Building Houses, Building Lives

For several years I had the dream of living abroad, learning a different language and culture. Wasn’t there something more to life than routine and monotony? At times I would often wonder if most people were really waking up in the morning inspired by the work they were doing and how they were living their lives. I needed to make a change. I wanted to become actively involved in something positive that would provide a sense of purpose. Does that even exist, and if so, where do I sign up? Perhaps it’s easier said than done. I finally took the initiative and began to realize this dream when I traveled to Costa Rica on a whim and found myself volunteering with Habitat for Humanity International. Can one person really change the world? I wanted to find out.

Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide by making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat started a new International Volunteer Program (IVP) for long term volunteers, and I was the first to go through the program. My official title was that of Volunteer Coordinator for Latin America and the Carribean. I felt this to be a tremendous opportunity as the organization was built and existed on the support of volunteers. Starting out I was a bit on edge but in due time, I found my groove within the Habitat framework.

Unbelievable - I was actually enjoying office work. I took part in the development of materials such as a volunteer manual, interview guides, and evaluation forms; worked with a task force for the continuous improvement of the IVP program. I even did an on-site volunteer training in El Salvador. But the greatest part about my job was getting to work alongside other volunteers. People were there not because they had to be or were paid to be, but simply because they wanted to. My role was to coordinate housing and arrival logistics, administer orientations and provide support.

There was such charisma amongst the volunteers that I would often take it a step further and plan weekend excursions, after work outings - you name it. We ended up not just helping to change the lives of others, but changing the lives of each other. Working with Habitat gave me the confidence to feel I could accomplish any task. More importantly, it gave me a genuine sense of fulfillment in being able to work hard at work worth doing.

As often as possible I would leave the office and take the volunteers on building trips to Habitat construction sites throughout Costa Rica. It was extremely heartwarming to be able to see firsthand what the work you’re doing ultimately culminates in. Out at the site we would get to work alongside the benefitting Habitat family, who was very receptive, helpful and appreciative of us being there.

The scene was a fantastic amalgamation of cultures, economic backgrounds and beliefs. Yet the common bond that tied us together so tightly was the simple notion of building a home. Seeing everyone working, laughing, smiling, and sharing created an atmosphere so rich with emotion, it made me reconsider how I defined wealth. The house was symbolic of much more than just a place of residence. It represented a unity, a coming together, and an inherent understanding of equality that we’ll carry with us for the rest of our lives. As cliche as it may sound, it’s true. We were not only building homes, we were building lives.

Internationally or domestically, conflict resolution or human rights, poverty or the environment - it’s disheartening to think that there are so many ways to get involved and give back to the global community, Dilemmas exist not to create despair but activity. It doesn’t matter where you begin to start making positive contributions, so long as you make the decision to start, which is ultimately the toughest decision.

I chose the movement of eliminating poverty housing. Did I eliminate poverty housing? Not even close. Did I succeed? Absolutely. The serenity of my experience taught me that I alone cannot do away with poor housing, but it led me to the answer I was looking for. Perhaps one person can’t change the world, but the world can certainly change for one person. And it’s this domino effect, that if spread across the globe we can, collectively, achieve the unimaginable and create a world that reflects the warmth of mankind instead of its indifference.

Our ship was our home for the four month voyage, and was comparable to a floating all-inclusive hotel. The cabins vary in size, the fourth deck having the largest student rooms, but all serve their primary purpose of sleep. Each cabin is shared by two people and comes with a small amount of storage space and a private bathroom, which is cleaned daily by the cabin's perspective steward. Included in the rest of the interior space were classrooms, a computer lab, two dining halls, a student union, spa, salon, and cardio fitness center. Running on a treadmill while a ship is traversing swells makes for an interesting experience. Living spaces and working spaces tended to blur onboard, and at times, only being able to walk a few hundred feet in any direction started to make me feel a bit claustrophobic. Food served during the first few weeks of our voyage was basically enjoyable, but that soon changed. I do give the chef and crew a lot of credit for preparing three meals a day for an entire ship of people, but let me just say I am only starting to eat peanut butter again. Enticing names can only carry the food so far. After eating an indistinguishable white fish for four days in a row, taco day was an occasion to celebrate.

Outside the walls of the ship, sweeping views of the ocean tend to mesmerize you, along with the much needed clean, fresh air. Lounge chairs were spread out around the pool on the upper deck where a snack bar and weight room were also located. Sun bathing was a daily chore onboard and was usually accompanied by classroom reading material or mp3 players. I, along with the rest of the students, did attend classes in between ports. Coping with the disconnectedness was difficult at times. While surrounded by several hundred other people, some of whom you become very close to, there is still a lack of communication with the people at home. In order to deal with the isolation we would spend hours talking, no TV, no distractions, just speaking to each other. That has become one of my most fond memories. Reviewing and swapping pictures and e-mailing home about our adventures helped to pass downtime. The remaining onboard time was spent recuperating from the port we had just departed from or preparing for the next port. All of us were really there to experience the countries, after all.

Shipboard life did have a few other perks attached to it. Between each of the ports, a lecturer, who was either a native of our next port or very well educated in our that area would team with an "inter-port" student to purpose a lecture ranging in topics from the basics of cultural life to the intricacies of foreign politics. The best advice that was offered by our guests dealt with how to best utilize our time in each country. My semester had the honor to be graced with Archbishop Desmond Tutu as our South African lecturer. Small groups of students were given an opportunity to listen to the Archbishop speak and were even granted time to ask him questions. There are few occasions when college students are able to flaunt their money more efficiently than during the auction on Semester at Sea. Items ranged from vacation homes, to language lessons, to signed books from Desmond Tutu. People were not afraid to spend excessive amounts of money that would be donated to the ship's crew. Our experience on the ship was completed by pub nights, when students are allowed to drink on the ship, Sea Olympics, the Ambassador's Ball, and many other events.

Time between ports varied from a mere day to week-long stretches across the oceans. The semester was split almost equally between time allotted for ports and for classes on the ship. Unfortunately, current world conditions do not always provide safe passage for a ship carrying nearly eight hundred primarily American college students. We were warned that changes in the itinerary could occur due to extenuating circumstances in a port. Days before our arrival in Kenya, Semester at Sea was dealt rather devastating news. Due to piracy off the East African coast our ship would have to be diverted from porting in Mombassa. It was disheartening to say the least, and we spent several days not knowing where our next destination would be. Before the ship was cleared at each location, a team of officials, usually from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, would board and brief the entire community about the particular country's economics, political atmosphere, and overall cultural life. Once the all clear designation was given to the ship, students and faculty swiped their I.D. card in order to leave the ship. Students were given the choice to either travel independently or to follow Semester at Sea designated excursions. Each option had its own pros and cons. Independent travel on Semester at Sea had two basic restrictions, first do not cross any international borders and second be on the ship by the designated time. Other than that, we were free to venture off as we pleased. SAS excursions provided a higher-class accommodation equipped with tour guides and usually extravagant meals. The main downfall of a SAS excursion is that you were at the mercy of the predetermined itinerary. Participating in both provided a nice balance between the freedom of independent travel and the ease of an ordered tour guide.

While I was abroad I missed speaking to my friends and family, now I long for endless hours of dinner conversation, the anticipation of the next port, and the process of traveling with newly acquired friends. On board, my friends were only a staircase away, now we are spread out across the country. As a group we were changed by the experiences the semester provided. We were absent from communication and events for four months, even breaking news on Katrina was amiss to us. Each country that we traveled to provided us with a new set of cultural values to learn and a new place to familiarize ourselves with. Arriving back in the U.S. was both a welcomed break from extensive travel, but also a shocking realization that our time away had ended. I was welcomed back with tears and hugs which I eagerly returned, but I secretly wished my semester at sea had not ended. No one will ever have the same experience abroad as we did and I am glad. It would take the edge and excitement out of travel, why go if you already know exactly what will occur? Change and a sense of the unknown; that is the true allure of travel.

