Tips & Tricks

Traveling With a Tent

2019-08-17T11:04:30+02:00

If you're a shoestring traveler, accommodation might be the single most expensive item on your budget. A small, light tent can save you a lot of cash if you're willing to give up some creature comforts in exchange for a more adventurous approach. Here are some helpful instructions for traveling with a tent, written from personal experience.

1. Choosing a tent
1.1. Weight of the tent
    1.2. Size of the tent
    1.3. Parts of the tent
    1.4. Tent prices
2. Choosing a camping spot
3. Best terrain for camping
4. Weather conditions
5. How to set up a tent
6. Traveling with a tent
7. Inside the tent

1. Choosing a tent

There are several types of tents - canvass tent, dome tent, hiking tent, teepee, pop-up, multi-room, inflatable, with metal bars, large expedition tents, etc. As solo travelers most often need a small, light tent for moderate temperatures, here we will only deal with dome tents.

There are four things to look out for when choosing a tent: weight, size, structure, and price.

Types of tents

1.1. Weight of the tent

A very important factor. A modern dome tent for two people weighs between 1.5 and 3.5 kg. This difference may not seem important, but after a few kilometers of walking, every gram becomes a sworn enemy. The weight is usually written on the label, which is sewn to the tent bag. If it is not written, you'll have to weigh it or estimate the weight.

1.2. Size of the tent

Two-person tents are the ones most commonly found in camping gear stores. However, single-person tents are still quite rare - probably because most people prefer to camp with a company. Some tents also have a porch, a separate section in front of the entrance where you can leave your shoes (which after a day's hike take on specific olfactory properties), backpack and so on, leaving you more room in the tent. When thinking about the size of a tent, remember that you should also put all your luggage in it. Tall people should also pay attention to the height and length of the tent, which should also be written on the label so that they do not have to sit with their backs bent, or sleep with their feet outside the tent. The height of a person in a sitting position is between 90 and 105 cm. Of course, you won't spend much time sitting in a tent - you'll only enter it when you want to sleep. However, if it rains for a long time, it is not too bad to be able to sit properly.

1.3. Parts of the tent

Poles are what tent skeleton is made of. Modern tents have fiberglass poles, which are light, thin and resilient - a huge advantage over old-fashioned tents with metal poles. The dome tent usually contains two sets of poles. The poles of one set are connected together by an elastic rope, and together form one long flexible pole. Two long poles cross and bend, and the rainfly is put over them. The life of the poles is usually much shorter than the life of the rest of the tent: they tend to break, especially with lower-quality tents.

Rainfly is an outer cover that protects the inside of the tent from wind, rain, etc. Single-layer tents are, in fact, just the rainfly, but they are rarely seen nowadays. The two-layer tents consist of a rainfly and an inner tent (also known as tent body). For better two-layer tents, the rainfly is placed in a way that it does not touch the inside of the tent, which allows the condensed water to slide down the inner side of the rainfly during sleep and go directly to the ground. For cheaper tents, the rainfly and the floor are all in one piece, so the condensed water has nowhere to go, so it hangs in the form of droplets on the inside of the tent, making you wet every time you touch it.

Inner tent: While you are sleeping, the air inside the tent warms up from your body heat and respiration. As the inside of the tent is warmer than the outside, the water vapor from the air we exhale condenses on the surfaces around us in the form of many droplets. Most of the moisture condenses on the inner side of the rainfly, but also on sleeping bags, backpacks, etc. Ventilation of the tent helps to remove this moisture, but this reduces the temperature in the tent. The solution to this is an inner tent - a thin, breathable layer of fabric that sits under the rainfly. Moisture passes through this layer and condenses in the form of droplets on the rainfly, leaving the inside of the tent dry. The single-layer tents do not have an inner layer, but only consist of a rainfly, so after a night spent in the tent the inner walls will be covered with droplets.

Before folding a tent, it is necessary to wait for the condensed water to evaporate, which is done best by leaving it in the sun for a while. Folding and packing a wet tent is not a good idea, because the next time you opent it, it will smell bad. A two-layer tent, i.e. a tent that has both an inner tent and a rainfly, still does not mean that there is no condensed water, but rather that it is located between the two layers, and it must also be allowed to evaporate before folding.

Waking up in a wet tent is nothing to be afraid of, as the water sticks to the inside of the rainfly and does not drip onto your head - just be careful not to touch the rainfly.

Tent floor is usually made of much rougher plastic so as not to tear, with raised edges that prevent water from getting in. Unless you are camping on a perfect lawn, this bottom is not hard enough to protect you from rough terrain or the cold. Therefore, it is also necessary to bring a thermal insulation pad, also known as the sleeping pad, to put under your sleeping bag.

Groundsheet is a slice of thick plastic or foam that is placed under the tent. This extra floor serves to protect the original floor from ripping, as it is much cheaper and easier to replace. It doesn't come with the tent, but needs to be purchased separately. Any waterproof material of appropriate dimensions can serve as an additional floor. Basically, this extra floor is not necessary, and is rarely used unless you're camping on a very rocky terrain.

Tent pegs are metal pegs that serve to secure the tent to the ground so it does not fly off at first breeze. There are usually 4 tent pegs - one for each corner of the tent - plus four additional ones, which are used in the event of a storm, when ropes are also used.

Since your tent usually contains your belongings, and you sleep in it, there is a very low chance that it will fly away even without pegs, unless you are in a hurricane. However, if you leave the tent all day in the meadow while you go hiking, it is not a bad idea to fasten it with tent pegs. When driving them into the ground, always do so at an acute angle.

The traveler who plans to set up the tent in the evening, sleeps over, and folds the tent in the morning to continue the journey, generally won't need to use the tent pegs.

Tent ropes, also known as guy ropes. The tent usually comes with several long pieces of rope, to be used in the event of high winds. These ropes are cast over the tent and tethered to another set of pegs, stuck a small distance from the edges of the tent, and serve to hold the tent in place. For these tent pegs that serve for tying the tent ropes it is especially important that they are driven into the ground at an acute angle.

Parts of the tent

1.4. Tent prices

A simple two-person dome tent can be found for as little as 20-30 euros. A tent like this proved great on various terrains and in different weather conditions. If you want something of better quality, for camping on extreme terrains and in extreme weather conditions, be prepared to spend a much higher amount. However, if you go camping twice a year, each time for several days, the cheapest tent is more than enough for your needs. You won't even notice the difference.

2. Choosing a camping spot

Campgrounds exist in most countries. These are designated places where you can pitch your tent in exchange for a certain amount of money. The campgrounds have a toilet, showers and drinking water, there is usually a security fence around them, and in many you can rent a tent if you do not already have one. They are usually open only during certain seasons suitable for camping.

Free camping is when you pitch a tent wherever you see a convenient place. However, there are certain rules.

If you are in a big city and have no place to sleep, but you have a tent, you can pitch it in a large park. However, as this is illegal in most countries, you should wait for the sun to set, and then find a hidden location among the trees. Be very careful, find a sheltered, secluded spot, do not use any light and make sure nobody notices you. Fold your tent and leave at first light, before people start coming to the park.

If you do not find a convenient city location, simply check the map and walk or take the bus to where the city ends. Experience has taught us that even the largest cities end somewhere, although to reach forests and fields it is often necessary to get through many kilometers of suburbs, industrial zones and wastelands.

In less populated areas, you can ask someone if they would let you pitch a tent in their backyard.

Generally, it is not advisable to pitch a tent by the side of the road, or near someone's house - unless you have first contacted the host and made your presence and intentions known to them. It is ideal to find a hidden meadow or grove where your tent will not attract attention so that no one even notices that you are there. This will spare you unpleasant visits by the police who will tell you that camping is prohibited, dangerous and so on, and might even fine you for pitching your tent there.

3. Best terrain for camping

Ideally, the ground for pitching your tent should be flat. If it is a slope, you'll be slowly sliding all night and waking up somewhere in the lower part of the tent. If you are camping on a slope, turn the tent in such a way so that you lie with your head higher than your feet.

The land where you pitch your tent should not be lower than the surrounding terrain, as water will collect there in the event of a storm. Some recommend a gentle slope as ideal terrain, because no water will collect there.

It is not a bad idea to pitch your tent under a tree, as it will partially shelter you in the event of prolonged downpours (the tent, in theory, should not leak, however in reality it might happen if it rains long enough) as well as from the sun, which from the early morning turns the inside of the tent into an oven, so much that it's impossible to stay inside. And you might not want to get up at 6 am. However, a lone tree in a mountain pasture may not be a good idea, as it could attract lightning.

The tent should be set up in a place where it will be in the shade in the early morning, which usually means west or southwest of the treeline. If it is a lone tree, this location should be carefully selected depending on your geographical location and time of year.

Then there is the wind. Care should be taken that the place where you pitch your tent is not exposed to the wind. If it is a hill, it is better to camp at the base than at the top, despite the fact that the view may not be that great.

Perfect lawns from camper's dreams are, in reality, thin on the ground. Usually, before pitching a tent, you will need to remove some of the largest rocks or pluck some sods of grass. Manually removing and tamping down the largest bumps in the terrain usually produces good results.

Ideally, there should be a source of drinking water in the proximity of your camping spot. Even if the water is not drinkable, it will come in handy for washing.

