Likely many of you have traveled during peak season at some point in your life. Or maybe you always travel during peak season. You’re probably then familiar with the horrible crowds, lines, and maybe even the extreme temperatures that come along with a peak season vacation. That’s not even mentioning the horribly high prices of travel and lodging during those periods as these companies exploit the fact that many people travel during these much-coveted seasons. But you don’t need to be one of them! There are some great times to travel that can still fit in nicely with many school schedules and can give some great benefits over those packed sardine pools in July.

Early June Travelers Unwind Faster

Most people don’t travel immediately after school lets out. They give their kids some time to “unwind” and then plan their family vacation somewhere between late June and early August (i.e. peak summer season). But what better way to unwind then to take that vacation right away! Moreover it can give you something to look forward to as the year comes to a close. That period can be one of the most slogging for students, with finals and everything weighing down hard and their free time dwindling to nothing. Having a vacation right at the end of the tunnel can provide that extra boost of motivation needed to push through those rough times and maybe even perform better.

On the vacation itself, the benefits only continue to add up. Reduced crowds and cost of travel and lodging are of course the biggest, but also most places are in the dead of summer or winter during the two big peak travel seasons. Those extreme temperatures can be quite uncomfortable. Trust me, there’s nothing as simultaneously amazing, sweltering, and packed as Disney World in July. You can dodge all of that if you just decide to jump in a little early.

Leaving Late is Just As Great

Taking your vacation just before school starts again, in early September or the end of August for most, can be just as great of an experience. Going in late August can provide a lot of great memories kept fresh in your mind to discuss with friends at school. The same benefits of missing the worst part of the crowd and getting discounts on travel also apply.

Another benefit of a late vacation is being able to get the time off for both you and your parents. Whether working part time or full time, businesses need help during peak travel season because everyone wants to travel. Delaying your vacation a little to cover everyone else can not only earn you some awesome cred at your job, it can make your own planning easier.

Early or Late, Both Are Great

Hopefully these tips have convinced you to come into your summer holiday a bit earlier or later than the masses. There are a lot of benefits to doing so, both on the vacation and in your life before or after the vacation itself. If you just try it once you’ll never go back to vacationing with the horrible crowds and heat again.

Did you know…?

GLA offers summer programs for teen travelers starting in the beginning of June and going all the way to the end of August. So if you’re looking for a program that fits those travel windows, check out all of our offerings by available dates here.

---

Contributed by Nick Bartholomew

You’re going to travel and one day you’ll likely visit South America. When you do make it, there are several places that are a must see! Machu Picchu, Iguaza Falls, and the Galapagos Islands are just a few key destinations definitely worth the trek. A quick Insta search will bring up accounts with stunning photos, but let’s be real, no matter how many filters they use, those pics do not do it justice.

And in case you still had any doubt of why you should visit these places, we’ve compiled a list of reasons why these places must be visited!

Machu Picchu in Peru

A lost Inca city built into the side of a mountain and with rivers surrounding it on three sides, talk about the perfect place to take a selfie! With a geo tag included!

It’s every camper and hikers dream. Camping in the mountains with breathtaking views and a new culture! Talk about an adventure to remember!

But do make sure that you plan ahead as only 500 people are allowed on the trail at a time and you want to be one of them.

It’s nearly 40 miles so you’re Fitbit will be out of control!

Just be sure to travel with people you like because you’re sure to spend a lot of time with them! And if you don’t know the people you’re traveling with, you’re going to make some new BFF’s.

People say there is nothing like experiencing the ancient ruins for yourself!

Igauzu Falls in Argentina             

It’s made up of more than 275 waterfalls and is the largest waterfall system in the world! Talk about crossing an item off of your bucket list.

What’s more, it’s not uncommon to see toucans, monkeys, and even jaguars – oh my! The waterfalls are surrounded solely by nature, which just adds levels to its coolness factor.

More than one million people visit the falls a year and you could make it one million and one.

When you’re there, be sure to check out Devil’s Throat. With a name like that, why wouldn’t you want to see it in person! It’s the tallest of the waterfalls and is shaped like a horseshoe.