Fortunately, if you know the right questions to ask, a phone call or two with your bank should solve most of your travel money woes. Below you will find my handy little guide for using your money most effectively when traveling in Europe-- and avoiding getting stuck without any!

The most important thing to do before you leave is to call your bank. Do this about two months before your trip in case you discover that you need to check around for different rates. Here is what you should discuss:

• Just to make sure, confirm with your bank that your card is in fact useable in the countries where you'll be traveling. With most large banks, this is not a problem, but if the answer is "no" or "maybe," it's time to shop around.
  
• Tell your bank when and where you will be traveling. When your bank sees that your normally steady and reliable card has just been charged for three hundred dollars' worth of Murano glass in Venice, you can't blame them for assuming that some international thief has made off with your purse! Alerting them in advance will also guarantee that you don't have any of those embarrassing "card declined" moments at the checkout stand!
  
• Ask your bank if it has any partnerships with foreign banks. If they do, you may be able to use that foreign bank's ATMs without a transaction charge. Find out the names of these banks and look for them whenever you pass an ATM. But whether or not you have to pay a fee, you will still get the best exchange rate by using your debit card (not credit) at local ATM. Just be aware that most ATMs have a flat transaction fee and may also charge a percent of the amount withdrawn.
  
• Order some cash in the local currency before you go. You can do this through your own bank, but you might want to call around to several banks to see where you can get the best rate (I recommend Bank of America). Be aware that it could take some time for the order to arrive. However, ordering cash in advance is especially important for anyone who is renting an apartment or a villa in Europe. Most European rentals require a security deposit to be paid on the spot, in cash, before you are admitted to the property. And although many travelers will insist that the easiest way to get foreign currency is by withdrawing money from the airport ATM upon arrival, renters should be warned against this. Remember that either your card or the ATM will probably have a daily withdrawal limit! Many's the time a client has called us, panicking because they weren't able to withdraw enough cash to pay their deposit. Of course, there are also other risks involved with depending on an airport ATM-- after all, who knows when it might be closed for repairs? I recommend ordering enough cash for your security deposit, plus enough to survive for one day, should something unexpected happen. Think about how much you would spend for three meals, a cab, and a hotel room.

All of this is in preparation for your trip. What should you do when you go?

• Sometimes the amount of cash you will be carrying can be intimidating. It goes without saying that you should keep it in several places. If you are traveling in a group, split the cash between travelers so that no one person has an excessive amount. When traveling alone, I usually split my cash between my purse, a money belt, and my suitcase, with the majority of cash in my money belt. Remember also to split your debit and credit cards! Several years ago I was traveling with a friend when all of her cards were stolen. Luckily I had mine and we completed the trip using the money in my account.
  
• When you are spending money on a daily basis, use cash as much as possible and a debit card if necessary. Take a credit card (it is a good backup in an emergency), but don't use it unless you have to! I used to recommend using credit cards, but recent changes mean that a charge on a credit card is now considered a cash advance. Because it is not a purchase or withdrawal, it will be subject to a much higher exchange rate.
  
• Always keep some currency from the place you are coming from and the place you are going to. This includes the United States. A few months ago, my son traveled to France and then Turkey. At the end of his time in France, he did what most travelers would do: he tried to use up his Euros before arriving in Turkey. However, in Turkey he discovered that he could only pay for his visa in Euros or US dollars-- neither of which he had! Fortunately the problem was solved, but not without a lot of stress. Of course, this means that when you get back home, you will be left with some extra Euros or pounds. My recommendation? Just save them-- you can use them on your next trip!

Hopefully this has cleared up most of your questions about dealing with money on your trip to Europe. You may have noticed, however, that I haven't talked about traveler's checks at all! If you can use traveler's checks to pay the security deposit for your villa or apartment rental, and it makes you feel more secure to carry the money in this form, order some. However, for general use, I recommend ignoring them completely. The exchange rate is never great, and the inconvenience of finding somewhere to cash them is far outweighed by the cost-effectiveness and convenience of using an ATM debit card.

One of the biggest differences in regards to living space is energy conservation. In brief, Europeans are much more energy conscious than Americans. We often receive phone calls from distressed managers when their American visitors blow circuits on a daily basis. Other calls come from villa owners who return home to find that their American renters have left all of the outdoor lights turned on!

These are just small indicators of a lifestyle that is much more energy conscious than most Americans are accustomed to. In some cases, energy use is controlled by the provincial government, such as the start and end date for heating in the winter, but conservation of energy in Europe goes beyond simple regulation. Efficient energy use has become a cultural norm in Europe, perhaps because costs for gas, electricity, and water are much higher than they are in the US. Energy costs are not negligible, which means that Europeans remain conscious that every kilowatt is costing them money. A light left on in an empty room or a heater left running while the occupants are out of the house is simply a costly waste. And when you think about it, shouldn't we all feel this way?

Americans traveling to Europe should consider the repercussions of the energy-conscious mentality, because it often has a direct impact on their trip. For instance, if it is an unseasonably cold year, villa renters may have to request extra blankets and procure wood for the fireplace if the owner has not yet turned the heat on (generally from November 1 - April 15th). In the case of an especially warm season, European villa and apartment renters should not assume that all properties are equipped with air conditioning, even in higher-end accommodations. Air conditioning consumes a great deal of energy, and is therefore less commonly found.

How should Americans deal with these differences? As with all cultural differences, visitors should try to be courteous and creative about finding alternatives. Here are a few suggestions.

• Remember to turn out the lights whenever you leave a room.
  
• During colder months, don't leave the heater on while you're out of the house; and even while you're in, look for alternate heating sources. Put on a sweater and slippers, build a fire, and cozy up with the one you love!
  
• If you are traveling in a group, be conscious of the appliances you are using. If you've got a hairdryer going in the bathroom, the microwave on in the kitchen, and the washing machine going all at once, chances are you're going to blow a circuit. Coordinate your energy use.
  
• When it's hot, don't crank up the AC-- if you have one, that is! Instead, cool off in the swimming pool, spend an afternoon under a tree with a good book, or take a siesta until it cools off. Do your sightseeing in the morning and late afternoon/evening.

There are many ways to keep warm or cool that don't consume mass quantities of energy!

For some Americans, these differences can seem like annoying inconveniences, and, when unanticipated, may even "spoil" a great vacation. But if you're a traveler who is willing to "go with the flow" and adapt to a different way of life, you will reap the rewards. In the area of power conservation, you may learn to see that every little bit helps. You'll have traveled in a way that leaves a less negative impact on the environment. In fact, you'll probably discover a more energy-efficient way to live. And one thing's for sure... you won't be surprised by a huge energy bill at the end of your trip!

But stop a moment. Have you thought about your cultural expectations?

Many European vacationers plan their activities and accommodations with the assumption that everything else will be "like America." If so, think again! Just as Europe and the US are different in landscape, weather, and history, they are also very different culturally. Europeans and Americans have different ideas about manners, time, personal space, personal property maintenance, and language.

So for anyone planning a vacation to Europe, here are a few "cross cultural conflict" areas that Americans traveling in Europe often encounter. Making yourself aware of these differences can help you have a fun, enjoyable, and even educational European vacation that is free of cultural misunderstandings!

Personal Space
Take a glance at a map of the world. Which is smaller: the US or Europe? That's right-- Europe. But there are still a lot of people there, which means they've gotten used to smaller spaces!