Inner tent (left) and rainfly (right)

4. Weather conditions

Needless to say, it is best to go camping or traveling with a tent in summer or late spring, when the weather is generally dry and warm, and there is no need to wear warm clothing that usually takes up too much space in your backpack. Camping is, of course, possible both in winter and in the snow and at temperatures below zero - but this requires serious camping gear.

In the event of storms, and especially strong winds, there are tent pegs that should, theoretically, hold the tent in place. There are also ropes and extra pegs that provide added stability. If that is not enough, it is not a good idea to put a few large rocks in the corners of your tent.

Some tents might have a label, usually on the tent bag, stating the weather conditions and temperature ranges for the optimal performance of the tent.

5. How to set up a tent

A standard dome tent can be set up and folded in five to ten minutes. First, spread the tent out on the ground so that the thicker part that forms the bottom of the tent is fully extended. Then assemble the bendy poles (usually connected with a rope that runs through them) so that you get two long flexible poles, which should go through the corresponding holes or nooses on the inner tent. Cross the poles in the center of the tent, and tie them together together with a piece of ribbon. The poles can be located on the inside or outside of the tent, depending on the design giving the tent its shape and stability. Now you still have to stick the pegs in the ground - most often you can just push them in with your hand. In case the tent also has an inner tent, it is necessary to go inside and attach it to the hooks that hang from the inner side of the rainfly.

Of course, it's a good idea to get acquainted with the new tent before the trip: set up the tent and fold it at least once, to make sure you know how to do it. It is not a nice feeling to discover, in the dead of the night, in a rainstorm, that you don't really know what goes where, or that you have missing parts. Also, it is a good idea to open your tent at the beginning of the season and check that it has not accumulated a bad smell, in which case you should leave it open for a while to air it propely.

6. Traveling with a tent

You can use the tent to go camping in the countryside, but it can also be used for longer trips. If you are traveling with a modest budget or simply don't like hotels, you can always bring a tent. The tent bag is usually compact and has a handle. If the tent is light enough, it won't be a huge burden to carry with you - the sleeping pad can be rolled up and strapped to your backpack, while the sleeping bag usually fits inside a backpack.

The biggest problem with a trip like this is personal hygiene - you may occasionally want to take a shower, wash your clothes, etc. For this reason, tent travel can be combined with occasional visits to hotels or hostels, or using hospitality exchange networks on the Internet. In some countries there are showers at train stations in larger cities, as well as at truck stops by the highways, where you can take a shower, usually very cheap. In addition, you can simply go to the public pool - keep your luggage in your locker, the entrance fee is certainly lower than the price of a night at the hotel, and each pool is equipped with showers. Of course, the most common bathrooms for low-budget travelers are fountains, springs, streams, etc, depending on where you are. In Muslim countries there are usually public fountains at mosques.

If you are hitchhiking, you can tell the driver to leave you just outside a populated area, before you enter the city or right after you exit from it, so that you can set up your tent and spend the night there.

If you are cycling, start looking for your camping spot at least one hour before sunset. Keep in mind that setting up a tent in the dark may not be so simple as in daytime.

Finding the perfect camping spot will probably require a little walking - and sometimes you'll have to settle for the less ideal one, or simply spread your sleeping mat on a park bench or train station floor. If the weather is particularly nice and warm, the tent can stay in its bag - you can sleep in the open, provided that there are no mosquitoes. For good sleep, comfort is not as important as fatigue - something that budget travelers usually have in abundance.

7. Inside the tent

Your sleeping bag sack can make a cool pillow case, especially if you turn the inside (clean) side out. You can stuff it with some of your clothes to make a comfortable pillow.

Before going to sleep, arrange the things you may need during the night so that you can find them quickly and easily. Leave the flashlight withing reach, or hang it from a rope from the ceiling of the tent (where the poles cross). You will also probably need the jacket, as it is sure to get cold during the night. Leave the shoes outside, near the entrance of the tent, and turn them upside down for dew.

When going camping, it is a good idea to have an LED headlamp. Among other things, it is very convenient for reading in a tent. It also leaves your hands free in case you need to set up or fold your tent in the dark.

How I Won U.S. Green Card Lottery

2019-08-11T21:44:57+02:00

Last year I applied for the annual US diversity immigrant visa program, commonly known as US Green Card Lottery or American Diversity Lottery. And I got it!

Since the DV-2016 program starts each year in October, I'll write down everything you can and should do if you want to go to America one day. And of course, if you're lucky enough to win.

Registration and procedure

1. The only official website you should use to sign up is: www.dvlottery.state.gov

2. You will need a photo in electronic format, which meets the following requirements: dimensions 5x5, and white background. There is a Photo Validator on the site that checks if your photo is OK, and I read that some people took the photo themselves. If you are not sure how to do this (as neither was I) go to a photographer. Tell them it's for the US Green Card Lottery (or any US visa) and they'll know what to do.

3. The application process is quick. You will provide your basic information, email, and your passport number. After successfully completing the application, you will receive feedback with your number called case number.

And then you wait until May next year to see if the green card has become yours.

4. In May, at the beginning of the month (1st or 2nd), you can log in with your case number, name and date of birth on the same website, and see if have been drawn. If yes, be patient and wait for a week or two. If not, don't despair and try again in October. It is crucial throughout this process that you do not have high expectations. Most people who won US Green Card Lottery tried several times.

5. From this year, the continuation of the application, or the next step in the application, was only possible after May 19th. Unlike in previous years, when letters were sent to the Kentucky where the Diversity Lottery Office was located, starting from this year everything is done electronically.

A special section opens on the same website, where you will fill in a detailed application form: the place of birth, information about your parents, your education, employment, marital status, involvement in volunteer organizations, up to series of questions related to security matters - terrorism, drugs, etc. When you fill out the application - needles to say, you should be truthful - it locks up, you get feedback that you have completed this step, and that's it.

It would be best if you filled out the application form as soon as you can. Don't wait too long. The sooner you submit it, the sooner you will be called for an interview.

One of the issues is the address in America where we want to have our Green Card and SSN delivered to us when they're done. Since few people know where they will be, you can leave this field blank in this step.

And then you wait again.

6. Up to this step everything was free. Except for the photographer, if you opted for a professional. The American Green Card Lottery application is FREE! Don't fall for any websites, emails or phone calls that offer to get your lottery work done for you, because it's a scam.

Now let's move on to your Case Number up. Mine was in the fromat 2015EU00002xxx. This means that 2015 is the year of the program, the EU to the continent of your current residence, the zeroes I have no idea, and these 2xxx means that I belong to a group that will soon come up.

What does that mean? This means that every year, starting in October, interviews are scheduled, and each month has its own range. In my case, it was my turn immediately. If I understood correctly, October is usually the month in which the numbers up till 5000 will be interviewed. November up till 8000, and so on... At least that was my experience, and experience of some other people I discussed this question with.

I received the information that I was going to have an interview in October via an e-mail notification. It said that there had been some changes regarding my "case" and that I should go to the website and check.

7. The website told me that I had an interview at the US Embassy, and provided a link with details about what to do before the interview.

Now comes the medical examination. My cost around $150 in total. Before you go for the medical examination, you should obtain a record of the immunization or vaccines received. This should be available in your local hospital where you are usually treated, or where you used to be treated as a child.

There are two important things I'd like to point out here:

First: they'll probably give you at least one more vaccine, so bring some money for that. Plus, you will need an X-ray of your lungs.

Second: from the moment you complete your medical examination, the clock starts ticking and you have six months to enter the US! Not from the day your visa is issued, but from the day of your medical examination.

8. Documentation is the next step. You will need a certificate of not having a criminal record (known as non ciminal record certificate). You can get that in your local court or police station, depending on your country's policy. It is also possible that you may need this certificate from both the court and the police station.

In addition to these documents, you need to find your diplomas and certificates from elementary school, high school, college/university (if you have one). Then you need to make copies of all these documents, that need not be translated or verified - at least such was my case.

9. Interview is conducted in one day, in two parts. In the morning, bring all the papers with you + the medical exam report in a sealed envelope. Of all the papers I had, only the high school certificates, the original of the certificate and one paper from the medical envelope were taken. The rest they didn't need. My college diplomas and certificates were returned to me, as well as a copy of a previous SSN (Social Security Number) I had received when I worked in America in 2010. By the way, while the clerk in the US Embassy is handling the paperwork, he also asks you questions about your application - if you've ever been in America , when exactly and why, where, for how long, what do you do now, who is your contact person or what is the address you provided for shipping documents when you arrive to America, do you have any idea what you will do there and so on.

For the visa fee I paid $330. They told me there was no refund in case of rejection.

The second part of the interview happens a little later in the afternoon, and if everything goes ok, you'll leave your fingerprints, chat with another clerk (in my case an American), read aloud that you understood that you would answer in court if something was incorrect in your application, or if you have misrepresented yourself. Then the clerk wishes you luck and hands you a registration paper / guide that you will need to register on this website. You will need to select a DHL office which you will use to receive your passport, and an envelope which must remain sealed until you arrive to America.

10. Payments do not end here. Since this year, another green card fee has been introduced and it costs about $160. You'll pay before you leave, online.

The visa in your passport indicates the date by which you must enter the country.

Questions and answers about US diversity visa program

What are the eligibility requirements for applying for the American Green Card Lottery?

There is one condition: 12 years of schooling in total. If you have less than 12 years of schooling, the requirement may be changed to two years of work experience in a job that fits the jobs that are included on a special list.

If I am drawn and I have a spouse and/or children, is there a green card for them too?

