Eliminating Excuses
I am excited to say I have a relative of mines who is taking travel to a whole new level. Her adventures with her family reminds me of Abraham who left the comforts and familiarity of home to venture out into a land to look for a city whose builder and maker is YHVH. While I don’t think that was exactly what she had in mind when she put feet to her dream it does ring of that sentiment. Too many of us play it safe in life and as a result end up compromising on our dreams and using our families, or our jobs as excuses to prevent us from using the courage that we have been given in whatever measure to venture off into unknown territories. If you continue to wait for an opportune time for all of your ducks to be in a row you may wait too long. Rebel heart travel is a blog about the journey of a family of five who sold their possessions to travel the world for six years. It is exactly what I would want to do and I am so very glad that she and her family are chronicling their story for the rest of us to become inspired by. I look forward to seeing exactly what YHVH will do with this story of adventure and hope that you will stay tuned for some good tips concerning what she did to do it and how things are going.
Her blog shares for those who are interested tips that any of us can do to plan for such an amazing trip and with the travel tips I have learned just for the few times a year we travel overseas I can definitely see how it is very much possible for a family to travel this way.
Froride: For Traveling Like An American In Israel
This has revolutionized my trips to Israel and is well worth every penny if you don’t want to find yourself stranded in a foreign land where English is not the first language. The potential disadvantage of not having a prearranged tour package to Israel is thwarted by this little device that makes communication at home so easy. Let’s face it everything and everyone communicate via cellphone and while renting a car to travel the land is doable a phone is a lot more affordable and will allow you to go beyond the Israeli/Palestinian borders to explore the Holy Land in its entirety.
Having a phone in Israel allows for you to arrange transportation when it is convenient for you, not on a pre-scheduled format. It also allows for you to get current up-to-date news which could require you to have to change your plans for the day. No different then it is in the U.S. if there is an accident on the Highway you don’t want to use up a vacation day sitting in traffic, or if there are major closes in the city then access to wifi will give you access to what’s new in Israel.
Gett Taxi is a service similar to Uber and Lyft and when you are in Israeli territory a very useful taxi service that allows you to arrange taxi service in advance. However, fortunately if you want to save a few more pennies then public transportation is usually available unless you like to travel late at night. Wifi in Jerusalem is usually available at least on Jaffa St. but other places it can be skippy and although the buses promote WiFi usage I have found that to be unreliable in several occasions and when you are on a bus where the majority of the people on it don’t speak English this is not a time where you want to be without cellular service.
Arranging last minute sleeping arrangements: Its also a nice feature when traveling by bus. Sometimes because of public transportation, and the distance from Southern to Northern Israel it is more convenient to rent an apartment that can be your home base in Bethlehem and carry an overnight bag to stay in another distant area in Israel or Palestine. This is especially true when traveling by bus for a number of reasons, one your travel can take a considerable chunk out of your day which means you may not see what you wanted to see the day you get there, secondly buses don’t travel to and fro all day unless you’re talking about within areas in Tel Aviv and the like. The more remote the less frequent the bus or train stops which means that you could miss the last bus or train out. With a phone this is not a problem within minutes you can find an airbnb, or a hotel and secure an overnight stay at a fraction of what you will pay as a walk-in. Shopping around always has its perks.
So you can imagine how excited we were when we found out about froride a service that you can purchase from the U.S. that allows you to reserve a phone and pick up directly from the airport. You just choose what you want online using their very simple program, provide them with your flight number and arrival time and they email you information as to where to go to meet them. There they will be with phone in hand and ready to go. If you feel confident that your phone can use an international simcard and function well then save yourself even more money by purchasing an international sim card. We personally have always used the cell phone, although you can try the card once you get there we have found that should they run out of phones when you arrive and the simcard doesn’t work then you are out of communication while in the land and this can make maneuvering the land very difficult. Last minute phone finding just doesn’t sound like a good idea, not to mention you run the risk of paying more money simply because well you need the supply which increases the demand and in the wash this scenario never works out in the best interest of the savvy traveler. Thus my advice is unless you are 100% sure your phone will work with a sim card that you get the phone. Another very helpful feature of the phone is apparently in Israel calling the U.S. is much cheaper then it is for us to call from here and as such calling the States or Canada comes with any phone you borrow. The battery on these phones are amazing I can literally go a day and a half without charging no matter how much I use it, and trust me I use it a lot traveling the way we do.
