How to Convert Your Leftover Travel Money into Actual Cash
Many people make resolutions heading into the new year, and from a travelers perspective this may be to travel more, seek out immersive experiences, or even learn a new language. Though for me, this new year meant cleaning the house. Tidying up our garage, donating clothes, and cleaning out some old drawers. And it’s quite amazing what you find when you clear out your old draws!
Like $450 in forgotten cash.
You’re probably wondering how it’s possible to just “forget” about $450 in your sock drawer. That money represents a flight, a couple of nights at a hotel, or even a couple of weeks throughout a cheap country in South East Asia. But I’m not able to spend it. My problem is that my $450 is in Turkish Lira. And Euro. And Pounds. And Canadian Dollars. And Czech Koruna. And honestly there are a lot of coins and bank notes that I don’t even recognize!
Over 10 years of travel, all of that leftover currency adds up, and if you’ve been adding to your own jar over the years, you’ve probably got hundreds of dollars sitting there too. Here’s how to exchange those mixed foreign coins and bank notes for actual cash.
read moreI Walked the Camino, but NOT in Spain: Guide to the French Via Podiensis Pilgrimage Route
The idea to attempt a long walk had been in my head for some time. The book Wild, by Cheryl Strayed, came into my hands, shortly followed by Patrick Leigh Fermor’s A Time of Gifts; two autobiographies which detailed epic adventures across magical landscapes on foot.
It became clear to me that something very special happens to a traveler in this situation, so I decided I had to be involved. Though having never walked long distance before, I had to figure out where I should start.
The obvious choice for most travelers these days is the Camino de Santiago, or Way of St James. One of the most popular long distance routes made famous by films such as The Way with Martin Sheen, thousands come from all over the world to walk it every year. I imagined I’d probably be one of those thousands until – surprisingly – I started to learn a little bit more about European pilgrimage routes.
read moreA Travel Guide to Finnish Lapland: When, Where & How to Go
Located above the Arctic Circle (from the “capital city” Rovaniemi in the south all the way up to Utsjoki in the north), Finnish Lapland is an exotic region in northern Finland sculpted by round-shaped rugged mountains (tunturi), extensive pine forests (taiga), treeless flat lands (tundra), pristine lakes and rivers with gold nuggets.
Lapland is a unique destination which casts a powerful spell. Offering a wide array of activities for any nature lover, and with a certain sense of magic in the air, travelers visit for the midnight sun, the Sámi peoples, the aurora borealis (Northern Lights) and roaming reindeer.
This is as close as reality gets for those who dream of a winter wonderland, and even with four very distinct seasons, contrasts are a key factor in the allure here; where 24-hour sunlight in the summer replaces the dark winter days, and the hustle and bustle of towns and ski resorts is just minutes away from the peace and quiet of the wild wilderness.
read moreHow to Save Money on Transport While Traveling
Transportation costs don’t stop just because you’ve arrived at your destination. There are always additional expenses as you rent cars, hire taxis, or take the bus, and much of the time these expenses are costs which travelers overlook when planning your budget.
Though like with any other part of your vacation, you can save a little money in these areas too, if you know the right questions to ask and the right plans to make.
read more10 Tips For Traveling With One Backpack
Traveling with one backpack is a skill to be learned and perfected. Even the most seasoned travelers fight the urge to over pack, and most will likely admit to throwing extra items into their bag last minute. Though practice makes perfect, and over time I’ve managed to hone my packing skills to the point where everything fits into one backpack whether it be for 2 days or 2 months.
There is something liberating and exciting about being able to live out of just one piece of luggage. When you’re hauling heavy bags it’s awkward on public transport, inconvenient to drag across town, and airlines will hit you with extra fees. You’re less likely to travel off the beaten path with all that weight, and it’s difficult to find your things when and as you need.
So if your resolution for the new year is to travel lighter and pack less, consider the following rules.
read moreThe Best Museums in Dublin
Museums are a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the history and culture of each place you visit, and Dublin is full of fantastic options; from gardens, parks, and galleries, to those that include a local pint of Guinness or Whiskey at the end of your tour!
A small capitol with a huge reputation, Dublin offers all of the crowd favorites you would expect from a museum scene; there’s a national gallery, museum of natural history and plenty of historical museums as well. There are, however also plenty of spots that celebrate Ireland’s rich cultural history, architecture, and the outdoors.
Whether you’re a tourist or a local, you can always count on the following museums for a fun and fascinating day out.
read moreTravel Isn’t Just For Someday – How I Travel on a $32,000 salary
Travel is a dream for many people. Laying on exotic beaches, roaming the streets of ancient cities, tasting foods you’ve never heard of- it sounds like heaven! Though unfortunately, many people consider travel something utterly beyond their reach.
Travel takes time, money, and planning. And people always seem to find themselves coming up short on at least one of those things.
But travel is within your reach, even if you’re a small earner like me. Be deliberate about where you actually spend your money, and take every opportunity to save that you can. You’ll find that travel presents itself in lots of little ways!
read moreThe Best Tanzania Holiday: Climb Kilimanjaro and an African Safari
In October 2010 I traveled to Tanzania with the goal of conquering a mountain. And at 5,895 metres (19,341 ft), it was really, really tall. The highest mountain in Tanzania, the highest mountain in Africa, and the highest free-standing mountain in the world, if we’re keeping score.
Dominating the landscape like no other mountain, both iconic and instantly recognizable, Kilimanjaro is one of Africa’s most visited National Parks. Unlike the other parks, this isn’t for the wildlife, although it’s there. Rather, coming here is all about gazing in awe at a mountain on the equator capped with snow, and to climb to the top of Africa.
There are many decisions to consider when planning your Kilimanjaro climb, but the best decision you’ll make is to combine it with an African safari.
read more7 Reasons You Should Spend Winter Among the Wonders of Jilin
Jilin is a northeastern Chinese province bordering North Korea and Russia, and while it may not be the first place you think to go when you think of China, come winter it is a destination full of superlatives; of ski resorts, natural hot springs, and stunning ice-rimmed riverside trees.
For those travelers looking for a destination which offers an incredible winter wonderland, and lengthy period of winter snow, this is the place to be. From October to April, Jilin is transformed into a truly magical destination with mesmerising natural wonders you have to see to believe.
From a stunning, deep-blue volcanic crater lake within the country’s largest reserve, to China’s extraordinary frozen fog, the following are 7 reasons to spend this winter among the wonders of Jilin.
read moreWhat Motivates Me to Travel: Personal Reflection After 10 Years
If there’s a question I’m asked most frequently, it’s what motivates me to travel. What motivated me to start, and what continues to motivate me today.
And it’s an interesting thing to consider. To pin-point exactly what makes us leave our homes and journey to far flung corners of the earth, sometimes halfway around the globe. What pushes us to sit in an aluminium tube for sometimes 20 hours + and endure in-flight food. 3 billion of us do it every year, though have you sat down and actually asked yourself why?
Some people do it to taste exotic dishes, and to dive into history. Some people travel for the ultimate tan. But for me, it’s always been about adventure and exploration. About the chance to experience and discover something new, whether that be a new taste, sensation, culture, or even an undiscovered city. (I figure Hiram Bingham did it, so surely there’s one just waiting for me too!)
read moreAbout Me
I am Megan Jerrard, professional travel blogger/journalist with a focus on adventure, discovery, immersion and inspiring you to explore!
