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Enjoy the best off-the-beaten-path beach in Costa Rica through an HD adventure travel video from 2 Backpackers, Jason and Aracely Castellani, while visiting Sámara, Costa Rica.  In travel video episode #21, we film the flat, calm, white sand Samara Beach and it’s small island of Isla Chora. Enjoy the show!

Costa Rica Travel – Sámara

Samara is located on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula on the Pacific Coast. Costa Rica is Central America’s most developed country and attracts the most tourists, allowing it to build an improved infrastructure attracting luxury beachfront resorts. As a budget traveler, this can be a challenge. You want to explore the wonderful beaches of Costa Rica, but you also have a travel budget to stick to.

Best Beach in Costa Rica

Have you ever envisioned a wonderful cove beach with subtle waves, endless reefs, nearby cliffs battered by the sea, horses running along the water’s edge, palm trees bending towards the horizon, reefs occasionally sun bathing and a small rock island that beckons you as you rest on the mainland?

Then you better get yourself to Samara Beach, the best off-the-beaten-path beach in all of Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Travel - Samara Beach

On the third Monday of January, the United States will be celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a federal holiday marking the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

The idea of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a holiday was promoted by labor unions in contract negotiations. After King’s death, United States Representative John Conyers (a Democrat from Michigan) and United States Senator Edward Brooke (a Republican from Massachusetts) introduced a bill in Congress to make King’s birthday a national holiday. The bill first came to a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1979. However, it fell five votes short of the number needed for passage. Two of the main arguments mentioned by opponents were that a paid holiday for federal employees would be too expensive, and that a holiday to honor a private citizen would be contrary to longstanding tradition (King had never held public office). Only two other persons have national holidays in the United States honoring them: George Washington, the first President of the United States, and Christopher Columbus, the navigator, colonizer, and explorer from the Republic of Genoa, whose voyages across the Atlantic Ocean led to general European awareness of the American continents. – Wikipedia

Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial

Things to do in Washington D.C.

On August, 22, 2011, the Martin Luther King Memorial was opened. Located in Washington, D.C., southwest of the National Mall, it’s one of the most dramatic sculptures we have ever seen. It’s a large scale Martin Luther King, Jr. carved out of a rock, representing a piece from King’s famous speech.  If your looking for things to do in Washington D.C., this is a must!

The centerpiece for the memorial is based on a line from King’s “I Have A Dream” speech: “Out of a mountain of despair, a stone of hope.” A 30 feet (9.1 m)-high relief of King named the “Stone of Hope” stands past two other pieces of granite that symbolize the “mountain of despair.” Visitors literally “pass through” the Mountain of Despair on the way to the Stone of Hope, symbolically “moving through the struggle as Dr. King did during his life.” – Wikipedia

Martin Luther King Memorial Photos

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial

A man who won’t die for something is not fit to live.

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial

A right delayed is a right denied.

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial

Almost always, the creative dedicated minority has made the world better.

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial

Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial

Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men.

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial

Philanthropy is commendable, but it must not cause the philanthropist to overlook the circumstances of economic injustice which make philanthropy necessary.

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial

Rarely do we find men who willingly engage in hard, solid thinking. There is an almost universal quest for easy answers and half-baked solutions. Nothing pains some people more than having to think.

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial

The quality, not the longevity, of one’s life is what is important.

Aracely paying respects to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial

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Enjoy a boat tour of millionaire homes on Lake Nicaragua through an HD adventure travel video from 2 Backpackers, Jason and Aracely Castellani, while visiting Granada, Nicaragua.  In travel video episode #20, we tour Las Isletas and Monkey Island on Lake Nicaragua. Enjoy the show!

Nicaragua Travel – Granada

Granada’s colonial heritage is most notable in it’s architecture. The Cathedral stands out in the city above most buildings with it’s bright yellow color and it’s a good marker to make your way to the town’s center. In the center of town is Central Park (Parque Central) where you will find an abundance of vendors selling crafts and possibly a dozen hotdogs stands at any given time. Be prepared, because Nicaragua travel is very hot and humid year round.

• Nicaragua Travel – Volcano Boarding in León Travel Video
• Nicaragua Travel – Zip-Line in San Juan del Sur Travel Video
• Nicaragua Travel – Volcano El Hoyo Trek Travel Video

Nicaragua Travel - The Cathedral of Granada

Lake Nicaragua

Lake Nicaragua (Lago Cocibolca) is Central America’s largest lake and is a big tourist attraction for those visiting Granada. There are several tours available on the lake, but opt out of swimming, it’s still very polluted.

Nicaragua Travel - Lake Nicaragua Las Isletas

Granada Tours

• Mombacho Volcano
• Las Isletas de Granada (Granada Islands)
• Isla Ometepe
• Laguna de Apoyo

Las Isletas de Granada

This was our choice for a Granada tour, riding on a small boat through some of the 365 small islands in Lake Nicaragua.  Only 3 km from Granada, it’s can be  a short 1-2 hour tour.  Some of the islands are privately owned and include millionaire homes with yachts docked next to them.  There are also a few bars and restaurants where you can relax in a hammock and enjoy a drink on an island.  You can grab a boat ride down at the lake’s edge or book a tour in town.  There are always boats available, just be sure to negotiate your rate.  If you enjoy watching monkeys in the wild, you will love Monkey Island.

Nicaragua Travel - Lake Nicaragua Monkey Island

What to do in Granada Nicaragua

Granada is a happening town, with lots of bars, restaurants and a decent nightlife.  Our two favorite places to hang out include Calle La Calzada and Parque Central.  Parque Central (Central Park) is full of vendors, music, gazebos and small cafes for relaxing in the park.  Around the park there are usually activities going on to entertain tourists, making it an enjoyable hangout.  Calle La Calzada is the place to enjoy gringo bars, restaurants and street entertainment.  Expect to see lots of children begging for money, some asking to finish your meal or offering crafts they make.

Nicaragua Travel - Granada City Streets

Budget Travel Tips

Nicaragua, typically includes a 15% tax on everything in its tourist cities.  Granada, was no exception, and was one of the downsides to enjoying a meal in a decent restaurant.

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After traveling throughout Central America and South America, we have experienced our share of unique cultural norms in Latin America, one of which includes putting home speakers on your car and advertising loudly through the streets. This wasn’t an occasional site, it was a frequent site, often advertising for events, radio stations or products, and also for politicians. We see this in some parts of Miami too, which is not too strange considering Miami is primarily Latin. I’ll have to get some video of that to share. To see more unique cultural norms from Latin America, check out their tricked out custom chicken buses!

In this travel video clip #6, we share some creative advertising methods used in Latin America.

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We celebrate fun Ecuador traditions on New Year’s Eve in this HD travel video from 2 Backpackers, Jason and Aracely Castellani, while visiting Chone, Ecuador during the Holidays.  In travel video episode #19, we join Aracely’s family in her hometown of Chone to experience the chaos that is New Year’s Eve in Ecuador. Enjoy the show!

Ecuador Travel - Año Viejo / Saying Goodbye to the Old Year

Año Viejo / Old Year

Ecuador traditions are wild on New Year’s Eve. More attention is given to saying goodbye to the old year instead of celebrating the new year. Ecuadorians build life-size dummies or dolls that typically represent negativity in the Old Year. Considerable effort is sometimes invested in building your doll, or you can buy them off the streets. Some will build wire frames, stuff them with fireworks and cover them with paper and plaster before finally painting them. Others build stuffed dummies and purchase a famous head or mask to complete their person.