Yes. The spouse certainly, and the children if they are younger than 21. None of them need to speak English, nor does the documentation mentioned above play a crucial role for them. Only the applicant is being looked at.

What if I'm not married and want to get married after finding out that I won the US Green Card Lottery, or have already scheduled a wedding after the date of finding out / filling out the application?

Although it was stated during the application process that a change in marital status could lead to disqualification from the program, this does not happen and future married couples do get visas. As in the previous case, the papers of the applicant are the most important, and it is up to the future married couple to deal with proving a common history - through photographs, living together, travels, etc.

If the change in marital status occurred after completing the application where the applicant wrote that he was "single", this can be corrected by calling the embassy, which will later direct to the next necessary steps.

If the change in marital status occurred after finding out about the scheduled interview, so your application form for the interview says "single", you should call the US Embassy to correct this piece of information.

Do all family members pay the expenses - medical exam, visa fee etc?

Yes.

Does winning the US Green Card Lottery guarantee me a green card?

No, and that is pointed out time and again throughout the process. You need to complete the process - application, interview, visa and so on. Your lottery win has an expiration date.

Is a green card obtained here or in America?

In America! After landing at the airport, you go straight to the counters for U.S. citizens and ask for directions to go to immigrant officials. You should go through a similar interview to that you went through at the embassy in terms of questions, and then you can change the address if you have decided on another location in the meantime. From that moment, you will wait for your green card for about three weeks.

The info on this page comes from personal experience and might not be up-to-date. For up-to-date information on the American Green Card Lottery please refer to the official website Electronic Diversity Visa Lottery.

Photo of migrants (Immigrant family, Ellis Island, New York, c. 1900s) taken from Kulturbunt.

36 Tips for a Solo Female Hitchhiker

2015-07-28T23:57:34+02:00

What does it take to be a single woman hitchhiker?

It takes a woman and a simple decision to travel alone. That pretty much sums it up.

The rest of the text is here to make you feel a bit more prepared for what’s coming if you’re planning your first solo trip and happen to read these lines.

Here is the list of situations you can expect, written to the best of my ability at this given point of time while hitchhiking from Croatia to French Polynesia.

This is certainly my own experience and yours may or may not vary.

So, let’s begin.

1. You’ll be told it’s very dangerous for a woman

That’s one of the most annoying lines and you’ll hear it over and over and over again. Don’t get spooked. Hitchhiking alone is NOT more dangerous for a woman than it is for a man if you adjust to the culture you’re in and pick your rides wisely. Staying in your comfort zone and only lurking at the world through a TV or a computer is more dangerous as it gives you that feeling of a false security while spooking you out about the real world...which only makes you stay right where you are, on your sofa in front of the TV consuming the messages that are directed at you. But that’s the whole other topic, so let’s get back to the present one.

This traditional view of a woman seen as being fragile and someone who needs the man’s assistance to go through life is still very present in many countries and it might be one of the reasons why people will try to help you rather than harm you. Thank them for their concerns, but follow your path.

Soon you’ll realise there are people like you and me, EVERYWHERE. There are no hordes of psycho killers just cruising the streets and looking to kill you. You are not in a movie.

I’m not saying that hitchhiking alone doesn’t come without any risk. I’m saying you shouldn’t give your fear a power. You might be weaker psychically, but not mentally. Be prepared and don’t let your fear in a way of your life. You will be all right.

2. You’ll be told it’s impossible

The locals will approach you on the street while you’re trying to hitchhike and tell you that you won’t get a ride, because it’s impossible. Don’t get discouraged. You will hear that from the people who have never hitchhiked before. Your ride will come. Be prepared to hear the same (impossible) line from your driver and again, you will only hear that from a person who has never hitchhiked before. Make sure to ask why did he/she pick you up if it’s so impossible to hitchhike.

3. You’ll be told it’s much easier to hitchhike for a woman than it is for a man

The truth is no one has it easy. While men might need to wait for their ride to come a bit longer, once they get it there is (usually) no need for questioning, double-questioning and triple-questioning driver’s intentions. Women will (usually) get a ride without much waiting, but then starts a process of making the right decision whether this is a safe ride and letting it go if it’s not. I repeat, no one has it easy.

4. You’ll be told it’s very easy to hitchhike when you’re a pretty girl

Being pretty has nothing to do with hitchhiking. Being (reasonably) clean, (reasonably) smiley and sane while hitchhiking will take you further. Playing an instrument or juggling by the road won’t harm either. Being pretty won’t help you much if you look grumpy or scared shitless while standing by the road. And pretty by whose standards? I hitchhiked through China looking like a pregnant woman after massacring a candy store and I’ve never hitchhiked so many sports cars in my life. Tall, small, skinny, fat or whatever you look like, just remember that your ride will come.

5. You’ll be told it’s very easy to hitchhike if you wear skimpy clothes

It might be true and it might get you in trouble, but that’s not my area of expertise. I like to keep more covered while hitchhiking and that’s my personal choice. I rarely wait for the ride more than 15 minutes, so skimpy clothes are definitely not determining factor in hitchhiking.

6. You’ll be told how brave you are

In my case that can’t be any further from the truth. There were days and the countries where I didn’t feel 100% confident and I was actually shitting myself from the inside. Does putting a brave facade from the outside make you brave? I don’t think so, but I know I’m very determined and I love hitchhiking. Hitchhiking alone makes you mentally stronger, not braver, because there will always be a situation when you will shit yourself a little and it’ll make you stronger in the long run... and that’s a beauty of hitchhiking, too.

7. You’ll be told how confident and strong you are

Damn right, because you are. Both, confidence and strength will skyrocket with the experience.

8. You’ll be asked why you are alone

As if you were missing a body part, you will be asked why, why, WHY are you traveling alone, where is your friend, your boyfriend or a husband? As if you were completely incapable of breathing without anyone’s assistance. The truth is you will never be completely alone. There will be the locals that will approach you on the street, the drivers that will give you a lift, the travelers you will come across in a hostel, a bar, a street or via Couchsurfing or some random passengers/expats you’ll stumble upon when least expected. Traveling alone comes with a freedom to choose your way and change it in a split of a second just to have another change of a heart 2 minutes later only if you want it so and it’s mad brilliant!

9. You’ll be asked what does your family think of you traveling alone

It’s no one’s business what do you do with your life, because that’s your life, but it’s a great mental relief if you enjoy the support of your family. I’m lucky enough to have a great and supportive family in everything I do, but that also didn’t come over night. It was built on years and years of trust. Yes, they are worried and many times they miss me and want me home, but they also trust my judgement and they are very proud that I’m strong and persistent enough to do what feels right for me. If I could give you one single piece of advice I would tell you to get off your ass and chase after your dreams even if you don’t enjoy the support of your friends and family. Their support will come by time and even if it doesn’t, it won’t matter much as you won’t regret living your life the way YOU wanted.

10. People will try to feed you

Whether is it because you are a single traveler on the road and you happen to be a woman so their traditional protective upbringing kicks in OR is it because of their natural motherly feelings... I don’t know. Sometimes they just want you to try the food you’ve never tried before and your reaction makes them happy. Sometimes they are so worried of you dying out of hunger that they will pack 3 bags of food even though you clearly said you were not hungry explained how you have already gained 10kg during your journey did both of the above, plus you showed them the stash of food in your bag for the road.

They won’t care and will feed you no matter what you say. My honest advice to you is to always hitchhike on more than half empty stomach with few pieces of fruit stashed in your bag and a small bottle of water. Why only a small bottle? Read the lines above and change the word "food" with "drink".

First you might think such treatment of the single woman traveler only applies to Balkan region, then the same will happen in Turkey, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos.... 20 plus countries and 10kg later you’ll figure out that some parts of the world kind of function like that and you will remember all the travelers/hitchhikers that you hosted or picked up before you went on your trip and surely you didn’t leave them hungry either. I guess that’s a humane thing to do and it makes me really proud to live in such world.

11. People will offer you money and ask for nothing in return

I’m not joking. People will offer you money because of a common misperception of a broke hitchhiker and they will try to help you. The truth is that not all of the hitchhikers are broke. Personally, the money (or a lack of it) is not a reason why I hitchhike and I don’t accept any money that’s being offered to me. Please keep a great hitchhiking legacy and don’t accept any money if you’re not in a serious need. Taking advantage of generous people is not what hitchhiking (and humanity) is about.

12. You’ll be asked about your money/religion/virginity/married situation

In some cultures it’s perfectly acceptable to ask the questions that would be considered more private in other cultures... and sometimes you’ll simply stumble upon some very curious people. Just because they ask, it doesn’t mean you have to answer and if you do, remember that the humor is probably the best way out of a delicate situation. Be aware that religion is a big deal in some countries and claiming that you don’t have a religion can get you in trouble where being irreligious is still illegal.

13. People will try to set you up with a boyfriend, marry you (especially in the countries where a man can have more wives) or offer you a very direct "business-marriage" proposal

Especially if you are holder of EU passport that happen to travel in some of politically and economically more unfortunate countries. A simple ring around your finger and a convincing story about your husband that is waiting for you in XY city should get you out of (all of the above) trouble.

14. People will offer you jobs

It happens quite often and it’s a nice feeling that someone likes you enough to want to keep you in their country a bit longer. Most of the jobs I’ve been offered (out of the blue) were the teaching jobs.

