12 New Orleans Treats to Try

Since I was sad to see my old favorite place of Frankie and Johnny’s is under new management during my last trip to New Orleans, I decided to see share what else is out there. I haven’t tried them all and plan on it! Most places are in Uptown or French Quarter ranging in all prices.

1. Alligator Omlete – Daisy Dukes. Gator is the other white meat and it may be better! Get your day started with it

2. Crawfish Etouffe Fries - – Dat Dog. $5.50 (fries) has many other dogs (alligator, crawfish fused, southern specialties) 3 locations (Magazine St and Frechman (good drunchies food))

3. Shaved Ice – Hansen's Sno-Bliz. Only open Spring – Fall but that is all you need to for the delicious heat escaping treat. Shaved ice is completely different than a snow cone.

4. Sweet potato Beignets w/ Foie Gras – SoBou. This is a fancy ($$$) upgrade to the classic Café du Monde, but served as a dinner item. Try it with the Foie Gras Burger!

5. Breakfast in a To Go Cup – EnVie Café. Most genius idea ever cause we are busy people. Eggs, bacon, hash browns, sausage all put into a to-go cup.

6. Gumbo – Mr. B's. Everyone looks for the best gumbo in the city known for its staple. It’s all up for opinion but either way you will not go wrong.

7. King Cake Cheeseburger – Food Drunk, which is a food truck makes King Cake (usually reserved for Madri Gras only) available year round… as the buns for a burger!

8. Foie Gras Macarons – Ye Old College Inn. Do I even need to explain? Foie gras makes everything better. They have other items topped with it too.

9. Quack Quack – Irene’s is a pricey place downtown that has a St. Phillip Duck ($22) that is worth every penny.

10. Fried Frog Legs – Bayou Hot Wings. Adam Richman (Man Vs Food) said they have the best wings… frog legs count as wings… right?

11. Crepes – Crepes a la Cart. Located near Tulane, this French classic has a New Orleans twist (along with the signature sweet crepes)

12. Muffaletta (or other Po-Boys) – Johnny's Po Boy. Italians brought this idea over to New Orleans and it was perfected. Decent prices and any kind of po boy you can imagine.

Budget Travel Tips ( Written by Guest Blogger Marlana Salmon Letelier)

Have you ever found yourself using the excuse, “I don’t have money to travel!”  Worse….have you ever found yourself actually believing it?

Think again.  Traveling does not have to be an expensive extravaganza.   I actually spend less when I travel than I do when I’m home! 

After traveling to over 27 countries on a student and teacher budget, here are my tips for keeping travel affordable:

1.      Credit card points and airline alliance numbers

We all spend money, right?  You might as well get airline points for it!  I have already gotten two free international round-trip flights, two free domestic round-trip flights, and two free international one-way flights this year by using the United Airlines Mileage Plus Mastercard and the Southwest Airlines Visa.  Just by opening the credit cards, you will earn a huge chunk of points.  You will continue to earn points as you use the card.  In addition to this, I am a member of their loyalty programs so that when I fly on either one of these airlines or any airline in alliance with them I earn additional points. These points all add up to free flights!  Do be sure to pay your credit cards off on time so as not to incur interest fees, which would defeat the purpose of saving money.  To learn more about airline alliances, go to the following link: http://www.lowfares.com/blog/2010/05/07/understanding-airline-alliances-can-save-you-money/

2.      Affordable accommodation

The best deal I’ve ever had was a private room with homemade breakfast and transport from the train station included for $6! Try the following websites:

·         Hostelworld.com

·         Hostels.com

·         Airbnb.com (If you aren’t up for staying in a hostel, you can find a cheap apartment to rent and split with other people.  My best deal with this website so far has been a $13 stay/per night in Paris.  You can also go as luxurious or as cheap as you want with this page.  Highly recommend.)

·         Couchsurfing.org (For the VERY adventurous, this is your free option.   Get ready to open up your couch too and to meet some great people!)