In addition to the traditional aspect of burning a hated figure such as a politician, today’s Ecuadorians also burn characters such as Bart Simpson and Michael Jackson for fun.

• Ecuador Travel – Top Things To Do in Quito
• Ecuador Travel – More to Ecuador than Galapagos Islands
• Ecuador Travel – Otavalo Market
• Ecuador Travel – Discover Chone, My Hometown

Ecuador Travel - Fireworks during New Year

Fireworks, Dancing and Food in Ecuador

The burning of the dolls is the most unique New Year’s Eve tradition, but not the only one. Bonfires of dummies and dolls litter the streets while fireworks and music fill the air until daybreak. As is the case with any Latin holiday, Ecuadorians will dance the night away, only stopping to eat dinner after midnight.

Ecuador Travel - Young Boys Dressed as Widows on New Year

During the day most will parade their creations, the dolls and dummies, around town for everyone to appreciate before the midnight burning. Also, during the day, young boys will dress up as widows (made widows from the burning dolls) dancing in the streets for passing cars as they beg for money. Be careful on the highways, where they hold ropes across the street forcing cars to stop and acknowledge them.

If you looking for a unique, chaotic, loud, but fun experience, travel to Ecuador for New Year’s Eve.

A Special Thanks to Chone, Ecuador

We want to specifically thank Aracely’s family in Chone, Ecuador for hosting us during the Holidays and sharing their Ecuador traditions and homes with us. Being away from home during Christmas and New Year’s Eve when traveling around the world can be depressing, but having met new family made it a unique experience we will never forget. Thank you.

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An incredible display of Christmas lights / Los Alumbrados Medellín in this HD travel video from 2 Backpackers, Jason and Aracely Castellani, while visiting Medellín, Colombia during the Holidays.  In travel video episode #18, we brave the splashing fountains of water and follow our Couchsurfing friend, Claudia, to the Rio Medellín for some holiday season fun. Enjoy the show!

Colombia Travel - Christmas Lights in Medellín, Colombia

Consider Colombia Travel

Colombia was one of our favorite countries to visit during our travel in South America and we highly recommend it. If your still contemplating, read “Why Travel to Colombia“.

Colombia Travel - Christmas Lights in Medellín, Colombia

Christmas in Medellín Colombia

We arrived to Medellín in December, just before departing to Ecuador to spend the holidays with family. To our surprise Medellín has a lot to offer during the holiday season. Lights, lights and more lights!

The Christmas light display is heavily concentrated at the Rio Medellín near Puente de Guayaquil. At this location, tourists and locals flock to grab festival food, view artistic light displays and most importantly, jump around the colorful water fountains. The maze of water displays is incredible. Although crowded, everyone seems to take turns in an orderly fashion. Aracely was brave enough to crowd under one of the mushroom-like fountains.

• Colombia Travel – Beaches of Tayrona National Park
• Colombia Travel – Discover Cartagena
• Colombia Travel – Mud Bath in Volcano Totumo
• Colomiba Travel – Discover Salento

Colombia Travel - Christmas Lights in Medellín, Colombia

A Local Tour Guide

We were lucky to have met Claudia at a Couchsurfing gathering a few nights before and she offered to take us to the Christmas lights display down at the river. Claudia introduced us to salt and lime beer, basically a margarita beer, sweet popcorn, Aguardiente and some sweets that resembled taffy, but was made from cow bones. Very interesting and tasted quite good.

Colombia Travel - Pueblito Paisa in Medellín, Colombia

We know a lot of travel bloggers that are still living in Medellín, Colombia, and it’s doubtful they will be bored this time of season. The Christmas lights are usually on display from December to January.

With ten land border crossings under our belt, it’s time to share travel tips about our experience with land border crossings.  Our first land border crossing was from Guatemalato El Salvador and it involved a boat ride, two bus rides and a walk across a long bridge separating the borders.  We admittedly were nervous.  It was in a less developed country and we had heard frightening stories.  Ten countries later and we have yet to have an incident.  So what should you know when crossing a land border?

Travel Tips - Land Border Crossing Items

1. Know the Exchange Rate

In Central America, currency exchange is very informal at the land borders.  There are men standing around with a wad of cash on hand waving a calculator.  The calculator is to calculate but also to imply that you should trust them.  Don’t be fooled.  Make sure that you know the fair exchange rate, know how much you need to exchange and how much you should receive.  The good thing about this is that there is room to negotiate.  Make sure that you do, but remember that this is how they earn a living so you should allow them a small commission.  In South America, currency exchange practices are more formal and conducted in banks and money exchange kiosks with no room for negotiations.  It’s a good practice to still be aware of the exchange rate so you can at least note how much money you’ve lost in the exchange and be sure to remember to document that in your expenses.

Looking for a Preparing to Travel To-Do List?

2. Have Passports and Documents Accessible

Have your passport and tourist card easily accessible and not stored away deep in your bag.  This may be obvious but it will help you expedite the process and possibly avoid stalling a bus inspection.  Also remember to store you immunization records with your passport.

3. Familiarize yourself with the Land Border Crossing Area

Do your research on the specific location of your border crossing.  Become familiar with the town or streets you will be traveling on, where your destination is and how you will get there.  Lonely Planet Guides and other travelers can be good sources of information. Border crossings can get very confusing in less developed countries and you should know where you are at all times.  Some borders are more isolated and dangerous than others.  If you know that to expect you can be more in control of the situation.

Travel Tips - Land Border Crossing: Ecuador to Peru

4. Know Immigration Fees and Visas ahead of time

Depending on what country you are from and what passport you hold certain fees and documents may be required.  Visas can sometimes be purchased at the immigration center, but research the requirements.  In South America, US citizens are required to purchase visas for Brazil and Bolivia, both of which require you to pay in either US cash or the local currency.  Some countries also require entrance or departing fees.  Have enough cash on hand to cover any border fees and visa costs.  When flying into a country, different fees may apply.  Visit the US Department of State website for detailed information on specific countries.

5. Plan your Transportation to and from Border

If you are crossing the border with a bus company in a developed country they will most likely arrange and assist you with the entire process, but don’t expect the same in developing countries such as those in Central America.  In South America it is part of the service the bus company provides.  If you are crossing from Guatemala to Honduras on a local school (chicken) bus you will likely be crossing the border on foot or cycle rickshaws.  Know how far it is to the other side and how long before you can pick up another bus.  You may have to hire a shuttle bus, taxi or local school bus.  At customs, expect to be approached by many taxi drivers offering you a ride.  Take your time to make a decision, don’t be afraid to tell them to give you some space and back off while you organize your things and thoughts.   Include transportation in your research of the border crossing.

Travel Tips - Land Border Crossing: Ecuador to Colombia

6. Avoid Offers From Non-Official Border Police

In Central America, where the process is less organized, sometimes common people will pass out custom forms to you while you are in line.  It’s not out of kindness; they will charge you.  Do not accept these forms which are usually outdated anyway.  Some other strange fees may arise.  Research what you should be paying for in advance.