15. People will show you their penises

Whether you are just walking on the street, hitchhiking or actually sitting in a car with a driver, you will get flashed in some countries, just like that. I’m not sure if that happens due to enormous amount of porn and a very stupid hitchhiking stereotype, but what I’m sure of is that you can get out of the situation with no consequences if you keep calm and explain loud and clear they misjudged you and the situation. Important thing is not to freak out as you might freak them out and then they might do something stupid out of the panic.

By the look on their face you’ll notice they don’t really know what the hell they are doing. It’s the look that’s saying "I’ve seen this ones on YouPorn and I wonder if it works... I’ll let my penis out for few minutes and see what happens". Tough news amigo, nothing will happen. So far I came across such situations in Muslim countries only – with Malaysia ranking as No. 1.

I actually hitchhiked a guy who has never picked up a hitchhiker before and the line "Once I’ve seen this on YouPorn" was his answer to my question if he knows what the hitchhiking means.

16. People will try to touch you

Your hair, your hand or your leg just to test the situation. Make sure to stay calm and point to your fake wedding ring on the finger with a very clear and loud disapproving statement. That will be pretty self-explanatory in many countries even if your driver doesn’t speak any English. If that happens in a very religious country, make sure to bring some God(s) to the whole scenario by pointing to your wedding ring as well as saying God’s name and pointing to the sky – as if saying HIS God wouldn’t be very impressed with his behavior.

Make sure not to bring up Buddha’s name in Muslim country as it obviously won’t work. If the touching continues, get out of the car.

17. People won’t let you out of their cars

It happens very rarely, but it happens. Even though it’s a freaky situation, make sure to stay calm. If your driver speaks English, communicate clearly that there is a husband/brother/father waiting for you and he will go bananas if you don’t arrive safe and on time. It helps a lot if you show your driver a snap of his backside driver’s plates on your phone (that you have taken right before jumping in the car) and lie (if you have to) that you messaged the photo to your husband/brother/father that is waiting for you. He will pull over.

If your driver doesn’t speak any English, or if the tactic from above doesn’t work, show him your pepper-spray in one hand and count down 5 seconds with your other hand in front of his face, so it’s clear you will pepper spray him if he doesn’t start pulling over. Don’t hesitate to spray him if he shows no reaction to your countdown. He will stop the car, because he’ll be unable to breath. (The same as you, so be prepared.)

18. People will try to trick you

There are so many traveler scams in different countries that I could write another article to sum it all up. My best advice is to keep your heart and eyes open for the people, but if something feels dodgy – that’s because it probably is. Do a little research before going to a new country and trust your inner self when something doesn’t feel right.

19. You’ll be asked if you’ve ever hitchhiked a paid transportation

The longer you hitchhike the chances are you’ve probably done it all – taxies, buses, tuk-tuks, ferries... you name it. My personal rule for hitchhiking paid transportation is to get off the ride in case it’s getting crowded and I’m about to take someone’s place. Always have in mind that your drivers feed their families with their driving job. Be mindful and kind. Surely you’ll find another ride with all that positive energy in you!

20. People will invite you to their houses, dinners, birthdays, weddings, funerals, parties...

One of the most beautiful facts about hitchhiking is that you’ll be around locals all the time and get a great feeling of their culture, how they live, what they think... etc. Of course, you can pay and see all of that through the touristic arrangements, but you will lack that sincere feeling that you’ve been invited from their heart and not because of your wallet. These are the people you will most likely become friends and stay in touch with.

21. People will laugh at you and your plans

Don’t get discouraged. Laugh with them and carry on.

22. People will give you some great, helpful tips and their knowledge

Anything you can think of – from the history of their country to the latest happenings, the best ice cream in their city, the cheapest accommodation... and sometimes they will just share a laugh with you and that’s beautiful too.

23. You’ll be given gifts

One downside of solo or any kind of hitchhiking is that people you meet will often give you small gifts as a memory or a lucky charm for your travels, but you’re very limited with space. It’s a very memorable and nice gesture, but there is only so much you can carry in your smallbackpack. Most of the things I receive, I give away. A memory of a great people you meet is life-lasting and enough.

24. People will send you in the wrong direction

Sometimes by accident and other times because answering "I don’t know" to your question is simply not part of their culture. Multiple-checking and having a smiling heart in tough situations usually eases the stress. In my case, swearing in Croatian does the trick.

25. People will talk to you even when you clearly don’t speak their language

They will and I think that’s such a beautiful thing! They will speak in their own language, they will use the translation app on their smartphone, they will try the sign language, they will draw on paper, call a friend who speaks English... I even hitchhiked one Chinese guy who thought I might understand him if he whispers to me in a very gesticulate way. He kept on doing that even though I was pissing myself laughing as whispering in Mandarin was not much of a help.

26. People will take you to the bus/train/taxi station even though you told them you’re HITCHHIKING ONLY

There are countries where hitchhiking is not common and people don’t quite understand the idea of hitchhiking. Your "knowledge" of their language won’t help much either. You will get dropped off at the bus/train/taxi station only to be picked up again and taken to another bus/train/taxi station. After you get tired of riding in circles, you will find a person who speaks English and tell him/her to write you a letter in a local language explaining what exactly you are trying to accomplish. You’ll show this letter to your next driver and that will be the end of your riding in circles. Hopefully.

27. People will try to hitchhike for you

Whether they are Chinese cops, Burmese kids or half a village in Kurdistan, people will try to help you by hitchhiking FOR you. It’s kind of help you really don’t want, because there is nothing worse than 10 people standing around you with their thumbs up. Drivers won’t stop to pick you up because they will get spooked by bunch of people by the road with their thumbs upthink you are safe and sorted because there are locals that are already "helping you".

If you find yourself in that situation, try to explain you have much better chances while hitchhiking alone and if it doesn’t work, simply walk away from the people. (Yes, they will follow you, and yes, they will give up if you walk far enough.)

28. People will try to hitchhike with you.

They will pick you up, fall in love with your story, leave their car and join one part of your travels. It happens and it’s beautiful.

29. You’ll be asked "What’s that thing around your neck"

It’s a "rape whistle" which is nothing else than a (very loud) whistle that might come in handy in case you get attacked on the street, accidentally lock yourself in a bathroom or against wild monkeys if you hike alone through the forest. Monkeys can be real bitches sometimes.

30. You’ll be asked if you carry any weapons and if you know kung fu

Personally, I don’t carry any weapons with me, but I also never reveal all of my secret "weapons". Make them wonder.

31. People will ask you money for a ride in certain countries

Just because they ask for it, it doesn’t mean you have to give it to them. Make sure they understand that you are hitchhiking BEFORE you get in the car. If they request the money, thank them for stopping and let them go. Your ride will come.

32. You’ll be asked where you are sleeping tonight

If you are a bit like me and not a fussy sleeper, there is a good chance you’ll have nothing sorted for the night, because you know that the possibilities are endless. From the hostels, guesthouses, Couchsurfing hosts, terraces, parks, mosques, temples, gas stations, cars and trucks of your drivers to the houses of the local people who invite you in. It doesn’t really matter where you sleep as long as YOU feel safe.

33. You’ll be asked if you ever get lonely

I think that greatly depends on what kind of character you are. If you are a bit of an extrovert, you might get lonely after travelling alone for a while. If you are more of an introvert like me, the chances are you’ll love your free space. I find it very hard to get lonely with so many people around me all the time. From the drivers that pick me up, the travelers on the street, in the hostels, in the bars, always curious locals, Couchsurfing community, random expats... the list goes on and on. Even in the crappiest places, you will always find yourself a company if you want one.

34. You’ll be asked if you’ve ever rejected the ride

Sometimes you will get a bad feeling about people who stop to pick you up. There will be something about the way they talk, act or stare at you. Something about it just won’t feel right. Don’t be scared to turn down the ride. Do it politely, but without much (or any at all) explanation. Another trick to get rid of (unwanted) drivers is to tell them you’re going to the city that’s in the opposite direction. They will tell you that you made a mistake, that you should stand on the other side of the road and they will drive off.

35. You’ll be asked whether you are scared of the police

There are some more closed down countries, like Turkmenistan and Burma where I wasn’t sure what the police reaction was going to be on my hitchhiking through their territory. In general, the police should protect people, so if you’re not doing anything bad-ass they will probably check your passport and leave you alone.

In China, they’ll pick you up and take you to a better hitchhiking spot and in Iran they’ll get so worried about your safety, they’ll take you to the police station and 5 (wasted) hours later they’ll find a translator who will tell you "Don’t worry Miss, you are safe now".

There are few countries in which it is illegal to hitchhike on the highway and the police will come to warn you about it (or give you a ticket), just remember that a smile and a polite & positive attitude goes a long way. Police should be the least of your worries.

36. People will ask isn’t it very dangerous for a woman to hitchhike alone through (more strict) Muslim countries

From my own experience, you should definitely be more careful, but it’s not impossible. Keep in mind that your presence and attitude is also influencing their culture and changing their opinion about women. Make your presence a worthwhile. Very old women’s trick for hitchhiking through strict Muslim countries is to always wear a period pad even if you are not menstruating. If you’ve been attacked and you’re about to get raped, this pad might be your life and health saver as most Muslims restrain from the intercourse during women’s period.

That’s all I can think of right now. If you have some more questions, feel free to message me HERE – I’ll be happy to help any way I can.