3.      Grocery stores

Why go out to eat every day when you can grab something cheap at a local grocery store or market?  You can either get something easy to make like bread and peanut butter or get more creative and use your accommodation’s kitchen (often available).

4.      Research scams/prices before traveling

Be aware of common scams in the area where you are traveling so you don’t fall into them!  Also, know the exchange rates, tipping info, and typical pricing information BEFORE you end up in a new place.  Being informed can help you avoid being ripped off.

5.      Public transport and walking!

Why pay for expensive transportation when you could just figure out the metro/bus system and/or walk?  I see the best parts of cities by walking all around them, and I save a ton of money in the meantime.  If you are in good shape and limited on time, you can also do a running tour.  My husband and I have done this in Thailand and were able to run from tourist site to tourist site rather than pay for expensive transportation.  We were able to see a LOT, enjoy the city, and get some good exercise!

6.      Don’t get caught in tourist traps

Do you really need to pay for that tour guide?  Sometimes it IS worth it, and sometimes it is just as useful to use a good guidebook or print some information off the Internet before you go.  Research this and use your money wisely. 

7.      Bank ATM’s and international credit cards without fees

Check with your bank to see if it partners with banks in the countries you are visiting.  With Bank of America, I often have options for ATM’s where I can take out money without a fee and with a direct exchange rate.  Also, you can use an international credit card such as the United Mileage Plus card and the Southwest Visa previously mentioned.  Neither one charges an international fee.  You will also get a direct exchange rate when you use them around the world.  Just be sure that the store where you are using it doesn’t tack on an extra charge for credit cards.

8.      Sleeping while in transit

Want to save a night in a hotel and take full advantage of your travel time during the day?  Take overnight bus/train/airplane transportation and skip a night in a hotel.  Just be sure to sleep!

9.      Set a budget per day

If you are really tight on money, calculate how much you have to spend the entire trip, set a budget per-day and stick to it!

10.  Save free food for later

That airplane food that you think you don’t want at the time….SAVE IT!  You might need a snack later.  IT’S FREE FOOD….  And if you don’t want it later, give it to a homeless person you pass on the street. 

11.  Discounts (it never hurts to ask!)

Always be sure to ask for discounts at museum’s and tourist sites!  And always remember to bring your student card if applicable. 

12.  Refillable water bottle

In countries where tap water is safe to drink, I save SO much money by bringing my stainless steel water bottle and refilling it everywhere I go.  No $3 waters for me.

13.  Rent out your apartment/house while you are gone

You can also use airbnb.com to rent out your apartment/house while you are traveling.  You can pay your rent that way and get some extra travel money while you’re gone! 

Most importantly, just remember that extravagant does not equal memorable.  You can travel cheaply and simply and make some incredible memories.  There really is something magical about a dirt cheap backpacking trip!  Happy travels everyone!

 

Bio:

Marlana Salmon Letelier is an EdD student in the field of international educational development at Teachers College, Columbia University.  Her research focuses on post-conflict curriculum development and policy, cultural and religious presentations in curriculum, and peace and human rights education. She holds an MTS from Harvard University in Multiculturalism and Religion with a focus in Education.  Previously she has served as a Teach for America Corps Member working as a high school math teacher in an inner city school in Bridgeport, CT, USA.

She loves to travel and has been to over 27 countries including around the Middle East, Europe, South America, Central America, Africa and Asia.  Her favorite type of traveling involves adventure, cultural immersion, learning about history, genuine interaction with locals, time in nature and simplicity.  Traveling brings out the best in her, and each trip reenergizes her and gives her the space and experiences to grow.  She loves to see others experience the joy of traveling throughout their lives and discourages people from waiting to travel only after retiring.  Her motto is, “If you want to do something, do it as soon as possible….otherwise you may never have the chance.” 

6 Perfect Days in Alaska

Anchorage isn't a city I would recommend visiting for a long weekend… unless you live on the west coast, because from Houston it was a 7 hour flight. With that being said, a really long weekend shouldn't be out of the question (Wednesday - Monday). I think the following itinerary best suits a great Alaskan visit. *Note when we travel I like to do the strenuous activities first when we are more fresh!