Travel Tips - Land Border Crossing: Peru to Bolivia

7. Staying Safe at Land Borders

Border crossings in Central America and parts of South America can be sketchy.  Take precautions with your possessions.  Do not store things of importance in your pockets or walk around filming and snapping photos with your expensive camera.  Customs officers usually won’t like it and robbers will spot you.  Look confident, don’t pull out a map, and always spot customs or law officers.  Greet the officer and ask them questions on how to get to your destination and anything you should know about crossing the border. You may get some valuable safety information.  When possible, don’t cross a border alone find another traveler on the bus and cross with them.  Traveling with someone is always safer.

If you have additional travel tips or experiences please share them with us in the comments section.

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Surf lesson tips and a zip-lining canopy tour through an HD adventure travel video from 2 Backpackers, Jason and Aracely Castellani, while visiting San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua.  In travel video episode #17, take our video camera high above the forest canopy to share some incredible views and fast flying zip-lines. Enjoy the show!

The Beach Cove in San Juan del Sur

Getting to San Juan del Sur

San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua was on our list of must see beaches since we heard about it from other backpackers while traveling in El Salvador.  “This is where you go to surf,” they exclaimed.  From Grenada, we boarded a local bus to Rivas.  At the Rivas bus terminal, which is located in the market, we searched for a bus to San Juan del Sur.  In no time, we were on our way to the coastal town on the Pacific Ocean, in southwest Nicaragua.

Colorful Streets of San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

Hostels in San Juan del Sur

San Juan del Sur’s most popular hostel is Casa Oro, which is on the corner of the main street and the street that leads down towards the water.  It’s currently under construction, but still a hot spot for those seeking dorms.  As we exited Casa Oro Hostel, a women on the street asked us if we needed a place to stay.  We replied, “Si,” and she offered us a private room with bathroom around the corner for $20 USD a night.  Sounded perfect to us.  Rebecca’s Inn was clean and comfortable, but lacked a social environment.

Colorful Streets of San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

After settling in, we quickly went out for a walk around town.  The town is well developed with lots of hostels, hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars and surfing shops.  Many tourist shops around town offer shuttle rides to the surrounding beaches for surfing. 

Bars and Restaurants on the Beach of San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

San Juan del Sur isn’t a beach for surfing, but rather your base town for day excursions. The beach is flanked on both sides by mountains and bars and restaurants line the water’s edge, creating a picturesque night life. It’s still low season around here and the night life was lacking during our stay.

Volcano Boarding in León – Video Ep. 15

Trip Budgeting for Central America

Photo of Church of Guadalupe in Granada, Nicaragua

Photo of Sunset Over Los Maribios Volcano Chain

Bars and Restaurants on the Beach of San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

Nicaragua Travel Costs

Gradually, our expenses have been increasing, and shockingly, Nicaragua has been the most expensive country for us so far.  It was surprising to us considering it’s also the second poorest country in the Americas; Haiti being the first.  Nicaragua, typically includes a 15% tax on everything in its tourist cities.  San Juan del Sur, was no exception, and we struggled to find dinner for under $10 USD.

A Surfer Fixing His Board

Surfing Lessons in San Juan del Sur

We walked back to Casa Oro Hostel to book our surfing lessons for the next morning.  A surf board costs $7 to rent and the lessons were $25 each including transportation to Playa de Madera.  The morning drive to the beach was approximately 45 minutes on a muddy dirt filled road.  We arrived to Tres Hermanos Hostel which resides on the small isolated beach.  The beach itself was rather dirty, lined with piles of drift wood, seaweed and washed up trash.  Unfortunately, it makes the beach much less welcoming even though it is so remote.

A Surfer Working his board in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

The waves break in three stages, providing all sorts of options for surfers of differing skills.  As beginners, we stayed close to the shore, in whitewater waves only.  Initially, Aracely and I both thought surfing was going to be extremely challenging.  I figured it to be similar to snowboarding, which is very difficult to learn. Luckily, surfing is not that challenging.  More specifically, its not as challenging to get up on the board and balance yourself.  It will become much more challenging as we venture out into bigger waves, but Aracely and I aren’t anywhere near that stage yet.

San Juan del Sure Beach & Cove

Fredo, our surf instructor spent 2-3 hours with Aracely, Miguel and I.  The first hour was on the beach, learning where to lie on the board and finding out if we stood regular or goofy.  I always look goofy, but in regards to surfing, I am regular and Aracely is goofy.  Once we got into the water, in only 15 minutes Aracely was up on the board, surfing her way to shore.  She even impressed the teacher.  After we all got the hang of things, we each attempted to surf on our own for the remainder of the day.  At 4:00pm our ride back to San Juan del Sur arrived and we all jumped back in the Land Rover.

San Juan del Sur Beach Cove

After returning to our hostel, Aracely and I realized our ribs hurt and our knees burned.  Seems as if I rubbed the hairs off my knees a bit getting in the standing position.  It was a still a great time, and we can now officially say, “We surf!”

Canopy Tour in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

There are several beaches you can visit near San Juan del Sur for surfing.  If you are looking for something else, try renting a quad or bike on the beach, charter a fishing boat or go searching for turtles.  We booked a canopy tour on zip-lines with Da’ Flying Frog Tours the next day.  We had amazing views of the forest canopy and the coastline all for $30 a person, a fraction of what you will pay in Costa Rica.

Canopy Tour in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

San Juan del Sur Nightlife

Each evening we hung out at Barrio Cafe and continued to watch the World Series baseball games. Other places we enjoyed a drink or some food were Big Wave Dave’s, Iguana’s Beach Club and El Gato Negro Bookstore Cafe.

El Gato Negro Bookstore Cafe of San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

This post is in response to my early discussion about why I might stop travel blogging. The response via the comments was overwhelming and I want to summarize the main points I have taken away from everyone’s input. An update on what I have decided to do is also in order considering the interest the article sparked.

Blogger Feedback

1. Most bloggers know they can’t live off a blogging income

It seems that the majority of us know that blogging alone isn’t going to yield much money. That doesn’t mean we all don’t hope our blog takes off and we make some dollars, it just means we are sensible about what to expect in terms of income. The fact that we celebrate 1,000 visitors a day and $1,000 a month, speaks to itself.

2. Half of you believe you will succeed by doing what you love or are passionate about

We aren’t in sync on this issue, and honestly, there is no need to be. To state my opinion, I don’t believe that just by doing something you are passionate about you will find success. Running a business is more complicating than that. I also believe that the world is much more difficult than that.

3. We understand that blogging alone isn’t enough

If you want to make money, you need to do more than blogging. There has been enough bloggers sharing their steps to success for us to understand that there is always something more than just blogging. Some write freelance, operate a side business, do web development, have a completely different full-time job or speak publicly. Others sell ebooks, SEO services, hard books, photographs, subscriptions or magazines. Take the knowledge that the more experienced bloggers are offering and learn from it. Your blog is your audience; decide what product or service you are going to sell to them.

4. When a hobby becomes a job, things change

A hobby is something we enjoy, something we do purely for pleasure. There isn’t a requirement, a threshold nor a measure of success. When a hobby becomes a job, it changes. It’s a business now, and you must focus on the activity in order to achieve success. Success is no longer just about pleasure, it’s about income. If we enjoy something tremendously, be cautious when considering turning it into a job. You might lose the pleasure you original received from that activity forever.

