Adventure Traveling Guide

Big Sur, CA
Ventana Inn sits on more than 200 acres of pristine California wilderness with more than 300 miles of hiking trails nearby. Featuring luxe beds, spa tubs, private decks, fireplaces and flat-screen TVs, it’s tempting to spend the day wrapped in a bathrobe and ordering form room service.

 Makawao, HI
For stunning views and a relaxing oasis, stay at Olinda Country Cottages in Maui’s Upcountry. The cottages are situated 4,000 feet above sea level, which means cool mornings and plenty of fresh air. Hikers can explore the 8.6 acres property, or head to nearby Waihou Spring Forest Reserve.

Ashland, OR
Tucked away in the Oregon mountains you can visit the Mt. Ashland Inn, accessible by foot from both Mexico and Canada for those so inclined; the Inn sits right on the Pacific Crest Trail. The Inn was handcrafted 20 years ago from cedars logged on-site, and features five roomy guest suites with spas and […]

Bugaboo Lodge, B.C.
Sun kissed glaciers meet you in the morning as you awake at this remote lodge tucked into the Purcell Mountains of British Columbia. Blueberry-banana pancakes make great fuel for your heli-hike, and activity the lodge is known for. You’re whisked up to the top of a mountain to partake in […]

Travelers Checks
Cons Cont:
Fees: You have to pay to get traveler’s checks, so you might as well opt for credit cards and pay the conversion charge. 
The “tourist” label: Traveler’s checks scream “tourist”, which is something to avoid.
In the end, it’s probably best to opt for a little cash to pay for the smaller things, and rely […]

Traveler’s Checks
Pro:
Security: The great advantage of traveler’s checks is that they are refundable if lost or stolen; but with the widespread use of credit cards, traveler’s checks have no real advantage over plastic.
Cons:
Not universally accepted: If you’re in a third-world country, or even slightly more developed nations, you may have to cash them. […]

Debit Cont.
Cons:
Big Fees: ATM fees abroad can be exorbitant; $7 is the current rate in Costa Rica. For this reason, try to pull out the maximum amount allowed. Cash advances from you credit card can incur the same heavy fees.
Be sure to budget for these ATM fees before you go. Some banks don’t […]

Debit
Pros:
Convenience: It’s the easiest way to get local currency.
Cheap: Some banks may not charge a fee if you use one of their ATMs abroad. Example: Bank of America allows customers to withdraw money sans fees at a Global ATM Alliance branch; members include British bank Barclays, Germany’s Deutsche Bank and Canada’s Scotiabank.
The Cons soon to […]

Cash
Pro:
Convenience: Cash is handy for smaller purchases such as coffee breaks, entry into museums, or tipping.
Cons:
Lost or Stolen: Think about how much you’re comfortable carrying and how much you can afford to lose. Use a money belt or store it in your hotel’s safe.
Conversion fees: Changing your money into foreign currency can come with […]

Credit Cards Cont.
Cons:
Foreign Fees: Many credit card companies charge foreign transaction fees, as much as 3%. Some cards, including Capital One, don’t charge these fees, though they tend to have lower credit lines.
Less Traveled Destinations: If you’re visiting a third-world country, don’t plan on swiping the plastic; most of these areas don’t use credit […]