Photo: th0mi

Here are seven tips on saving cash in the Emerald City:

1. Skip the Space Needle

The Space Needle costs $16 for one adult and, in my opinion, is highly overrated. For $7.50, head up to the observation deck at the Smith Tower in Seattle’s historical Pioneer Square neighborhood instead. You’ll get a great view of Puget Sound, the Cascades, the Olympic Range, Mount Rainier, and downtown Seattle.

For just $5 on weekdays, you can also access the observation deck at Columbia Tower — the tallest building in the Pacific Northwest. There may not be 360-degree views, but it still beats the Needle.

Photo: Foxtongue

2. Travel by bus

With a little extra planning, you can avoid an expensive rental car and exorbitant parking fees. Seattle’s metro buses will get you anywhere you need to go, and they’re (mostly) on time. Prices are $2 for peak hours and $1.75 for other times, although in the downtown core buses are free of charge from 6am to 7pm.

Not sure you can do it? Relax, they’ve made it easy for newbies. First, check out the King County Metro Guide, then use Google Maps or King County’s online Trip Planner to find a route.

You can also use One Bus Away, either online or by phone, to see if your ride is on schedule. Drivers are generally considerate and helpful, so feel free to ask questions or directions.

3. Walk

The best way to save money and get a little exercise is to walk; downtown Seattle is compact and easy to navigate. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes for the hills!

Golden Gardens sunset / Photo: pfly

4. Hike locally

National Parks charge an entrance fee, but Seattle’s urban parks won’t cost you a cent. Puget Sound’s Discovery Park is close to downtown and contains 12 miles of hiking trails, a lighthouse, steep bluffs, beaches, mountain views, sand dunes, forest, streams, and meadows.

If you’re looking for a lazy way to spend a sunset, try Golden Gardens’ beach with views of the Olympics, or Kerry Park’s postcard view of downtown and Mt. Rainier. Buses run regularly to each of the parks.

5. Eat in the International District

For under $10 (and sometimes under $5), you can buy your fill of pho (Vietnamese noodle soup), sweet and sour chicken, bubble tea, or Vietnamese sandwiches in the International District, just south of downtown. Plus, as a true pan-Asian neighborhood, the ID is worth a ramble.

From the teashops to the obligatory Chinatown gate, and on to the dragons climbing the light posts, you can spend an entire afternoon in the district. At Uwajimaya, the giant Asian supermarket, you’ll get lost in the aisles of noodles, sake, and Hello Kitty merchandise.

For a belly full of cheap food, try Ga Ga Loc (Chinese), Green Leaf (Vietnamese), or happy hour at Kaname Izakaya (Japanese).

6. Get into the museums for free

Several Seattle museums are free the first Thursday of every month. Schedule your visit right and you can get into the Experience Music Project, the Museum of Flight, the Seattle Art Museum, and more, all free of charge. For a complete list of museums and their hours, check out this useful Seattle Times article.

Photo: Mie Tigas

7. Tour the landmarks

Seattle’s major points of interest are free. It’s impossible to pass up famous Pike Place Market, where you can sample fresh local food, gaze upon the colorful flower arrangements, browse nearly 200 craft vendors, listen to street performers, and watch the “Fish Guys” toss seafood at the Fish Market.

A few blocks away, explore the neon escalators and bizarre chambers of downtown’s Central Library, in all its geometric glory.

Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood is charming and walkable, with Nordic influences and cozy coffee shops and pubs. The Ballard Locks, where local and Alaskan fishing ships pass and salmon swim the fish ladder, is free to the public.

The neighborhood of Fremont is famous for its public art including the Fremont Troll, an imposing Vladimir Lenin, and the oft-decorated Waiting for the Interurban. Just a short walking distance away is Gas Works Park, where locals fly kites or picnic on the hills with a backdrop of Lake Union’s sailboats and the skyline.

When to go: Locals promise sun-soaked summers from July 4 until Labor Day, but June and September can also be mild and sunny.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

If cheap and free is your kind of price, find out how you can visit Berlin on the Cheap and check out 10 Volunteer Opportunities For Free Travel.

Open Arizona Highway / Photo: Wolfgang Staudt

Transportation. Food. Lodging. These are the three key elements of any road trip. Well, and music, too, but we’ll get to that later. First things first: the logistics.

