No one would pass on an opportunity to travel the world. But as much as we all want to set foot on another place and explore the unknown, not everyone is blessed with money to splurge on such luxuries. But this does not mean that being broke should stop our innate urge to travel.

The world is huge and your lifetime will never be enough to delve into every corner of this earth. I bet you haven’t even taken the time to appreciate your own locale. So why aim so far when there’s so much beauty right under your nose? If you incessantly want to travel but do not have the money for it, my tip is you start with the places closest to you.

For the Europeans:

A lot of people would die just to see the historic cathedrals and magnificent towers of Europe. The amazing architecture and revolutionary paintings make Europe a perfect destination for history buffs and artists. But how many French people have actually gone up the Eiffel Tower? For Europeans who do not have the budget to travel abroad, take a bus or train and you might just get a different perspective of the places so close to you.

For the Southeast Asians:

If your Thai or Filipino, paradise can be a bus ride away. People from the other side of the globe save money so they can have a dip in glorious beaches of Southeast Asia. So if you live around the area, you’re lucky to be that close to an idyllic getaway. Culture is also very diverse in Asia. Visit your neighboring country and be immersed in another culture.

For the Americans:

Each state is interestingly unique! Have you ever thought of exploring the genuine West culture in Texas? How about seeing the Niagara Falls from the side of New York? Buses may not provide the best comfort but it can be very convenient for traveling. So if you don’t have enough money to cross oceans, you can just hit the road and take a peek at the state next to you.

We tend to take local beauty for granted. We think that because it’s so near we know what to expect. Cultures vary even from one town to another. You’ll be surprised at how different and foreign a place can be no matter how close it is to your home. And that fun exciting travel you’ve been wanting for so long can be just a bus ride away.

Do you have a taste for exotic foods? Ever wondered what kind of “strange” stuff they eat at places like China? Now, as China opens its door to the rest of the world you–and possibly your family–too can enjoy some unique delicacies by flying to China for free. You can even avail of some extra money on the side just so you can buy some really delicious meals.

Being from two very different cultures, Americans would most likely have their stomachs turned upside down at the sight of jellyfish, or pig intestines. But, one shouldn’t be ignorant to dismiss the thought that Chinese people would probably react the same way if ever they were asked to eat caviar or bull testicles (which is considered food at some areas in the U.S.)

So, in the spirit of cultural awareness here is a brief list of comparisons between American and Chinese common and exotic foods, and even things that both cultures (uniquely) find disgusting.

Common Food- these are what you’d normally find being sold on the street or at a local grocery store

Americans: Sour Cream, Cheese, Salty Beans, Raw Vegetables, Sausages

Chinese: Chicken Hearts, Pig Intestines, Pumpkin Drink, Durian, Stinky Tofu, Squid Jerky, Blood Sausage

If we think about it, sour cream is made from dairy gone bad, and, well, cheese is also made from milk inside a cow.  So, there’s no difference from eating what’s inside a pig or chicken. Durian is a kind of fruit that smells a lot like gym socks, but raw vegetables sometimes do too.

Delicacies – usually expensive and are more than likely only available in limited supplies.

Americans: Caviar, Goose Liver Pate, Frog’s Legs, Live Lobster

Chinese: Jellyfish, Pigeon Soup, Beef Tendons, Shark’s Fin Soup, Bird’s Nest Soup

It seems that both cultures enjoy a little taste of the exotic now and then. As most of us know, caviar is actually eggs laid by a particular fish, hence canceling out bird’s eggs used for soup. Americans only eat frog’s legs and not the rest of the frog, while the Chinese just have a taste for the shark’s fin—you get the picture.

Gross Foods – here are some menu stuffers that gross most people out regardless of their culture.

Americans: Deer/Bull Testicles

Chinese: Rat, Worms.

I really don’t need to say anything. These will definitely make you vomit at plain sight, but at least this goes to show that a few people from both cultures enjoy what most people deem as disgusting.

The desire to travel is innately embedded in human spirit. There is always that need to get out, explore and learn from the strange. For whatever reason, either for leisure or adventure, travel can definitely be life changing.

Inspiring Artists. Traveling can bring out the genius in a person. A lot of musicians were said to have created their masterpieces after visiting India. Alanis Morissette wrote her 2nd album Supposed Infatuation Junkie after her 1997 visit to India. Madonna’s Ray of Light was also inspired by an Indian journey. Both albums have imminent themes on enlightenment and peace of mind.

