip side, however, you shouldn’t cave to the bloated asking price without so much of a word of protest because you’re in a hurry or not in the mood for a good old-fashioned haggling; letting merchants believe they can get away with such deals will only drive up prices and could cause even more inflation.

Community Connection

Want more advice on haggling worldwide? Check out our guide, How to Haggle.

Feature photo by kk+ / Above photo by LShave

1. Diarrhea

Diarrhea is the most common problem that can affect your trip. I always say, “Listen to your mom for good travel eating advice.” Don’t eat anything that is not properly and thoroughly cooked. Avoid tap water, ice, and veggies washed in tap water. If the restaurant or food stand looks dirty or the chef has a sore on his hand, don’t eat there!

But I confess, I am what travel docs call an “adventurous eater” and I don’t always follow my own advice. For those who do the same, and get diarrhea, there are many options.

First, stay hydrated with lots of water and electrolyte drinks. The presence of blood in diarrhea or high fevers can mean the infection is invasive and may require antibiotics. Ciprofloxacin is a common antibiotic for TD (traveler’s diarrhea). Loperamide is an antiperistaltic agent that slows down your bowels. This can be useful if you have a 5 hour bus ride and no toilet. Use caution with anything that “stops you up,” as this may only trap the invasive bacteria in your intestines, giving it more time to do damage.

Travel First Aid Kit. Photo by Mat Honan

2. Blisters

A common complaint from the hiking crowd, shopping tourists, and sightseers alike is blisters. Making sure your shoes fit well and are broken in can do the most to prevent blisters. Wearing a new pair of shoes on the day you are trying to hit every museum in the city is not a good idea.

Blisters are caused by friction and heat. Eliminating both decreases your chance of getting a blister and helps slow down the hot spot you have forming on your heel. Many skin lubricants are commercially available and this is a good option for prevention. Perhaps the best treatment is using moleskin. This is available in most hiking/outdoor stores and is basically a felt pad cut to fit and placed over a blister.

3. Respiratory Infections

Nothing fancy here: I am talking about the common cold. The ubiquitous upper respiratory infection is found everywhere, and generally caused by viruses with names more exotic than the capital city of Mongolia (Ulaanbaatar). Symptoms include runny nose, slight fever, ear pressure and muscle aches.

Knowing if this is a simple URI or the beginning of something more serious is the key and the hardest part, even for doctors.

If you’re unsure or feel particularly sick, see a healthcare provider!

Symptomatic treatment centers around nasal decongestants like pseudoephedrine, and fever control with acetaminophen or paracetamol. Inhaled nasal steroid sprays can also help with ear pressure and work wonders for travelers with nasal stuffiness or “ear fullness”. Staying hydrated and taking time to rest are also key. Remember to have a low threshold for seeking medical help when you are far from home.

4. Bladder Infections

Symptoms include a sense of urinary urgency (”I have to pee and cannot hold it!”) or hesitancy (”I try to pee but cannot get started!”). Most common in women travelers. Darker and stronger smelling urine is often noted. Problems occur when the infection spreads to the kidneys, causing fevers and side pain. This requires serious help and antibiotics. Common medications used to treat Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) include tmp/smx or ciprofloxacin.

The most common bacterial cause is E. Coli, a bacteria found commonly in feces. Hygiene, including regular showers and changing and wearing clean underwear, can help prevent UTI’s.

When using the toilet, women should wipe “front to back” to prevent bacteria from the back reaching the front. Staying well hydrated also helps flush the area through frequent urination. Cranberry juice has been shown to prevent bacteria from sticking to the cells of the urinary tract.

Unsafe drinking water. Photo by hdptcar

5. Tooth Injuries

Nothing ruins a trip like having a tooth problem. Loose dental work, fillings, cavities and chipped teeth are all potential culprits. Make sure you visit your dentist before your trip, especially if you are gone for more than a week or two.

Problems on the road can be temporarily dealt with using a few basic supplies from your travel first aid kit. Clove oil can be placed on a cotton ball or cotton tipped stick to help relieve localized mouth pain. Temporary filling material, such as Cavit or zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) can be used to fill holes, smooth rough surfaces and protect the nerves underneath. Evan candle wax works in a tough spot.