So if you are planning a trip in Israel I HIGHLY recommend investing in renting this phone, its simple, easy, and well worth every penny when traveling as a native. Click here to reserve your phone today!
FYI, they also offer other services as well so if you absolutely insist on renting a vehicle you may find their rates to be more competitive for your navigation device. Also, they offer mobile hotspots this also is a viable option for those who would prefer to use their own cellular phone and service plan. Having mobile date means you can communicate with Whats app, facebook, and other social media apps to stay connected. If your accommodations are through Airbnb this is also a useful way to stay connected with your host family. However, my personal preference is the phone simply because even if mobile data doesn’t work for some reason you still can have phone access. If your phone doesn’t work in some places or for some reason you can’t get service everywhere the phone although it too can fail you it is still usually much more reliable in the long run.
Unfortunately, Froride is currently only available in Israel so if you are traveling anywhere else and find yourself in need of reliable cellular service then you’ll have to do your research. If you should find some other services comparable in other countries please write a comment I will definitely check it out and would love to add it to my resources for others as well as for my own use.
Not Too late to pack your bags for Israel $548 is the going rate!
With flexible scheduling you can travel Israel this Fall (for Tabernacles) or next spring roundtrip for $548. You heard me right, $548! A bold red hot deal like this one needs to stand out and I hope that you heard me loud and clear. I wouldn’t want you missing out on this type of deal on a technicality. Join us or travel separate to the Holy Land. Learn how to travel Israel/Palestine for a fraction of the cost, using public transportation and savvy accommodations. If you’re ready to travel Israel your well on your way then this could be the trip for you. Click here to submit your bid for Tabernacle 2018 and I will do my best to get you a hot deal to the Holy City. Travel this Tabernacles and find out how we get around in the Promise Land. Look forward to seeing you soon.
I only disclose my resources to my T C Travel Club members so sign up today so that you can find out more about this hot and ready deal.
Travel Israel for Tabernacles Deal
Still interested in visiting Israel for Tabernacles? Then here is your chance with round trip tickets starting at $547.00. There is no reason why you can’t take advantage of this amazing deal and go up for one of the Feasts. Visit people from all over the world truly there is no other place in the world like Israel during Tabernacles and it is such a festive time to go. See amazing sites as we have connected with several local tour guides to offer flexible tour options for a price that won’t break the bank. We have also connected with several accommodations so that you can have amazing options with above average amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Travel Israel September 20 – September 30, 2018 and enjoy the Feast of Tabernacles with us. Put in a Booking Bid today to get started.
For more travel discount Deals and travel tips join T C Travel Club, its free, but will be the place I post my travel tips, deals, and reviews.
Chi-Town Critique
So other then the airport and visiting with family I never really had a chance to check out Chi-Town for myself. It is easy to put it in the category of New York another big city with bustling night life and houses on top of each other, but indeed I must admit they have a lot of unique facets to it. Personally, even with the hassle of going through TSA traveling by plane is still my preferred mode of travel. Long distance driving becomes tiring although admittedly you do get to see a lot more, yet in cities parking is definitely at a premium rate, making it way more expensive then using the existing public transportation. While I must admit international subway systems have spoiled me U.S. transportation options are convenient but in big cities can be intimidating. Unlike Japan that sports populations in its metropolitan areas as large as New York it does so from a culture that inherently has none of the safety issues that one has to encounter in major cities.