American standards of living are very high. We're used to king size beds and bathrooms that can accommodate several people at a time.

But unless you're staying in a massive French chateau or Italian villa, be prepared for spaces to be smaller than you're used to. Bedrooms and bathrooms will be more compact, as will bed sizes. Single and double beds alike will be narrower. Kitchens won't be able to accommodate your entire family!

So consider this an opportunity to get closer to your traveling companions. Think of sharing a bathroom in Italy as an exercise in cooperation. Get cozy with your spouse in that French double bed. Be willing to laugh as you adjust. Get creative and have fun!

Manners
A common misperception of Europeans is that they are "rude." Of course, they think the same thing about us!

Remember when you're traveling in Europe that rudeness is largely a cultural perception. Someone who seems blunt and nosey may be expressing friendship and concern for your well-being. A waiter who tells you what to order may be trying to help, since you are unfamiliar with the language. Differences in "personal space" mean that someone who cuts in front of you may not even understand that you were in line!

Also, subjects which are taboo in your community may be freely discussed elsewhere, and vice versa. In the US, we consider it incredibly rude to comment on a person's weight. This isn't true everywhere in the world!

So, when traveling in Europe, keep a firm grip on your temper. A good way to achieve this is to give everyone else the benefit of the doubt. Just make the choice not to get angry. If you can roll with the punches, you'll enjoy your vacation more-- and you'll be a better traveling companion.

Time
I have to admit that I get impatient if I have to wait longer than fifteen minutes at a restaurant in the US. After the food comes, I can be out the door in half an hour!

In Italy, however, a dinner filled with conversation, laughter, and great food can last two hours! I smile when I hear other Americans asking why the food hasn't arrived yet. Unbeknownst to them, the waiters are offering them the opportunity to savor the meal.

Likewise, shops and businesses in Spain close for an afternoon siesta. In the UK, the handyman may want to chat with you before repairing that pipe.

Most Europeans do not share the American compulsion to "save time" by doing everything quickly. So when you vacation in Europe, leave your watch behind. After all, this is a vacation!

Quality
I often hear complaints, especially from those who rent a villa or apartment, about the quality of the furnishings and amenities in Europe. I'd be a millionaire if I had a dime for every time I heard someone say "The furniture was old!" or "The bathroom pipes need to be replaced."

In today's society, we expect things to look like new, feel like new, and behave like new. If it doesn't, we throw it away.

But think of anyone who grew up during the depression. My grandfather kept rows of old coffee cans filled with spare nails and bits of wire. He sat in the same chair every night until he died. Nothing was wasted, and nothing was thrown away if it could be fixed.

So if the furniture looks a little worn, or if the sink clogs, think before you complain. Is the quality due to neglect and disrepair, or is it the result of a careful, conscientious effort not to put anything to waste?

Treat this as an educational experience; you might even learn from a more conservative lifestyle.

Language
As an American, I am often jealous of Europeans who pick up languages like you'd pick up a bottle of milk at the store. For me, it's an uphill battle all the way!

Since learning three or four languages is neither a cultural necessity nor a scholastic requirement in our country, many Americans feel like me. And yet some Americans still assume that everyone in Europe should speak English!

In the same way that you or I would resent a French tourist who expected everyone in the US to speak French, Europeans are often annoyed by Americans who have this mentality.

While you probably can't learn a new language before your vacation, you can learn some helpful phrases. This is considered courteous, and is guaranteed to get more friendly responses. When you try to use their language, Italians or French who might have feigned ignorance will usually help you with your pronunciation-- and then converse with you in English!

The Right Attitude
Lastly, remember that the standards and the customs you find while traveling in Europe are not wrong. They're just different. If you travel with the right attitude, you will have a richer, more authentic, and even eye-opening experience. Who knows? Your European vacation may change the way you see the world.

The Semester at Sea program sails three semesters throughout the year including the fall, spring, and an abbreviated 65-day summer trip. Each 100 day voyage around the world offers approximately 750 college students the chance to earn a semester worth of college credit while porting in ten distinct countries. Not only do participants spend time in each country, but they are afforded the chance to live with students from about 650 prospective colleges. This abroad program offers students the chance to change views, shape life experiences, open the imagination, and possibly learn more in one semester than in any previous year of college.

Sounds amazing, so how hard is it to actually apply? In all truth it is a rather simple process. But, before actually applying it is important to take into consideration the experience that Semester at Sea provides. It will be unlike any normal college semester a student could experience, even when compared to other, more traditional, study abroad programs. Take into serious account that after the semester is over, there could be a shift in global views and a realization that world is different than previously pictured. Some may not feel comfortable with such an endeavor, but by all means apply if you have the slightest desire to have the most rewarding semester of your entire college experience.

In order to be considered for Semester at Sea, the applicant must be enrolled at an accredited college/university, not limited to institutions within the United States. The Institute for Shipboard Education states that a 2.75 minimum G.P.A. is expected and that the candidate must have already completed a full semester before they will be considered for a voyage. The majority of students on the ship seemed to be either of junior or senior standing at a four year institution, with some students falling outside the norm. The admission process runs on a rolling basis, and requires an application fee of 35 dollars. Meeting the general list of criteria set forth was a basic accomplishment as is the rest of the process. By visiting the SAS website, semesteratsea.com, the online application is readily accessible. The application is a straightforward set of questions; it will most likely take up a transient and painless half an hour of your time. In addition to the application, students are merely required to submit an official transcript from their school, a discipline clearance form, and a brief 250-word essay dealing with current world issues. Simple and worth every minute of the time spent on it.

Completing all of the necessary documents is the most time consuming part of the entire process. After submitting the application and documents it becomes apparent that waiting for the acceptance letter is far more stressful than it ever was completing the application. Time gradually passes, allowing the admissions process to occur and your acceptance letter arrives welcoming you to your selected voyage. Be aware that financial matters are probably the most important part of the application process. Clear all financial aid packages, payments, and scholarships with your home institution. Many students faced several meetings with the bursar over missed payments or complications in aid from their institution. Your final dealings with the Institute for Shipboard education concerning the application will be a brief set of questions dealing with roommate requests and/or compatibility, the participant's medical history, and emergency contact forms. Upon submission of all the documents the application process has been completed.

Preparing
Visas, visas, visas. That is the crucial word for your pre-departure checklist. When the final weeks of August roll around and the embassies in India and China are just receiving your passport, the anxiety level quickly rises. A word of advice, do not wait to fill out the appropriate paperwork for your visas that are required prior to departure. There were several students on my particular voyage that were forced to leave for the first port of call without their passport, only hoping to receive it before they boarded the ship. My passport, filled with recently completed visas, arrived at my home only four days before I departed for the Bahamas. Since the itinerary varies from semester to semester, it is difficult to name the countries that will require a visa, but the program makes it their goal to disperse clear and up-to-date information. Semester at Sea employs the help of a travel document company, which eliminates a lot of the worry that students would have to face alone. Pinnacle Travel Document Systems (TDS) was responsible for contacting the appropriate embassies and consulates in order to secure all of the students the documentation needed. Simply submit the visa applications, the fees required, and your passport to them and the process will be taken care of by the company.

While the visas are being processed, it is time to start thinking about travel to the ship. Each semester a discount travel agent, such as BCD Travel or World Travel BTI, is commissioned to provide the Semester at Sea participants with less expensive airfare and hotel rooms in both the port of departure and arrival. It is a good idea to call the travel agent and at least request a quote of prices they are offering. I would also suggest scouting additional sites for information like cheaptickets.com, STA Travel, etc. World Travel was able to provide a better rate at the Atlantis Resort than any other source I checked, but their airfare was more expensive than cheaptickets.com. Most students conveniently congregate at a few key hotels in the departure and arrival city. Take into consideration spending a few days in the departure city; it makes for a splendid way to start out the semester. It also provides the opportunity to meet fellow participants before departing for the next few months. Parents and friends are sometimes brought along in order to have someone there for send off; I personally left my parents at the airport in New York.