Transportation

Classic American ride / Photo: Stevo Arnold

1. GETTING WHEELS:

Despite all the recession travel deals currently being hawked by the tourism industry, rental car companies haven’t taken notice.

If you’re without your own wheels, you won’t want to go the rental route.

An “economy” car from Hertz, picked up on June 1 at JFK in New York and dropped off on June 14 at SFO in San Francisco would have run you $164.99 a day.

That’s $2,309.86…before insurance, gas, tolls, and other hidden costs, like extra driver or “age differential” fees if you’re under 25. For that amount of money you could go to the other side of the world in style.

But a road trip does require a vehicle, so to cut down on costs, you’ve got to get creative.

Would you share a ride with this gentleman? / Photo: JFL

The Beauty Of Ride-Shares

Consider ride-shares (glorified long-distance carpooling) or contract arrangements.

People are always looking for someone to drive their car across the country.

You can search for possibilities on Craigslist or advertise an arrangement yourself on Matador’s Forum.

Be sure to get all details in writing, and don’t forget to check with your insurance company or the owner’s insurance company to make sure you’re covered.

Pumping gas in Wyoming / Photo: TCP

2. GASSING UP:

While gas prices are a lot lower than they were this time last year, filling up a dozen or more times is still a painful proposition for your wallet.

You’re not likely to get around this expense (unless you’re driving a veggie oil powered vehicle), so plan smart.

Websites like GasBuddy help you map your route around the gas stations where prices are lowest. Its database, updated daily, lets you search by state or zip code to find specific stations with the cheapest gas.

You can also look up lowest prices by state and city. (Currently, Tucson, AZ looks like a good stop: It’s got the cheapest gas in the country.)

Food

3. SNACK:

Snacks are an indispensable part of any real road trip.

Golden apple / Photo: morning rumtea

Stock up before you hit the road. Mix up some perennial favorites, like trail mix, or bring along a cooler with sandwich fixings that can be replenished at local grocery stores along the way.

4. FORAGE:

If you’re taking the back roads, there’s no better time than summer to sample some tasty roadside grub.

But unless you’re already a foraging expert, be sure to check out David DeFranza’s guide first.

5. SAMPLE TRUE AMERICANA:

Louisiana eatery / Photo: Laffy4k

Local cheese in Vermont. Grits in the Carolinas. Gumbo on the Gulf Coast.

America doesn’t really have a single defining dish because every region offers something delicious and unique.

Pull into the most podunk town you can find and sample their specialty — you’re sure to get a lot of local flavor, and we’re not just talking about the food!

Lodging

6. CAMP:

Camping is one of the cheapest sleeps you’ll ever enjoy (and one of the most adventurous and romantic, too).

Possible view from your tent / Photo: Fred

The U.S. offers some incredible and affordable overnight camping options in every single state.

National parks will guarantee you the most beautiful surroundings. Options and requirements (advance permits, for example) vary, so be sure to check the NPS website for information about the parks along your route.

If you don’t have the gear or the budget to buy the basics — tent, sleeping bag, and camp stove, minimum — now’s not the time to make that investment. You have at least two other comfortable and affordable options…

7. COUCHSURF:

You’ve probably heard about Couchsurfing already; if not, you can read all about the wonders of sharing a couch.

If you’re traveling solo (which is completely antithetical to the road trip vibe), then Couchsurfing your way across America is ideal…and it’s free.

If you’re traveling with a full car, though, or just want some privacy, don’t forget to consider…

Hotel room / Photo: TheoGeo

8. HOTELS:

You get a lot of bang for your buck in some hotels these days — including privacy, your own bathroom, continental breakfast, and the morning paper.

Sign up for a rewards program before your trip and plan to stay at the same hotel at each stop along the journey; you’ll be able to rack up free nights, gift cards, and many other rewards — your choice — and get a head start on your next trip.

Join a rewards program from a hotel group that offers lots of lodging options.

We recommend Choice Hotels, which includes Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn hotels and eight other affordable and convenient hotel brands.

If you’re concerned about staying connected, many of these hotels offer free Wi-Fi. And though you may think hotel stays are expensive, they often offer deals that can help you earn points towards free nights on your next trip.

Now about that music…

Check out the Greatest Roadtrip Soundtrack Ever.