We traveled to Chicago for a family reunion so we didn’t do a lot of sight seeing we stayed in a suburban area about 30 minutes from downtown Chicago, but we were able to take a stroll down to the city to see what we could see. I was surprised that around 10 o’clock at night the city was slower then I imagined, well at least depending on what street you were on. The Ferris Wheel was still going and the traffic was flowing but many of the shops were closed other then the clubs and a few of the restaurants that were near the clubs. The skyliners were amazing, especially at night. It was a much quieter and cleaner downtown area then I was expecting, but come packing cash because Chicago is high end traveling for sure. If you are driving expect to pay over $20 to park your vehicle, and if you are touring expect to pay $40 or more dollars for museums, boat tours etc… Time got away from us so other then doing a little light shopping and vehicle cruising we were able to save ourselves a few dollars on the tours and just enjoyed family which was what the trip was about. I would definitely do Chicago again and would love to do so while traveling by public transportation. There is way too much of Chicago to see to spend it all on parking!
Slave Haven: Underground Railroad Museum
A Diamond in the Rough!
Putting it mildly but true in so many ways nestled in the suburbs about a mile from the heart of Memphis, and closer to two miles away from the famous Beale Street. What this precious place lacks in aesthetics it more then makes up for in charm and authenticity. This historical gem eloquently and visually displays the history of slavery from Africa to Ohio with emphasis on Memphis’ role in it. This three hour visual tour is riddled with visual displays, that is not left to the viewers personal interpretation, but a very well informed historian guides you through every detail from the pictures to the furnishings, and not only that but provides encouragement as you don’t only hear our story of slavery, but you also hear a story of a resilient and determined people willing to do whatever it takes to be free. Whether that is physically or mentally and often both.
Who should visit?
All great and small whether you’re black, white, hispanic, or other, knowing the history of slavery is liberating for all, but most importantly knowing how we overcame it. While the Burkle house doesn’t have the beauty of the renovated Lorraine Hotel, it definitely has the authenticity and the personal touch that doesn’t just engage you for the day, but leaves a lasting impression and a hunger for learning history. This Underground Railroad shows you what a people endured to be free and takes you visually through the experience in a way that I have never experienced as this is an actual house that was used. While it shares of our history it also shares of the history of a family who came here from Germany. Having witnessed the ugliness of racial discrimination there they came here and had the courage to do something about the atrocious treatment of African Americans; risking his own life and the lives of his family he secretly took part in an act of compassion that has set captives free.
By far this is hand’s down the BEST museum I have been to so far concerning the history of the transatlantic slave trade and the underground railroad. While many boast elaborate and beautiful displays, interactive self guided multimedia tools, its nothing like having someone share the oral history with you personalizing every artifact. It is a must see in the city of the dead, which is the meaning of Memphis. It is my most recommended location and would be well worth visiting for schools, ministries, individuals, and families. It may not be fun for all ages, but it will be encouraging for all ages. Learning the trials, tragedy, triumph, and perseverance of any people is liberating for all people.
If you would like to visit Slave Haven here is the official website.
Please Take Me Away
So you want to take a trip, somewhere, anywhere! Anywhere beyond the four walls of your home, your job, and everything else familiar to your life, but there is only one fatal flaw, EXPENSE! More affordable then ever you can travel not only nationally but internationally to see new things and experience something other then your surroundings. Sometimes a fresh prospective requires a fresh environment to explore. Tap into your creative side by sprinkling a little inspiration in your life. Nothing is more inspiring then traveling on new adventures and experiencing life abroad, afar from your daily worries or concerns.
Grab a sheet of paper and right down at least 5 places that you would like to visit. It can be anywhere in the world. You have played it safe your entire life don’t choose now to be the time that you play it safe, take a risk. There is nothing that removes the mundane in life quite like taking a leap of faith in stretching yourself beyond your comfort zone. Allow the place you want to go to be your motivation that will propel you into the extra hours you will work to get just a little bit more spending money as well as get in good favor with some of your fellow workers when you need to switch days off so that you can take this trip of a lifetime. If you’re not married then create a traveling friends club. Remember you are looking for someone adventurous not the person who will spend the kind of money you will spend on a trip across the waters only to want to stay in the hotel room watching t.v. all day. The appropriate companions will be essential.