Speaking of parents, communicating with people at home while you are traveling the world is an issue that will arise when planning the semester. Global phones are offered through Semester at Sea with a price tag that has a tendency to grow quickly. Calling home on the satellite phone can become an expensive endeavor, but while on the sea your only other option is a twenty dollar calling card provided by Semester at Sea. If you do not feel the need to make contact by phone from the ship, then all of the ports offer much more reasonable calling card prices. Thankfully, the internet is also available. Choosing to forgo the satellite phone will not be the end of the world, but it might let you save money that could be put to experiencing a little more of the world. Semester at Sea also provides the service of having foreign currency sent to you before departure. Skipping the money service may in fact be a wise choice. ATM machines and currency exchanges are readily available in every port of call and will offer a better rate than the pre-order service. Travelers Cheques are useful, but I personally did not bring any and was able manage perfectly fine. Cashing the travelers cheques can become a hassle since the ship limits the dollar amount that can be cashed on a daily basis. If you need the money for an upcoming port, cashing the cheques should begin to occur a few days before arrival. Save up your one dollar bills they will be extremely useful in markets, particularly in Asian countries. Notifying your personal bank of the countries you will be visiting is wise. You will avoid extemporaneous problems if your bank is aware that credit and debit cards are going to be utilized in several foreign countries.

It would be superb if there was a mini-guide to packing for Semester at Sea, and so here it is. No matter whom you speak with the opinion will vary but having a checklist will be beneficial. First and foremost, all environmental conditions should be taken into consideration before packing occurs for your voyage. Make note of the itinerary's ports and at what time of the year the ship will arrive. Extreme cold is usually avoided, but with some of the excursions students may experience a wide array of temperatures. Layering is the key to cold weather survival on Semester at Sea. With a weight limit on luggage for air travel no one wants to stuff a bulky winter jacket in their bag, so the way to avoid that predicament is to pack a few long sleeve shirts. Button downs, long sleeve tees, and light sweaters are all suitable articles of clothing to pack. Now think southern India under full sun or the Mekong Delta's high humidity, lightweight and breathable is key. Cotton tees or logo tees are probably the most widely utilized article of clothing both on the ship and in the countries. Easy to pack, comfortable, and lightweight, they are the ultimate item. Two weeks worth of underwear is sensible since the ship offers laundry services and each cabin has a sink suitable for washing a few articles of clothing. Shorts and skirts are a smart item to pack, but be aware that religious sites in many countries have restrictions upon what articles of clothing are allowed. Three pairs of jeans was the most common number, I did find them to become repetitive, but packing only three saved room for more crucial items.

Aside from trekking outdoors, several of the cities that will be visited are home to thriving nightlife. It is a nice idea to pack a few articles of clothing appropriate for bars or nightclubs. You really do not need 20 different shirts suitable for a trendy bar, but four or five offers the option in case those situations do arise. In terms of formal or dressy casual wear, one pair of pants and a tie will suffice for males, and a sole dress for the females. Unless you plan on wearing them out, the Ambassador's Ball is truly the only time they will be worn. If you feel like saving the space in your luggage while packing, there are opportunities to purchase very nice or even custom made pieces in port. Spending a majority of the semester in equatorial regions of the world provides for excellent sun bathing, and given that the ship has a pool equipped with lounge chairs a bathing suit is crucial. Flip flops are a shipboard necessity. A day on the ship will not go by without you seeing at least half of the ship meandering about in a pair of flip flops or sandals. Think about bringing a pair of sneakers that can be worn comfortably with copious amounts of walking or hiking. Plus add a few pairs of sneakers or shoes that are suitable for city walking or going out at night.

Pack up your favorite DVDs, pleasure reading material, and iPod or mp3 player. They all come in handy during downtime on the ship. You can avoid bringing any travel books with you since the onboard library has copies of Lonely Planet available. Essentially, the camera and memory stick are the most important electronic devices to bring. Some other items to throw into your bag should include bug spray with DEET, suntan lotion, a zip drive, laundry detergent, and your personal preference of toiletries.

Preparations are nearly completed as your final few days home fade away. It is important to come to terms with the person you see yourself as prior to Semester at Sea. Sit down alone and think about what you want to get out of your rapidly approaching time abroad. It can easily become a semester that is comparable to an extended spring break. Allowing that to happen would not only be disheartening, but would also mean you neglected to take full advantage of all Semester at Sea has to offer. Saying good-bye is the final step in welcoming the semester. Tears may be shed, kisses given, and a final embrace shared but take heart that everyone leaving is experiencing the same emotion - feelings of excitement, trepidation, anticipation and most of all the indistinguishable yearning to adventure around the world.

The travel referred to is not the two week vacation, staying in a five star hotel and relaxing with every desire attended to by helpers (but please don't get me wrong, this type of travel is fantastic!). It is not an extended golf trip, or a trip to Tahiti to lounge in the sun. But it is the one where the traveler could be eating a bowl of noodles and sipping a long neck beer in a stall on the side of the street. It is the travel where the central markets are visited in the mornings, the plazas might be frequented in the days, and perhaps the local dive bar is touched upon in the nighttime. The travel consisting of getting lost on the public transportation in a city and meeting the helpful locals that lead you to find your way around town, or even take you around town themselves! This travel is more about contact with the people of the respective culture and being exposed to the accompanying differences. When 'backpacking' one finds themselves many times in cheaper parts of town - the part of town without 'The Four Seasons' but rather with an unimposing hostel close to the action in the streets exposing the daily lives and flair of a location.

The backpacker learns over his budgeted traveling that life can be extravagantly rich while possibly living on less than 5 dollars a day. Travel memories are not highlighted by elegant meals, tranquil poolside experiences, or hotel rooms with private bathrooms, cable television, and HOT water (wow, how at times one would kill for that though!), but through a heartfelt conversation with a local on a crowded seven hour bus ride; with a walk down the streets of a village where the people have virtually nothing but their fullness of life and with this showing their brilliant smiles all day; passing time with a culture who says 'good luck to you' as a normal goodbye or 'enjoy your meal' in restaurants to strangers and friends alike; driving in an old station wagon with five strangers (who later become friends) and camping out along the road or vacant beach when the sun sets because that is the only light source available; finding a favorite plaza to soak in the life of the town with the young and old conversing around and with you; being delighted to have sheets provided on the bed of a hostel; wondering why you have so many clothes back home when you have been fine with one pair of jeans, a jacket, a few shirts and socks and two pair of shoes for the past eight months.

Travel is a teacher, revealing uncountable lessons in life. Lessons of knowing when and who to trust by being a finer-tuned judge of character. Lessons of relaxing when the immediate environment tells you to do the contrary (i.e. realizing your backpack has just been stolen and you have close to nothing on your person). Lessons of accepting different time-orientations as you wait 20 minutes before the waiter even approaches your table. Lessons of personal comfort zones as they are stretched, shortened and contorted perhaps when, for example, upon ending a friendly conversation with a person of the same sex a kiss is landed on your cheek as the custom denotes. Experiences such as these ultimately result in questioning your culture, testing your personal beliefs and values, and help to show that one way is not necessarily better than another - just plainly different.

The world is getting smaller day by day (though nowadays saying second by second is applying more) and the need for international contact and cooperativeness has obviously been dramatically increasing with our present times. It is clear that the leaders of our respective nations have not fully understood our differing cultures in this world and how to interact among them. I truly wish there had been more backpackers of these older generations.