Watch for BEARS!

Day 1

Depart for Anchorage on a Wednesday sometime between May and September. Domestic flights come in the evening not allowing much time for activities on day one. Anchorage is 1 hour behind the West Coast Time Zone. I’d recommend the Guesthouse International. They provide a free shuttle to and from the airport and are in walking distance from everything downtown. Plus it is the cheapest hotel we found (ranging from $105-$125 per night) and all you really need hotels for is sleeping.

View to Seward

On the hike to Harding Icefield

View from the top!

Even wildlife on the hike!

Day 2

Head to Seward! I rented a car for the following and will try my best to provide alternatives. We rented a car from downtown because it is cheaper than the airport. If you do not want to rent a car, take the Alaskan Railway from Anchorage to Seward ($85 one way). This departs Anchorage at 6:45 am. I recommend this first because your body is still use to your local time. Enjoy the train ride before arriving in Seward at 11:05 am. Hike to Exit Glacier (6 hours) to see the massive Harding Icefield. It is totally worth it.

Miller's Landing

Day 3

For your full day in Seward, you NEED to go on the water. I am going to promote Miller's Landing since that is the outfit we used for our 2 day kayak trip (Resurrection Bay Guided Overnight Trip). Pick the one that suits you… you can’t go wrong. Check Groupon for deals and make sure you dress accordingly. After the day’s end either drive (or spend the night in Seward ) or take train back to Anchorage at 6pm and arrive at 10:45pm ($85 one way). Check out these views you may see while on the water:

Kayaking the Bay surrounded by Glaciers

Sightseeing boat

Hanging in Thumb Cove with 3 Glaciers

Early morning cruise ship arrival

Nice open downtown (4th street pictured)

Day 4

Game watch @ Humpy's! But we lost :(

Sleep in a bit. Walk downtown and rent a bike to get a nice and different view of the city. Choose any of these routes. Work up a good appetite and head back into town. I recommend lunch at Humpy's. It is a great place to watch sports too (We watched a couple world cup games there). Walk to the Anchorage Market & Festival downtown. You’ll find fresh produce, exotic artwork from across the world and from Alaska… it’s a good place to people watch!

View from atop Wolverine Peak

More wildlife on the trails!

Day 5

Try some local beers!

Drive to Chugach State Park for a great hike for good views of the city, bay, and mountains (on a clear day). We hiked Wolverine Peak at Prospect Heights Trailhead. This is about a 10 minute drive and a 6 hour hike. There is a shuttle that goes to Flattop Mountain that is very popular and has good views. Williwaw Trail is another hike at Prospect Heights Trailhead that was not as rigorous as Wolverine Peak but less popular than Flattop. Worked up an appetite? Good!     Can you say 20 foot chocolate waterfall?
Head to the Alaska Wildberry and make sure you do not make the same mistake we did and go to the one in the mall. Go to the original off hwy 1. This is best if you have your own car. After swimming in chocolate (just kidding, don’t do that) head back to town and head to a nice dinner. We ate at both Glacier Brewhouse and Snow Goose. Both are fantastic. I heard Simon and Seaforts is great also, but can’t personally vouch.  

Salmon at the Snow Goose

Day 6

Sleep in & explore local coffee shops (Ave G and 4^th street have good ones). Go to the Native Center and learn some cultural history. They put on great shows. Plan it here. I always save souvenir shopping for last, so that is a good thing to fill time before lunch (Trapping Jack’s or Grizzly’s on 4^th are good places). Good time to return the rental if you got it in the city (you can still use the hotel's service). For lunch, we will recommend our hole in the wall @ Nane’s Pelmeni’s famous Russian dumpling. He doesn’t have a website, but has a facebook page. Going in the summertime, you won’t have a prayer to see the Northern Lights, but the Planetarium puts on a good Aurora Borealis show. Make your way to the airport and it won’t take long 

for you to be missing this beautiful underappreciated place.

*Your flight will most likely land in the early morning of the next day!