Warm salt water rinses can help keep problem areas clean, and then you should start looking for a dentist. Mouth infections can be very painful and dangerous. Don’t delay treatment.

6. Superficial Skin Infections

Cuts and scrapes happen when you travel. Superficial infections in these cuts also occur, as people are traipsing through jungles, climbing on and off buses and sitting in dirty pubs. Local infections are marked by redness and swelling around a break in the skin. Warning signs include fevers, pus or discharge from the wound, and pain out of proportion to the injury.

Eliminate another worry by making sure your tetanus vaccine is current before you travel.

Keep your cuts clean and protected if at all possible. Open wounds should be thoroughly cleaned and irrigated as soon as possible. Use lots of soap and water, make sure there is no debris in the wound, and apply a topical antibiotic cream.

Cover the area with a clean, dry dressing that gets changed at least twice per day. Clean the area often, again with soap and water.

I try to draw a circle (using an ink pen) around the area of redness, so that I can tell if the infection is spreading and moving outside my circle. If the infection looks bad or if you have other medical conditions or problems, get yourself to a healthcare worker.

Mosquito bites. Photo by LOLO FROM TAHITI

7. Mosquito Bites

Mosquitoes carry diseases like malaria, dengue, yellow fever and many more. Avoid being bitten by wearing long sleeves, long pants and being prepared with a few items. Using a permethrin spray on your clothing, as well as using tents and curtains, can reduce bites. For personal protection, a 35% concentration of DEET spray should do the trick.

Anybody who sleeps outdoors or with open windows should seriously think about using mosquito netting.

8. Muscle Aches and Pains

Uncomfortable sleeping positions on trains and planes, lugging heavy luggage and lots of new activity can lead to sore muscles on the road. Ibuprofen is a great medicine for muscle soreness and should be carried in every first aid kit. Take ibuprofen with food, as it may cause problems with the stomach lining.

Acetaminophen is another great option, although it does not reduce inflammation like ibuprofen. These medications are available in most pharmacies and general stores around the world.

9. Jet Lag

Wide-awake at 3 AM, only to be drowsy at lunchtime. Problems acclimating to a new time zone can slow down trips, ruin meetings and make for grumpiness.

There is no magical cure for jet lag but there are a few things you can do to help. Bright light stimulates your body to be awake, so if you need to be awake, open the curtains or get outside. Conversely, if you need to get yourself to bed, use dim lights inside and sunglasses if you must be outdoors.

Caffeine can help give a boost, allowing you to stay up a bit more or feel less fatigued. An outstanding resource can be found at thecureforjetlag.com.

10. Sexually Transmitted Diseases

People like to have a good time on their trips, and for some that includes sex. But nobody wants to come home with an unwanted “souvenir” from his or her trip, like a sexually transmitted infection.

All contact with a new partner should be made using a latex barrier, like a condom. Common infections include syphilis, gonorrhea and herpes. HIV is another large concern and should be at the top of everybody’s mind when clothes start coming off. Condoms help prevent infection and pregnancy.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Matador member noellejt found herself in a dental emergency in Chiang Mai, Thailand: read about her experience in the blog “Maybe you’re just meant to be in Chiang Mai…?”.

Have a question for the doctor? Ask away in the comments below!

Photo by afgpa

A couple winters ago I was snowshoeing with my wife in the Indian Peaks Wilderness in Colorado. It was in the upper 20s with thickening clouds and upslope winds that carried a faint smell of cow manure–the odor whisked off the great stockyards down in the prairie. These are all signs it would be snowing at any moment. Five hours or five minutes, you could never tell.

We set off on a familiar trail up to Lefthand Reservoir. It would just be a short day. Maybe three hours. We had a thermos of hot Earl Grey and some powerbars. One extra layer apiece in our daypacks.