This is the time to break out the camera and take a panoramic shot.

Galapagos Islands in Ecuador

This consists of about 19 islands off of Ecuador’s coast in the Pacific Island. So if you want to see a lot in a little time, this is your place!

From volcanoes to sand, the islands also double as a science lesson because they served as an inspiration for Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution.

Think about all of the different wildlife you can see, from land animals to sea, the list goes on!

And if you’ve ever been a thrill seeker or dare devil, you can visit the tallest active volcano in the world, Cotopaxi. Now that’s a trip to brag about!

So do your laundry, charge your phone, and pack your bags so you can embark on an incredible trip to South America! Whether you’re going to Machu Picchu, the Igauzu Falls, or the Galapagos Islands, it will be one to remember!

---

Contributed by Samantha Watkins

If you’re going to do a lot of traveling, no one item may be more important to your success than your travel backpack. There are lots of good ones and some not so good ones out there, and being stuck with a not so good one can make your journey a heck of a lot harder. We’re talking back problems, discomfort, or worse, a break.

A good backpack, one with lots of useful features, can make your life a lot simpler and your trip a lot more fun. Here are some things that you may want to look for when choosing the perfect backpack for your overseas experience.

Wheels

Rolling backpacks are a life saver. Travel backpacks can be heavy. Very heavy. You just don’t want to sling that kind of weight around all the time. Rolling backpacks can instead be rolled around like a suitcase whenever possible, so you save your back a lot of trouble and potential problems in the future.

Size

Some people like to go really overboard and get huge hiking backpacks that are almost as tall as they are and lug them around the world. That’s not really recommended. In fact, you should look for something that’s airplane carry-on size. Backpacks aren’t as sturdy as suitcases and can get horribly beaten up if checked by the airline. Having the ability to bring your backpack on board with you can save you, your backpack, and the stuff inside a lot of trouble.

Aside from that, make sure you get a backpack that fits your body. Measure your torso length by standing with your hand on your hip bones, index finger straight and thumb back. The length is then measured from your collar bone to the point your hands meet. Have someone help you.

Extra small and small backpacks fit up to 18” torsos, medium/regular fit 18”-20”, and large sizes fit torsos over 20”. Of course, refer to the manufacturer guidelines for any differences from these general stats.

Organization/Layout

The layout of your backpack can make or break it for you depending on what you need. If you have a laptop, for instance, you might want to grab one with a laptop pouch to help protect your laptop from damage. You might need multiple small compartments to fit a bunch of small objects. Maybe side pockets for water bottles are something you need.

In some of these compartments, you may also want to seek materials that help protect your stuff better. For instance, water resistance can be a lifesaver either for the whole backpack or for individual pockets that house valuables. Padding in laptop pockets to protect your expensive hardware is also a necessity. Make sure your backpack has what you need.

Hip belt

Considered a luxury by some, the hip belt can help prevent a heavy load from weighing down on your back when worn. Conversely to hiking backpacks, few travel backpacks actually have these straps, so if it’s a feature you want you need to look a little harder. Either wheels or a hip belt should be enough to spare your back a lot of agony, but having both is really nice, too.

Durability

This one kind of goes without saying. A broken backpack is a useless backpack, so you want to make absolutely sure your backpack can hold your stuff without risking a bottom blow out. It can be hard to judge a backpack’s durability by looking at it, so it can be useful to browse through some online reviews. Typically though the toughest backpacks are made of nylon and polyester with nylon straps. Canvas is another premium material. If you really want to get down into it, check the stitching of the straps. You want to look for a double stitch for extra durability because this point is where they most often fail. Having a hip belt or using wheels helps take some of the load off as well.

There are a lot of things to consider when buying the perfect backpack. As stated previously in the guide, it’s highly recommended that you go to a physical store and actually try on backpacks before settling. In addition to that, check online reviews to give yourself a little more peace of mind. A backpack is an important investment, but the right one can last to carry your stuff around the world for years to come.