The Beach, both the highly-acclaimed novel and movie adaptation, was a masterpiece rooted from the backpacker novelist Alex Garland. His novel was set on a secret idyllic beach in Thailand where a group of people have chosen to live in bliss. Such great detail and imagination can only come from actual explorations. Another work of genius by this backpacker is The Tesseract. This novel is set on another Asian country, the Philippines. The novel is highly accurate with its descriptions and narrative that it’s as if Garland grew up in the Philippines. Garland’s trips are surely to be blamed for his brilliance.

The books you read and the songs you listen to might just be the sum of a genius’ travels. If a song or a book changes your life, you owe it to the great places that have inspired them. But the effect of traveling ranges from one individual to another. Some get inspired to create art, while others actually changed the world in their travels.

Creating History. Come to think of it, history will not move on without travelers. The brave navigators of the past paved way to new discoveries that we enjoy now. Just imagine if Marco Polo had no interest to explore the unknown, or if Christopher Columbus did not go on sailing to the new world. These great travelers gave us the key to the world’s diversity.

The best example of a life that completely changed through his travels is that of Ernesto “Che” Guevara. He had one semester left to take until he can finally become a doctor. But he left just before that final semester and rode a motorcycle with a friend, Alberto Granado, to travel the Southern Americas. Along the trip he met miners in destitute working conditions and lepers unjustly marginalized by society. Such experiences created the iconic Che that we know of today. He was supposed to be a doctor just like any other, but because of his trip, he did not only change himself, he changed the world.

So kudos to those spirited travelers who continually bring change and inspiration to the world. And we should not remain spectators to the genius of the other travelers. The world is open and inviting. Travel, get inspired, and hopefully, change the world. Click here to get a $750 Airline Gift Card and make your travels a liitle cheaper!

Traveling without music is like spaghetti without the sauce – edible but bland. Traveling is not just about sightseeing and exploring, it’s also a journey for the mind and soul. And what better way to enrich your experience than listening to the world’s geniuses of music? So here are a few CDs you should never forget to include in your backpack.

The Beach Movie Soundtrack. I know you think this is such a clichéd, predictable choice, but you have to admit, it’s perfect. The CD has 14 tracks of various genres but all guaranteed to create that good travelling mood. The beats of Leftfield’s Snakeblood create an exciting adventurous feeling, and that’s how you should feel at the beginning of your trip. There are also tracks in the CD that can help you wind down. Voices by Dario G featuring Vanessa Quinones is a perfect background to a pensive view. So if you just want to sit in front of a serene beach, just like in the movie, this should be in your player. This soundtrack is perfect for a trip not so much because of the lyrics, but because of the incredible mood it creates. Listening to it will have you drowned in whatever paradise you choose to visit, making you literally forget about the hassles of the city.

Ramones Mania (Ramones). If you’re still starting your journey and you’re still pumped up with adrenaline, this punk band will suit your mood. This CD is a compilation of 30 songs from the legendary punk band. With the rebellious rock and roll lyrics and guitar riffs typical of a punk song, this album will surely make you want to roll your windows down and shout the lyrics. This is great to keep the excitement in the trip. The common theme in the CD is quite relevant to escapism, which is an ideal mindset for traveling.

The Concert in Central Park (Simon and Garfunkel). This is the recording of the 60’s folk-rock duo during their reunion at Central Park in 1981. The legendary Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel wrote timeless profound lyrics to match great folk guitar playing. It is difficult to turn away from this 19-track CD because of the feel-good tunes. As with the Beach soundtrack, this also creates a carefree ambience perfect for travelling. But don’t let the folk melodies fool you. As I’ve mentioned, their lyrics are profound and deep, mostly perfect for a spirited and vigorous youth.

“I’m on my way,
I don’t know where I’m going but I’m on my way
I’m taking my time but I don’t know where”
-Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard

“Got no deeds to do, no promises to keep
I’m dappled and drowsy and ready to sleep
Let the morning time drop all its petals on me
Life, I love you, all is groovy”
-59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy)

Bob Marley. Any Bob Marley CD will be great. You cannot go wrong with his laidback and feel-good reggae sound. This man is just full of love and he shares it perfectly through his music. Just like Simon and Garfunkel, it’s very easy to forget about the foolishness of urban pressure while listening to this iconic genius. He will bring you back to your roots and tell you what really matters. With great lyrics and music, Bob Marley is a perfect company when traveling in the wide road, away from the superficial and routine city life. He will surely make your travel a spiritual one.

Bob Dylan. An exemplary lyricist and guitarist, I don’t think I even have to explain why Bob Dylan should be a staple artist in your player. Just like the other Bob, any album will be perfect. His indescribable voice agrees with his almost melancholic lyrics. His songs are a great finale to your trip. While looking back on what you have seen and pondered on, it is good to listen to the words of this wise man.

So go out there with these records and make the most out of your trip! Click here to get a $750 Airline Gift Card.