Both sexes appear to be inspired by the ubiquitous gross-out humor of the broadcast media, thus we get a whole collection of stories that border on the grotesque. Big names like Tim Cahill and Laurie Notario are grouped with lesser-knowns, but the formula for many is the same. Where can I go to get my self into the most unexpected or outrageous situation? Since there is less of a chance to discover something truly new in the world these days, writers must pull something out of thin air to differentiate themselves and often do so by plumbing the intensely personal aspects of their journey with a disturbing amount of detail. Yet oddly enough, the results have the effect of a train wreck - one is mesmerized by the spectacle.

With the proliferation of travel blogs and instant updates accessible from around the world, the craft has become more Mac-Nuggeted by virtue of its immediate nature. It's often superficial navel gazing for the marketing appeal of it all than a thoughtful reflection back into a time and place. Instead of running with the bulls in Pamplona the new breed travel writer is more likely to write of dashing to the loo with the runs after drinking too many Red Bulls.

Travelers' Tales publisher James O'Reilly feels the travelogue market has gone through a re-birth of sorts with more titles and anthologies than ever competing for space on the shelves. "It seems that after the tech bubble burst every ex-dot-com kid took their severance pay and hit the road. Now the stories are coming in and many of them are quite good. We try to give a variety of voices the chance to be heard from the seasoned writer to the fledgling scribbler. We don't intentionally go for the gross but we don't shy away from it either and sometimes the funniest things are quite sick," claims O'Reilly.

Now comes perhaps the most important question: what?

Namely, what locations are you going to visit, what sights are you going to see, and what activities are you going to participate in?

For many travelers, the answer is "Everything!"

We'll call this the "supermarket sweep" mentality. Given a limited amount of time, say two or three weeks, travelers feel compelled to pile as much as they possibly can into their metaphorical "shopping carts." The temptation is to schedule every hour of the day in advance to cram in every Roman ruin, French chateau, Greek temple and hill town in Tuscany.

If this is your inclination, I'd invite you to stop a moment and reconsider. What is it, exactly, that you want out of a European vacation?

Above all, I think most of us want our vacation to be relaxing. We're going to Europe because we want to escape the hurried pace of our normal lives; to slow down a bit and enjoy life at another pace; to come home rested and rejuvenated. Nobody wants to spend his or her vacation feeling just as stressed as if they had never left work!

Secondly, most people travel to Europe because they are looking for an experience. They want to experience a way of life that is unique and different from their everyday American existence.

So how does trying to see and do "everything" fit in with these two major goals? That's right... It doesn't! If you begin your European vacation with a checklist of "famous sights," you'll come home with a lot of pictures but no real emotional connection to the places you've been. You'll have spent your time running from one place to the next, worrying about whether you'll be able to catch the next bus rather than absorbing the significance of that historic monument you just flew by. You're also likely to get very bored along the way. After awhile, the hundredth medieval masterpiece is going to look exactly like the first.

Conclusion? It's not so much what you do as how you do it. So here's how.

Number one: Slow down. Do not plan every day in advance. Of course, this doesn't mean you can't plan some things, but I'd suggest just picking a couple of major sights and aiming for those. As for everything else, educate yourself in advance, and then be flexible. This is especially true if you're renting a villa in the countryside. You don't want to spend your entire vacation in the car or on the train, after all! Set aside some time to hang out at your villa, or in a local village. Odds are, you'll meet some locals and strike up friendships that could last for a lifetime.

Number two: Stop. That's right. Stop. Find yourself a little café, a pizzeria or a pub. Sit down. Order something. Now relax and enjoy your environment. Listen to the locals chatting, even if you can't understand the language. Talk to a stranger. Take a deep breath and remember the smell of freshly baked bread or slow-roasted lamb. Savor that glass of wine with your feet planted firmly on the fertile land from whence it came.

Number three: Savor. If you slow down and stop during your vacation, you'll reap the benefits immediately. If you don't have to be at point A at 10 o'clock sharp, Dad isn't going to blow up when he can't figure out the map, and Junior's emergency potty stop is not going to bring the entire vacation to a halt. More than that, when you discover something amazing, whether it's on your list of "major interest points" or something you've stumbled on by chance, you can relax. You've got the leisure and the flexibility to spend all the time you like admiring it.

All right. Perhaps you're convinced. Perhaps you realize that a great vacation is not about "seeing everything." But you've only got so much time! You're worried that you're going to miss something important if you don't plan ahead!

Well, there's an easy answer to that. If you don't see everything, no problem. That just gives you the perfect excuse to go back next year!

A family reunion, bachelor party, or weekend getaway group agenda doesn't always have to be your agenda. One thing rings true on group trips, especially family reunions. There can be a lot of hanging out time or slower pace in doing things to accommodate for the slowest group member and herding the troops. After a couple of days, finding ways to get some personal space is just fine. Good friends or family should understand. Many will likely copycat your actions (or have already scheduled solo time for themselves). It's quite natural.

So, take that leap. Get the most out of any group vacation by returning relaxed (not revved) using these tips, ideas, and resources.

1. iPod independence: Bring iPod, put earpieces in ears, close your eyes and tune out others and into yourself. Shuffle or create a travel play list ahead of time. Play list ideas:
i. songs that inspire you
ii. songs that fit the mood of the destination you're visiting
iii. work-out songs for running along that Caribbean beach
iv. comedy acts downloaded
v. walking tours downloaded (see podcast tours below)

2. Podcast tours are a growing trend in travel sightseeing, a new way for individuals to absorb the rich history, culture, and get insider tips for exploring.
i. Lonely Planet - free, regular podcasts
ii. Soundwalk - off the beaten path urban tours, must be purchased and downloaded to computer one by one
iii. Orbitz launched Insider Podcasts, available for download via iTunes and Orbitz.com
iv. Other podcasts can be found on various topics on iTunes

3. Journal. Who wouldn't respect your request for a little alone time to jot down memories, thoughts, rants, raves of the trip?

4. Arts and crafts: Draw, paint, knit or whittle. So much scenery, so little time. So many crafts to make, as well.

5. Comforts of home: Bring at least one comfort of home along on your trip... animal slippers, aromatherapy candle, your favorite bubble bath, nail polish for painting your toes or nails (men, feel free to do the same if that's your bent)

6. Books: Most people bring books for plane rides, down time between transfers, and down time in general. A basic for down time which can double as nap time if you read with sunglasses (no one will be the wiser if you position your book and head on a pillow just so). How about books with Sudoko, crossword puzzles, and other mind games? Or are you the trashy romance novel type? John Grisham or Michael Crichton fanatic?

7. Dog therapy: When retreating temporarily at any group event, nothing's better than throwing a stick for a dog or taking pouch for a walk. Your companion doesn't require conversation and will be loyal all day.

8. Yoga or jogging: Yes, two polar opposites on the yin yang spectrum of energy, but both can give you the same thing - time to yourself while staying fit.

9. Just say NO. While the main objective of any group trip is to be together, taking time for yourself shouldn't catapult feelings of guilt into your conscience. Learn the delicate art of politely declining for certain activities.

10. Space out. Walk the city, beach, destination and let your thoughts and imagination be your guide. One of the most relaxing elements of travel can be finding quiet time to ponder your current situation (career, lifestyle, health, relationships) or simply letting go of it all and fully immersing yourself in the now to contemplate lapping waves, patterns in the sand, or the origins of Pina Coladas. Our uber tuned-in lives taking over every waking moment (even podcast tours can be invasive if your vacation goal is to fully relax without much stimulus).