Native Heritage Center

We'd love to hear your input!

8 Items You MUST Bring on a Trip

1. Travel Documents (no brainer right? ask Becky about her trip to Peru...), whether it is passport, driver’s license, visa, or plane ticket. Make color copies of passports and USE this instead of the real thing. Most outfits should accept this form. Cannot travel anywhere if you don’t start.

2. Not an item, but just as important, tell someone of your travels plans. It doesn’t matter if you are going on a self-discovery trip and want zero outside contact, tell someone back home where and how long. 127 hours anyone?

3. Ziplock bag of toiletries. Don’t bring the toothbrush you normally use or every day deodorant. Go to the store and buy specifically travel-sized toothbrush, shampoo/conditioner, bodywash (leave the loofah), deodorant, hair styler, and baby wipes. This holds all your liquids in a TSA approved container and is permanently in your travel bag. Done. Women may need to add.

4. A shitty pair of flip flops you don’t mind losing. Efficiency is key and while Reefs may be more comfortable, they are thicker and may upset you if you lose them. $3 sandals from Wal-Mart or Old Navy serve their purpose, and are good for the beach, hotel, or even hostel shower.  

5. Medicine/First Aid Kit. I can’t stress this one enough. Traveling domestically, they are not as important. But when you are feeling ill, the last thing you want to do is go searching long and far for a pharmacy (did this at midnight on Christmas Eve in Cusco, Peru) or taking a foreign brand of medicine and not be entirely sure how it will affect you.

6. A small padlock. It is not used every time I travel but it comes in handy at storage units. Some hostels have you provide your own lock. I favor the key lock, because I forget combos. I also stray from zipper locks because locking up your entire bag in storage is normal, locking the zippers on your bag seems suspicious.

7. A keychain flashlight. It is compact for space saving and useful in case of... oh let's say, rolling black outs in SE Asia.

8. At minimum, one pair of jeans. I don’t like carrying jeans when I travel because they are thick and heavy. BUT it is the common “nice” attire pretty much world wide. Plus even some religious attractions may require pants.

Do you have anything that is a must in your suitcase when you travel? Let us know! Leave a comment, email us 10centtravels@gmail.com, or comment on our Facebook page! facebook.com/10centtravels

5 things to try on your next trip

Part of the beauty of travel is to explore new things – to step out of the comfort zone you are so used to at home. Most people revolve their lives so much around a routine that something as simple as making a slight detour on your way home from work can throw you off. This also makes it challenging to not bring some of the routine with you when you travel. No need to try all 5 at once, but maybe start with one and work your way up!

1. Do NOT make a hotel reservation

This one can be daunting for so many people. It may give assurance that once you arrive you at least have a bed, but what if it isn't the bed you thought you reserved. Check out these funny “misleading” photos of different hotels that give illusions of paradise like pools, huge rooms, proximity of attractions, etc. (marketing tricks). Try having 5 places in mind and when you arrive you can check them out personally and make a decision… or pick one that wasn't even on your radar!

2. Try a local favorite or "hole in the wall" restaurant

I will guarantee that Joe’s Crab Shack in Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco will taste just like the Joe’s Crab Shack in your home town. On the other hand, walking a block further to Cioppino’s would be a different experience. (try it!). I ate here the night before I swam from Alcatraz and just because it does not have a brand name behind means they serve sub-par dishes or poison. I like to think it helped me survive! Don’t be afraid to try a local specialty!

3. Make a trip without renting a car

It is terrifying being at the mercy of public transit to get you from point A to point B, but outside the States, it is a common form of transportation. Europe is an easy place to start as the public transportation system is excellent. I have never rented a car in all my trips there. If you would rather keep your travels domestic, it can still be done! Check out walk score to get an idea of some of the cities that are best. Even some cities outside of the top 25 are perfectly capable of accommodating you, like Denver, San Diego, and New Orleans to name a few that I can personally vouch for.