Community Connection

Get fired up for your road trip by taking in the The 5 Best Roadtrip Scenes Of All Time or reading this essay about the great American tradition of roadtripping..

All photos: Eric Warren

Eric Warren, a.k.a. advenjunkie, has spent the past 25 years digging deep into Montana.

He’s lived in Missoula, Big Sky, Bozeman, and Billings and has extensively explored Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park, the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, the Bitterroot Wilderness, and most other Montana locations.

He’s also an avid mountain biker, rock climber, surfer, and cross-country skier, which isn’t surprising given all the adventure opportunities up for grabs under Big Skies.

Here’s a little more on Eric:

About me: I’m a photographer and writer specializing in adventure and travel. I also do commercial photographic work and write fiction.

Tunes I rock out to: Everything from The Pixies to Tool to Bach to Jem. I’ve been playing a lot of Beethoven lately…

I want to make a difference by: Showing the world through my lens and writing essays/stories either funny or thought provoking that get people moving — either out their doors or deeper into their lives.

As you may know, Matador has put together one of the most comprehensive resources on Montana you’ll find anywhere, including locals’ recommendations for trails, rivers, mountains, restaurants, and bars.

Eric authored a number of these articles, including Bike Touring Montana: Classic Big Sky Rides and 9 Montana Backpacking Trips That Will Blow Your Mind.

You can check out his photography on Flickr, and shoot him all your Montana questions via his Matador profile.

Community Connection

Believe it or not, Eric isn’t Matador’s only expert on Big Sky. We’d also like to introduce Adam French, Brianna, B French, and Matador contributing editor Teresa.

And don’t forget — when we say our experts are here to help, we mean it. Don’t be shy! Get in touch today by joining the Matador community.

Photo: jezarnold

Here at Matador, we love the weird, wacky, and surreal. So naturally we took note when the Dir Journal Info Blog published a list of Abandoned Places in the World.

The reasons and urgency that lead a group of people to just up and leave a place are varied: obsolete technology, depleted resources, natural or man-made disasters. But whatever the case, there will always be people who are drawn to destinations like these.

I’ll admit, I enjoy dipping into a cemetery to walk amongst the buried, reading the epitaphs, marveling at the intricate artwork and over-the-top mausoleums while reflecting on life.

Maybe the attraction of visiting an abandoned city is a similar feeling — the emptiness and loneliness, wondering where these people (or their offspring) might be now.

Oradour-sur-Glane / Photo: Verity Cridland

Dir Journal Info Blog’s article lists 15 places around the world from where humans have walked away, leaving the remnants of a once active area.

It includes Pripyat, Ukraine, which was abandoned within two days in 1986 because of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster; Centralia in Pennsylvania, cleared out over 20+ years due to an underground coal-mine fire that’s been burning since 1962, which has made it too hazardous to live there; and Oradour-sur-Glane, France, a town that lost 600 lives and was subsequently destroyed by the German SS in 1944.

Others are Kolmaneskuppe, Namibia, a former diamond mining town whose population steadily declined after WWI, when diamond prices crashed, and Balestrino, Italy, whose inhabitants were moved in 1953 after several earthquakes brought them to the conclusion that the area was geologically unstable.

For more information and some interesting photos, make sure you check out the Abandoned Places in the World article.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Are you interested in visiting places that have been abandoned? Or is it too creepy? Have you been to any that you can add to the list? Please share below!

Photo: {meagen}

Photography Lovers

Michigan Central / Photo: country_boy_shane

Dotted with the ruins of abandoned buildings and dilapidated houses covered in colorful graffiti, the landscape of Detroit looks good in the viewscreen.

The city’s gritty feel and faded beauty translates well to film, whether you choose to evoke nostalgia with shots of empty iconic buildings, or to document the slow decay of an industrial city in a post-industrial age with images of factories long forgotten.

Michigan Central Station is one of the city’s most recognizable monuments. It’s illegal, though not unusual, for photographers to slip inside to capture the crumbling opulence of its interior. If you want to join them, hurry. There’s talk of demolition.

Art Lovers

Art in Detroit is everywhere.

In fact, spurred by ridiculously low home prices (the city average was $11,533 in April), artists may actually be the only people moving to Detroit right now.