---

Contributed by Nick Bartholomew

If you’re traveling to India, there are several distinct cultural differences you should know and understand before setting out. As a non-western country, India may seem very strange, especially if this is your first trip out of the United States. While it will be impossible to gain a complete understanding of a country beforehand, researching India can ensure you’re better prepared for your trip. Here are five important things a first-time visitor to India should know.

India’s Primary Religion is NOT Christianity

Regardless of your own religious beliefs, Christianity remains the primary religion in the United States. This isn’t the case in India, where the largest religions are Hinduism and Buddhism. As a result, when you’re visiting India, you’ll likely notice major religious and cultural differences. You might see unfamiliar religions symbols, varying styles of dress, new deities, and different worship practices. The experience will be unlike anything experienced in the United States, making your visit a perfect opportunity to learn about a completely different religious culture.

India Was Once Much Larger

One major difference between India and the United States is that while the United States has continually grown in size, India has gotten smaller. This is due to the 1947 Partition of India that broke nation into two separate countries – India and Pakistan. The division wasn’t an easy one and distrust between the two nations still exists. If you’re interested in learning more about the Partition and its impacts on India, consider reading “Train to Pakistan” by Khushwant Singh. The books was later adapted into a film by the same name and could likely offer a lot of good insight into the nation’s history.

The Taj Mahal is more Than Just an Impressive Building

Any trip to India would be incomplete without visiting the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is widely considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the entire world. Somewhat less known, however, is that the building is a physical representation of love. In the 17^th Century, Mughal emperor Shah Jahan had the Taj Mahal built as a mausoleum for his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. This magnificent building is a must-see for anyone visiting India.

Family Structures are Different in India

No, you didn’t misread the above paragraph. Mumtaz Mahal was Shah Jahan’s favorite wife. Polygamy, the practice of having more than one wife, was practiced in India until the 1950s and still influences the nation’s culture. It’s also common for many generations to live together in a single household. Whereas family units in the United States are generally limited to parents and children, homes in India will often house several generations at a time.

Street Markets are Common

While there are malls in India, many people obtain the goods and foods they need from street markets. As you walk the major streets in the country, you’re sure to see a number of market vendors selling produce, meats, handmade baskets, and other household goods. Shopping in this manner is undoubtedly different, but absolutely worth trying.

Visiting any country can be an amazing opportunity. While there will be differences, new cultural experiences enhance your worldview, as well as your ability to think critically. One of the most important things to remember during your visit to India is that, despite all the apparent differences, the people living halfway around the world are remarkably a lot like you. Embrace the opportunity to learn about the differences while also appreciating the similarities.

---

Contributed by Amanda Vosloh Bowyer

Do you have the travel-bug? Want to adventure somewhere dreamy and unique? Then Bali is the destination to experience! Here’s some brief info so you can start packing and enjoy your trip:

Where?

Bali is an island in the midst of Indonesia. With beautiful glassy waters and emerald trees, you may think you’ve stepped into some world from a dream, but Bali really is a gem in the ocean, offering adventure and unforgettable experiences to those who seek out the island. Those who have been to Bali are not afraid to boast of the island’s atmosphere, even calling it the “Island of the Gods.”[1] With a nickname like that, who wouldn’t want to check out this special place?

Who?

Typically people, not just sights and attractions, leave the greatest impact in your heart. One article on the Lonely Planet website describes the Balinese as “a generous, genuinely warm people.”[2] The overall vibe certainly reflects this friendliness. It is this very characteristic of the people that sets Bali apart from other tourist destinations.

Bali’s history plays into its modern culture. For years, Balinese have tended to practice Hinduism, which is unique from most of Indonesia.[3] Bali holds many traditions and beliefs.[4] You may see some of these if you visit during a holiday or see some of the sacred sites. One article says the island was found to be useful during the years of trading, and because of this, it felt the influence of many cultures throughout its past, including the early influence of Java, as well as later Netherlands and Japan.[5] Now, the Balinese have opened their doors so they can share the beauty of their unique culture. After you return from Bali, it will be hard to decide which you miss the most – the scenery or the people!

