• Dare to Dream

    Dare to Dream

    Somewhere around six months ago, I was sitting in my apartment talking on the phone with my mom. From just outside my window I could hear Buddhist monks chanting at Ninnaji, an enormous wooden temple […]

  • A Different Experience

    A Different Experience

    I’m here. In Tokyo. Finally. During my idle time on the flight over I kept on thinking, “what am I going to write to everyone once I finally get to Japan?” Most of you already […]

  • Into the Lion's Den

    Into the Lion’s Den

    How many of you have heard the name “Transdniestr?” Not too many, I’m guessing. Transdniester – also known as Pridnestrovie in Russian – is a small rogue nation occupying a narrow strip of land along […]

  • Mostar

    Mostar

    Although I’d suspect that most people have never even heard the name “Mostar,” a relatively small town in the Herzegovina region of Bosnia-Herzegovina, it turned to be one of the most intriguing places I’ve ever […]

  • Thaipusam: Masochistic Mayhem

    Thaipusam: Masochistic Mayhem

    Warning This post contains some graphic images. If blood makes you queasy, you may want to skip it. I’ve mentioned a few times how, although I do travel mostly without plans, I also do so […]

  • Magnificent Petra

    Magnificent Petra

    At long last, I made it to Petra. Petra is a place that’s intrigued me since before I even knew its name – since I first saw Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade as a […]

I was last seen 1 month ago in New Territories, Hong Kong SAR.

A Layered Capital

 Bulgaria, Public  13 Responses »
Mar 182012
 
The majestic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, an icon of Sofia.The majestic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, an icon of Sofia.

It seems like more and more cities throughout Europe are adopting the concept of the “free walking tour” – which personally, I just love. And not because they’re free. In the end I usually wind up tipping about as much as I would’ve spent for a “paid” tour anyway.

The changing of the guard at the Bulgarian president’s office.The changing of the guard at the Bulgarian president’s office.

What makes these free tours so great is that because they’re funded entirely by tips, the quality is almost always outstanding. The guides are passionate, knowledgeable, and genuinely concerned about making sure everyone enjoys themselves in the country they proudly represent.
Continue reading »

Belgrade FoamFest

 Public, Serbia  13 Responses »
Mar 152012
 
FoamFest 2011, in the massive Belgrade Arena.FoamFest 2011, in the massive Belgrade Arena.

I’ve already been to Belgrade. Of all the unexplored cities and countries in this part of the world, why would I choose to come here – a bustling capital renowned for its nightlife? Surely this isn’t the right place to come and be productive?

The world&#8217;s biggest foam party lasts a full <i>twelve</i> hours.The world’s biggest foam party lasts a full twelve hours.

No, it isn’t. But I do have a reason.

Foamfest, the biggest foam party in the world 😀
Continue reading »

How To Avoid International ATM Fees

 Public, Sweden  13 Responses »
Mar 142012
 

Those of you who travel overseas have no doubt noticed an increasingly common but incredibly annoying trend: ATM’s charging outrageous fees just to access your own money.

In some countries it can be as little as a buck or two, but in others – like Thailand – it’s $5 a pop. This is in addition to any fees your own bank may impose (usually a few more bucks) and usually a percentage as well (2-3%). So for a $20 withdrawal, you could be looking at as much as ~$28 ($20 + $5 ATM fee + $2 bank fee + 3% bank fee). So what’s the solution: carry a ton of cash? Unsafe. Traveler’s checks? Major hassle. Pay by credit? Not often accepted, and even those tack on 3% or more.

The answer, which I stumbled on by chance a couple years back, has already saved me hundreds – if not thousands. Charles Schwab Bank. Continue reading »

1 2 … 6 7 8 9 10 … 143 144
Contact | Terms & Privacy
©2004-2025 Justin Klein 		whos online
Feedburner 		HTML5 Valid
04-22-2025 06:04:45UTC 0.31s 65q 31.83MB