In the autumn of 2004 I had the crazy idea that I should quit my life and travel around the world. This notion hit me in late September, and by the first week in November I was in Europe for the beginning of what would become a nine month long journey. I didn’t give myself a lot of time to prepare, so I learned a lot of lessons the hard way! You will need to contact them by email and they will send you the writing guidelines. Aventura Magazine is targeted at affluent clients. They want travel articles but not opinions. They will pay $250 for an article. You will need to send a query first.
One of the first things you should do, is check the weather for your departure point and your destination. All airlines will have restrictions on temperature. If the temperature is going to be below freezing or above 85 degrees, your pet may not be able to go. Check with your airline for their exact weather restrictions.
In addition to visiting the Smithsonian, you will want to see all of the famous monuments. You also should take time to visit Arlington National Cemetery and the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial because they are so inspiring. The best way to do this is to purchase a two day trolley pass.
Great tips, particularly on packing light. I would add that using credit cards is not as easy in Europe as it is here. I found that many places do not take credit cards, even if it is a debit card. Apparently they think if you have to put it on a card you can’t afford it, even if it is a debit card and you have the money in your account!
I actually worked for a summer with an ol’ timer who had been a guide down in Supai. Havasupai is not as well-known as the Grand Canyon, and much harder to get to, but wow, what amazing hiking and scenery. You have to arrange special guided tours to go there, as a general rule. He was trying to gear all of his advertising to German tourists.
Start bringing your lunch every day. I hate making a lunch, but I also hate being broke, so instead of going out to eat every single day, I either pull together a lunch before I head to bed, or I make twice as much dinner as we can eat and have the leftovers for lunch the next day. I’m lucky that I don’t work far from my house, or all week, so I can run home for lunch, make something fast to eat and then head back. When I work from home, I also scavenge for food at home, even if it sounds blah. Power through and think of your awesome trip. But don’t forget to splurge every once in a while for fun.