You’ve already seen ALL of Facebook inspirational, traveling memes and quotes, seen ALL of National Geographic documentaries, read ALL of the traveling books and blogs, secretly and publicly stalked other travelers on Facebook and Instagram. It’s time you stop living through other people’s experiences and make a few on your own. Timing will never be right, so you might as well start now. If you really want to do it, you will always find some way. Spare yourself another excuse and – go girl!

—

The author of the article and all photos is Ana Bakran.

The article is taken from here.

Bicycle touring guide

2015-05-10T23:01:00+02:00

Bicycle, pedal cycle or pushbike, is a wonderful mode of transport whose (usually) two wheels we turn with our own power. Reading this you might view it as barely something more than a kids' toy, yet a bicycle can be so much more, from the means of crossing the road to making a circle around the world. This guide is intended for absolute beginners interested in bicycle touring. Just keep in mind that it was not written by a bicycle or touring expert but a person with a huge passion for travelling, some touring experience and almost no budget (sponsored by money found on the ground).

There are three things you need for bicycle touring: a bicycle, time and willingness.

While choosing your bicycle and its components it is advisable to explore as much as you need to: inquire among acquaintances, ask questions on the Internet and chat with bicycle retailers. The most important thing, though, is realizing that nothing has to be high-tech or expensive. High prices honestly are not a must; there are people who make long tours on cheap bikes with only three gears while others tour with very simple folding bikes. At the same time, there are those who cycle the world with almost no luggage on extremely expensive carbon cycles or bicycles with all the possible gadgets and smart devices. It is true that your comfort will increase with the level of the bike quality, but it does not have to be the most high-tech bike out there, and you can have an amazing adventure even with a used bike that you found in the ads.

Also, once you get deeper into the bicycle touring culture, you might get surprised by how many people travel this way, as you'll most likely encounter many travelogues of people who have pedaled around the entire world. Another surprising fact might be the vast number of beautiful bike paths already stretched across our planet (of course, it wouldn't hurt to pave more). Or maybe you already know all this stuff, even though this type of travel is not as popular in our area as it is many other countries. (Note: text originally written for the area of ex-Yugoslavia.)

The rest of this guide is divided into three categories. Basics of cycling section refers to the basic rules of traffic behaviour and the most essential equipment. Then we will get deeper into bicycle components, while the last part refers to the peculiarities of living on the road, covering topics such as food, accommodation and potential cycling companions.

1. Basics of cycling
1.1. Traffic behaviour
1.2. Bike maintenance
1.3. Shifting gears
1.4. Safety equipment
1.5. Spare parts and tools
1.6. Transporting luggage
1.7. Theft-proofing
2. Bicycle components and accessories
2.1. Comfort
2.2. Components
2.3. Technology and gadgets
2.4. Cycling clothing
3. Life on the road
3.1. Water, food and shelter
3.2. Companions
3.3. Route planning
3.4. Cycling related pains
3.5. Hitchhiking with the bicycle

1. Basics of cycling

For safe and comfortable bicycle journeys, it is imperative to know how to treat your bicycle with respect and kindness, as well as how to be a conscious participant in overall traffic. It is also important to list the essential equipment.

1.1. Traffic behaviour

Drivers' culture and their attitude towards cyclists vary greatly from country to country. The people in the Balkans are accustomed to a certain driving (non) culture and the status of the cyclists as an annoying interference by both drivers and pedestrians. Therefore, it is not problem for us to adapt to any conditions, be it for the better or the worse.

Do not forget to signal your movements, always stay alert and aware of the traffic around you.

Regardless of the driving culture, the golden rule always applies - being an equal part of the traffic; calm, visible and predictable, and by all means avoiding sudden or unpredictable movements. Identify yourself as a car, don't get scared off by big trucks and just keep pedaling. Do not be shy to take the whole lane if you need it for your own safety and don't pay attention to the potential honkers. Do not forget to signal your movements, always stay alert and aware of the traffic around you. For example, having the advantage on a crossroad does not automatically mean that a car driver will respect it. Even vehicles in so-called civilized countries may go by the simple rule that the bigger one goes first. Caution is essential and it is better to sacrifice an ounce of pride than your head or a limb.

1.2 Bike Maintenance

Your bike will naturally be much happier if you take good care of it, which means that it should be cleaned when dirty as well as regularly lubricated. It is wise to have chain oil with you at all times, and whenever necessary, clean and lubricate the chain. It's very simple. You can choose to clean it with professional brushes which can be found in most shops that house a bicycle section, but an ordinary cloth and/or an old toothbrush will serve the purpose just as well. Fortunately (or not) in many countries one often comes across discarded rags and all sorts of fabrics by the side of the road that come in handy, so you do not have to buy anything special. You can also buy sprays designated to remove dirt and old grease from the chain, which is not necessary but speeds up the process. After you relieve the chain from foreign substances, apply oil, wipe, apply oil again and wipe once more. Wipe well since an overly oily chain means dirt will stick to it way more easily. It is good to shift all the gears in the process so that the oil may nicely spread across all the components.

It is recommended to lubricate the chain at least every 300-500 kilometers, depending on how long you cycle and in what conditions. Proper maintenance prolongs the life span of your chain and gear shifters rather significantly.

1.3. Shifting Gears

To preserve general health of the chain and derailleur it is essential that you learn how to shift your gears. You would be surprised that many people do not know some basic rules. Most likely you will tour on a bike with several front and several back cranks. In that case, be sure not to make the chain go diagonally, which means shifting the gears to the opposite maximum (ex: the lowest front gear and a very high rear gear). This stretches the chain too much and can lead to cracking.

Shifting bicycle gears can be somewhat compared to shifting the gears in a car, (manual of course) especially when going uphill. While driving, one usually creates a bit extra speed before taking the foot off the gas pedal and shifting to a higher gear. Similarly, it is good to create a certain amount of momentum and shift the gear whilst taking a miniature break from pedaling. This does not apply while your pedaling is effortless. It is advisable to keep it as effortless as possible, as in - gradually shift the gears to the lowest/highest one, not shifting through in one quick go. Do not worry; you'll know that you're doing something wrong if you hear the screams of your chain and gears. Proper gear shifting is almost inaudible.

Be wise, exercise your fingers, shift your gears and avoid excessively straining the chain.

Furthermore, do not drive uphill in high gear. Sounds stupid, but some people are stubborn and force themselves to pedal hard in fear that using low gears will make them cowards. Add to this all the extra weight on your bicycle and what you get are excellent chain breaking conditions. Be wise, exercise your fingers, shift your gears and avoid excessively straining the chain. Your knees will be grateful as well.

1.4. Safety Equipment

In situations where you fall on your own, a helmet truly can save your squishy brain or at least reduce the impact.

Helmets may look silly but it is extremely silly not to wear one. Better to crack a helmet then your own skull. In some countries it is illegal to cycle outside the city zone without one (ex: Spain). To be honest, in a fierce frontal collision a helmet is probably useless. Moreover, there are certain studies saying that the use of helmets can bring more harm than benefits: that is because car drivers perceive you as a professional and are thus less careful. (To explain it further: others would be more careful not to hit a person without a helmet, and the more you seem like a pro the less cautious they get). A tire slipping in a curve, an overlooked road obstacle, a bug in the eye; these are some of the things that can make even the most experienced cyclists lose their balance. In situations where you fall on your own, a helmet truly can save your squishy brain or at least reduce the impact.

In addition to helmets, basic safety equipment includes a reflective vest and lights. Regardless of whether you planned to cycle in the dark or not, do not go touring without any lights. Something can stop you from reaching your destination before dark or perhaps you come across a tunnel. Cycling in the dark with no lights is both reckless and uncomfortable. Even having a weak front and back light is enough, not to illuminate your way, but do something more important - make you visible to other traffic participants. Instead of a specialized cycling flashlight, a headlamp works fine as a front light. Anyhow, in most countries it is illegal to cycle without lights and you could get a fine for not having them. In addition, having a reflective vest is often required for rural roads, and since it is wise to be visible, it is good to have one. Besides, it is neither heavy nor bulky.

1.5. Spare parts and tools

In addition to the above mentioned chain oil and cleaning utensils, avoid making a tour without the basic tools and some spare parts. Basic tools include a hand pump, hex-keys of various sizes, a universal screwdriver, potentially a wrench, a tool to adjust the spikes and the levers to separate the tire from the wheel. For taking the tire off, you can also use items such as spoons, knives or even the clips from your wheels or the seat. However, to keep the rim unscratched it is best to use the specialized plastic levers. Many of these tools come together, as a cycling specific multi-tool.

Spare parts you should always have include patches for the inner tube, one extra inner tube, spare cables (at least for the brakes) and a spoke or two in the correct size for you wheel.

In addition, it is always good to have a few universally useful gadgets that you can purchase cheap in any corner of the world; spare bolts and matching nuts. Do not start your journey without ten or more cable ties (so simple yet capable of quick-fixing just about anything)!

1.6. Transporting luggage

It is important to evenly distribute the weight and, in case you have a lot of stuff, have both the back and the front carrier.

In the world of cycling, a touring specific question is how to transport your luggage. The length and nature your trip determine the amount of items you are bound to take with you. If you plan to take anything at all, you will obviously need a carrier. Except for very short trips, avoid taking any kind of backpack and allow your horse of steel to carry it for you. Carriers can be fixed on the front or the rear wheel as well as the seat tube (mainly for very lightweight road bikes or fully suspended mountain bikes). It is important to evenly distribute the weight and, in case you have a lot of stuff, have both the back and the front carrier.