11. Contact home base. Step away from the group to stay in touch with kids, family, others at home. Lifehacker comments on a USA Today article that highlights how easy it is becoming to call home from abroad. Even if you're traveling in the U.S. with easy access to a phone, you may be able to use "an urgent phone call" as an excuse to duck out of a group event. The group can head off for hiking that day while you meet up with them after a tall, cool beer and the paper.

1. Start planning today. Family reunions can be particularly time consuming. So start early. Planning in advance will increase the odds that more people will be able to attend the reunion, which translates into more fun for everyone. By booking early, you can most likely secure better rates and/or reserve your preferred hotel or retreat site, flights and other travel arrangements.

2. Guest list size. Deciding which members of the family to invite and how far to extend the family tree can create stress and challenges. It's akin to planning a wedding invitation list. You don't want to hurt anyone's feelings and yet you have to draw the line somewhere. This is a personal family decision. While you can extend the invitation to more people over time, in order to begin the planning process it's critical to understand how big of an event you are planning and to have a rough sense of who will be attending. Send RSVP messages (planning sites such as TripHub make this easy) out early enough so people can pencil the date in on their calendars.

3. Money matters. Your group's budget is perhaps the most important consideration to understand up-front. When estimating the expense for each attendee, consider the costs of transportation (by air or car), lodging, food and entertainment. With input from other family members, set a budget that will be comfortable for the vast majority of the family. If you will be collecting money from attendees to help cover the costs of special events and activities, keep detailed records of your expenses including any deposits for hotels, caterers or other service providers. Unfortunately, trip organizers are often left holding the bag with extra expenses. Don't be shy to ask for contributions. And, while you want to keep the event as affordable as possible, make sure you add some buffer to your budget. If there's extra money left over, splurge on a special treat for the group, or bank the funds for the next reunion. Most importantly, plan activities that can be enjoyed regardless of budget: potlucks, games, music, storytelling.

4. Choose the date. First of all, know in advance that you will not be able to accomodate everyone's schedule. With that in mind, here are hints to get the best date locked in:

• If you're scheduling the reunion around a particular event (i.e., a grandparent's birthday or 50th wedding anniversary), holiday or school break then your options may be limited. If you're not date constrained, and if there are particular family members who absolutely must be there, speak with them first.


• Next, talk to key family members (i.e., Uncle Bob who keeps in close contact with many people in and beyond his branch of the family tree) to determine if there are other events that might create a conflict for a number of possible attendees.


• Then select 3-4 dates that provide sufficient planning time, and send these dates to the family.

Ask people to let you know which dates work best for them of the 3-4 options you provide, but make sure to emphasize that the majority rules so no one feels singled out if they are not able to attend.

• Many people may not be able to fully commit six or more months in advance so you may need to request guesstimates. To increase your response rate and make decision making easier, give people a deadline and ask them to rank their date preferences.


• Finally, stick to your decision. Changing dates mid-stream can create a phenomenal amount of additional work.

6. Location, location, location. As in real estate, location is key. If you have a tradition of rotating between the homes of various family members or there is an obvious central location, this decision is easy. However, if your family is spread out and there's no pre-established plan, choosing the location may seem daunting. Many families converge at places such as Disneyland and other theme parks, top vacation spots such as Hawaii or the Caribbean, they explore national parks and monuments and also gather in urban, rural and resort towns across the United States. Your choices are endless and depend on group size, budget, time of year and the type of activities best suited to attendees.

Here's a quick checklist to help you find the location just right for your next family reunion:

• Can the majority of folks easily get to the location without a huge expense (or are they willing to pay to travel that far)?
  
• Does the location provide fun and engaging activities for all ages from kids to seniors?


• Does the location have multiple activity options both indoor and outdoor (for those who either need to get out of the sun, rain, or cold)?


• Is there anyone in your family or extended family that may have difficulty in a location (wheelchair considerations, health issues, etc.)? If you choose a theme park as your major destination, can everyone or most participate?


• Parents with infants have a special set of considerations and needs (nap times, feeding times, diaper changes) and may require easy-access to a quiet room.


• Will in-laws (who may not be as excited as y'all about the prospect of spending an entire weekend or week sitting around listening to old family stories) have interesting things to do?


• Check with the convention and visitors bureau (CVB) before setting a date to ensure there isn't a major event in town to avoid filled hotels and a location busier than normal. On the other hand, you could make a public festival or event part of the fun!


• Explore the advantages/disadvantages of having the family reunion in the same location as a previous year. There is comfort for people in being in a familiar area; plus, you can always try new activities, food and places to stay in that same location. Survey your group and find out if they prefer a new destination or an old favorite.


• Be flexible and you'll have the greatest chance of securing a better rate. Keep in mind peak or off-season for various locations. For example, occupancy rates in Florida are very high over spring break but typically much lower in August. Granted, Florida is much hotter in August, but prices are significantly lower.

7. Hotels, resorts, vacation rental homes, cruises, etc.
After choosing the date and location, you need to identify the appropriate hotel or other accommodations for your family. To ensure that you are able to secure your desired lodging at the best possible rate, start the search as early as possible. Some of the most important considerations in selecting the right lodging for your group include:

• Your group's per night budget


• Number of rooms required


• Hotel's location


• Amenities (on-site restaurant, pool, in-room kitchens etc.)


• Meeting space and catering services available (if required)


• Shuttle service and parking

When making hotel reservations, simplify this part of the group organizing process by keeping this basic, but key, tip in mind. Offer options in a range of price categories (for larger groups, arrange room blocks at multiple hotels to give your group choices):

• Budget (typically 1-star and 2-star hotels)


• Moderate (mainly 3-star hotels)


• Higher-end and luxury (4-star and 5-star hotels)


• Suite hotels, homes for rent, villas, condos with in-room kitchens (often ideal for groups with young children)

8. Schedule events and activities.
Why? They increase the fun factor, offer bonding opportunities, serve as fodder for conversations, jokes, photo-ops and turn into life-long memories.

Events and activities vary from formal sit-down meals to casual barbeques, from guided tours to theater, and from physical activities to family-oriented games. Activity-planning tips:

• Activities such as swimming, tennis, golf, bicycling, walking/hiking, shopping and visiting museums and historical landmarks provide great entertainment for family members young and old.


• Be creative and leverage the talents and skills of your group when thinking about food, decorations and entertainment for these activities.


• Schedule two events per day as well as "optional" choices such as a golf tournament or a hike so people can participate or opt out.


• Everyone may not know each other (spouses, for example) so think about ways to introduce people to each other. Nametags with names and favorite villain, cartoon, sport, animal, kitchen gadget, dessert or vacation spot (you choose!) is sure to spark conversation.


• Make sure that there will be enough space and food per activity.


• Alert the group when meals are incorporated or provided with activities. If a stop at a world-famous milkshake joint follows a white-water rafting excursion, you might entice more people to go rafting.


• Have a Plan B in case of rain.


• Family reunions are designed to bring people together so plan events and activities that encourage group interaction. Something as simple as a potluck brings everyone to one place for mingling.


• Provide games (Scrabble, cards, other board games) so people can sit down and relax without feeling anti-social.


• Bring a first-aid kit on excursion-type activities such as hiking, biking, touring.

Provide a list of what to wear and bring for each activity.

In the spirit of simplifying planning, here are helpful tips to make any road trip stress-free.

1. Designate a point person
This person may or may not be the same person who initiated the trip. Usually, one person in the group enjoys coordinating plans and doing research on where to stay. When there are multiple type A personalities in the group, making one point person clear to all becomes critical to avoid confusion and duplication. However, delegating is wise when planning any trip. You can funnel all major and minor questions to the point person. (Of course, it helps to have someone willing to be point person... so preferably this person will volunteer.)

