วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 7 กรกฎาคม พ.ศ. 2559
HOW TO CRUSH IT ON COUCHSURFING
Couchsurfing is one of the oldest sharing-economy travel websites out there. It (and sites like it, such as BeWelcome, Servas, Hospitality Club, and GlobalFreeloaders) is one of the best ways to connect with locals, get off the main tourist travel path, make new friends — and save money by getting free accommodation. All of these websites were started by people searching for a way to get out of the hotel/hostel paradigm, connect with locals, and get to know a place deeper.
I’ve been using Couchsurfing since I started traveling in 2006. My first host was a woman in Athens who let me stay for two nights. My second host was a guy who let me stay in his guesthouse (with a pool!) in Australia for as long as I wanted. (After coming off eight months of backpacking in Southeast Asia, it was much-needed luxury!) I’ve been taken on tours of cities and to rock shows, college parties, and even a family’s Sunday dinner. Couchsurfing has opened up a world of amazing people to me while helping bring down on the biggest costs in travel.
So it should be no surprise that the service is very popular with travelers — and hosts get inundated with requests!
In fact, I hear from a lot of people who say they never get a response when they apply for stays. For example, a traveler staying at my hostel recently commented that he had a zero response rate from hosts when looking for a place to stay in Austin. A friend who was with me said she always replies to people and openly wondered what his emails said. Maybe the issue was how he approached hosts.
If you’re sending out dozens of requests and not one host writes back — even to say no — then something is wrong with your approach. Hosts can usually smell the travelers who just want to use them for a free place to stay a mile away (a lesson I learned the hard way early on).
So how do you succeed at Couchsurfing? How do you find people who will say agree to host you but won’t be total creeps? Show that you want to be involved in the community. That you care. That you took the time to fill out your profile in detail and aren’t just using this as a way to avoid paying $30 for a dorm bed. To that end, some tips follow:
Always have multiple (and current) profile pictures
This just shows me, as a potential host, that you’re a real person. Have pictures of you with your friends, from your travels, and having fun. I can see you took time to put the photos up. It shows you care and you have a social life. Moreover, make sure they match your age. If your profile says you are 30 and your photos look like they were taken ten years ago, that’s a bit weird. Keep them updated. I am constantly adding photos from my travels. I currently have five uploaded. I don’t think there is any magic number to this but the more the better.
Have recommendations and reviews
Both hosts and travelers can accrue recommendations from other hosts, friends, and guests. As always, the more positive reviews, the better. If you see that other people have stayed with the host and had a fun and safe experience, you probably will too. You might not get along with the host in the end, but at least you know they aren’t a creep or will steal your stuff.
The same works for you, the potential guest. Hosts want to see that you aren’t a creep too!
However, if you are new to the service don’t have any reviews, ask your friends who use the service to write you a review and describe you as a friend. I accept a lot of people as guests because, while they are new to the service, they have positive reviews from people they know (who also have positive reviews), from other people they’ve met traveling, or from Couchsurfng meet-ups.
Attend meet-ups
couchsuring people nomadic matt
One way to start the process of getting the social proof required to succeed at Couchsurfing is to attend meet-ups and local events. After all, Couchsurfng is more than just staying with people. It’s about being part of a community. Each city has lots of activities, groups, and events that you can attend, even if you aren’t staying with someone. Meet people — whether as a local or a traveler — and get to know them. Go places. Hang out. Get reviews from people. Not all your reviews need to come from people who have stayed with you!
Plus, this is a great way to make new friends who like to travel!
Be a host first
One way to earn reviews is to host people first. Being a host isn’t always about having people stay with you either. Sometimes it’s just being a tour guide. I’ve had amazing hosts who just showed me their town — from the girl in the Ukraine who brought me to a university party, to the guy in Oxford who took me rowing, to the friends in Munich who took me an amazing rock concert.
So, if you don’t want to have people in your home, offer to take people out and show them around your city. If people have spent time with you — even if they haven’t stayed at your place — you’ll increase the likelihood people will consent to have you at their house!