Perhaps a cruise is more your speed? Join the Critique travel advisor to find out how you can save a ton of money on cruises, even for balconies and suites. But the tip of the day will be on cheap flights. This too is a great option for travel and with the right resources can be done at a steal of a deal. Bottomline, is get ready, get set, and most importantly go!
Now that you have where you want to go locked in, the next step is to know from where you are leaving. if you are leaving from a major city then you should be ashamed you didn’t think of this sooner, however, if you live quite a distance from a major city then you have to broaden your horizons because some driving will be involved. If you are a distance from a major cruise port this too means a few extra steps may be required but do not fret the tip I am providing you in this article will help you to get on course.
Once you have narrowed down your list of exotic places you would like to explore, or if you are real adventurous and just want to get a way then your opportunities have just expanded as Airfare Watchdog is a website that is based on bringing endless opportunities to your mailbox, email box that is. Find out real time information and rules of engagement for booking your once or twice, or three in a lifetime dream vacation. Participating is as simple as:
1) Whether your adventure starts in the air or on water for many of us an airplane trip will be the most convenient mode of transportation. Shou
ld you find the need to use this mode of transportation then these updates in your mailbox will prove to be most beneficial. While I know, I know, many of us are inundated with junk mail coming in our inbox on a regular basis if you are a travel or potential travel explorer trust me seeing the fabulous deals that come about fresh off the press this e-mail update will be much like receiving a gift in your inbox. It is not unexpected that one can find flights as low as $49 round trip, and the very first bill that must be paid and to take advantage of the good sales it will require that you have the lump sum available all at once so depending on how far your adventure will take you try to save at least $700 and anything that comes in for less consider the balance as a travel gift card because trust me it will be used. So getting these updates will get you started. Also you are not bound by your dream vacation should you find a round trip ticket to Bora Bora for instance for $500 or less make that the next spot on your hitlist.
2) Pick the nearest major airports near you, or at least the ones you’re willing to drive or take a bus too. Airfare watchdog allows you to customize your search based on the airports you are willing to leave from. The great news is when you get your e-mail updates they will also throw in at the bottom any hot sales available from other airports near you. 
3) Found what you like? Pick dates around the rules required to get that price. Unfortunately, if you are going to get the good deals you are going to have to be flexible. So if this is your plan for travel then I wouldn’t put in for vacation just yet, wait until you have found your flight and if you have a job that limits your travel time then also keep that in mind when
reserving your plane ticket as these are nonrefundable especially if you do not have insurance. But for sure you won’t have a lot of time to lock in that favorable price so as much information as you can find out about vacation days available to you from your job the better. Because once that deal comes in you have just enough time to book it. All the information you need to get the price you are looking at is provided for you including when travel must start, when it ends, and the airline providing it. Also as you can see this particular deal is sold out. So the best I can say is as soon as you see an update in your e-mail make it a priority to scan the offerings and pick your trip. If everything meets your qualifications then a space is provided for you on the site to take you directly to your deal.
If Israel is your dream vacation then sign up with The Critique to find out how you can travel like a native in the Holy Land. Save a bundle and experience Israel through the people and like you are a resident and my video documentary is like a how-to video that will show you what you need to do from beginning to end.
Gett Taxi – Israel
A must have app to have in areas that the train doesn’t go in after 7pm. Straight forward, pay before they arrive and you can schedule in advance. A safe, and excellent way to meet people indigenous to the area. The rate is much more reasonable then haggling with regular taxi drivers. I want to be charged a fair price for fair work and that’s what I got. Depending on where you are traveling Get Taxi also provides you the option of paying a flat fee or “by the meter”. In remote areas usually the only option available is “by the meter”. Personally, this is a wild card for me because if you aren’t sure what the distance is from the location you are picked up at to the location you are going to you cannot estimate whether or not you are getting a good rate or not. Sources online state that “by the meter” is best because Israel has a set rate that they can charge so this is allegedly regulated. However, depending on the distance you could come out better using the flat fee. Besides which if you’re like me I like knowing before I go what I am going to pay. It gives me peace of mind and I can already have the money available in hand before we exit. Don’t like surprises. Also, I do like the fact that the money is taken out automatically with Gett taxi from your account through the third party vendor. This means you can just get out, get your things and leave.
