What's in this issue?
TRAVELER PROFILE - Allison Mackenzie
Even though it's more than 1 year until she departs, 37 year-old Canadian school teacher Allison Mackenzie has started planning for her big round-the-world trip early - five years early. Fortunately, Allison was able to work with her employer, so that she was able to work for four years at 80 percent of her salary, having the fifth year at 80 percent too. Basically, Allison will get paid the whole year she is gone!
Allison plans to spend 6 to 12 months, doing everything from kayaking in Greenland, wandering through new countries in Eastern Europe, playing in Australia & New Zealand, and maybe even traveling parts of Central America. She thinks that her history lessons will be much more exciting, as she will be able to explain it better to her students.
Allison's advice is simple: "Start planning and saving WAY in advance. No need to plan in great detail, but budgeting should be well researched and planned. Take your pick: outta time or outta cash?"
To discover more information about Allison, check out her RTW Profile
If you're planning your own RTW trip, you'll find plenty of answers to your travel questions, and can read tips and profiles from other round the world travelers.
The Round the World Travel Guide »
BOOTBLOG
Life around the BootsnAll office has been busy. With the holidays quickly approaching and BootsnAll's year-end meeting, year-end party, everyone has been trying to accomplish a bunch of work before the new year begins. Chris and Sean went to Seattle for BootsnAll get together - for all those who couldn't come to the Portland holiday party. About 15 diverse members came for a night of travel talk. Check out their swank GQ photo. Do they look like wankers or what?
Nick O'Neil, an original BootsnAll member, and founder of BootsnAll's Bali office, has arrived back in Portland, after a two year hiatus from Uncle Sam's home. When asked what is the one thing Nick notices about the United States he says: "There is nobody out on the streets. It's like the neighborhoods are empty or people are busy inside."
Calling all backpackers, small group tourists, and arm chair vagabonds! Anyone interested in coming to BootsnAll's holiday party is more than welcome. Come prepared to share a laugh and some travel stories. More details can be found at our official holiday blog.
BOOTSNALL IN BALI
Over the last month we have seen the start of the wet season in Bali, meaning morning and evening showers plus humid conditions. After a storm, the temperature plummets especially in the mountains and visitors to Bali should expect changeable conditions.
Barrie has been around for the last few weeks, and he and Nick have been exploring temples. Barrie has put together a list of their Top 10 temples in Bali. Make sure to read both entries.
Among the temples they visited were Pura Taman Ayun, the royal palace of Mengwi, Pura Alas Kedaton in the same area, Pura Goa Lawar on the SE coast close to Candi Dasa, Taman Gili (Kerta Gosa) in Klungkung, Pura Kehen in Bangli, Pura Rambut Siwi on the coast of West Bali, Pura Ulun Danu Batur in the highlands of Bali and finally Pura Tegeh Koripan, the highest temple in Bali. They also visited two of the famous 'Bali Aga' villages, Tenganen and Trunyan.
BOOTSNALL TRAVELBLOGS
Follow your fellow BootsnAllers as they travel. Check out our top picks from the travelblogs this month, and add your comments!
Don't forget, if you're about to head off on an extended trip and you've just got to have one of your own, talk to us about getting your own Travel Blog. All you need to do is make sure you're a BootsnAll member and we'll take care of the rest.
Sign up for BootsnAll membership here »
Check out the BootsnAll TravelBlogs »
LATEST BOOTSNALL ARTICLES
There are more than 30 new articles from the past 2 weeks with some great photos and new authors!
Some highlights include:
- During his university finals, Jeff DePree decides to take a quick trip to Tunisia, only to get home a few hours before his test (Read)
- Colin Todhunter enters the Corridors of Power - even if it is only for a second (Read)
- Tyson Cable reflects on India's society as he travel on motorbike through the countryside (Read)
- Pete Day and his friends are picked up for murder in Bavaria (Read)
- A boat trip through channels is something Claus Jepsen expected to find in Venice, not Mexico! (Read)
And other articles and stories on Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Argentina, Pakistan and many more.
Go to the articles »
FEATURED MESSAGE BOARD THREADS
Food you hope to never taste again
Okay, you always seem to have a family friend that comes back from Italy, France or Spain and rants and raves about the wonderful food. But what about all those other places in the world that DON'T have great food? Many of you BootsnAll members have emailed us eating rice, beans, and maize for 8 weeks in Africa or Asia. This is a great thread to warn other travelers of the many not-so-great food destinations around the world.
Calendar Entries and loads of travel pictures
BootsnAll members have been submitting loads of pictures for the upcoming, highly coveted BootsnAll calendar. Check out pictures from China, Thailand, United States, South America and many more.
France - To Go or Not to Go?
Most people love touring France, except having to deal with the snooty Parisians. Other say the French are a pain in the arse and not worth your time. This thread reveals both sides of France and its culture. C'est la vi!
Traveling vs. Not Traveling
Let's rant philosophical and tell everyone "why you like to travel?" For some BootsnAll members, it's the adventure, thrill, and motivation of experiencing different ways of life. For others, it's an escape from the corporate grind. What is it for you?
TRIP OF THE MONTH - Antarctica
I bet you can't count too many friends, if any, who can claim having been to Antarctica. In fact, Antarctica used to be home to only explorers, scientists and a rare breed of snowmen. Now, through BootsnAll World Adventures, you and your family, friends can take a once-in-a-lifetime voyage where few have gone - South Georgia, the Falklands, the Orkneys and the Antarctic Peninsula. To find out more, visit our Antarctica page.
TRAVELERS TALK ABOUT...
When you're deciding things about your trip, be it where you stay or whether or not to buy insurance, it can be hard to make a decision. One of the best sources to turn to for help is other travelers. We've been asking travelers a lot of questions lately, and you can check out what they have to say about their own experiences with...