Fill out your profile in detail
If you’ve taken the time to fill out your profile, it probably means you are serious about this site. It will give people a chance to learn what kind of person you are instead of guessing based on the one email you wrote them and that ten-year-old photo you quickly put up. Profiles with thought and detail get a lot more responses. I want to know about the stranger I am going to have in my home, and your complete profile lets me do that.
Get verified
Couchsurfing offers different levels of verification. Members can be verified by other travelers, with a mailing address, or with a credit card. Knowing that a person has been verified reduces the likelihood that they are going to be a crazy psycho killer. However, if someone isn’t verified but has a lot of reviews, that’s OK with me as a host. Verification isn’t a must, but it does help! (Note: I haven’t gotten verified yet myself!)
Write a captivating and personal email
couchsuring people nomadic matt
Write a personalized email about why you want to stay with someone. Talk about what you liked about their profile, why you would be a good fit, your habits, what you want to get out of it, and even what you can offer the host. Be interesting and be personal.
The reason most people fail at Couchsurfing is that they send out boring, generic, cut-and-pasted emails. Here is an example of that:
Hi Matt,
I’m coming to Austin next week for 3 days. Can I stay with you?
Sam
I would ignore or respond no to that email. It doesn’t tell me anything about the person. I have to do the extra work to go to the person’s page, click around, and figure out on my own if this person is normal or not.
A much better email is would be:
Hi Matt,
How are you? I’m coming to Austin next week for three days and saw your host page. Like you, I’m also a big fan of Game of Thrones, whiskey, and Thai food. It would be awesome to have a host who could show me those things around Austin. I’ve heard lots of wonderful things about the city and am looking to get outdoors and explore. I also love to cook and would like to cook you a meal from my country, France! I’m quiet, clean, and won’t be in your way if you need to work or something.
– Sam
That’s the kind of email would get a response from me! Moreover, Benny Lewis of Fluent in 3 Months, who has hosted over 2,000 couchsurfers, offers this advice:
Think of what you can do for that host. People tend to be very self-centered in their emails and say how amazing a person they are, which would make me roll my eyes a lot. But the odd email would be from someone who picked up on something on my profile, such as a language I’d like to learn, and saying that in exchange for the couch, he can teach me some of that language. That would pique my interest and get me to host them more!
When there is a sense that someone deserves to be hosted, forgetting that I’m giving them the roof and local tours, etc., free of charge, it’s a breath of fresh air when someone says that if I take him to a local club, he’ll teach me hip-hop dance moves.
Don’t be self-centered. It’s obvious you are looking for a free place to stay but you have to go beyond that. Let hosts know what you can do for them and why it’s going to be a fun experience.
Send out multiple emails
Part of Couchsurfing is playing the numbers game. It’s just a fact of the system. If you email just one or two people, especially in a city with few hosts, it’s doubtful you’ll find much success. Email as many hosts as possible to maximize your chances. Saying “sorry, I’ve found another host” is not going to cause any bad blood, and most hosts recognize you are mailing multiple people. I don’t email potential hosts who haven’t been active on the site within 30 days because it’s less likely they will respond to you.
****
Most people fail at Couchsurfing because they use it as a way to just get a free place to stay. They put little effort into it. While it is a wonderful site to find free accommodation and save a lot of money, no one wants to feel used. Couchsurfing is an attitude, a way of thinking, a community. Not all hosts want to interact with their guests, but even those who want minimal contact still want to meet and talk to interesting people. If they didn’t, they would use Airbnb instead. To be a Couchsurfing “boss,” you have to come in with a positive attitude and a desire to be part of the local community.
And always remember to be a good guest — be respectful, be clean, be tidy, and follow any “house” rules set by the hosts.
Want to share your tips and advice? Got questions? Visit the community forum to ask questions, get answers, meet people, and share your tips!