4. Talk to some locals

Even if you are typically the shy type, branch out and open up. Odds are you will never see this person again, but if you strike a bond, even better! Locals love talking about their city; they can update you on some current events surrounding the city like bonds up for election. They also know what there is to see, do, and eat. They can certainly help out with Tip Number 2, as I don’t think their favorite place to eat over and over again is McDonalds. Hell they could even help you with Tip Number 1 and give you a place to stay!

5. Do not penny pinch

Saving money is a great feeling, and more than likely the reason you saved money is to go on this trip… so why save $5, $10, $50 to miss an opportunity? I am not insisting on spending $2,000 on an excursion that may be awesome, but set you back financially. But if you come across bungee jumping off a bridge, I am willing to bet you will remember working up the nerve to make the jump rather than how your spent the $50. Take chances and don’t be afraid!

We'd love to hear your ideas! Leave a comment or email us at 10centtravels@gmail.com! Also, connect with us on Twitter and Instagram @10centtravels

Become an Expert at Airports in the USA

Ever since 9/11, airports have buckled down on security in the U.S. (with good reason!). Many new rules were set in place to maintain a safe environment in these bustling places. Perhaps travelers get intimidated by the TSA security or just nervous about flying in general, but level-headed, intelligent individuals become air-headed and clueless. Here are some tips to become an expert airport traveler, rather than a bumbling fool.

Check-In Procedures are normally painless, especially if you are not checking in a bag (highly discourage you from checking bags!).
1. If you are not checking in a bag, United and other airlines have kiosks that will print your boarding pass for you (so easy to use and worth it!), some airlines let you print your ticket the night before (like Southwest), or others have created apps for smart phones that have your ticket with a unique barcode or QR code.

Pic courtesy of united.com

2. If you are checking in a bag, make sure it does not exceed the weight limit. Some airlines require different weight and size limits depending on the seat you purchase (First, Business, or Economy). Also, expect to pay for your checked bags (unless flying Southwest). So, if we have not convinced you to travel light with a backpack, hopefully this will help your decision!

Security at different airports vary with line/procedure efficiency. 

1. Some credit cards with travel rewards can help you skip the line or get in a shorter line. Always give yourself extra time to get through, ESPECIALLY if you are traveling during a holiday or peak season.

2. Make sure to empty all water bottles before you get to the front of the line. Many times there aren't any trash cans. Place all liquids that are 3.4 ounces (100mL) or less in a SANDWICH-sized clear plastic baggie. They don't allow gallon-sized (found out the hard way). Leave these in a pocket that is easy to access so you don't have to dig in your bag and hold up the line. Get the bag out right before you have to grab the plastic bin to put on the belt. Leave it out of your bag and visible in the bin.

3. Don't bother bringing any pocket knives or large sharp objects (although I did see a lady on a plane knitting…). Tweezers, nail clippers, leg/face razors are fine. Go to TSA website for more detailed requirements. If you did forget to take out a pocket knife, they may ask you if you brought any weapons. They won't arrest you if you did not realize it was in there, but do not make a scene when they search you.

4. Wear shoes that are easy and fast to take off and put back on. Take them off right before you get to the plastic bins and put them inside along with any sweaters, belts, etc.

5. Once you have been scanned and checked by security, get your bins and move out of the way towards the benches that have been strategically placed for you to collect your belongings and put your shoes back on. It is VERY irritating when someone stands at the belt, putting their shoes on and putting their belongings away. 

Our buddy forgot to remove his pocket knife!

6. If you are pulled aside or randomly chosen, stay pleasant, calm, and DO NOT make a scene.
Acting irritable and rude NEVER helps any situation. They are just doing their job. I have been chosen randomly at SEVERAL(5!) airports, domestic and international, to have all of my belongings taken out and searched (in Peru I watched in horror as they pulled my dirty hiking underclothes in front of everyone). Maybe I look suspicious? I'd like to think it's because I look pleasant, and I won't make a scene (wishful thinking).

Customs can be quick and easy as well.

1. Once again, you may be chosen for random checks or pulled aside if any dogs smell anything suspicious (sorry you can't bring that delicious, colorful fruit into the U.S.!). Stay calm.