What?

So, what should you do while you’re in Bali? Ditch the resorts and explore the island because there are countless things to see and do! Temples and sacred areas dot the lush island. See the Ubud Monkey Forest, also known as the “Sacred Monkey Forest,” a beautiful area dedicated to the many monkeys that make their home there.[6] Then, grab the sunscreen and head to the gorgeous beaches for surfing and relaxing by the waves. Bali has several, so take your pick! You can go to Balangan Beach, Jimbaran Beach, Seminyak Beach, and, well, you get the point. Later, go deeper into Bali to experience the rich culture. The Museum Negeri Propinsi Bali offers a unique taste of Balinese culture and history.[7] Or if you’re more into art, don’t miss the incredible collections in Ubud, like the Neka Art Museum.[8] For the explorers at heart, Goa Gajah, an interesting cave with religious and historical background, is the place to go if you don’t mind walking.[9] And with the vast amount of waterfalls, mountains, volcanos, and views, you may want to spend your whole trip hiking. At last, before you leave Bali, make sure you check out some of the shopping in the local markets. No matter what you choose, you’re going to make some pretty cool memories!

When?

Now you’re ready to book tickets to Bali! So, when is the best time to go? Think spring, early summer, and fall.[10] Not only will these times have decent weather, but it will also be much cheaper than the busy season and holidays.

How?

Any special requirements to go to Bali? The island makes it pretty easy for travelers. Trip Advisor explains that you can visit with a “Free Tourist Visa.”[11] In other words, the areas that travelers visit and explore the most are typically “Tourist Visa Free Facilities,” meaning that, within a certain length of trip, you can visit Bali with this free visa.[12] You’ll probably want to check ahead of time, however, just to make sure that you’ll be able to see all of the areas you planned on exploring.  In addition, you’ll need a passport, so don’t forget it![13]

Why?

So why should you travel to Bali? Well, the island’s beauty and adventures alone are enough to convince anyone to go. Plus, the people are generally open and friendly, with a generous hospitality. And if you budget well, it doesn’t even have to break your wallet to visit this tropical gem. So if you have wanderlust and want to experience culture, adventure, and beautiful landscapes, travel to Bali and discover an island that goes much deeper than vacation brochures.

---

Contributed by Addie Davis

Sources:

[1] “Bali Indonesia Guide,” Bali.com, accessed December 29, 2016, https://www.bali.com/.

[2] “Introducing Bali,” Lonely Planet, accessed December 29, 2016, http://www.lonelyplanet.com/indonesia/bali/introduction.

[3] “Bali History and Culture,” Baliclick.com, accessed December 30, 2016, http://baliclick.com/about-bali-history-culture.asp.

[4] “Balinese,” Countries and their Cultures, forum, accessed December 30, 2016, http://www.everyculture.com/wc/Germany-to-Jamaica/Balinese.html.

[5] “Bali History and Culture.”

[6] “Ubud Monkey Forest, the Natural and Sacred Site,” Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Indonesia, accessed December 30, 2016, http://indonesia.travel/en/destination/point-of-interest/ubud-monkey-forest.

[7] “Museum Negeri Propinsi Bali,” Lonely Planet, accessed December 31, 2016, https://www.lonelyplanet.com/indonesia/denpasar/attractions/museum-negeri-propinsi-bali/a/poi-sig/441888/356551.

[8] Ibid., “Neka Art Museum,” https://www.lonelyplanet.com/indonesia/ubud/attractions/neka-art-museum/a/poi-sig/1189801/356560.

[9] Ibid., “Goa Gajah,” https://www.lonelyplanet.com/indonesia/bedulu/attractions/goa-gajah/a/poi-sig/1189892/1318644.

[10] Ibid., “When to Go and Weather,” http://www.lonelyplanet.com/indonesia/bali/weather.

[11] “You Should Know: PASSPORTS AND VISAS,” TripAdvisor, accessed December 31, 2016, https://www.tripadvisor.com/Destinations-g294226-q38659-Bali.html.

[12] Ibid.

[13] Ibid.