What goes onto carriers are panniers; bags designed to fit the carriers. Perhaps the most famous brand for touring panniers is Ortlieb, for their high quality and excellent waterproofing. The downside of such excellent waterproofing is that if you put anything moist inside, it will not dry.

You do not need the most expensive panniers but try not to buy the cheapest ones because it is quite likely that the plastic mechanism which secures it to the carrier will break, which is not something you'd welcome on your tour.

Another famous brand would be Vaude - there really are many brands out there. You do not need the most expensive panniers but try not to buy the cheapest ones because it is quite likely that the plastic mechanism that secures it to the carrier will break, which is not something you'd welcome on your tour. Besides panniers, you can use bungee cords to fasten a backpack on your carrier, as well as a crate or a dry-sack, anything that fits. For important small items such as cameras, mobile phones and wallets you can buy a specialized bag that clips on the steer; it is easy to reach and always in sight.

If you don't have money for panniers, no problem! You can make very cheap panniers with two (identical) cheap backpacks that you connect and put on the carrier. If possible, get the kind of backpack with a shoulder or waist strap (to trap around the carrier). If you wonder how to connect the backpacks, just replace one of the straps on each backpack so that one strap goes through the original backpack's clip and the other through the clip of the other backpack.

As an alternative to the carrier and panniers, you can buy a trailer that attaches to the mechanism of the rear wheel. You can then transfer as much as you want without overloading the wheels.

Always be supplied with plastic bags, big and small as a way of additionally protecting your things from rain. For small objects that absolutely should not get wet, consider using something very reliable - condoms.

1.7. Theft-proofing

If you know in advance that you will be leaving your bicycle in front of stores, restaurants, museums or other people's homes, and especially if you tour alone, definitely get a good locking system.

Investing in a high quality bicycle lock is never a bad idea. U-lock in combination with a wire cable can be a bit heavy but also a very safe solution. Depending on how you travel, decide on how to theft-proof your bike. If you know in advance that you will be leaving your bicycle in front of stores, restaurants, museums or other people's homes, and especially if you tour alone, definitely get a good locking system. If you rarely leave your bike unattended, you can obtain a simpler and lighter cable lock. But if you are traveling in a group and do not plan on leaving your bike unattended, you do not need a lock.

If you tour without a lock, try to keep your bike in sight at all times (ex: if you're in a coffee shop, sit in a place where you can see it). A small trick that prevents your bike getting quickly snatched is to take the front wheel off and bring it with you.

2. Bicycle components and accessories

Even though it all depends on experience, budget and personal preferences, here you can read about cycling comfort and a bit about basic components, written from experience but without professional technical terminology or explanations. For further information, please consult the Internet.

An ideal bicycle does not exist. It's all a matter of personal preference, your budget and the trip you wish to make. Keep in mind that expensive and technically complicated equipment is often better, but it also reduces the possibilities of doing fast and easy repairs. In some corners of the world you might not even be able to buy a new high-tech component. For example, if you are about to spend a lot of time cycling in Central Asia, it is best to take a good and sturdy albeit basic bike (for instance, standard diameter wheels and v-brakes).

2.1. Comfort

It is very important to be comfortable on your bicycle. Once they start touring, people do usually need time to adjust to the new physical strain. Often, an even harder task is honing the ability of their buttocks to endure the long hours spent on the seat. So get your bottom used to your seat, it is very important! Unfortunately, there isn't such a thing as the universally most comfortable seat. There are many different types of both buttocks and seats and you have to find the one that suits you. Many cyclists will say that harder seats are better, some will recommend covers with gel or shorts with pads, but honestly – there is no one right answer. From my experience, I think it is more or less a matter of luck. Some people can adjust to anything while some are not as lucky and despite having excellent physical condition they cannot tour very long because their buttocks are aching too much.

Each body is special and requires a considerable amount of experimentation and adjustments until you find what is best for you.

Adjustments on the bike are also based on one's individual needs and preferences. Forget the strict worshipping of prescribed norms by bicycle salesman. Each body is special and requires a considerable amount of experimentation and adjustments until you find what is best for you. The one important thing is to have a well sized frame, not too big and not too small. This depends on your height and you can read all about it on the Internet, or consult with people in your local bicycle store.

2.2. Bicycle components

IRON or ALUMINIUM frame, the eternal dilemma! Aluminum is lighter. Iron is harder. For shorter journeys I would recommend aluminum or carbon if you have it (but if you own a carbon bike, you surely know all this and much more). For longer trips most cyclists would recommend a good iron frame (good iron frames are not that heavy). Iron is firmer and less likely to get a dent, but what is most important – it is much more easily repaired. Aluminum is possible to weld, which requires special machines and skills. An iron frame can be fixed wherever you are.

M or F frame - if you have a choice and if you do not plan to tour wearing dresses and skirts (which is why female frames were invented) it is recommended for persons of both sexes to take a bike with a male frame. Of course you can encircle the world with a female frame, but keep in mind that due to the geometry, male frame is slightly firmer, and usually you get more space for bottle carriers that are fixed to the frame tube.

Whatever the size of wheels you choose, if you embark on a long journey it is definitely worth investing in high quality ones since they carry both you and all of your belongings.

WHEEL SIZE depends on the type and length of your trip. Bigger wheels mean that in the highest speed you can go faster than with smaller ones. Accordingly, with smaller wheels you can go easier in the lowest speed. Personally I feel it is more important to have the lowest instead of highest speed, but if you're into racing and your passion is to go as fast as possible you will surely go for the larger wheels. A piece of advice - if you get lost in areas such as Central Asia (for a considerable amount of time), it is recommended that you have the most universal 26" wheel because you can more easily repair or replace it. This also applies to the purchase of new inner tube or new tires; the more standard they are, the easier it will be to fix them. Whatever the size of wheels you choose, if you embark on a long journey it is definitely worth investing in high quality ones since they carry both you and all your belongings. If one of your spokes brakes, a good wheel will survive until the repair whereas a bad wheel will probably lose several other spokes. But it also depends on the alignment of the wheels and whether your spokes are of the same length and thickness or not. This is a separate topic that will not be discussed here. A good wheel builder is something like a good musician; wheel making is an art of its own. Of course, wheels today are mainly made by machines but the ones of highest quality are assembled by hand.

TIRES PROFILE – having good tires is very important! Depending on whether you will be riding solely on paved roads or on numerous forest paths, consider whether you want tires with better grip or those that glide faster down the road. There are various hybrid forms designed for cycling tourism. The most famous brand among bicycle touring freaks is Schwalbe. From personal experience I can say they are right. My Schwalbe tires are marvelous, very thick and therefore somewhat heavier; their high quality is cost-effective as I do not have to constantly patch up or change the inner tubes (not a single flat tire in over 3000 km trip). And there certainly are other amazing brands out there! Specialized tires are important for resilience and puncture resistance.

SHOCK ABSORBERS - for the purpose of bicycle touring most people will recommend getting a fork without the shock absorbers. Mountain bikes have become very popular amongst commuting or city recreation bikers, which is silly for they cycle on paved roads. A bike without front suspension is firmer, the fork weights less, it is easier to maintain and gives you more freedom to transport things with a front carrier. On the other hand, some people prefer to tour on bicycles with front suspension because it gives higher comfort to the wrists. If you like it, go for it. However, don't even think about full suspension bicycles unless you plan to tour downhill in forest paths.

NUMBER OF GEARS - it depends on your bike and what you're used to. It is more comfortable to drive with a larger number of gears but keep in mind that when many, they often repeat. Again, it all depends on what you prefer. It is advisable to have a 3 * 9, but riding is also comfortable with less.

The quality is reflected in the duration of the brakes and their ability to brake (...)

BRAKES – when we speak about brakes it usually comes down to a choice between V-brakes or disc brakes. V-brakes are more universal: you will find new brake pads in the entire world, they are easier to adjust and repair. Mechanical disc brakes are faster and they are easily adjustable. Hydraulic disc brakes are mighty good for braking but I wouldn't personally recommend them for bicycle touring because of their complicated mechanism which is not easy to fix unless you are an expert. As for V-brakes, several kinds exist and my personal favorite is the one where you don't need to change the whole brake pad but only the black layer that wears off.

The quality is reflected in the duration of the brakes and their ability to brake, but sooner or later you will need to change the worn out part. This is very important - a worn out brake pad will begin to eat away the rim. Therefore, it is good to have spare brake pads at all times and keep in mind that in heavy rain pads melt like sugar!

PEDALS – having standard pedals is enough yet many will recommend you to get the ones that you put on like slippers or physically attach to with special shoes. Thus, the leg muscles are used more evenly which is healthier but also a bit harder to adjust. Ask a specialist or Google to tell you more about it.

2.3. Technology

As for all kinds of smart gadgets, in today's market there are millions of GPS's, smart phones and the like. They can be very useful but can also send you on goat paths that do not go well with your hybrid tires and the lack of front suspension.

If you decide to bring such a device, remember that it should be charged. If you're not interested in spending time in coffee shops leeching on electricity, one of the more expensive but more pleasant solutions is an internal dynamo which is located in the hub of your wheel. Another option is to purchase a solar cell that can be attached to the bike. Both function on the principle of having a battery that gets charged by swallowing variable energy as input (your pedaling or the sun), and once full gives you a nice and constant energy flow as output.

2.4. Cycling Clothing

Of course you can go around the world wearing your everyday clothes on a bicycle. It's all a matter of choice, as well as a matter of the season and the nature of your trip.

