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I have used Virtual Tourist to help plan all my recent trips. Tips from other members have been very helpful to me and I hope others find this page helpful as well.

I only recently starting traveling--my first trip overseas was in late '97. But I've found that travel is completely addictive. If I'm not on a trip I always like to be planning one. It provides an education you just can't get otherwise and that is why it will always be a priority for me.

Preparation

Mountain on Inka Trail

I believe in learning everything possible about a place before I visit. I eat the country's food, watch their movies, read their fiction and non-fiction books, listen to their music, follow them in the news, and get any taste of their culture for months in advance. Not only does this make the trip better but it has long term effects.Getting ready for Japan introduced me to foreign movies, which I've come to prefer to American movies. Preparing for Peru introduced me to Mario Vargas Llosa, who has become my favorite author. And I still listen to music from nearly all these places.

Lost is good

View from Perugia, Italy

You may notice as you click through these pages that I tend to get lost a lot. I can't really say that getting lost is part of the plan but it doesn't bother me. I've seen more and had more interesting experiences from getting lost than if I'd ever gotten to where I was going when I was supposed to be there.

Goin' Solo

View from Tenjuan Temple in Kyoto

I also tend to be a solo traveler on most of my trips. It's not that I mind having someone with me or haven't enjoyed all those that have joined me on trips. But I never want not having someone to go with keep me from seeing a place I want to see. Plus, solo travel has its advantages. You have the freedom to do what you want when you want. You have more peace to take in what you're seeing. It is more of a true getaway. And it is easier to meet new people. I've been fortunate to meet a lot of great people in the places I've visited.

Intro Updated Jun 17, 2008
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Comments (32)

Eveart222 Feb 25, 2012 at 1:22 AM Report Abuse

happy belated bday to you hope you had fun on ur day and enjoyed and i hope you will give me all the details when you write to me
kemisteryoso Jan 17, 2012 at 4:26 PM Report Abuse

have a great one...
aphrodyte Jan 17, 2012 at 9:12 AM Report Abuse

happy birthday! all the best!
Minceta Jan 17, 2011 at 4:28 AM Report Abuse

Hello, Scot! Hereby I would like to wish you a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY and all the best! It would be great to stay in touch with youm if you want that also. Best regards from a sunny Belgrade, Jasmina
virtualling May 10, 2008 at 4:50 PM Report Abuse

Great pages! You have put so much effort into them. Have a good weekend.
suvanki Jan 17, 2008 at 4:50 PM Report Abuse

Hope You've Had a Very Happy Birthday! From one Solo Traveller to another- Cheers! Happy Travelling in 2008, Sue
GracesTrips Jan 17, 2008 at 2:49 PM Report Abuse

Happy Birthday, Scot! Hope you have a most excellent day!
Basaic Jan 17, 2008 at 1:21 PM Report Abuse

Happy Birthday! May you have a long life full of great travels.
Etoile2B Jan 17, 2008 at 12:15 PM Report Abuse

Happy Birthday from sunny California!
sayedaburas Jan 16, 2008 at 9:32 PM Report Abuse

♫•:*¨`*:•Happy birthday to you♫♫Happy b-day to you♫HAPPY BIRTHDAY to SCOT ♫♫Happy b-day to yoou•:*¨`*:•♫ I wish you not only a happy year, but also happier maany returns (~_~)