5. The travel blogging community exists

The comments in the article, which was written for travel bloggers, displays an incredible interest of bloggers to share thoughts on a subject many of us can relate too. Many of you are thinking, “Of course we exist.” What I am trying to convey is that in this chaotic online world, which often seems fragmented, clicky, and self satisfying, we can come together for discussion that is relevant to our business. We won’t all comment on each article about a destination we write, and we shouldn’t. Those articles are written for non-travel bloggers. We do comment on articles that we can all relate to, that are a reflection of our industry and that we can learn from. It’s important to have that community, a sense of belonging, a support system, people we can gather honest feedback from. We all blog for different reasons and are on different levels of the business cycle, but we know each other well, if only by a twitter profile pic.

What have I been up to?

I haven’t stopped blogging, but I also haven’t found a job yet. It’s only been 3 weeks and the number of job opportunities in Miami for my skill-set is at a minimum, according to Monster.com. I have stopped my use of StumbleUpon, Digg and being on Twitter all day. That has freed up a tremendous amount of time. It’s amazing, and it feels great. I do feel a bit disconnected on Twitter, but I think I am doing the right thing. I check in occasionally and retweet an article or find an interesting discussion that is going on.

I redesigned this trave blog after 2.5 years of the same theme. It felt great to make that transition. My other sites aren’t getting as much attention, but I have that, “who cares feeling” when it comes to steady content on each site. I write when I have something to say, or I am getting paid to do it. I started a new YouTube account where I am uploading all my past travel videos and other videos I create from other blogs and our cat. I have very little followers, so please connect with me and I will reciprocate.

I focused on the website redesign because I want to get all the technical stuff fixed before I get a job. When I am working full-time I don’t want to have to worry about technical issues on my blogs. I want the SEO set up correctly, a minimum number of plugins and highly supported theme across all my blogs so I can focus on content only moving forward. I still have a lot of fixes to do, specifically with my video pages, but I am working on them aggressively. The new YouTube account is actually my old personal account. I have so many videos covering so many different topics that I wanted to get away from the name of 2 backpackers. I also have revenue sharing on my personal account. A big plus if anyone ever decides to watch our adventure travel videos. They are more likely to watch our cat videos, which is how we got the revenue sharing deal.

How has this impacted my traffic?

That’s the question you guys want answered. I am happy to say, traffic has… increased since I have stepped away from StumbleUpon, my old Facebook page of 3,000 fans and the hours I used to spend on Twitter. What does that mean? I have no idea, but it feels good. Of course, my traffic has shifted away from Twitter, but my StumbleUpon traffic has increased. Strange right? It’s about writing the right articles and getting those articles in front of the right people. My Google Search traffic has also increased, which is preferable to me. It tells me that I am improving my SEO and I still have 80% of my site to improve. When I have enough data to start showing a month over month comparison, I will share it with you. Expect to see some Google Analytic charts in the next update.

I mentioned we left our Facebook page of 3,000 fans. I did that because I wanted a Fan Page that encompassed both our travel blogs, CoupleTravelTips.com and 2Backpackers.com. The new page is called “Jason and Aracely Travel“. At 300 fans, it’s going to take a long time to build back up, but again, now is the time, since I am completely open to change and not thinking about short term gains or income. It’s our long-term plan to brand ourselves, our names, us as a traveling couple that matters most at this time.

What’s next?

I will continue job searching and improving the backend of our site. It will take me another week to redo all the old video posts and get them uploaded to the new YouTube account. I will continue updating old posts to improve keyword focus and correct the design and headings. When I find myself in a full-time job I am not sure how much time I will dedicate to the blogs, but I hope to post the occasional video. That’s my goal, to return blogging to a hobby. Focus on the aspects of blogging I enjoy most, while making enough money from whatever my full-time job will be.

Oh, by the way, I have already net $2,000USD this month. Go figure.

It was the first air show Aracely and I have ever been to the first Fleet Week we ever attended. Our trip to San Francisco was timed perfectly for the most incredible air show. There are too many participants in the Fleet Week air show to group them all into one post. If you missed part 1 of our Fleet Week photo essays, make sure you catch up. And look out for Fleet Week photo essays part 3, the Blue Angles. Yup, they deserve a page all to themselves.

RCAF Snowbirds Jet Team - Fleet Week San Francisco

Fleet Week San Francisco 2011

From our seats out on a small rocky pier at the Marina Green, we had the best views of all the planes. Actually, the people hanging out in their sailboats had the best view, but on the San Francisco Bay, it was a bit chilly. Here are more pictures including the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 431 Air Demonstration Squadron, USAF B-2 Stealth Bomber and the incredible aerobatic pilot, Sean D. Tucker.

Sean D. Tucker, Aerobatic Pilot, & Team Oracle

Sean D. Tucker, Aerobatic Pilot - Fleet Week San Francisco

Sean D. Tucker, Aerobatic Pilot - Fleet Week San Francisco

Sean D. Tucker, Aerobatic Pilot - Fleet Week San Francisco

Sean D. Tucker, Aerobatic Pilot - Fleet Week San Francisco

Sean D. Tucker, Aerobatic Pilot - Fleet Week San Francisco

Sean D. Tucker, Aerobatic Pilot - Fleet Week San Francisco

Sean D. Tucker, Aerobatic Pilot - Fleet Week San Francisco

Sean D. Tucker, Aerobatic Pilot - Fleet Week San Francisco

Sean D. Tucker, Aerobatic Pilot - Fleet Week San Francisco

USAF B-2 Stealth Bomber

USAF B-2 Stealth Bomber - Fleet Week San Francisco

USAF B-2 Stealth Bomber - Fleet Week San Francisco

USAF B-2 Stealth Bomber - Fleet Week San Francisco

USAF B-2 Stealth Bomber - Fleet Week San Francisco

USAF B-2 Stealth Bomber - Fleet Week San Francisco

RCAF Snowbirds Jet Team

The Royal Canadian Air Force’s 431 Air Demonstration Squadron.

RCAF Snowbirds Jet Team - Fleet Week San Francisco

RCAF Snowbirds Jet Team - Fleet Week San Francisco

RCAF Snowbirds Jet Team - Fleet Week San Francisco

RCAF Snowbirds Jet Team - Fleet Week San Francisco

RCAF Snowbirds Jet Team - Fleet Week San Francisco

RCAF Snowbirds Jet Team - Fleet Week San Francisco

RCAF Snowbirds Jet Team - Fleet Week San Francisco

RCAF Snowbirds Jet Team - Fleet Week San Francisco

RCAF Snowbirds Jet Team - Fleet Week San Francisco

RCAF Snowbirds Jet Team - Fleet Week San Francisco

RCAF Snowbirds Jet Team - Fleet Week San Francisco

RCAF Snowbirds Jet Team - Fleet Week San Francisco

I hope you enjoyed the action pictures from Fleet Week in San Francisco. Part 3 of our Photo Essays is dedicated to the Blue Angles. Sit tight, that post will come soon.

This post is brought to you by InsureandGo, providers of great value annual travel insurance.

Alcatraz - A typical cell in the infamous Alcatraz in San Francisco Bay

While traveling in San Francisco, visiting my buddy Samit, we did many of the “Things to do in San Francisco.”  That included a visit to Alcatraz Island, home of notorious criminals Al Capone, Robert Franklin Stroud (the Birdman of Alcatraz), George “Machine Gun” Kelly and James “Whitey” Bulger. The cells are staged to take you back to a time where Alcatraz escapes made national news headlines. An audio tour guides you through some of Alcatraz greatest events as a federal penitentiary.