For longer and serious trips, long or short, it is essential that you have at least good insulation from rain. That means a rain jacket and rain trousers or a good poncho. Waterproof shoe covers can come in handy as well. Also, it is good to have a tight-fitting thermal layer of clothing for cold temperatures because one such layer is ridiculously good at keeping the heat you generate by physical activity. Even in winter, two layers can be sufficient while in motion, one thermal (with the ability to channel out the sweat) and one that protects you from the elements of rain and wind. In winter you will need long trousers, but in a warmer climate it is sufficient to have a pair of shorts, and if necessary, wear a pair of thermal underpants beneath.

It is always good to have gloves. Besides guarding your skin from the effects of holding the steer for hours, gloves give you an extra level of freedom in how you hold the steer by increasing your grip. For winter driving definitely keep at least two pairs of gloves, in case one gets wet (not necessarily specialized for cycling).

3. Life on the road

WHO SAYS THAT YOU CAN'T HITCHHIKE WITH A BICYCLE? PHOTO: LEA REZIĆ

Just like any other type of traveling, bicycle touring can be anywhere in the continuum of free and costly. You can read much more about cheap travels in our Handbook.

3.1. Water, food and shelter

It is essential to always have enough water. Therefore, it is very useful to have two carriers for bottles, the type that can be slightly bent to fit any common bottle size. You can even fit three water holders (one on the bottom of the lower frame tube).

Speaking about food, consider whether you need a camping stove. If you do decide to bring it, a small trick that makes life easier is that rice and/or fuel can be stored in plastic bottles and carried in one of your bottle holders.

The third important thing is, of course, sleeping. It is recommended that you sign-up on this page: WarmShowers, an internet community for hospitality exchange exclusively among people who do long distance bicycle tours. There is also the rest of similar hospitality exchange sites (CouchSurfing, BeWelcome, HospitalityClub and TrustRoots), but WarmShowers is the best because other cyclists understand what it feels like to spend days and days on two wheels. Also, Facebook has a group WarmShowers where you can immediately get answers to your touring related questions, or look for cycling companions.

Long distance bicycle touring usually goes hand in hand with its good friend - camping. If you have camping gear you are relieved of the stress of finding a hostel or a host via the internet every day, which is often not even possible. If something goes wrong and you get stuck, it's nice to have your home with you. While cycling, is very easy to find the perfect (and possibly hidden) camping places.

Touring without camping equipment is also a viable option, which means that you have fewer things, are faster and probably interested in covering as many kilometers a day as you physically can, which gives you more chance to plan your days and make sure you have a safe place to spend the night.

3.2. Companions

It's always nice to have someone for sharing the moments of joy with, or helping each other out.

The more the merrier. It's always nice to have someone for sharing the moments of joy with or helping each other out. Of course, solo bicycle touring has many advantages; you follow your own pace on your own terms and you have a lot of time with yourself, your bicycle and thoughts. It can be a very rich intimate experience.

If you decide to travel in a group, it is good to keep track of a few details. In case of severe frontal wind, a lot of energy can be saved by cycling in tight linear formation. The first person breaks the wind barrier, the second has it much easier, the third cycles as if there was almost no wind, etc. Rotate, of course. In this scenario it is important that you maintain good communication. Create your own signaling for various issues that may arise. The ones in front should provide information about holes and similar obstacles on the road, cars that suddenly join the traffic and their number. The one in the back can warn others about the traffic approaching from behind.

If you are traveling in large groups it is recommended that someone with good orientation skills, a GPS or a map stays at the front of the group. Someone with experience in repairing breakdowns goes at the end. Also, it is useful that people at the end of group have the spare parts and tools. (The logic is simple: if someone is forced to stop, help is about to come his way and it is not already somewhere far ahead.)

3.3. Route planning

When planning your trip, bear in mind that countries have different laws regarding cycling, accessibility to different roads, obligatory equipment and so on. In most countries you are not allowed to cycle on the highway, but sometimes there is no other way (no need to worry, though, if that is the case the locals and the authorities know it as well.) It's good to know which roads are very busy and which are not.

At the same time, do not be afraid to share the road with cars, as it's rather limiting to religiously stick only to cycling paths.

In some countries, you will find a lot of cycling paths; roads paved specifically for bikes. Such roads are usually better, taking you through some romantic viewpoints, but at the same time they are usually longer than regular roads. One example is EV6 River trail which starts in Saint Nazaire in France, follows the Loire river, then the river Saone, continues along the Rhine river and then follows the Danube all the way to the Black Sea. Before you go to the desired country, thoroughly study whether there are any bicycle roads and where they are if you decide to take them. Personally I would recommend everyone to drive on one of these roads: it is a nice rest from the noise, cars and other traffic. At the same time, do not be afraid to share the road with cars as it's rather limiting to religiously stick only to cycling paths.

In following routes, GPS greatly helps but you can go even without the smart devices. Some travel with paper maps, which can be bought in local stores or gas stations or printed from the Internet. There are many sites that offer cycling routes or roads that are good for bicycles. There are also numerous apps for the same thing – you may want to inquire about them on your own since it's such an extensive subject. Maps can also be photographed by a simple digital camera. Take pictures of either the paper maps or ones on the Internet, zoom in and inspect it on the screen. Delete. Take new pictures later on.

3.4. Cycling related pains

It is always good to know what certain pains indicate. Roughly, if your knee hurts at the front, it usually means that your seat is too low. If your knee hurts at the sides, probably your feet are too high or too close to the center of the bike. If it hurts from the back, the seat is probably too high. If your coccyx hurts, it could also mean that the seat is too high, or that it is in the improper distance from your steering wheel. If your back hurts, try to experiment with the length between the seat and the steer - you can move the seat forward or backwards, but to change the angle of the steer you need to get the kind that allows that.

Do not forget, even if you are comfortable and know your perfect adjustments – it is not natural to cycle for hours, days, and weeks... Simply due to fatigue you will have some pain, most often in the knees or the back. Therefore, it is recommended not to turn into a complete cycle maniac and allow your body enough rest, and enough days off. And take my word for it: walking will at times feel extremely relaxing and even exotic!

3.5. Hitchhiking with a bicycle

Just take the front wheel and the panniers off, make a nice sign, stop at a convenient place and thumb a ride!

Hitchhiking with the bike may sound impossible but it is more than doable! Just take the front wheel and the panniers off, make a nice sign, stop at a convenient place and thumb a ride! You can also make a sign (pick me up in the local language) and attach it to your back while cycling along the road. Basically only the cars with enough space will stop, and most people tend to be extremely helpful towards cyclists. A question of trust arises, in a good way. Soiled by stupid movies and misconceptions, hitchhikers are often viewed as dodgy junkies, bums and criminals. Or at least hippies. But cyclists? Everybody trusts a cyclist!

A short guide to volunteering on organic farms around the world

2015-03-22T22:59:00+01:00

WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) provides opportunities to volunteer on organic farms. The WWOOF system is based on a simple exchange: the WWOOFer (volunteer) receives free accommodation and food in return for helping out on an organic farm or smallholding.

The WWOOF movement began in the seventies in the UK, when Sue Coppard, a secretary from London, came up with the idea as a way for people from towns to spend more time in the countryside. The original idea was for volunteers to spend weekends working the land. Today WWOOF is a large international network, which also has branches in the Balkans.

Katarina Milenković, one of the founders of the WWOOF movement in Serbia, told us about her path from a job in an office to a place of work in the heart of nature.

"When I heard about WWOOF for the first time, I found the idea completely captivating. Volunteering on an organic farm secures the survival of many life values that we sometimes forget, caught up in the whirlwind of contemporary living: unselfishly helping, caring for nature, exchanging useful knowledge and skills; and in general living sustainably. At first, I couldn't have imagined that I would leave the job I was working in at the time and would found the organisation AMMA, which, as well as being involved with the WWOOF project, also develops other projects concerned with ecology, sustainable development and the protection of the environment.

I started out as a volunteer. In the beginning, I did the organising in the evenings after work and I felt great that I was able in some way to support people braver than me in their decision to live differently."

picking potatoes, photo: Peretz partensky

WWOOF in numbers

WWOOF is present on all six inhabited continents: in Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America, and Australia. Around the world, there are over 100 WWOOF organisations, of which 62 are members of the umbrella organisation Federation of WWOOF Organisations (FoWO). Altogether, there are over 10,000 farms and smallholdings involved around the world.

How can I find a farm?

The first important step for a volunteer is to know which country they would like to volunteer in. In every country where the WWOOF concept is well-developed, there is a national organisation and a coordinator. You need to decide on a country for volunteering and then register on the website of that national organisation, which is where potential volunteers can gain information about current offers and conditions for volunteers. You can also make contact with the hosts through the national websites. The time it takes between making the first contact and beginning volunteering varies from a few days to a few months. A list of countries with links to the websites of their national organisations can be found here.

Who can I get in touch with if I am not sure how to use the information I have found?

The WWOOF coordinator's role is to simplify the process for the hosts, and to ensure that volunteers are adequately prepared and have a pleasant stay. The coordinator is active in increasing the network of hosts on the national level, introducing the WWOOF principles to them and preparing them to receive volunteers. Coordinators also assist volunteers before they find a suitable host and promote their country as a WWOOF destination at home and abroad. Coordinators' contact details are to be found on the site of each national organisation.