2. On the airplane, the flight attendants will give you a paper to fill out. FILL IT OUT on the plane! Save some time. There are plenty of extras at little desks in the airport, but you and a whole bunch of other travelers need one as well. DON'T lose this. Some countries require you to keep a stub as proof of your visa, most of the time they will staple it in your passport.

3. Split up! You do not HAVE to be in the same lines, plus it may save time! But don't get in the wrong line…if you are a U.S. citizen get in that line! It's heartbreaking when you wait in a long line to learn you were in the wrong line.

3. DO NOT walk up to a customs counter with someone that is not a family member. They do NOT like this (learned this the hard way).

4. The officers will ask you simple questions, where are you from? what is your address? where did you travel to? how long? etc. etc. Smile and answer them confidently. They will stamp some things and say, "Have a great day! Welcome back!" And that's it!

If the airport (like LAX, Miami, Atlanta) is Notorious for being overcrowded, slow, and/or disorganized, BREATHE. Give yourself extra time. Irritability never helps anything. Read a book, do a puzzle, play games on your phone, cards, whatever! Just stay calm.

Have further comments or tips? Leave a comment below or email us at 10centtravels@gmail.com!

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Some information was researched at www.united.com

How We Managed 9 Days in Alaska for Under $150 per Day

We just took a trip of a lifetime to Alaska. We flew from Houston to Anchorage on a direct flight. We spent 3 nights in Anchorage, 3 nights in Seward, and 2 nights in Denali National Park. Below is the cost break down that we incurred and then split to show a per person cost on a daily basis:

Category	Total	Per Person	PP per Day
Flight	$708	$354.00	$39.33
Transportation	$880	$440.00	$48.89
Activities	$114	$57.00	$6.33
Food	$409	$204.50	$22.72
Sleep	$386	$193.00	$21.44
Gifts	$110	$55.00	$6.11
Total	$2,607	$1,304	$145

Sharing is Caring

We shared this journey with another couple helping lower the cost (shared food, hotels, and activities). For example, we covered the rental car for the duration of the trip ($700) while the other couple purchased the 2-day kayaking tour in Seward. They used Groupon to find this great deal. This discount site allows easy searches by category, location, or keywords. They found a 2 for 1 deal on a 2 person kayaking trip for 2 days/1 night, saving us greatly. 

Glamping is Just as Good as Hotels

Showers, laundry and restrooms!

(Glamour Camping = Glamping) We also minimized cost on hotels by simply minimizing our hotel stay. The Groupon kayak trip included one night and we stayed at the campground owned by the dock (Miller's Landing) the night before for a discounted price. In Denali National Park, we popped up a tent at one of their many campgrounds. Many of these campgrounds provide all the same amenities as your standard hotel. Alaska has great summer temperatures that make it feel like you are in an air conditioned room. 

Cheapest Way to Stay Full

Restaurants and fast food can add up and wastes a lot of money (not to mention the healthy factor). We are an active couple and the couple we shared this trip with is like us. We knew we would be doing some hiking and kayaking and needed food to snack on. A local grocery store is a great way to cut food costs. We spent $100 between 4 people to supplement snacks and even meals (long car ride from Seward to Denali). Our Groupon kayak trip also had meals included to help save!

Enjoying our 4th of July hotdogs and s'mores

Mileage Programs

I am currently enrolled with a credit card company that gives me points for spending. I convert these points to airline miles since we love to travel. Everything outside of my mortgage and loans is paid with my credit card giving me optimal points. This can help cut down on flight prices.

Still making excuses? Well, you can reason that you will not be at home, so you will not be running your AC or taking long hot showers. Either way, you have to eat, whether you are away on vacation or at home... Maybe add in a night out at the bar$. So take the plunge and go travel! If you have any questions, leave a comment or e-mail us 10centtravels@gmail.com

Not worried about the spending while traveling, but more concerned how to save in order to travel? We can try to help with that too. Check out our tips to help save for a trip!