Both the Detroit Artists Market and the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, housed in a converted graffiti-covered warehouse, host internationally acclaimed exhibitions of visual, performing, and multimedia arts.

Detroit Institute of Art / Photo: dana.ocker

The world-class Detroit Institute of Arts has one of the largest collections in the world, with works from Monet, Degas, van Gogh, Matisse, and Picasso, and a series of murals (depicting Detroit factory workers) by Diego Rivera.

Wander an open-air art installation at the Heidelberg Project, a street of abandoned houses covered in polka dots, stuffed animals, and scrap metal that resembles a twisted Wonderland, or just take in a showing at restaurants like Cass Café and The Majestic.

Music Lovers

From Motown greats like Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross (whose careers are among those commemorated at the Hitsville USA Motown Museum) to rock darlings the White Stripes, Detroit has a long tradition of fostering musical talent.

See the next Detroit Cobras or Dirtbombs — before they hit it big — at intimate clubs like the Old Miami, the Magic Stick, the Lager House, and Cadieux Café. The Detroit Electronic Music Fest, held every Memorial Day weekend, features some of the best DJs and electronic music producers in the world.

To indulge more classical tastes, check out a performance at the opera or symphony.

Booze Lovers

Detroit’s a drinking town, and no matter what you fancy you’ll find it here.

Photo: No Trams To Lime Street

Drink with the city’s elite at the bar at the stately Whitney mansion, or rub elbows with war veterans in the casual backyard of the Old Miami.

Sip cocktails and dance in your club couture at Deluxe, or rock out to the jukebox at the dark, divey Bronx Bar.

Or just relax with a microbrew at one of the city’s three breweries, such as Motor City, home of the Ghettoblaster Ale.

Food Lovers

An influx of immigrants from around the world means Detroit is the place to come for some of the most authentic Polish, Mexican, Greek, and Middle Eastern food this side of the Atlantic. Head to Mexican Village, Polish Village, or Greektown for their respective cuisines, or take a short drive to Dearborn for Middle Eastern.

If you’re in the mood for something a little more local, check out Union Street for American comfort food with a twist or head to newcomer Slows, which churns out Detroit’s best barbecue and a killer bourbon lemonade (just come prepared for a long wait).

And of course, no visit would be complete without tasting the ubiquitous Detroit Coney dog.

Bargain Lovers

Economic woes for residents equal rock-bottom prices for visitors. Detroit has always been cheap, but deteriorating financial conditions mean even more discounts and deals.

Dollar drafts and 2-for-1 drinks at happy hour? Check. A filling and delicious meal for under $10? Check. Free museums, no-cover live music clubs, and ample free parking? Check, check, and check.

It’s easy to live large in Detroit on a small budget, and thanks to discount bus company Megabus, low rates on Amtrak, and cheap fares into Northwest’s hub, it doesn’t cost a lot to get here either.

Underdog Lovers

As the butt of countless jokes, it’s easy to kick Detroit while it’s down.

Eastern Market / Photo: ellievanhoutte

But if you’re a sucker for a lost cause, you may just be charmed by the city’s unwavering community pride in the face of such depression.

The people of Detroit understand their city has problems, but many are choosing to rally their neighbors and fight for change rather than sit idly by and watch the city decay further.

Detroit’s refusal to let go of the past is immediately evident, but when you look a little deeper you also see a small — but growing — ray of hope for the future.

Community Connection

For more of Katie’s perspective on her hometown, check out her Matador community blog post My Motor City.

Matador member Pap of Glencoe is another Motown native. Visit her Matador profile to connect.

Beach at the Green Turtle Lodge / Photo above and feature photo: Stig Nygaard

1. Zebrabar

Location: near Saint-Louis, Senegal

At this upscale campground, human-size monkeys cross the beach and a resident zebra playfully steals guests’ belongings.

Photo: author

With a river that’s safe for swimming and a deserted ocean beach, Zebrabar accommodates the solo backpacker as well as families with young children, making it a fabulous place to meet travelers from all over the globe.

During the high tourist season around New Year, birders flock to the campgrounds to explore National Park Langue de Barbarie.

But from June to September, just a handful of guests are around to relax in the resort’s hammocks, paddle kayaks across the river, and gather for three-course dinners at the water’s edge.