The snow was packed along the trail. We got into a rhythm, noting deer and and elk tracks, rabbits and squirrels. Foxes. You were always on the lookout for bobcat tracks. Or mountain lion. After about 15 minutes a light to medium snow started falling. We cut off trail, where the tree cover helped keep the snow out of our faces.

We meandered through deep powder towards a gulley. This was what we loved about snowshoeing–you could go anywhere that looks interesting. Here was one of my favorite kinds of places, a steep ravine where lichen-bearded firs grew dense along the edges.

We continued traversing along a direction I believed was paralleling the road to Brainard Lake. All we’d have to do was cut downhill whenever we got tired and that road would take us back to the car.

Photo by pfly

We stopped after an hour. The temperature had dropped and the snow was coming down heavy now.

We had tea, but the powerbars were frozen. I showed Lau how to put it inside her parka so it would thaw out later. We couldn’t stay long with our mittens off.

After traversing a while longer we came to a clearing. There was a lake I’d never seen before. On the other side was a small structure, an old abandoned cabin or hunting lodge.

Out in the open the snow was really coming down. I looked back and realized that our tracks were quickly filling. Our trail in was probably gone. I looked around some more. I couldn’t see the road from here.

Lau sensed my concern and asked me if everything was ok. I told her it was, but that we should begin heading back to the car. I knew that no matter what it was downhill.

We started breaking fresh fresh tracks alongside the creek draining the small lake. This led to another small gulch and wetlands that was thick with alder and willow. It was too hard to follow there so we began climbing a small rise and worked our way around.

On the way around I tried not to dwell possible scenarios. But several passed through my mind.

My main thought was that if we got trapped out in the open we didn’t have enough gear to survive a big storm We could maybe work back up to the cabin but it would only offer minimal protection (the roof and walls were halfway caved-in).

The snow was light and powdery and we didn’t have tools to build an snowcave. Without really thinking about it or meaning to I’d put us in the classic dumbass situation: staking our lives on making it back to a vehicle. And why? Because I knew the terrain. This was just a little hike in our “backyard.”

Only I wasn’t sure now. I still couldn’t see the road. It had to be there though, and after we’d climbed one more small rise, there it was. We hiked down the road, enjoying the hike again, enjoying what had turned into a full snowstorm now. But when we got back to the car we talked about how next time we had to be more careful. We’d gotten off easy.

Invest time in learning winter survival camping and survival skills, such as building a snow cave. Photo by iwona_kellie

Here’s what we decided to have next time we went out, even for a day hike:

• Map and Compass (or GPS). — In this case I knew the terrain intimately, but if I’d had my map on me (instead of sitting in the car) I would’ve seen that small pond and known exactly where I was. And if the visbility had dropped due to heavier snow, we might not have been able to reach the car without a compass or GPS. If you get in white-out conditions, all sense of direction disappears.
• Emergency Shelter — Had we gotten trapped out there, a lightweight shelter such as my megamid, or even just a tarp and a sleeping bag would’ve meant the difference between an uncomfortable but survivable night, and a potentially deadly situation.
• Extra Food — We decided to make always keep at least a couple extra chocolate bars, nuts, and other rich foods in a sealed container. Having a quick and easy supply of calories would’ve made a big difference as well had we been caught out.
• A different attitude — Again, part of our ill-preparedness was due to the fact that this was our “backyard” terrain. I’d backcountry snowboarded this area, hiked and camped it in every season. But what we need reminding sometimes is that familiarity can breed nonchalance, which is never the right attitude to have in the wilderness. It’s all about respect.

With the recent slew of deaths around the backcountry this season, this experience–one that could’ve been a lot worse–has been on my mind lately. Keep it safe out there everyone. Don’t stake your lives on making it back to a vehicle or ski lodge.

You owe it to yourself, your friends, loved ones, and crew: be prepared no matter what.

Photo by m.prinke

Mellower than sledding and less painful than snowball fighting, snowshoeing may be the perfect way for you to get outside and enjoy the crisp air of the winter months. You won’t have to deal with lift-lines and screaming tourist children.

