Local Travel Tip

Did you know that there are several Islands located off the coast of the State of Washington in the United States? Here are a few and some things you can do when visiting them:

Lopez Island-

Lopez Island is known for its scenic vistas that include both the landscape features rolling farmlands and ocean vistas. It is a great place to go bicycling.

Orcas Island-

Art, activities, and agriculture flourish on Orcs Island. This island is horseshoe-shaped island and has a beautiful mix of lush forest, farm valleys, placid lakes, and stunning mountains are all wrapped around a beautiful fjord.

San Juan Island-

San Juan Island is the largest Island off the coast of Washington. It combines rocky shores and sandy beaches, prairie and pastureland, lakes and forests. This Island provides the perfect scenery for a lovely trip.

Bainbridge Island-

This island is located a short 35 minute ferry ride from downtown Seattle. Bainbridge Island has its own Performing Arts Center, movie complex and arts & crafts galleries featuring local and regional artists. You can enjoy shopping in historic Winslow and enjoy fine dining.

I am headed off to Seoul, Korea. I have never been to Korea before and am excited to be able to see first hand the unique culture. This got me thinking, what exactly is culture shock and how do we deal with it?

Culture shock refers to the anxiety and feelings felt when people have to operate within a different and unknown cultural or social environment.

It can appear in feelings of shock, surprise, disorientation, uncertainty or confusion when in a foreign place. Culture shock is the difficulties one experiences when assimilating into a new culture.

One may start having difficulty knowing what is appropriate and what is not. This is often combined, with a dislike for or even disgust with certain aspects of the new or different culture.

There are three phases of culture shock:

• Honeymoon Phase – During this period the differences between the old and new culture are seen in a romantic light, wonderful and new. Like many honeymoons this stage eventually ends.
• Negotiation Phase – This is when differences between the old and new culture become apparent and may create anxiety. One may long for food the way it is prepared in one’s native country, may find the pace of life too fast or slow, may find the people’s habits annoying, disgusting, and irritating etc. This phase is often marked by mood swings caused by minor issues or without apparent reason. During this stage excitement often turns to disappointment
• Adjustment Phase – Again, after some time (usually 6 – 12 months), one grows accustomed to the new culture and develops routines. One knows what to expect in most situations and the host country no longer feels all that new.

There are a lot of people out there who dream of traveling to some far off exotic place, but never do.  Sometimes when I tell people about my experiences they say”, I have always wanted to do something like that.”  My most common response is, “then why dont you.”  Most often the response has something t0 do with $.

There are some great ways to have adventures and not spend a fortune.  A few years ago I decided to go to Ghana, Africa for a few months, while I was in between work and school.  It turned out to be one of the most amazing and life changing experiences of my life.  I was able to live and enjoy myself for three and half months on only a thousand dollars.

There are a few things I learned during my stay that helped me do things so cheaply.  Of course a lot of it has to do with where you go, the budget would be much different in Europe.  But, if you enjoy the culture more than the tourist traps and dont mind getting dirty you can have a great trip on a tight budget.

Heres a few tips

• eat where the locals eat, not only are you truly experiencing the country but its usually much cheaper

• personally I find the people much more enjoyable than the sights, so make friends, don’t be afraid to chat

• do some research before your trip and and check when festivals are, lots of excitement and usually lots of free stuff.

• probably the biggest money savers are avoiding taxis and inexpensive housing (I actually rented a room, instead of paying every night for a hotel).

So don’t say I would love to do something like that, Just Go Do It!