As May is getting warmer the anticipation of the BACKROADS hiking trip is getting more exciting everyday. I just stepped over piles of clothing just to get to the bathroom. OMG! How will I ever pack for this trip? Our hiking gear and clothing are sprawled out all over the bedroom waiting to be placed in our duffle bags for travel. The “Exofficio” clothing that we won turned out to be perfect. Not only will we be totally in style, but we will also be protected from the sun and any bugs that choose to attack us. Selecting the right attire is becoming a major decision because we want to travel light. But my husband (and travel partner) has surprised me by extending the trip and staying in Prague and Salzburg for a few extra days. Now the dynamics of the trip have become a little more sophisticated and a little more difficult to choose what to pack. Normally it would be only a duffle for hiking but it has now turned into nice restaurants, opera and theater.

Prague, being a beautiful and cultural center of this area has many facets to explore. It is called “The Paris of Eastern Europe”. It makes sense to know about the area before wondering endlessly through the city. One of the books I read that I found quite helpful by DK Publishers is called “Eyewitness Travel Guide Prague”. It actually covers anything you might want to know about the entire area. Another helpful guide was by Rick Seves. His book was titled “Prague and the Czech Republic”. This, too I found to be very helpful.

Besides for the packing dilemma I now had to figure out how I would be able to blog everyday. Not knowing whether computers were available in each village and being informed by Backroads not to bring heavy electronics, I decided to buy an iPad. This gave me the excuse I needed to visit the nearest Apple Store. After numerous classes on this device I hope I can successfully send back beautiful pictures and information. I even downloaded an App called, “Translate” where you write the sentence in English and it not only spells it in Czech, but it also pronounces the phrase for you.

Written by Beth Robbins

Robbins is a Philadelphia native who grew up loving culture and the excitement of city life. She attended undergraduate school at the University of the Arts and received a master’s in Fine Arts at Temple University and The Tyler School of Art. Robbins taught art history for 16 years and sponsored off-campus trips for high school and college students. Her interest in travel sparked when she backpack and trekked on her own throughout England, France, Spain and the Mediterranean for five months. She later started an interior design business and art consultation company. She has two children and currently lives in Steamboat Springs, Colorado within the Rocky Mountain high country.

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I found that making reservations with O.A.R.S. and ORION EXPEDITIONS was a very easy process. Everyone was wonderful as well as knowledgeable and so willing to accommodate. I am not a very patient kind of person- being a Virgo- and I like instant gratification, which I did receive.

The first company I called was Orion for the Borneo Adventure. Being that the contact I had to talk to was in Australia, I had to wait until the next day for a return e-mail. The reservation process was very easy and the confirmation is on it’s way.

Written by Beth Robbins

Robbins is a Philadelphia native who grew up loving culture and the excitement of city life. She attended undergraduate school at the University of the Arts and received a master’s in Fine Arts at Temple University and The Tyler School of Art. Robbins taught art history for 16 years and sponsored off-campus trips for high school and college students. Her interest in travel sparked when she backpack and trekked on her own throughout England, France, Spain and the Mediterranean for five months. She later started an interior design business and art consultation company. She has two children and currently lives in Steamboat Springs, Colorado within the Rocky Mountain high country.

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On January 4th I woke up to a gloomy, snowy Colorado morning. Another gray day and my spirits seemed to match the color of the mountain. Sitting at my computer checking my e-mails and OMG…… it read  “Blog Your Way Around The World Winner”. I went flying through the house screaming with excitement. After I calmed down I phoned everyone I knew and sent out masses of e-mails thanking everyone who voted for me. I know there are a lot of people I don’t know who have voted.  So I would like to thank each of you for your vote and your support of me.

Then I started looking at all of the trips. Where do I go first???? I have such amazing choices. Borneo seemed like a great choice for September. But I don’t want to wait until September to start traveling. So working backwards I decided to go with Backroads in June (if it is available) and OARS down the Salmon river at the end of July. Hopefully, all of these plans will fall into place.

Written by Beth Robbins

Robbins is a Philadelphia native who grew up loving culture and the excitement of city life. She attended undergraduate school at the University of the Arts and received a master’s in Fine Arts at Temple University and The Tyler School of Art. Robbins taught art history for 16 years and sponsored off-campus trips for high school and college students. Her interest in travel sparked when she backpack and trekked on her own throughout England, France, Spain and the Mediterranean for five months. She later started an interior design business and art consultation company. She has two children and currently lives in Steamboat Springs, Colorado within the Rocky Mountain high country.

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