Website: http://www.zebrabar.net
Cost: $13/night for a single bungalow with shared bath, $19/night for a double
Currency: West African CFA franc
Language: French. Swiss owners also speak English and German.
Getting there: Taxi from Saint-Louis (30 minutes)
Tip: If you’re not a bird watcher, go in the off season (June to September) to have things all to yourself.

2. Green Turtle Lodge

Location: near Cape Coast, Ghana

Backpackers and volunteers in Ghana talk about Green Turtle as though it were the very definition of paradise, which it might well be compared to some of the country’s other accommodations.

Solar-powered bungalow / Photo: Stig Nygaard

This is a true getaway from the hustle of Ghana’s cities, and since it revolves around environment- and community-oriented tourism, there’s no need to feel guilty for lounging here for days on end.

Visit nearby fishing villages, canoe through mangroves, and stroll the beach looking for the sea turtles that nest here between October and March.

The highlight of the day? When the cook posts the menu. From coconut fish curry to jam on homemade bread, the food is cheap — a few dollars for a meal — and tasty.

Website: http://www.greenturtlelodge.com
Cost: $4 for a tent, $5 for a dorm bed, $20 for a double chalet with shared bath
Currency: Cedi
Language: English
Getting there: Bush taxi from Cape Coast (several hours)
Tip: If it’s raining, pass on the tent and spring for a bed instead. Book one from within Ghana by text message, since cell service is spotty at the resort.

3. Kribi

Location: southwest Cameroon

Relaxing in Kribi / Photo: gizzle

This isn’t one resort; it’s an entire beach town overflowing with hotels for you to choose from. Some are pricey for the backpacker’s budget, but once you get a taste of the spectacular coastline and succulent seafood, you’ll see that Kribi is worth splurging for a few days.

The town is also home to one of the world’s few freshwater falls that feeds directly into the ocean.

Nightlife here is hoppin’! Bars and clubs are crowded until late, and street vendors hawk grilled fish and brochettes — meat on skewers — to accompany the ubiquitous 22-ounce beers.

Cost: Budget hotels at $20/room, others starting at $35/room
Currency: Central African CFA franc
Language: French
Getting there: Bush taxi from Douala (several hours)
Tip: Prices are negotiable in the off season, particularly if you’re willing to forgo air conditioning.

Community Connection

After splurging in Kribi, why not keep heading south to check out Trips’ 5 Reasons to Go to Angola in 2009 (And Beyond) with your own eyes?

Or hang out longer in Cameroon to investigate Volunteer Opportunities in Africa.

And for those who think beaches are a bit dull, may we suggest coming Face to Face with South Africa’s Great Whites?

Photo: aka*kirara

Cotswolds, England

Nobody embraces tea more seriously than the English. Famous world over for its stone-built villages, historical towns, and rolling green hills, there’s no better place to experience tea time than the English Cotswolds.

Sip Earl Grey amongst drooping willows and lazy streams at the birthplace of William Shakespeare, in Stratford-upon-Avon, and you may be inspired to write a few sonnets of your own.

Photo: Author

Chengdu, China

Chinese green tea is as famous in the East as Earl Grey is in the West. For the best in Chinese teahouse culture, head to Chengdu.

Traditionally venues for conversation, light eating, and ear cleaning (a service performed by professionals with mini-lances and swabs, followed by an energizing shoulder massage), Chengdu teahouses have evolved into both trendy hotspots for dating and nightlife as well as sanctuaries of quiet relaxation.

At the south bridge of Dujiang Weir, enjoy a relaxing afternoon outside with a bottomless pot of your choice for around 20 yuan ($3).

And yes, you can still have your ears professionally lanced.

Ganzi, Tibetan Plateau

After passing over 13,000ft mountain passes to the Tibetan Plateau, Chinese green gives way to its western cousin, butter tea. A mainstay of the local diet, generous portions of (often rancid) butter and salt give Tibetan tea a uniquely unpleasant flavor that is undoubtedly an acquired taste.

Tibetans take advantage of the butter’s oils to protect their lips from the high-altitude sun. Consequently, the higher you go, the more butter in your tea.

Photo: Author

Although situated in West Sichuan and not the Tibetan Autonomous Region, the town of Ganzi is culturally more Tibetan than most of Tibet.