"Independent" WWOOF countries

In quite a few countries the WWOOF concept is still in development, and as yet there is no national organisation to facilitate the process of joining the network. However, there are some hosts in these countries who are interested in receiving volunteers. You can contact hosts from the countries in this list through the site www.wwoofindependents.org.

What exactly will I be expected to do?

The work you are to do could be anything linked with running a smallholding. The exact nature of the tasks required will be specified when the volunteer shows interest in a particular farm. Work on a farm is seasonal, and jobs may include sowing, harvesting, or building; producing and selling wine, cheese and other products; or working with animals.

The length of stay on the farm

The length of the stay, along with the work that the volunteer will do, are things that need to be agreed between the host and the volunteer. A volunteer may stay for a few days or even a few years; a volunteer who plans to stay for a longer period on a farm will generally first complete a trial period of a specified length.

Membership

For a potential volunteer to gain access to the database of hosts, it is sometimes necessary to register on the organisation's site and to pay a year's membership, which may cost up to 30 euros. More information on membership and conditions of use can be found on each organisation's website.

Other expenses

The volunteer receives only lodging and food in exchange for their work. Expenses related to travel costs and visa processing, travel and health insurance, and (depending on the host) internet connection costs are covered by the volunteer.

Volunteering in groups

It is possible to volunteer as a couple, a larger group or a family, or to bring your pet with you when you volunteer. There are farms which happily accept parents with small children.

I have a farm and I need volunteers

To register as a host, you need to contact your national organisation, or a coordinator from a neighbouring country. They will help you become part of the WWOOF network.

wwof camp, photo: Peretz partensky

WWOOF is not only involved in supporting and developing rural communities; it also provides a pathway through which skills and knowledge can be exchanged, in harmony with a specific set of values. Living in towns can mean becoming distanced from nature. Members of the WWOOF movement aim to make urban dwellers aware of the fragility and complexity of the natural world.

"Life in nature imparts a type of freedom that a city dweller just doesn't have, it inspires strength and faith, and humbles us by helping us understand that we exist as a part of nature and that we are controlled by a force that is incomparably greater than us alone", says Miloš Ninković, a farmer and one of the founders of the eco-village Vrmdža. In 2006, Miloš and a few of his friends from Belgrade decided to move to the countryside and begin their own business there.

Returning to the land and beginning organic production are big, radical steps, and most people would not be motivated to take them. However, a weekend or a few weeks on a farm can give us a good insight into how life could be different for many of us. At least once in our lifetime, we should conquer our fear of bugs, take a nap on some hay, chase the smoke from our lungs with mountain air and honey, learn how to get at a cow's udder without being kicked, go for a jaunt on a combine harvester, sow a seed, plant a tree, stroke a chicken (because kittens and puppies are not the only domestic animals who like to be cuddled), and recognise that the snow from different mountains somehow smells different, while old women everywhere have this in common – their sempiternal conversation and cooking. There, in the village, they have something special, so special that it brings you to the realisation that it was with real purpose that Tolstoy's Levin mowed meadows for fifty pages of Anna Karenina.

Let's get out there and try spending some time in that world; the more industrious we are, the more fascinating it can be.

Manual for Cheap Travels

2014-12-18T16:30:50+01:00

If you wanted to know how to travel cheap because you don't have enough money, here's how you can do it almost for free!

Women and Independent Travelling

2014-12-15T12:02:00+01:00

Being a woman, many will agree, is in a technical sense more demanding than being a man – we are more sensitive and physically weaker than men are, and our hygienic standards are defined a bit differently than in the case of the stronger sex. However, that doesn't keep us from doing sports, going out of the house in the evening or taking walks when we want to. That's why, when a female friend or neighbour tells you that travelling alone is a nice „but dangerous idea, especially for women", there is no reason for you to lose the idea and go watch TV instead of undertaking such a trip.

Being a female independent traveller is the same as being a woman generally in life – use common sense. You can do everything that men do, but with two doses of extra precaution.

Luggage

The first thing to bear in mind when going on an independent trip is how to pack. Don't take a suitcase you can't even lift, and then use your big eyes on the nearest man to help you with it. Pack a small amount of clothes in a backpack and bring a little bag of detergent. Be aware that going on an independent trip doesn't mean going on the catwalk. However, it is very important to have enough clothes for different weather conditions. You don't need different wardrobe combinations for uploading pictures on social media.

Wardrobe

You need to take care that your clothes are in accordance with the local customs. That doesn't mean that you need to put on a burqa upon entering an Islamic country, but longer sleeves and shirts without cleavage leave an impression of respect towards their tradition, and shows that you don't want any male attention which is more than friendly. Yes, we know women should be allowed to dress as they want and that female clothes are not an excuse for intrusive male behaviour, but these are advices for safe and comfortable travelling, and not a sociological and philosophical debate on the rights of women.

Hygiene

When packing, you need to take care about the hygiene as well as about your wardrobe. Again, consider the culture of the lands you'll be travelling to and the length of your travel. You won't be able to easily find pads and tampons in some countries, so it is better to bring them from home. Except for daily pads, you can also buy disposable, which will seem more valuable than gold to you when your monthly cycle starts somewhere in the Saharan desert and the nearest restroom is some 354km ahead.

Also, always bring 3 tampons and 3 wet-wipes in single packs for you-know-which-part-of-the-body. Carrying extra three grams doesn't make a big difference, but can help a lot, if the need be. There is an alternative for longer trips – silicone cups. They can last for years, are washable and don't contain any chemicals. You can get them in pharmacies. In Croatia, they are sold in bio&bio stores and cost around 30 euros. (Please, contact us with information about other sellers and their prices) If you are on the pill, make sure you have enough for the whole journey.

Behaviour

Slowly, we are approaching the most important topic, which is how to behave on a trip like this. We assure you, you don't need any supernatural talents to keep safe – common sense and rational decision-making are enough. Dangerous situations on trips are similar to the ones you could see at home, so you will be able to use tested techniques for avoiding them.

Try to be as discreet as possible in confronting unwanted comments and provocations instead of retaliating. A big number of uncomfortable situations could be avoided before they really get serious by not showing any interest, by not responding or starting any discussions, by just ignoring some things or just leaving the place where someone sees you as a target. Some girls carry a deodorant with alcohol, which is, unlike self-defence sprays, legal in all countries. That depends on you and on what gives you the feeling of safety.

Hitchhiking

Although here at The Travel Club we tend to have strong positive feelings about hitchhiking, and we know many females who do it alone, we recommend the winning boy-girl combination: boys will get a ride easier because they are accompanied by a girl and girls will feel safer in the presence of a boy. If you find yourselves in a tricky situation, you can always improvise a fake wedding ring from a can of Coke and say you two are married. That should be enough in most cases to immediately stop inappropriate offers from others.

What if you can't find a travel companion but still don't want to stay at home and you decide to go hitchhiking on your own? As we previously said, both men and women face the same dangers, but we recommend women to double their measures of precaution. If you don't have any hitchhiking experience, we recommend all beginners (regardless of their sex) that they first "feel the road" in a group and then decide to take it up on their own. It is very important to "feel the road", as some things just can't be explained in textual or illustrated guides.

When you go hitchhiking for the first time (you probably won't be able to fall asleep the night before due to excitement), it is important for you to feel ready and self-confident, but with eyes wide open. If you don't like the driver offering transportation, don't get into the car. Think of an excuse, even a lame excuse such as "Sorry, but I need to use the restroom immediately." or "My friend just texted me that I should wait for him to continue the trip." or "I planned to study during the trip, but I left my notes at home, I need to go back and get them." It doesn't matter if they will believe you and how stupid your excuse sounds, it is important that you don't get into a car with a person who doesn't have "a good vibe."

If you got into a car with a person who seemed to be OK at the beginning, but you start doubting whether it was a good decision, here's a couple of tricks:

Direct the conversation on talking about family. Ask the person if they have any kids. Try drawing parallels with yourself, such as comparing them to your parents and comparing yourself to their kids. If the person has no children, he/she must have nieces and nephews or something else. Aiming at their compassion works.
Direct the conversation on talking about your life goals and dream, friends and family. Let the person know that you have something to live for, someone who you live for or who lives for you. Again, we repeat: aiming at their compassion works.
Ask the person when you'll be arriving to a destination because you promised your mother/father/friend to pick you up somewhere. (Of course, never go hitchhiking without credit on your cell phone).
Make your answers determined, but never argue.
If you are hitchhiking in outside of your language area, learn some basic phrases in the language of the country you'll be hitchhiking in. One of them has to be "I texted my father with the number of your registration plates". Just in case you need it.

Our editor Nikolina said that she encountered uncomfortable situations three times in so far four years of hitchhiking experience. Once the driver only had bad vibe and she and her friend used the above-mentioned tactics of evoking compassion and called a friend on his cell phone, so everything went totally fine. One truck driver offered her sex, but she refused it, whereupon the driver apologized and said he just wanted to ask.

Bon Voyage

Don't allow the fact that you're a woman to be the reason why you spend your holidays watching passers-by from a café in the neighbourhood. The idea of the world being a dangerous place where maniacs, murderers and rapists lurk from around the corner, waiting for the chance to turn you into a headline at the black chronicle is as big of a nonsense as the idea of the world being a fairy-tale where everybody has good intentions and acts friendly.

The only way to figure that out is to go out and see for yourselves, but with a well-thought plan and acting responsibly. We wish you a safe trip and successful exploring.