1962 Escape from Alcatraz

The most famous escape from Alcatraz occurred in 1962 when Frank Morris, John Anglin and Clarence Anglin expanded a concrete vent hole in their with the use of homemade chisels. They accessed a utility room between cell blocks which ultimately led to their freedom. The question of whether or not they actually lived has not been factually answered. They were never found, but a raft did show up on a nearby island that was clearly constructed by them. I believe they lived, it’s makes the story that much more interesting.

We highly encourage all visitors to San Francisco to visit Alcatraz Island as part of a tour. Learn more about our experience and our impressions of Alcatraz Tours.

This post is brought to you by CheapFlights.co.uk where you can search for the best deals on cheap flights.

I am not exaggerating when I claim to have shocking photos from Fleet Week in San Francisco. We felt the shockwave as a Navy F-18 Super Hornet flew over the San Francisco Bay reaching speeds of mach 1, breaking the sound barrier.

Navy F-18 Super Hornet Breaking the Sound Barrier

Fleet Week San Francisco 2011

It was the best weather we could have asked for. Not only were we lucky, but it was the warmest string of clear days that San Francisco has had this year. My buddy, Samit, advised us to visit during Fleet Week, explaining that it was the greatest show of the year. He was correct in his statement. Enjoy this collection of photos from our first Fleet Week ever during our visit to San Francisco.

Fleet Week San Francisco 2011

The Patriots Jet Team

Civilian owned jet aerobatic team flying L-39s.

The Patriots Jet Team - Fleet Week San Francisco

The Patriots Jet Team - Fleet Week San Francisco

The Patriots Jet Team - Fleet Week San Francisco

The Patriots Jet Team - Fleet Week San Francisco

The Patriots Jet Team - Fleet Week San Francisco

The Patriots Jet Team - Fleet Week San Francisco

The Patriots Jet Team - Fleet Week San Francisco

The Patriots Jet Team - Fleet Week San Francisco

The Patriots Jet Team - Fleet Week San Francisco

The Patriots Jet Team - Fleet Week San Francisco

The Patriots Jet Team - Fleet Week San Francisco

Navy F-18 Super Hornet

Navy F-18 Super Hornet - Fleet Week San Francisco

Navy F-18 Super Hornet - Fleet Week San Francisco

Navy F-18 Super Hornet - Fleet Week San Francisco

Navy F-18 Super Hornet - Fleet Week San Francisco

Navy F-18 Super Hornet - Fleet Week San Francisco

Navy F-18 Super Hornet - Fleet Week San Francisco

Navy F-18 Super Hornet - Fleet Week San Francisco

Navy F-18 Super Hornet - Fleet Week San Francisco

Navy F-18 Super Hornet - Fleet Week San Francisco

USMC MV-22 Osprey

USMC MV-22 Osprey - Fleet Week San Francisco

USMC MV-22 Osprey - Fleet Week San Francisco

USMC MV-22 Osprey - Fleet Week San Francisco

USMC MV-22 Osprey - Fleet Week San Francisco

USMC MV-22 Osprey - Fleet Week San Francisco

USMC MV-22 Osprey - Fleet Week San Francisco

USMC MV-22 Osprey - Fleet Week San Francisco

United Airlines 747

Strange yes, but still cool.  United was a sponsor of the event.

United Airlines 747 - Fleet Week San Francisco

United Airlines 747 - Fleet Week San Francisco

United Airlines 747 - Fleet Week San Francisco

United Airlines 747 - Fleet Week San Francisco

United Airlines 747 - Fleet Week San Francisco

United Airlines 747 - Fleet Week San Francisco

United Airlines 747 - Fleet Week San Francisco

USAF F-15 Strike Eagle

USAF F-15 Strike Eagle - Fleet Week San Francisco

USAF F-15 Strike Eagle - Fleet Week San Francisco

USAF F-15 Strike Eagle - Fleet Week San Francisco

USAF F-15 Strike Eagle - Fleet Week San Francisco

USAF F-15 Strike Eagle - Fleet Week San Francisco

USAF F-15 Strike Eagle - Fleet Week San Francisco

USAF F-15 Strike Eagle - Fleet Week San Francisco

USAF F-15 Strike Eagle - Fleet Week San Francisco

USAF F-15 Strike Eagle - Fleet Week San Francisco

USAF F-15 Strike Eagle - Fleet Week San Francisco

USAF F-15 Strike Eagle - Fleet Week San Francisco

USAF F-15 Strike Eagle - Fleet Week San Francisco

USAF F-15 Strike Eagle - Fleet Week San Francisco

A second collection of Fleet Week photos including pictures of the Blue Angels will be published soon. There are just too many cool photos for one post!

This post is brought to you by Travelsupermarket, who offer great deals on cheap holidays.

I bet the normal lifespan of a travel blog is probably 2-3 years. You begin blogging before you travel, you blog while traveling and you blog for a year after you return home, sharing all your accumulated travel content. Eventually you fall back into the life you had before you traveled, but hopefully with a better perspective on life. Travel blogging rarely earns you enough income to survive on, so inevitably, you abandon it.

Searching into the distance - Florida Keys

I don’t fit the model above perfectly, but there are many similarities.  Aracely and I did travel for a year and blogged about out trip during that time.  In August of 2010 we returned from our first year long backpacking journey and decided to approach our jobs a bit differently.  Aracely went back to working full time and I decided to spend another year blogging in an effort to take our blog to the next level.   That next level consisted of many different goals, but most importantly it revolved around income.

Aracely and I didn’t stop traveling, it’s still our top priority and we make time for it in our busy lives.  So, it’s not like we stopped traveling.  I also created a second travel blog, focused on couples vacations which more accurately captures the type of travel we do today.  There is plenty of fresh content to continue sharing with our followers.

Is it all about the income?

Income is a big factor.  We currently live in Miami with family and plan to be here for several more years as Aracely plays a significant role in her younger brother’s life.  It’s not cheap living in the United States.  You will normally find bloggers living in cheaper foreign countries on minimum income.

Travel blogging is a flooded market

It seems everyone that travels these days starts a travel blog.  Internet companies have sprung up providing online travel journals or travel blogs as part of a bigger travel community website.  For those that want their own personal website, blogs are incredibly easy to create and manage with publishing platforms such as WordPress or Tumblr that take care of all the technical aspects.  You really only have to write and upload media such as photos and videos.  A smart phone and tumblr account and you are good to go.

Why are people still becoming travel bloggers?

Travel is one of the largest industries in the world, totaling several trillions of dollars, so there’s plenty of room.  The question is, “what is the role of travel bloggers to the industry.”  Today, the role is very little.  Big companies such as TripAdvisor and the Lonely Planet dominate the travel resource landscape.  Travel magazines like Travel and Leisure, AAA, National Geographic or Condé Nast dominate travel literature.  Gary Arndt’s travel blog, Everything-Everywhere dominates the travel blogosphere, and in comparison to everything listed above, he is minuscule.  Learn more about travel blogs and their roles from Gary.

In a trillion dollar industry most travel bloggers measure success by reaching an income level of $1,000 USD per month.  That’s well below the poverty line and impossible to live on in the United States.  We aren’t doing well to grab a share of that trillion dollars.