Also in Israel it is not customary to tip, so you pay in advance and go, and if you would like to pay a tip Gett taxi offers you that option as well. That’s what I call a sweet ride.
Beware, however the cons to this is if you are in an area with too few taxi services which we found to be the case in Nazareth. We never got a taxi even though we booked two hours in advance. In Yeruham (pronounced Yerocham) service appeared to be available coming from larger areas only like Dimona, but the problem is Yeruham is virtually a new community area that doesn’t have street addresses properly posted so you run the risk of not being found. This is only a problem if you are carrying lots of luggage and traveling to a bus stop roughly a quarter of a mile away. Moral of that story if staying in Yeruham I suggest car renting or travel lite. Bus system however in Yeruham is regular, convenient, and is ALWAYS cheaper no matter what city you are in in Israel or Palestine. Also beware Gett taxi does have a lot of hidden fees to consider. If purchasing in advance there is an additional cost, 4.80 shekel, if you are late to your pick up additional cost, and if you have lots of luggage requiring assistance with additional cost. Biggest issue these additional fees other than the advance set up is not made known to you upfront. However when traveling in Israel/Palestine this is a convenient option, while again not most inexpensive, but you have lesser margin of error then you do if you travel public transit. As traveling outside of Jerusalem area by bus insures greater possibility your bus driver won’t speak English. This could mean you missing your stop if you’re not able to find signs in English, which is more frequent the case if traveling beyond the city. These factors, plus the ability to pay in advance via credit card and know in advance the main fee by Gett taxi made this a great option where available.
Overall, where available Get taxi is an excellent tool to use even with the hidden fees. It’s customized features include deciding what type of taxi service you use along with the ability to take a private taxi or a shared taxi also called in Israel a Sherut. Shared taxi’s with get taxi will be based on availability and clearly will be a more affordable option where available. Due to the complex nature of renting a vehicle this may be the next best option where public transportation is not available.
Paris App Review
Aside Posted on Updated on
I know it’s been a minute, life happening stops a sole proprietorship in its tracks. But don’t fret I have not neglected my travel business despite the craziness.
Our layover in Paris consisted of wanting to see one place and we had 6 hours only to make it happen. Did as much planning as I could with all the possible apps I could and none were helpful.
Be sure when choosing apps going overseas that they are functional offline. The main thing I needed was transit instructions on how to use public transportation to get around. Travel or tourist by taxi or tour guide is ridiculously high. Over $60 round trip for two travel from CDG airport to Tour Eiffel by transit would have cost me over $400 by private tour and by taxi at least double. Though public transportation and traffic ate up the bulk of our time in Paris the ultimate goal was met, we made it to the tower. I must admit it wasn’t what I expected, but it was amazing seeing how huge the city is. One could easily walk in circles and we were almost one of them.
Reliable WiFi would be needed or an international phone to function overseas. Unlike Jerusalem WiFi on the streets was not as easy to come by and GPS service unavailable without it. The best thing you can use in the 21st century to maneuver the Parisienne streets is a good ole fashion street map. Paris map allowed you to download maps, but make sure you know where it’s saved to and you have ample space on micro sd card to save it. Sorry Apple users without extended space this could eat you up and if your phone is your camera space is gold for high quality videos and photos.
So with limited time to figure out how to maneuver offline and with one battery for my phone it was a race between finding the Eiffel and having enough juice on my phone which was also my camera to take pictures once there. At the end of the day the app gets an “A” rating for organizing useful information for tourist, especially while you are in your home area, but a “F” for use when you need it once there. It’s functionality becomes useless once you’re there, without WiFi, and let’s face it, being able to walk the streets of Paris from your home area with your fingers is not quite as useful as being able to maneuver around Paris once you’re there.