Wander the old town, overlooked by a hilltop monastery (home to over 500 Buddhist monks), and you’ll find yourself lost among faded prayer flags and elderly patrons slowly spinning prayer wheels.

Since the 2008 Tibetan uprisings, in which Ganzi was an epicenter of violent protest, West Sichuan has been out of bounds to most foreigners. If you make it to this remote mountain town and duck into one of the many local guesthouses for tea, you’ll likely be the only Westerner they’ll see for weeks.

Photo: Author

Marrakech, Morocco

Sipping hot mint tea in the souks of Marrakech, Morocco, entails more than you might expect.

You sit among boiling cauldrons of lamb heads, watching as your tea is poured from large steaming copper kettles at arm’s length into tiny palm-sized glasses.

The addictive sweet mint tea is served throughout the day. Alcohol is regarded as taboo in traditional circles in this Muslim nation, so mint tea acts as the social beverage of choice.

At the local food stalls in the Djemaa el Fna, in the heart of the old city, grab a cup with the locals in the evenings for around $0.10 a glass.

Cuzco, Peru

The coca leaf, notorious for its roll as the principal ingredient in cocaine, has been used for centuries in Andean tea.

Photo: sdpuckett

Among the Inca-descended Quechua in particular, the ancient brew is still consumed to alleviate the effects of life at altitude.

Try the tea in the mountain city of Cuzco, where tourist accommodations offer a complementary cup on arrival.

At nearly 11,000 ft above sea level, your body will thank you for downing a draught of the coca concoction, especially if you’ve just gotten in from Lima and the coast.

Nashville, USA

Served on ice with a squeeze of lemon on a hot Tennessee afternoon…it’s not hard to understand why American Southerners love their sweet tea. What better place than the home of country music to experience it for yourself?

Located 30 minutes from downtown Nashville along a narrow country road sits Barbara’s Home Cookin’, a local “meat an’ three” joint. One sip of Barbara’s homemade sweet tea, accompanied by a lunch of her fried chicken and fresh pie, and you’ll be humming “Rocky Top Tennessee” for a week.

Community Connection

Tea fans might also enjoy reading about 11 Herbs That Ease Common Travel Ailments. Also, make sure to check out Hidden Hope: A Visit to a Sri Lankan Tea Estate.

1.A view from the “Going to the Sun” road. Photo by .Bala.

2.Bits of glacier dotting the mountains. Photo by fddi1.

3.Birthplace of the watershed. Photo by fddi1.

4.The path to Hidden Lake at Logan Pass. Photo by fddi1.

5.Bear in early summer. Feature photo and photo above by Gregg Treinish.

6.Sunset over Glacier National Park. Photo by backpackphotography.

7.A cloudy day at Glacier. Photo by mtsrs.

8.A mountain goat lingering in the shadows. Photo by Gregg Treinish.

9.A lone house in the wilderness. Photo by .Bala.

10.Bluebird day at Glacier. Photo by celebdu.

11.Upper headwaters in Glacier. Photo by celebdu.

12.Lake Josephine. Photo by Navin75.

13.Grinnell Lake. Photo by Navin75.

Community Connection

Interested in visiting Glacier or elsewhere in Montana? Matador has put together one of the most comprehensive resources for Big Sky you’ll find anywhere, including locals’ recommendations for trails, rivers, mountains, restaurants, and bars.

Photos: winkyintheuk

Matadorian rico nico’s expertise on the frozen continent comes from a stint of employment at one of the U.S. research stations, an experience he’s eager to help others achieve:

I worked as a “Dining Room Attendant” (read: “Dishwasher”) for nearly 5 months at McMurdo Station. Navigating the application process was the hardest part, so I’d be thrilled to provide a streamlined plan for the quickest way to get hired (ie: learn from my mistakes).

I can also let you know what jobs you’re likely to end up with your first season down there, what you’ll want to pack, and plenty about what your day-to-day will look like if you’re living on the ice.

Not surprisingly, rico nico is no stranger to adventure:

Two weeks after being handed my degree in Graphic Design from UC Davis I started leading trips for an adventure travel company called “Backroads.”

For the last 6 years my spring, summer, and fall months (working months) have looked like this: Cycle through the California wine country, hike the verdant hills of Irealnd, kayak through lobster buoys in Maine, and swim with turtles in Hawaii.