Is it possible to make a living travel blogging?

Yes, it’s possible and there are several doing it, but not many.  My advice is to view your blog as a tool to gain an audience.  It’s your platform, but not your product.  First, you must build a large following through the tedious task of blogging and building a connection with your fans.  Once you have succeeded at that, you then must sell them something.  A book, subscription service, discounted trips, travel guides, whatever it may be, you must have that product.  Trying to survive on website advertising is the most difficult of strategies to attain revenue.  I can show you someone that is doing it, but they are also running 5-20 websites, not just one personal travel blog.  You can dream of getting discovered and given your own travel show, but I wouldn’t base my business plan on it.

Where my blog ranks

I would say we have done pretty well with our travel blog.  We attracted a large following very quickly in 2009.  Being very active on social media such as Facebook and Twitter from the beginning helped us gain large numbers of followers relative to our competition at the time.  Our design stood out and we were producing original content in the form of travel videos and photos of the day.  I have had months were I earned over $2,000 USD and months were I earned $200USD.  On average, I net $700USD per month from 2Backpackers.com only.  Since this does not meet my income goals, I have began three additional blogs, one about travel.  These blogs are new and will take at least a year before earning any income.  All my income is derived from website advertising such as text links, banner ads and sponsored giveaways or posts.  I have not created a product yet, which I believe is the number one reason I am not earning $2,000 USD per month.

We reach 20,000 visitors per month, have over 1,000 RSS subscribers, 3,000 Facebook fans and 7,000 Twitter followers.  In my estimation, in terms of visitors, followers and income, we probably rank 25th.  I don’t have a method for ranking, I am just guessing based on working with travel bloggers over the last 2 years.

Lessons to be learned?

If you want to succeed at travel blogging, you have to be 100% dedicated.  I know, very cliché, but in terms of time, it has to be a constant part of your life.  It seems like a new travel face appears on Twitter everyday and they are engaged.  You have to be active everyday if you want to gain an audience.  That audience is most likely going to be the same people viewing other travel blogs, which are your competitors.  How will you be better than them?  What can you provide that is different from them?  Most of us have toured the same places, so what can you share that is new?

If you can reach an audience outside of travel bloggers you are already succeeding.  You will often find travel bloggers commenting on other travel blogger sites.  This is common, but it’s not success.  You have to tap into the market beyond the travel blogosphere.  You have to attract the people that travel from their computers.  They typically don’t travel, but like to dream of it.  And that’s what you can fulfill for them, their dreams.  Then, sell them something.

Don’t expect to make money in 6 months.  With so many blogs in existence today you now have to expand your knowledge beyond just blogging.  You must learn about SEO, social media and then network with your competitors.  You have to wait out your competitors and hope half of them eventually shut down.  You will find yourself working with your competitors and sharing sales contacts and splitting revenues.  You might pay for link building services or start outsourcing blogging responsibilities.  You might even stop writing all together and obtain free content in order to focus your time on projects that yield more income.  These are all things that will eventually pop up in your email and make you wonder if you are ever going to succeed.

These are things that make me ponder travel blogging today.

Staying afloat with your competition

I communicate with a bunch of travel bloggers that find themselves in the same situation as me.  We have similar business strategies and we are working together to make money.  I view that situation as staying afloat with my competitors.  If us travel bloggers are sharing sales contacts, referring sales to each other for commissions and guest blogging on each other’s blogs to improve our chances of succeeding as bloggers, aren’t we all going to remain equal?  In this saturated market of travel bloggers we need to find a way to break free of each other.  We need to leave the other in the dust.  Today there is not enough travel industry dollars making their way down to bloggers in order for us all to benefit.

So, why am I doing these things with my travel blogging partners?

Are we playing the waiting game?

I guess I am partnering with other travel bloggers in hopes that eventually the money will flow down and there will be enough for us all to benefit.  I think that is what most of us are doing.  We are waiting out the travel industry.  Honestly, that’s not a good business approach.  We need to be more proactive, more inventive and more aggressive.

If travel blogging alone isn’t cutting it, then we need to think of something new.  I don’t want to continue to improve my website’s SEO and write “Top Things to Do in…” articles in order to eke out a few more visitors to my website or hope an article gets hot on StumbleUpon or Facebook.  That strategy won’t allow us to succeed.  It’s actually a pretty weak and boring strategy that I find myself in today.

What about travel blogging benefits?

Sure, there are many benefits to travel blogging including the top perk of a press trip.  These are trips we get to go on that are paid by a tour company or visitor bureau.  In return, we must write, take photos or create videos of their destination, tour or restaurant on our website.  They gain exposure and we get a free trip!  It’s pretty awesome, but it still doesn’t earn you income.  If reported correctly, you might even have to pay taxes on it.

Perks are great, but they don’t pay the bills.

My internal struggle

I enjoy traveling, therfore travel blogging just seemed to integrate so easily.  Why not try to make money doing what I love?  That’s our life goal right?  Besides health and happiness.  It’s been 2.5 years since I began travel blogging and one year since I approached it as my full time job.  I am now operating four blogs in an effort to find my niche in blogging and to make more money.  My focus is split evenly between content, social media and SEO.  There is little creativity developing from these blogs.

I don’t want to compete on a yearly basis with my fellow travel bloggers.  I am tired of waiting around for the travel industry to find benefit in working with travel bloggers.  I am unable to produce travel videos that require 40 hours of my time and yield no money.  I love taking pictures, but find myself breaking equipment and paying for more.  I can continue to write, but I can’t compete with the likes of AlmostFearless.com or the adventures of ThePlanetD.com.  I didn’t start blogging in 1999 like Gary Arndt.  I wasn’t SEO and advertising savvy like NomadicMatt.com.  I won’t unseat the Lonely Planet or create a better TripAdvisor.  Yelp seems perfect to me.  Online travel magazines like Matador Network have a strong foothold and continue to grow, while other travel bloggers converge, merging ideas and resources  in order to break free of the travel blogging masses with sites like [edit - I no longer support the site that I referenced here.  It has been removed].

New ideas continue to shape our swelling industry, and I haven’t been responsible for any of them.

So what do I?

I don’t sulk, I analyze.  Maybe travel blogging doesn’t excite me enough to spawn new ideas in the middle of the night.  When I can’t sleep I usually think about the problems in the world and how I might attempt to solve them.  I feel anger towards those in power and sadness for those exploited.  I hate politics, in a way that causes me to follow them religiously.  I am now a vegan because I care so much about our environment.  I feel a responsibility to stay abreast of current events around the world, but no obligation to read others’ travel articles.  Travel is nice, but it’s not important.

I enjoy travel a lot, and it will most likely shape my life, but I am unsure if it’s where my mind is.  If it’s not waking me up at 2am in the morning with an idea to break out of the mold most of us travel bloggers are in, is it meant to be?  I don’t think so, but I am also hesitant to quit, as we know that is sometimes the worst move you can make.

I want to feel on top of the world again - Quilotoa Crater, Ecuador

Our time enjoying San Francisco travel has come to an end, and we have formed some positive opinions about this top travel destination.  San Francisco is a must visit for those looking to experience the best travel cities in the world.