Here are 7 more reasons to try out snowshoeing this winter:

1. See your favorite nature spot in all its wintry glory.

There’s nothing like rediscovering your favorite hike from a winter perspective. Everything is calm and quietly blanketed in snow, and snowshoes enable you to hike off-trail and into densely-wooded terrain you wouldn’t reach otherwise. Be prepared to feel slightly God-like.

Photo by a4gpa

2. It’s a great workout.

Feeling fatty after all that delicious holiday food? According to Calorie Counter, snowshoeing can burn up to 330 calories in 30 minutes. That’s all the calories in a Burger King Whopper Jr. or one sip of Grandma’s eggnog. Snowshoeing is also better on your body’s joints than walking or running, since the snow cushions the impact.

3. You’d have to be an idiot to get lost.

Just follow your tracks back to the car. Unless it snows over the trail. Then you’re just plain screwed. (Or you’ve properly prepared for a winter outing with map, compass (and / or GPS), extra food, clothing, and emergency shelter).

Photo by RL Johnson

4. Snowshoeing is exponentially cheaper than skiing or snowboarding.

With average lift ticket prices creeping past $79 (and don’t forget to add in equipment costs), you’ve got to have money just to get on the mountain. At around $20 for an all-day rental, you can’t beat snowshoeing for getting the most bang out of your buck.

5. If you can walk, you can snowshoe.

It might feel a bit funny at first, but just put one foot in front of the other and voilà! You’re snowshoeing, baby! Snowshoeing’s simplicity makes it an ideal family sport, as everyone from little Bobby to weird old Aunt Esther can probably manage.

6. Snowshoeing is gentle on the environment.

In the same way that snowshoeing is kinder on your joints, it’s also less detrimental to the environment. The snow buffers the earth against the impact of hikers and campers, cutting back on trail erosion and other effects of heavy use.

7. It just sounds cool!

“What did you do today, Mick?” “Oh, you know, I went snowshoeing.” Right on!

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Ready to get out in the snow? Matador has several guides to winter sports, including and winter hiking.

Feature photo by obLiterated. Photo above by Travel Aficionado.

As an expedition physician, one of my main responsibilities is pre-planning for medical emergencies. Depending on where my team is going, I research the condition of local airstrips, what types of evacuation aircraft can land on their runways, and whether local roads are drivable.

Knowing the conditions of local hospitals, the capabilities of local health care providers and the availability of equipment is vital should someone require advanced medical care.

You don’t need to be an expedition doctor to start thinking about what you would do in the event that you need serious medical treatment, however. Consider the following:

When and where to seek medical attention?

When we’re on the road, we often wait until some nagging symptoms have worsened and the matter becomes urgent. If you need to get some help and you need it soon, there are several options and places to seek medical attention.

The most important factor to determine your options is how quickly you need assistance. Any life-threatening emergency requires help as soon as possible. Calling the local ambulance service or taking a taxi to the local hospital is a first step to take when you’re seriously ill or hurt in an urban area.

The facility where you are treated may not be up to the standards of your home country, but it’s probably better than bleeding to death on the road.

Photo by uncultured.

A telephone call to your local embassy often yields advice on trusted clinics and hospitals that are used by embassy staff. Embassies do not have the responsibility of providing you medical care, but can point you in the direction of where to go. Plus, speaking with someone in your native language can often calm fears.

A list of international embassies for all countries can be found here.

Remember: internet access is often limited, especially when you are trying to get help as soon as possible.

Taking a few minutes ahead of time to write down the local address and phone numbers of the nearest in-country embassy can save vital time when you’re looking for health care.

Notifying the embassy of your situation also helps keep officials aware of your status; embassy staff can also help notify family or friends back home.

Travel health Insurance

The potential for serious illnesses or injuries is exactly why travelers purchase travel health insurance. Make sure to carry your insurance policy number, membership card, and a list of contacts. Travel insurance providers often have satellite offices around the world, so carry this information, as well.

Time zones, difficulties dialing out of country, and high costs are a few reasons why it is better to call the local number when seeking help.

If you’re new to travel insurance, factors to consider when making your selection include your medical history, the types of events you are planning for your trip, and repatriation (being flown home). Not all insurance providers are equal.