Then, when the winter months hit I’d strap on a backpack and travel on my own: Jumping naked into the water in Antarctica, doing photography in Cuba, attempting to learn Spanish in Guatemala.

But his story doesn’t end there:

Since I’ve always been attracted to volunteer projects that involve medicine, I set my sights on becoming medically trained. I became an EMT through NOLS (awesome course!) and got a job in SF as a Surgical Technician in preparation for Nurse Practitioner school, my ultimate goal.

So now I work in a hospital and sit in lectures. I’ll admit that it feels like a step down. The adventures have been put on temporary hold, but once I’m a medical professional I’m hoping to take the skills abroad and open an entirely new, and purposeful, chapter of travel.

Rico nico can tell you what you need to know about Antarctica, but travel advice is a two-way street. He also “would love a few nudges in the right direction for places to go/volunteer in Africa — such a huge place I don’t know where to begin.”

To connect with rico nico, visit his Matador profile.

Community Connection

Antarctica’s international status means it has no single authority on issues related to tourism. Problem? You decide: US Calls for Stricter Tourism Guidelines in Antarctica.

Matador Goods can show you how Antarctica became the setting of one of the 8 Greatest Adventure Stories Ever Told.

Photo above: tylerdurden1, Feature photo: Carrie Musgrave | Livebabylive.com

Practicalities

South Korea’s size makes road tripping an attractive option. Vehicles can easily be rented at Incheon International Airport and through many hotels in Seoul.

Tip: Try to reserve an LNG-ready car. The cost of this alternative fuel is about a quarter that of gasoline.

The following standout spots fall in a clockwise route, beginning in the capital.

Seoul

Best to wait on the car rental for a few days while you make use of the subway to sample Seoul’s best.

Culture: Gyeongbokgung Palace
Start at one of the grandest palaces in the country, dating from 1395. In addition to the impressive Throne Hall and a pavilion virtually floating in a pond, the National Folk Museum is also on the grounds.

The photogenic changing of the guard takes place at 10:00, 13:00, 14:00, and 16:00 daily outside the main gate. Admission: $3 USD.

Photo: yeowatzup

Shopping: Insadong
A short walk from Gyeongbokgung is Insadong, the best traditional market in town. Grab lunch at one of the many old-school restaurants before strolling through the art galleries and craft shops. Afternoons often see folk music and traditional dancing exhibitions.

People watching: Myeongdong
Next, an introduction to Seoul chic. Myeongdong is the place to go to find trendy name-brand stores and hip clientele. Try to hit the narrow alleys when they truly come to life — after work — when Seoulites stroll past designer boutiques while munching gourmet street food.

Views: N Seoul Tower
You’ve most likely caught a glimpse of the N Seoul Tower, standing tall on Namsan Mountain. A cable car ($6 USD round trip) will shuttle you up the mountain to the base of the needle, from where you can ascend to the tower’s observatory level ($3 USD) for city panoramas. The tower also houses a rotating restaurant.

Nightlife: Hongdae
Underground DJs thumping into the wee hours, chill acoustic or rock sounds spilling from cramped bars, and luxury noraebangs (karaoke rooms) — this is Hongdae, the city’s #1 choice for watching the sun come up. Get there via the subway’s green line.

History: DMZ tour
The most popular tour in Korea ($40 to $80 USD) will take you to one of the most mysterious and heavily guarded strips of land on the planet. Everything from half- to two-day tours are available.

Shuffle down infiltration tunnels (dug by the North), browse the DMZ museum, gaze out over the zone and portions of North Korea from the Dora Observatory, and take a moment to read the heartbreaking notes tacked on the Freedom Bridge (used to exchange POWs after the Korean War).

All told, it’ll leave you with a lot to consider on your 90-minute bus ride back to Seoul.

Stop 1: Northeast Coast

Okay, it’s now time to hop behind the wheel and hit the road.

Photo: Ryuugakusei

Seoraksan National Park
Seoraksan has it all: hiking, wildlife, and history.

The park is at its best in autumn, when the colors of its foliage rival those of New England.

Take the cable car ($5 USD) up to Gwongeumseong Fortress to gaze over the spectacular peaks and rock cliffs of this park. Or, if the line’s too long, put your boots to work.