Golden Gate Bridge San Francisco Bay - San Francisco Travel

San Francisco Travel

San Francisco has a lot to offer, which is why we consider it one of our best travel cities.  We had the benefit of getting a lot of information from our two, originally east coast, friends Samit and Greg who have lived in this city for many years.  Our information kit from San Francisco Travel also proved to be valuable, especially the CityPASS.  Here are a few neighborhoods we spent time walking during our first visit to San Francisco.

San Francisco Neighborhoods

Painted Ladies - San Francisco Travel

Chinatown

Similar to many large cities in the USA, San Francisco has it’s own Chinatown.  But this isn’t just any Chinatown, it’s the largest and oldest in the USA.

Chinatown - San Francisco Travel

Cow Hollow

We spent much of our time walking Union Street in Cow Hollow since our buddy Samit lives just up the hill in Pacific Heights. Cow Hollow rests between Russian Hill and The Presidio, and the Marina District and Pacific Heights. Trendy shopping, restaurants, bars and spas line both Union and Chestnut Street. As you walk along Union Street, at each intersection you have wonderful views of the San Francisco Bay. Victorian style homes surround the shopping areas.

Cow Hollow - San Francisco Travel

Fisherman’s Wharf

A tourist hot bed, the Fisherman’s Wharf swarms with tour buses, trolley’s and ferries.  Here you can book any tour available in San Francisco.  Ferry tours, Alcatraz tours and open top bus tours all depart from the Fisherman’s Wharf.  Bars and restaurants line the piers, but I would advise escaping the national chains and trying local restaurants in the city for a more authentic experience.  Wherever I find a Ripley’s Believe it or not, I try to avoid.

Fisherman's Wharf - San Francisco Travel

Fisherman's Wharf - San Francisco Travel

Haight-Ashbury

Identified by the intersection of Haight and Ashbury streets, Haight-Ashbury is famous for being considered the center of the 60′s hippie movement. Storefronts and wall graffiti bring back memories of rockers, tie dye and drugs. Many stores sell vintage clothes, but ironically across the street from a Goodwill store you will find boutique vintage clothes priced in the hundreds of dollars.

Haight-Ashbury - San Francisco Travel

Haight-Ashbury - San Francisco Travel

Today’s atmosphere in the neighborhood is a combination of tourists, local hippies and the homeless. As with any tourist destination, store chains have nudged their way into the neighborhood, but icons like Amoeba Music still exist.  It’s a fun place to spend the day window shopping, while enjoying a giant burrito from Zona Rosa.

Haight-Ashbury - San Francisco Travel

The Marina District

We recommend The Marina District for the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge or San Francisco Fleet Week. Look across the bay for views of Alcatraz and Sausalito. Run in the waterfront parks under the Golden Gate Bridge or take a walk out on the jagged piers for a picnic. Many photo opportunities in this area.

The Marina District - San Francisco Travel

The Marina District - San Francisco Travel

North Beach

North Beach, most notably Little Italy, is hot spot for tourists with their many cafes providing outdoor seating.  Identifiable by the Italy colors painted on light poles, Little Italy isn’t culturally enriching like Chinatown, but it has some famous iconic buildings such as the Columbus Tower, also known as the Sentinel Building, which Francis Ford Coppola owns today.

North Beach Little Italy Cafes - San Francisco Travel

From Columbus Avenue you are also provided great views of the Transamerica Pyramid, San Francisco’s tallest skyscraper.

Transamerica Pyramid - San Francisco Travel

Union Square

Are you into high-end shopping?  Union Square is surrounded by the most glamorous designer storefronts in the world.  Accessible by bus, or San Francisco’s famous trolley cars, visitors will pack them both with filled shopping bags.  We didn’t do any shopping here, but as one of the most visited neighborhoods, we felt as though you should know about it.

Union Square Shopping - San Francisco Travel

Getting Around San Francisco

These are just a few of the neighborhoods in San Francisco, but where we spent a lot of our time. Public transportation will get you to all the locations you want to visit, but it’s not quick and it’s rarely on time. Express bus routes to get across town are badly needed.

Electric Streetcar - San Francisco Travel

Trolleys are very expensive to ride, typically a tourist experience and taxis are more expensive than those in NYC.  If you are traveling from Asia and searching for cheap flights to New York, just be sure to plan a stopover in San Francisco. If you don’t have much time, book a tour bus through the city.  Yes, New York City is still the best city in the USA, but San Francisco makes our list of best travel cities.

San Francisco Bay - San Francisco Travel

It’s been an exciting first few days in San Francisco, California.  My best friend, Samit, lives in the Pacific Heights neighborhood, which is an ideal location for a 15 minute walk down to the bay where the San Francisco Fleet Week Air Show takes place.  Peering through the streets of Victorian mansions you are rewarded with views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

A View of the San Francisco Bay from Pacific Heights - San Francisco Travel

Once down to the Marina Green in the San Francisco Bay, I realized how lucky I was to have such clear skies. The pictures of the air show are going to be fantastic!

Marina Green in front of the Golden Gate Bridge - San Francisco Travel

After a day of catching up on some well needed sleep, I went out to explore Pacific Heights and it’s surrounding neighborhoods.

Trolly Cars - San Francisco Travel

Union Street in Cow Hollow - San Francisco Travel

I have also been testing out some vegan restaurants. For dinner on Thursday night I walked over to China Town to try Loving Hut. There are a few Loving Hut restaurants in the city specializing in vegan food. I won’t be coming back. The menu is typical Chinese, with a lot of vegan meats. The Chinese entres were heavy on the oil and salt. The TV that played vegetarian propaganda was a bit creepy too.

Loving Hut Vegan Restaurant in China Town - San Francisco Travel

Loving Hut Vegan Restaurant in China Town - San Francisco Travel

After dinner I stopped off again at Nook Cafe and Wine Bar to enjoy some after dinner drinks. This is my favorite cafe in Pacific Heights. I had a sake drink with orange juice and soy milk.

Cocktail Drinks at Nook Cafe and Wine Bar - San Francisco Travel

I scheduled my visit this week specifically to attend San Francisco Fleet Week. I have never attended a Fleet Week before, nor I have ever seen the Blue Angels perform. Practice was today, and that alone, was enough to excite me. The loud roar of the jet engines gets your adrenaline pumping.

Blue Angle Jet in front of the Golden Gate Bridge - San Francisco Travel

Blue Angles Practicing for Fleet Week - San Francisco Travel

Blue Angles Practicing for Fleet Week - San Francisco Travel

After capturing a bunch of pictures from the Blue Angels practice, we searched for some food and drink on Chestnut Street. Tacolicious was jammin with crowds, so we decided to join them. C’mon, you know we love tacos! This place is a lot of fun with delicious Mexican foods! I enjoyed a giant Tecate beer, grilled corn, tacos and some sweet plantains with refried beans. Actually, that’s not true, my buddy Samit ate my tacos. This is how it went down. I ordered two vegetarian tacos, while Samit says to the waitress, “I can’t eat that vegetarian sh|t, I’ll have some meat tacos.” Well, all the tacos came on one plate, which led us to assume they were all his. After 10 minutes, I asked the waitress where my tacos were. She replied that they were included on the taco plate that Samit ate. I took a look at his plate and only meat tacos were left. So, Samit actually ate all the vegetarian tacos and left the meat tacos, because he was full. Remember, this was after claiming that he couldn’t eat that sh|t.