2. Decide who's driving
Determine how many vehicles and when those vehicles are leaving and returning. If Dick and Jane are each taking their cars, you'll need to know how many people can they fit in their cars comfortably (don't forget room for bags, equipment, etc.), and get a commitment from drivers on day and time of departure so the other passengers can plan their schedules accordingly.

3. Decide who brings what
Create a checklist of "must-haves" such as water, cooler, Oreos, first-aid kit, car maintenance kit, pillows, certain CDs or an iPod full of music, and other accoutrements. Camping trips require bringing your accommodations and food along for the ride, so getting a list of what people have to bring/contribute is helpful. Someone can then consolidate the list to determine what's missing. Food, tents, firewood, tarps, folding chairs, age-appropriate games for the group, binoculars, coolers, and lighters/matches all come to mind. For any other road trip, think about car games (including kid games for families), cooler full of ice + water + snacks, maps, travel books on nearby points of interest, etc. All shared costs can be divided among the group.

4. Split the cost of gas fairly and tactfully
How? Discuss this well in advance of the trip so expectations (and budgets) are clear for all road trippers. The record gas price spikes are challenging for everyone and splitting the cost of gas is perfectly acceptable. If you're traveling with a group of friends, factor gas costs into overall budgets. For instance, big ticket items such as hotel room(s), activity entrance fees, and food are typically split in groups. Drivers especially should speak up to remind people that sharing the cost of gas should also be considered in the overall cost of the road trip. Agree with your group how the cost will be divided and when. Nothing's worse than getting stuck with a bigger bill than necessary due to lack of communication. TripHub's money owed tool makes it easy for the main trip organizer to include gas as a shared cost factor. Three ways to share gas costs:

Barter and tradeIf one person buys food for the group, another buys gas, and yet another gets one night's hotel room. This can be hard to track when groups get larger (5 or more), but I've found it works well in smaller groups, especially if shared costs are tracked and tallied daily or with a close-knit group of friends with built-in trust are on the road trip.

Determine cost for gas ahead of time per vehicle (calculate miles per gallon by approximate tanks of gas by mileage — mathematicians in your group can create the best calculus algorithms). Geeks in your group will derive much pleasure out of figuring gas costs using this method (and everyone will love them for accurate and reliable results to the penny!).

Drivers gather all gas receipts during the trip, total up the amount at the end, and collect money or let the group organizer collect money from the group for gas along with other shared expenses. TripHub's money owed tool can help organize who owes money before, during, and after the trip.

5. Make your road trip fuel-efficient
A little prep will go a long way, especially on longer road trips. Gas prices will affect every road trip, but if you do a little homework and find the cheapest gas station near you (thanks to Gas Buddy), plus share the cost of gas with friends or family on road trips, you're less likely to break your piggybank while winding through stunning scenery on an unforgettable vacation.

6. Decide on the best route (and alternative route)
Plan ahead with research on various routes to your favorite destination(s) in case of emergency road closures or summertime construction. Check U.S. Department of Transportation's traffic and road closure status for any state before you go.

7. Agree on flexibility before leaving
Rain may spoil a camping road trip, so doing a little pre-trip research to find nearby B&B's or hotels may save you headache along the journey. Make sure everyone is in agreement to be flexible. Trip organizers can do a little research before the trip to give recommendations and alternatives to original plans (local festivals, for instance). If your group is set on hiking a certain Rocky Mountain trail along the road trip, the group may discover another trail off-the-beaten path or bag the hiking idea in favor of relaxing with a picnic and majestic Rocky Mountain skyline.

8. Get and give personal space
Cramming yourselves in a car is fun for a weekend getaway or longer trip, but everyone eventually will crave some solo time. I recommend agreeing on one or two stops along the drive where people are free to explore a town or area, iPod in hand.

Good road companions can also make or break a road trip, and you'll only know who rocks once you hit the road. Isn't it the journey that's the reward in life anyway? Still, my best piece of advice for any road trip: bring ample amounts of good music. When bad road trippers start trippin' you out, just crank up the tunes and drown them out.

Spa retreats and visits are grand when taken alone, but even more memorable with others. Nothing is more certain when a group of good friends gets together (at least with my friends) than lively conversation and side-splitting laughter. But spas offer a place of tranquility, and sometimes we all need a gentle reminder that other guests are also paying for that peaceful away-from-reality setting.

Here are a few etiquette tips (so you're welcome at the spa next year):

Quiet Times
When entering treatment areas and rooms, you'll get the most out of the experience (and so will others) if you stay quiet. Breathe deeply, absorb the relaxing air to its fullest, bring a good book for down times, and save the chit-chat with friends for meals (a time when others at the spa are likely to be more social), drinks out at a local restaurant or bars, on hikes or while doing activities outside of the spa, or create a happy hour haven for the gang in your room.

Cell Phones
Golden rule: Turn them off when you arrive at a spa and leave them off until you return home. The essence of a spa is utter relaxation for you and other spa-goers. Don't be that person who gets the evil eye from those trying to forget they have cell phones while living blissfully in the "now."

Tipping
If you're traveling with others on a spa vacation, don't assume everyone has the same tipping policy in mind. While individuals can pay for individual massage or other appointments (and tip accordingly), you may want to remind people before the trip to tip therapists. While individuals can vary their tipping amount depending on service quality, when in a group, it seems especially polite to tip at least 15%.

Nudity
Be sure to check with the spa for their general policy and ambience on nudity. Most likely there will be varying levels of comfort and familiarity about spa services between traveling companions. Some destination spas or resorts offer services where you and others may be partially or fully nude, such as steam rooms, mud bath areas, etc. Phone the spa before scheduling appointments so you can communicate clearly and set expectations with friends or family, so everyone can relax in their own comfort zone by choosing whichever spa services they prefer.

Group Appointments
Schedule spa stays (at resorts or destination resorts) and/or appointments for service several months in advance to ensure you and your compadres have enough room, can secure rooms next to each other, and can schedule appointments together (steam room, wellness classes, etc.). Scheduling massages and other treatments simultaneously or around the same time allows you to go into the pools, steam rooms and ante rooms ahead of time together.

By scheduling appointments in sync or timed closely together, you can plan other activities before and after the spa service time. That way the whole group can continue to enjoy the trip together. You can set each day's agenda for the group loosely based around spa appointments.

See more spa etiquette tips from Spafinder.

We pass the guard and I begin to chuckle. I am on the back of a motorcycle, traveling to the outskirts of Katmandu, Nepal - a country engulfed in a civil war. I was the kid who couldn’t go to sleep-overs due to homesickness and couldn’t ride Space Mountain in Disney World because the yawning darkness would incite a panic attack. So what am I doing half way around the world on the back of a motorcycle? When the motorcycle stops we get off, and walk to an open field. Then I see it; a two story pink building sits in the middle of four hay fields. Newly constructed, it is pristine. The indoor squat toilet is fully functional; the rooms are spacious and airy. The roof holds a cistern that can continuously store 24 hours worth of clean water. On the roof we look out over the Katmandu valley and watch six happy kids roll down haystacks in the adjoining farm. We’ve found a home for 20 orphans. And that is why I am here.

I turn and listen to Emma Cahilog-Rahman and Joe Brady talk about the specifics of the home. Emma is the Executive Director of a volunteer service organization in Nepal and Joe is one of their most dedicated volunteers. Just two days earlier Emma took me to visit 20 kids in an orphanage in Katmandu. The kids were living in squalor. The children had sores all over their body from their filthy bedding. They had no electricity, no running water and no heat. The lake behind the orphanage, their primary water source, was thick with green algae. The ‘Director’ of the orphanage is corrupt and steals almost all of the income meant for the orphanage. Emma and Joe have devised a plan to get the kids out and move them to this new home. They calmly discuss the logistics of moving the children to this home, and the economics of getting them set up in this new environment. I dumbly stare at them in admiration, and thank God they are on the ground and fighting for those with no voice.