Sokcho
This charming port town on the East Sea is the perfect base camp for a park visit. Browse the seaside fish markets for dinner, then knock back some of that famous Korean alcohol, soju, while listening to the waves crash on the rocky coast — the perfect post-hike chillout.

Stop 2: Gyeongju

Photo: Photocapy

This ancient capital town provides endless opportunities to delve further into the peninsula’s history.

The Silla tombs, twenty massive burial mounds standing almost 50 feet tall, rise out of central Tumuli Park.

Kite fliers and picnickers relax in the shadow of Korea’s oldest structure, an astronomical observatory built in 627.

Gyeongju National Museum, loaded with artifacts found in nearby Anapji Pond, is a worthwhile stop on your way to Bulguksa Temple in the mountains above town. From here, you can walk even higher to the Seokguram Grotto and its well-visited Buddha statue that looks out over the East Sea.

Stop 3: Busan

Haeundae Beach
It’s time to kick back on the southern coast, Busan style. Get up early to snag a spot on Korea’s most popular beach, Haeundae. In the peak season (i.e., any nice weekend and all of August), umbrellas saturate the 2 km of sand.

If the crowds are too much for you, check out one of the other five beaches Busan is famous for.

Photo: yeowatzup

Heosimcheong Spa
Reportedly the largest hot springs in Asia, Heosimcheong ($5 USD) lies 10 km north of central Busan in the district of Dongnae. Remember to shower before slipping into the nearly 55-degree Celsius (130 Fahrenheit) pools.

Different aromatherapy and herbal tubs are available for soaking, while masseuse and scrubbing services are provided for a fee.

Jagalchi Fish Market
Right on the waterfront in the heart of central Busan is this busy market. Wander the pungent stalls, make a purchase, then take your pick to one of the nearby seafood restaurants and they’ll prepare it for you — most likely raw, sashimi style.

When you’ve finished dinner, head to Texas Street, opposite the Busan train station, to take in the nightlife of Korea’s second largest city.

Stop 4: Gwangju

Gwanju played a key role in the development of the modern Korean state in the 20th century.

In 1929, local students took part in one of the fiercest anti-Japanese uprisings of the entire 35-year occupation. 1980 saw hundreds of civilians killed at the hands of the army during a protest against the military government, an event known today as the Gwangju Democratization Movement.

Residents are rightly proud of their recent history, and a defiant student art culture persists.

The Gwanju National Museum gives you a chance to learn about the region’s more distant past. Follow that up with a visit to the surreally shaped rock cliffs of nearby Mt. Mudeung.

Photo: Wm Jas

Stop 5: Gunsan Islands

If you have time, park the car in the west coast port town of Gunsan and hop a ferry to Seonyudo Island for a day or longer.

The pace is island-slow (except during holidays), and the seafood is some of the country’s best. The white-sand beaches may convince you to stay longer than you’d planned.

Seonyudo is connected by bridges to a couple smaller islands, and renting a bicycle or 4-wheeler for some solo exploration is also rewarding.

Stop 6: Suwon and Yongin

Korean Folk Village
In Suwon, step into history at the Korean Folk Village ($10 USD). It features over 200 authentically reproduced and renovated structures from all corners of the country and traditional performances like tightrope walking, aerial acrobatics, music, dancing, and horsemanship.

Photo: Nagyman

Everland
Ranked as the 10th best park in the world by the Themed Entertainment Association, Everland (day passes from $26 USD) will help you unleash your inner child.

The park is divided into four themed sections, as well as a newly renovated water park, Caribbean Bay. Try to get to the park on a weekday, when lines are more tolerable.

There’s an excellent range of rides, climaxing with a white-knuckle scream-fest aboard the world’s largest inclined wooden coaster, T-Express.

From here, it’s a quick shot up the highway and back into Seoul.

Community Connection

Destinations

Community Connection to South Korea

Jon Wick is also the author of Chaos, Culture and Kim Chi: A Korean Cafeteria.

Before you even set foot on the peninsula, check out these 10 Korean Customs To Know Before You Visit Korea.

And, if your quick visit should turn into a longer stay, best read up on How To Get A Job Teaching English In Korea, as the country is one of the Top 10 Places for Teaching English Abroad.

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