Tacolicious - San Francisco Travel

Tacolicious - San Francisco Travel

The evening ending in the Brickyard Restaurant and Bar where I watched my Philadelphia Phillies lose and get knocked out of the playoffs. Not good at all.

Saturday begins the real Fleet Week Air Show, one that I can’t wait to photograph and film. Stay tuned!

After visiting London for a week, I didn’t think it could get much better, but it has. From one great city to another, from London travel to San Francisco travel.  The liberal and environmental activism in San Francisco has fascinated me for many years.  One of my best friends moved out here from New Jersey over 6 years ago and I am just now making the effort to visit.  Yes, that’s too long, but it’s also never too late.

Ain't Nobody Can Love Me Like You Do - San Francisco, CA by Nick.Fisher, on Flickr

San Francisco Fleet Week

Sitting here listening to the Blue Angels jets thunder across the sky, I am even more excited that I arrived during San Francisco Fleet Week.  I tried my best to alert the San Francisco Visitors Bureau that I was here in hopes to receive press access to the events this week in order to share some insider photos with you. Still no reply to our emails. Regardless, I have the video recorder and camera ready to watch the ships sail the bay and the Blue Angles streak across the sky.

Blue Angles by (matt), on flickr

Nook, a San Francisco Cafe and Wine Bar

After waking up early and finding my buddy’s fridge empty, less the eggs, no good for vegans, I strolled down the street to the Nook Cafe. Quite the trendy place with wine and beer choices and even Sake drinks! I am a big sake fan. It was a bit too early to drink (who am I kidding, it’s never too early) so I enjoyed some fresh orange juice, coffe and a hummus sandwich which was delicious. As I looked around me I saw a bench with 4 patrons in a row all with their silver MacBooks in action. It was a very geometric picture, almost mechanical in a small trendy cafe. Quite the contrast. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the energy to take a picture this morning, but I will have many mornings there I am sure.

Nook Cafe and Wine Bar in San Francisco

It was my first experience with the green San Francisco. There were vegan meals and deserts, but mostly it was the sign above the trash can that captured my attention. It read:

“Don’t throw away your napkins or food scraps, we will properly compost them.”

I like that, I like that a lot.  More to come from San Francisco travel.

Big Ben at Night - The Palace of Westminster taken from the Waterloo Bridge

London travel is often associated with pictures of Big Ben, the famous clock tower from the Palace of Westminster. Built along the Thames River, Westminster is home to the major tourist attractions in London, including Westminster Abbey, Westminster Cathedral, Buckingham Palace and the Palace of Westminster. At night, amazing pictures can be captured from the Westminster bridge or the Waterloo Bridge of the illuminated attractions, including the London Eye.

You can travel to London on package holiday deals or by self exploration. The London metro system is extremely easy to figure out with clear signage throughout Westminster. Bus rides are the cheapest form of travel at £2.20.

Aracely in the Famous London Phone Booths - London Travel

London Travel

We decided to travel to London for the first time as a couple. I had once been here on business, but this time was hoping to see more than the changing of the Royal Guard.

After landing at London Heathrow airport we arrived to our hotel around 1pm in the afternoon. Still tired from our red-eye flight, we got a few hours rest before setting out for some sightseeing.

Piccadilly Circus - London Travel

First priority was getting some food in our bodies, but as vegans, this is always a challenge.

Soho District - London Travel

Vegan Food

We researched vegan restaurants on Yelp.com and found most resided in the Soho Neighborhood. If it was anything like Soho in NYC, we would enjoy it. And it was. Soho London, is a trendy, active neighborhood with pedestrian only streets on the weekends.

Chinatown in Soho - London Travel

We found Vitao Organic and Vegan restaurant just outside Chinatown in Soho London. As we walked in, we were pleasantly surprised to see people serving themselves to a buffet.

Vitao Organic and Vegan Restaurant - London Travel

Awesome, a complete buffet for £8.90! We couldn’t have scored a better deal for a budget meal in Soho. The selection was incredible and we even enjoyed a vegan mango cake as desert. That was extra.

Vitao Organic and Vegan Restaurant - London Travel

Soho London

After dinner we continued to explore the Soho neighborhood. Chinatown was colorful with street hanging lanterns illuminating the night.

Chinatown in Soho - London Travel

That wasn’t the only thing illuminating the streets. Soho is the home of London’s theatre district and film industry.

London Theatres - London Travel

It was a Sunday night, so we were surprised to see the streets packed with tourists and locals alike.

Piccadilly Circus - London Travel

In the Soho district we stumbled upon a gay scene, passed the long lines outside nightclubs, witnessed bar patrons catching a smoke outside, and peaked in windows of cafes overflowing with sophistication and trendiness.

Gay Scene in Soho District - London Travel

American Football?

I am a big Philadelphia Eagles football fan and one of the biggest rivalry games was being played back in the United States. The Philadelphia Eagles were playing the NY Giants, a game not to be missed.

Victoria Station Buses - London Travel

After riding the public bus back to Victoria Station, we found the Sports Bar and Grill with some Giants fans already enjoying their lead. Unfortunately, the New York Giants won the game, but at least we found the right bar to watch the day’s football games.

Depressed about the Philadelphia Eagles Loss - Sports Bar & Grill Victoria Station

Victoria Station

While walking through the big train station we grabbed some late night grub from a food vendor to take back to the room. Our hotel sits atop Victoria Station, which provides us a great launching point for traveling in London.

Victoria Station - London Travel

American White Ibis foraging for food on on the island of Key Biscayne in Southern Florida

I originally thought this was a white heron or egret on the beaches of Key Biscayne in Southern Florida’s Miami, but thanks to Google, I was able to discover that it’s an American White Ibis Eudocimus albus) is a species of wading in the ibis family. I have never heard of such a bird. I guess it goes to show that I am not a true birder, but I do still enjoy taking pictures of them. I will leave the guessing of the bird up to Google and Wikipedia for now.

25NH6UE2BS7U

When we travel around the world we want a good pair of underwear.  In preparation for our year long backpacking trip in Central and South America, I picked up a few different brands and pairs of underwear to test.  One of those underwears was Exofficio boxers.

I had never needed my underwear to be so durable and quick drying before, but I also still wanted boxers.  All the boxers I had worn in the past were cotton, and cotton wasn’t going to be the best material for what we had planned. We seek adventure, long hikes and budget accommodations. That meant sometimes we had to go several days without showers.

Men’s Give-N-Go® Boxer

The real test came during our 9-day trek in Patagonia. We camped outside for 5-days before we arrived at our first opportunity for a shower. I would jump in the shower with my ExOfficio Boxers and wash my body and my boxers at the same time. They cleaned easily and dried quickly. They kept their form during that string of hiking days and never became uncomfortable or unbearably stinky.

I often tout my appreciation of ExOfficio travel clothes on Twitter, so it was no surprise when they contacted me and asked if I would be interested in doing a video product review. A simple review seemed a little boring for me, so I put together this more entertaining video review of the ExOfficio Men’ s Give-N-Go® Boxer. Enjoy!

If you want to learn more about ExOfficio travel clothes, we are offering free shipping on all orders over $75USD.  You would be getting a great product that we personally stand by and helping out 2Backpackers.com with commissions. Be sure to begin your purchase through our link.

2 Backpackers Review of ExOfficio Underwear

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