This app allows you to get general information when in your home area concerning attractions, currency converter, points of interest with GPS coordinates, maps, and history of the city. Mostly information found online such as Wikipedia, centrally in one place. An app with much promise, but not quite there yet.
Okay so, if you have been on my website you know that I am working on a documentary sharing how we traveled in Jerusalem as a native and saved a bundle. The purpose of this documentary is to empower, encourage, and inform those interested in traveling abroad on your own terms with my personal reviews, tips, and resources to help you overcome the international travel phobias that may hinder you from taking the plunge. If you would like to be kept abreast of when the documentary is available or to stay tuned for more useful reviews encourage you to follow the Critique and begin your adventure today.
Looking to make extra money for your trip but you don’t have much time to work another job? Click here to find out how you can save money on your regular purchases and begin saving money for your next adventure.
Tuesday Travel Deals
Domestic Travel Deals
Travel to and from select cities in the U.S. for only $15 each way. Travel times are between August and October.
International Deals
Visit multiple countries In Europe, from multiple cities in the US starting at $408. The hardest thing about this deal is narrowing down what county to visit. For those who don’t live in one of the chosen departing cities consider making it a two for one. Take a flight or train near you to the departure city a few days earlier. Plan to visit some sights my favorite are sky scrapers where you can take in view of the whole city, and African American museums, preferably underground railroads equipped with knowledgeable curators. While the interactive technological locations are entertaining, it doesn’t compare to the wealth of knowledge or value you get from someone who intimately or are personally aware of the history of the location.
So should you leave from Tulsa, Oklahoma be sure to stroll down Black Wallstreet, but before you go check out YouTube videos which gives the history behind it, like this one.
Interested in maximizing the most of your travel experience? Book a bid, and purchase an itinerary from me. You’ll travel for far less, on your time, and with the headache of planning taken care of for you. Join TC Travel Club, and stay abreast of all my travel tips and more details on travel deals.
Early August Travel Deals Domestic & Abroad
Find out if there is more than WKRP in Cincinnati, Oh with this deal from Dallas, Tx. Fly out on the next frontier anytime starting August 14 through October 2.
Got a little vacation time to see something over yonder? Travel to the city in the sky from Boston to Dubai. Dubai has become a must see exotic place and for $588 roundtrip it can be your pie in the sky destination. Travel in style with Turkish Airlines my personal top 5 pic of airlines for its professionalism and amenities. Travel dates starting in September.
So if you’re ready for me to sign you up then place your bid today. Remember you don’t have to live in Boston to take advantage of a good deal for a little extra we may be able to fly you from where you are to catch this flight. Book a bid today and let’s get started.
For more Travel Deals or Travel tips don’t forget to signup on TC Travel Club. Receive exclusive offers, travelling do’s and don’t’s. More Travel Deals and how to helpful hints. This is just a tip of the iceberg.
Travel deals above can be found at Airfare Watchdog and Secret Flying websites.
Get The Roundtrip $411 on the Netherlands this Winter
I became interested in the Netherlands after studying about the Dementia Village in Hogewey, just outside Amsterdam. If you follow my blog Transformation Lifestyle then you are familiar with my research and my personal experience with this mind robbing disease. This village is making some pioneering moves which I would like to go over and study. So imagine my excitement when researching this Tuesdays deal that I found these roundtrip tickets from East and West coast cities for only $411 roundtrip. Timing for me to go isn’t good but perhaps for you this could be a deal of a lifetime. Join T C Travel Club for more details on this and other deals.
Visit Cuba Roundtrip for only $177
Ever wanted to travel Cuba? Here is your chance. Currently the latest deal offers roundtrip tickets from multiple cities in the U.S. Travel dates from September through October. Delta Airlines paving the way, but be sure to find out any policies that might require special arrangements for Cuban travel. Otherwise happy traveling and click here if you would like me to book this trip for you.