Photo by stenbough.

The International Society of Travel Medicine maintains a wonderful list of clinics and health care providers around the world. The ISTM list can get you in touch with a local doctor who has experience treating travelers and their unique health problems. These doctors can also offer advice on local hospitals, conditions, where to buy medicine, and how to navigate payment systems.

The International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT) is another organization whose sole purpose is to assist travelers with staying healthy. Membership in their organization is free, although good karma is acquired by making a small donation for their effort and materials.

Membership provides access to an internet site as well as a member’s book of medical clinics specializing in treating travelers. This is an extensive list and offers resources for almost all locations on the planet.

Photo by Sailing “Footprints: Real to Reel” (Ronn ashore).

Health care providers who offer service to IAMAT members agree to do so at a fixed rate for consultation, helping avoid the mess of international payments, insurance, and concerns of “Does my insurance cover this, or do I even have insurance?” Addresses, phone numbers and email addresses are provided in their 70-plus page book. IAMAT also features useful resources for preventing disease, vaccines and other travel health information.

The most important thing to remember is that if you feel you need medical care, seek it! Do not delay in your search for health care. There are many resources to start solving your problem. Pre-planning for the unforeseen emergency can be vital for a safe journey.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION:

For more tips to stay healthy on the road, check out Emergency Travel Medicine: 5 Useful Remedies from Easily Found Ingredients.

Have you ever had a medical emergency while traveling? Share your story in the comments!

Feature photo by pulguita. Photo above by Sreejith Kodoth.

One of the most defining characteristics of Indian culture is hospitality. People in India have the highest regard for guests and value hospitality. A common saying here is “atithi devo bhav,” meaning, “Guests are forms of God.”

The saying has as much meaning for Indian hosts as it does for foreign guests.

In India, you are likely to be invited into the homes of people with whom you interact. Even business meetings usually follow with a meal at someone’s home, so do not appear to be taken aback or surprised: accept the invitation cordially.

Here are some tips you should keep in mind to make your visit a pleasant one for you and your hosts when visiting a home in India:

Photo by Sun Pictures/Lakshman.

1. Dress conservatively, especially if you are a woman. Revealing clothes and exposed skin are frowned upon and will make everyone in the house uncomfortable.

2. It is not necessary to take a gift when visiting a home, though it is always appreciated. Something from your home country, a souvenir or maybe some sweets, is the most appropriate gift if you do not know the family or what they might need. Ice cream or some chocolates for the children of the house is something you can’t go wrong with.

3. In India, footwear and feet are considered dirty. In most homes, footwear is taken off outside the main door and the house is entered barefoot.

4. Once you are inside and introductions have been made, you will usually be greeted by a “Namaste” (joining of both hands). Namaste means different things to different people. Some say it is a bow of respect, while many believe it says, “I greet you with no previous inhibitions or prejudices.” Most traditional homes still use Namaste regularly, so if you are faced with it, simply return it.

5. In almost all cases you will first be offered water. This custom has extended from the villages, where people walk long distances to get to another’s home and may be tired and breathless, requiring refreshment upon arrival. Take the water and have a sip, even if you are not specifically thirsty.

6. Do not attempt to hug or kiss anyone on the cheek unless it is initiated by the other person. India is still a very conservative nation and hugging and kissing are not common practices, especially with a newly made acquaintance. A handshake will be the most you may initiate.

7. If you are asked if you don’t mind spicy food, do not imagine your host is referring to paprika or chili sauce. Be prepared for some seriously hot food. What Americans and Europeans tend to find spicy, Indians may find sweetish or bland.

8. Alcohol is taboo on most dinner tables and in quite a few homes as well. Do not assume that it will be served unless your host specifically mentions it.

Photo by orange tuesday.

9. Smoking is also something frowned upon in some homes. Always ask if it’s okay before lighting up a cigarette. Men of the house might smoke outside at work but do not smoke at home. Women who smoke are rare. Do not offer them a cigarette, as this may be interpreted as disrespectful.

