| Let Karen lead your group to sacred sites around the world.
For centuries the most devoted
Muslims, Jews and Christians have been making treks across the globe
to Mecca, the Wailing Wall and sites important in Jesus' life. In
the last few decades this tendency to travel to sacred places is
growing, with Pagans and Goddess Advocates making their own
contemporary pilgrimage routes. No longer content to take their
valuable quality time away from work and simply sit by a pool, more
and more the trend for people of all faiths is toward purposeful
travel to sacred sites around the world which enriches their lives
and nourishes their souls. |
Petra, Jordan
|
Having traveled tens of thousands of miles
over twenty years to the far corners of the globe, both individually
or with groups, Karen is the perfect guide to help you lead, plan or
select your own sacred pilgrimage. Travel with like-minded
travel companions on tours fully escorted for your leisure and
enjoyment, taking the guesswork out of travel. Contact Karen at
ancientcultures@ca.rr.com for more
information about her tour guide services.
Edge of World Retreat to Goddess Sites of
Mexico -- February 2009
Karen's Shares Her Personal Travel Tips
Deciding to make a sacred pilgrimage or plan a vacation requires
a good deal of planning. Things to consider are the duration of the
trip, your budget, your intention for the journey and if you are
going to travel independently or with a group. These are just a few
tips to consider before you go.
Traveling independently affords the most flexibility, but
requires the most planning before you leave and during your journey.
Sometimes it may be less expensive to travel independently,
however, taking advantage of group air and land costs should be
considered.
Always remember to bring along bottles that seal tightly if you
plan to gather sacred water. Coke bottles or empty shampoo bottles
always work well.
Your first trip abroad is not the time to test your limits of
endurance. Be realistic about your physical condition.
Pack according to the activities on your itinerary. If you're
going to be walking through cow paddies in farmers fields to get to
standing stones, be sure you bring protective footwear. Likewise,
if you plan to visit mosques, be prepared with something to cover
head, shoulders and bare legs. No need to pack formal clothes if
you aren't planning to go to the opera or theatre, and even then,
try to use multi-purpose clothes to cut down on what you pack.
The tendency is always to over pack. One tip I've come to
embrace is actually bringing one pair of jeans and old t-shirts I
actually leave behind as I go, making room for souvenirs and hard to
find statuary for my collection. If I need a fresh t-shirt, I can
always find one from the local souvenir vendors.
Don't pack expensive clothing or jewelry. One never knows when
luggage might be lost and never recovered. Keep valuables and
irreplaceable medicines with you. Never check them. Keep your
receipts for items that is in your baggage in your purse or wallet
in case you have to claim them lost at the airport if luggage goes
missing.
Roll-up skirts and scarves can easily double for evening clothes
rather than packing day AND evening clothes. Later these items can
even be used to cushion fragile items in your suitcase.
Camera supplies are often hard to find and can be expensive in
third world countries. Bring back up supplies. Extra batteries,
film, memory cards.
Remember to get your passport well before your departure date and
remember your name on your airline tickets must match your passport.
Visas are often required and are issued by embassies and
consulates. Check about applying for your visa. If you're
traveling with a group, your tour operator might provide the visa
for you. Be sure to ask. Never assume. Write the U. S. Department
of State, Passport Services, Correspondence Branch, Room 386, 1425 K
Street NW, Washington, DC 20524 for visa and passport information.
You can also get a passport application at many of your local post
offices. Call ahead before going down to the office and find out
their photo requirements.
The World Wildlife Fund prints a Buyer Beware booklet informing
travelers what's allowed back into the country and what might be
against the law. You can call them for the brochure at
202/293-4800. Remember not to purchase any items made from any part
of an animal. Our friends in the animal kingdom are not
commodities.
Never take anything from a sacred site or treat the environment
with disrespect. No climbing on rocks, putting out cigarettes, or
leaving your trash behind.
Be prepared that third world countries have squat toilets.
Ladies, bring your own tissues.
Digital cameras help you insure the pictures you're taking are
coming out. You may never get back there again, so insure you're
happy with your photos before you leave a site. If you suddenly
find your photos seem to have disappeared on your digital camera,
refrain from taking more pictures. When you get home you will more
than likely be able to find a program to restore the pictures.
Make sure you bring comfortable shoes! Sunglasses! A hat!
Dress in layers!
Electricity converter? For what? Electric curlers or hair
dryer?? Consider not using either on the trip and keep your
suitcase light. You will need the converter to recharge batteries
for cameras.
Understand the currency exchange rate before you depart. You
might even want to make yourself an "At A Glance" chart to keep in
your pocket. Consider purchasing currency for your destination in
the airport before you take off or in the airport of your arrival
destination. You'll need money for your cab ride to your hotel
unless you've pre-purchased an airport transfer. Many countries
will not take U.S. dollars. Though some will. Don't take the
chance. You will get the best exchange rates for your travelers
checks at banks and Thomas Cook. Hotels and other private
businesses usually give a poor exchange rate. Some countries are
using the Euro - others aren't - like England. Know before you go.
Try to communicate in the language of the country where you're
traveling to. Even the most simple phrases are appreciated by the
locals. These attempts to speak their language, no matter how
poorly executed, will earn you goodwill should you need assistance.
Take advantage of the hotel safe in your room or behind the Front
Desk. You might want to put documents, tickets, extra money in
these secure places rather than carry them with you during the day.
Always wear a hidden money belt. These can be a pouch that goes
around the waist, hangs from your neck, fastens to your thigh or
calf. or pins to the inside of clothing.
Make photo copies of your credit cards, travelers check numbers,
passport, visa and airline tickets. Keep this separate in the hotel
safe in the event any of these items are stolen.
When renting a car, check rates before you leave. You can often
rent a car cheaper in advance here in the United States than on the
spot at your destination.
If you have special dietary requirements, make arrangements ahead
of time for special meals with your airline. You might also want to
do some research about available foods where you are traveling to.
You will be able to use your ATM card in some countries and not
in others, especially some third world countries. Check ahead if
you plan to use your bank card. Also check with your local
consulate about what credit cards are readily accepted. Some
countries will take Visa and not American Express and vice versa.
Often times it is tempting to decide against buying travelers
insurance, however, strongly consider it. I cannot tell you the
times it has paid for itself ten times over. It's worth the
investment.
As you can see there is a lot to consider before leaving home.
It's always best to seek the advice of a seasoned traveler or do a
lot of research before you go. This will help insure the time and
money you've invested will be well spent and you have an enjoyable,
safe, and memorable experience.
Karen is available to lead your group tour or you might want to
consider joining a sacred tour she recommends above.
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