Not seven days earlier I was hiking our last breathtaking (literally breathtaking) leg to Mount Everest Base Camp. As people vomited and labored to breathe, I found myself strangely exhilarated. I could see Base Camp in the distance. Blue helicopter wreckage marked the spot where thousands of people had begun the arduous ascent to the summit. Through a haze of low oxygen, even our lighters wouldn’t light, I found a quiet stillness within myself. Not only was I the kid in school that would become too homesick to go to sleep-overs, I was always grossly out of shape. I preferred reading indoors to any outdoor activity and was, therefore, always the last to be picked in gym class, the last person to crawl, wheezing, over a finish line, and the only girl on the team who never scored a goal. During a break I smiled quietly, I was determined to reach Base Camp. One hour later I, and four others, reached it first. I dissolved into tears when I called my family on our satellite phone. I believed that that moment could never be replicated. I was wrong.

Six days later we made it back to Katmandu and the real reason we were all in Nepal revealed itself.

Each person on the trek had to raise $2,000 to donate to orphans in Nepal. This money would be used to build an orphanage for 15 very needy children. We visited those children when we returned to Katmandu. As the kids played with our hair, wore our sunglasses and graced us with hugs and kisses, many of us felt like we were back at Everest Base Camp. Due to the funds raised on this trip, these kids will have a brighter, happier future. Even better than conquering mountains, I discovered there is no better gift than realizing you can change the world.

A month after my visit, the youngsters I mentioned initially were taken from their squalid orphanage and are now living in the pink building. They are happy and thriving. The 15 children we raised money for will move into their brand new orphanage this summer. Our volunteer service partner in Katmandu saved the 35 children I met during my time in Nepal, but many more children still sleep in the gutter each night.

The mountain has changed me. I find I crave hiking and the outdoors and adventure now. Physically I feel strong and confident. But the 35 children I met are what inspired me on this trip. I’m now convinced humans can do anything they set their minds too. It just takes a little bit of courage and a great deal of heart.

Being "cool" (elusive and subjective as that may be) in your home town, state, country or state of mind shifts dramatically when you're lugging a backpack, relying on a map or guidebook, and surrounded by unfamiliar territory.

With globalization on the rise and an increased need for cultural sensitivity, traveling abroad can be a make or break adventure, assuming you plan carefully and take some simple precautions. Here are tips for blending in and getting the most out of your trip abroad:

1. Step out of your glaring, white shoes and into stylish, yet comfy shoes (unless your podiatrist requires special shoes for your knees or back). For foreign city trips (Paris, Rome, etc.) walking around in a nice pair of leather sandals or closed toed shoes makes all the difference. Nothing targets a tourist like bright, white sneakers.

2. Be culturally sensitive. You're on foreign turf. Respecting local customs, culture, and services offered by this particular country is a must. Find out if wearing shorts in a church is acceptable or forbidden. When in doubt, cover your skin. I found this out the hard way in Israel when I was nearly tackled by an Arabic man in an Arabic village for wearing shorts in a Christian church.

3. Learn 10 basic phrases (hello, goodbye, thank you, passport, please...) in a language before traveling there. What better way to make the trip more exciting than practicing speaking a new language. Even go beyond the basics and take a class in a foreign language for a few weeks or months prior to traveling. I've done this and it makes the trip all the more enjoyable (not to mention my travel pals appreciated my knowing how to quickly and politely ask where to find the nearest restroom). Berlitz classes are perfect.

4. Respect their language. If a foreign word sounds funny or like a "bad" English word — don't laugh. When someone is communicating in their native tongue in their native country, remember who the foreigner is. Even in countries where English is prevalent, some people may not speak it. Best not to assume they do and politely ask if they speak English.

If you're going to a country where English is spoken secondarily or a little, accents or local phrases can still throw you off. Be prepared to speak clearly and think of simpler or different ways to say the same thing, so they can respond to you in a different way. It's amazing how many things are lost in translation. Don't assume anyone speaks American slang, ya dig? For that matter, Americans have widely different pronunciations depending on their home region and you may have an accent to someone and not realize it.

5. Keep the volume down. Nothing makes me cringe more when I'm traveling abroad than hearing an obnoxious group foreign to the country. Because I'm American, I'm especially sensitive to other Americans being insensitively loud. I distinguish from Canadian and British English speakers because they don't seem to be as loud, or perceived as crass as Americans. Keep it cool and use your "inside voices" 24/7. Unless, of course, you're at a sporting event and the local team wins.

6. Absorb the culture using all five senses. Breathe in the air. Taste spices and culinary combinations. Step outside of your safe hotel and eat where the locals do. Don't ask the hotel staff where to go — they likely have a deal with a restaurant. Ask someone in a shop or just stroll the streets until you find an eatery filled with local patrons. Discover a tradition new to you but common to locals. Flamenco in Spain? Wine-tasting in Italy? Siesta in Mexico?

7. Study up on the city/region/country. Read books, look online and talk to anyone who's traveled there — get insights on best and worst experiences so you know what to do and what to avoid before you go. Even 30 minutes of prep can help you avoid pitfalls, save you money or time, and make the trip more enjoyable.

8. Be sensitive with camera in hand. While the country may look like a fairytale to you, this is other people's home. If you take photos of people not in your group, be as inconspicuous and nonchalant as possible. If you sense someone is uncomfortable with your attention on them, take heed and respect their privacy.

9. Handle money matters smoothly. Don't fumble around with money or forget where you placed it and do the pocket pat. Organize your money and documents in private (hotel room, etc.) before you walk out in public. Buy a money pouch that can go around your waist and under clothing for your essentials like passport, bulk of cash, cards, etc. Diversify with an ATM card, credit card, foreign currency, and a couple of travelers' checks. You can keep each of these in different locations (suitcase, socks, money pouch) for security.

10. Group travel abroad has its special consideration. By nature, you are likely a group of like-minded individuals excited for the journey and happy to be traveling together at last. It can be extra easy to be a little careless in group mentality. In addition to all of the above tips, if you're the designated trip planner, here are basics to prepare and share with your group:

• Provide a link to a trusted travel guide online for the region/country months in advance of your trip. Think Lonely Planet's world guide.


• Languages — find out which languages are spoken and how frequently you can expect English to be used. Embassies can help.


• Create a list of ten most useful phrases or words in the country's language such as: 1) Thank you. 2) Please. 3) My name is _____. 4) Where is a bathroom? 5) How much does it cost? 6) Tickets. And whatever else you think might be helpful for your group.


• Know your group — if they would get more excited about cultural icons than shopping, find out the operating hours and days of major sites. Nothing is worse than going to Rome to see the Sistine Chapel and being in town the one day it's closed. If you match your group to the activities, it's more likely for people to be in awe of what they're doing/seeing — and be on their best behavior.


• Splurge on at least one exceptional meal that typifies the region. Prepare your group so they know what they can expect for the meal and why it is a local tradition.

Blending in doesn't mean being unauthentic or unoriginal. It simply means respecting other cultures, religions, beliefs, and living conditions. Through careful observation, you just might find an understanding not only of how people in other countries move, work, eat, talk, but how you cope and operate in unfamiliar territory. That alone is an invaluable life experience. Putting yourself at the mercy of foreign driving rules, customs, and food specialties inevitably will also expand your horizons, giving you a greater appreciation for those who travel on your turf.