10. Be prepared for vegetarian food in most homes as a large population of Indians are vegetarians. Even egg is considered non vegetarian.Prepare yourself for a green only cuisine experience.

11. You will notice that everyone washes their hands before and after a meal, and in most homes people eat only with their hands. Since hand-washing is so habitual, even families who eat with spoons are likely to wash their hands before a meal.

Photo by tracyhunter.

12. Serve yourself in small quantities and take second helpings. The biggest compliment to the lady of the house is when a guest likes her food. Be sure to be vocal about what you like the most and feel free to ask questions about the food. Asking for a recipe is also appropriate.

13. Always ask for permission before taking photographs of the family, especially of women.

14. Asking questions about culture, beliefs, and religion is fine as long as you do not sound derogatory or condescending.

Enjoy! Remember that your hosts are happy to have you, and saying you had a good time is the best way to repay them for their warm hospitality.

Community Connection:

Visiting a home, anywhere in the world? Check out 7 Ways to Thank Someone for Staying at their Home.

Photo courtesy editor b

1. Payback for those family vacations…

…the good kind of payback, of course. You have a lot to thank your parents for, even if they didn’t take you on that proverbial road trip to Disney World in the family minivan.

If you have the means, footing the bill for a vacation with your folks is a great way to show your gratitude. If not, try shouldering the responsibility of crafting and executing the itinerary, while letting your parents kick back and enjoy themselves.

2. Share yourself.

Are you a serial traveler? Then you probably don’t see your parents too frequently. This is your opportunity to help them understand your passion for travel and why you’re often so far from home. Allow them to share more fully in the person you’ve grown up to become.

3. Rediscover the ‘rents.

Likewise, it may have been decades since you lived under the same roof as your parents. Much has changed since then, and what better way to be forced into finding out what makes your folks tick these days than to travel with them?

Photo courtesy roblisameehan

4. Show off.

Admit it—it’s good to get affirmation from your two original authority figures. Jetting off to far-flung lands with your parents sets the stage for you to demonstrate mastery of another language, kung-fu packing techniques, and any other skills you’ve acquired through your travels. Prepare to bask in Mom’s and Dad’s oohs and aahs.

5. Strength in numbers.

Exploration on the road is easier with a little support. You’ll be more likely to pop into that intimidating cantina or take a spontaneous dance lesson when you’re with people you trust and feel comfortable around.

Alternatively, if your parents are experiencing anxiety about a certain travel activity, you may find strength in providing a steady hand and convincing them to take the leap.

6. Expand the story base.

Shift the parent-child relationship from the past into the present and future. No longer will family conversations lean on the crutch of rehashed childhood experiences; a shared excursion will give you new stories to draw from.

Regardless of what happens on the trip, the banter at the next holiday gathering will likely be a lot livelier.

7. Maturity by osmosis.

Maybe you’re the kind of traveler who spends nights boozing it up with the hostel crowd and days sleeping it off. Well, here’s your chance to partake in other facets of travel.

Accompany the folks to that history museum they’re set on, or research a one-of-a-kind attraction that appeals to their particular interests. Who knows what you’ve been missing?

8. Escape the stress.

The settings of family get-togethers are rarely described as stress-free. They’re usually at a relative’s home, where host-guest relations can create tension. On the road, no one’s responsible for entertaining, catering, cleaning up, or any of the other sticking points that can ruin time with family.

9. A different perspective.

Your parents probably aren’t your normal travel companions. What revelations might they be able to prompt regarding your traveling style—where you go, what you like to do, how deep you delve—that you wouldn’t have come to on your own? Shake it up!

Photo courtesy hithro

10. The perfect Christmas card shot.

Are your folks constantly searching for the ideal spot for a family Christmas card photo, one that will make the aunts and uncles green with envy? What could be more picturesque than the white-sand Hawaiian beach a stone’s throw from the hotel suite you scored? Engineer the perfect shot and they’ll be thanking you for years.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

For more on the ups and downs of travel and family, check out What Every Parent Should Know About Traveling With Their Kids, or Why I Disobeyed My Family and Traveled the World.