RACISM ON THE ROAD: AN INTERVIEW WITH ALEX
This month’s interview comes from Alex, a 29 year old black guy from Northern California. When he approached me earlier this year to do an interview and told his story and the barriers – racial and non-racial – he faced before and on the road, I knew he had to be featured here. As a white Western guy, my experience is vastly different than most others. I don’t face many of the prejudices others might and, while this site is called “Nomadic Matt”, I view it as a resource for all travelers – and the only way to do that is to bring in added voices like Alex. So, today, without further ado, here is Alex:
Nomadic Matt: Hi Alex! Welcome! Tell everyone about yourself.
Alex: I am a 29 year old from Northern California. I grew up in a city in the San Francisco Bay Area called Alameda. After finishing college in Arizona, I moved back to the Bay Area and worked in SF before quitting my job to travel the world. I know the decision shocked my mom and many of my friends, but I know it was a necessary experience for me to embrace at this time in my life.
What inspired your trip?
The short answer is that I wanted to see the world. The more nuanced answer is that I wanted to see it through my own lens. With the wonders of the world wide web, we are inundated with information and imagery of people and places from around the world. I needed to see what the world was like through my eyes, through my own conversations with people in such places, and through my personal experience of growth and change in traveling to these places.
After reading so many backpacking blogs, I got inspired and knew I needed to do this. My original intention was to travel for six months but 11 months later, I’m still going!
Alex in front of rice paddy fields
How are you funding this trip?
I worked in finance for five years. I had been saving for travel since I started working. Once I made the decision to do this trip, I started making the appropriate sacrifices to increase my travel fund (like skipping smaller trips with friends and cutting out expensive dinners and large bar tabs).
After reading different travel blogs and your book How to Travel the World on $50 a Day, I was able to save $25,000 USD for a year of travel. To make that happen, I began automatically depositing money from my paycheck every two weeks. I reduced my spending on the non-essentials, for example eating out less, canceling services I rarely used and skipping smaller vacations. As time came closer to leave, I made money selling furniture and other items from my apartment. Also the last bonus check from work helped a bit as well. In all, it took a little over a year to save up enough money for this trip.
I had friends telling me they could never afford to do what I am doing but would spend $400/month on organized cycling classes and $500/weekend on drinks. Saving the money needed for a trip like this wasn’t easy and required many sacrifices. However, I knew traveling was the ultimate goal and this was a part of the process to accomplish that goal.
Do you have any specific advice for people saving for their trip?
My advice and something that helped greatly was to look at a breakdown of my spending over a 3 month period. Your bank or credit card company usually provides this information free or you can do it yourself. Identify what is consuming the largest portion of your income and figure out ways you can reduce it.
Alex in front of rice paddy fields
Why don’t you think more minorities travel? You said in your original email that your friends and family said you were being “too white” by doing this.
The “you’re acting white” comment is one I’ve heard all my life. When I showed an interest in my education and a career in finance, I was acting “white.” When I went against the norm by quitting my job to travel I was acting “white.” Honestly, it’s all quite confusing and makes trying to be yourself that much more difficult. In regards to traveling abroad, perhaps people view it as representing a certain amount of privilege that is not generally associated with minorities. But again, this is about priorities and if traveling is a priority you can find a way to do it without being a member of the upper-class elite.
I think another reason why minorities don’t travel as much is a lack of exposure. Without close friends and family who have or do travel, how might someone know that this is something to do? Or that it is even worth doing?
Now, I don’t mean to suggest that minorities do not travel at all. That’s certainly not the case as I traveled quite frequently as a child with my family. However, I’d label this type of traveling as vacationing – and it was always to familiar places. Where I see a lack of minority travelers is to those unfamiliar places like Southeast Asia. In my opinion, Southeast Asia is a perfect place for people of any color and any budget. Yet I mostly see white travelers here – why is that?
Many minorities my age in the U.S. come from families where their parents and grandparents did not have an opportunity to go explore the world. Instead, they were likely fighting for their civil rights and equality (which was a more pressing priority). Many were also recent immigrants to the U.S. and focused on creating a new life in an unfamiliar country. So I think, due to a lack of exposure in minority communities, this idea of traveling the world isn’t as prevalent. The idea of traveling abroad became associated with white people and privilege. Although, at times it doesn’t seem like it, the opportunity for minorities to travel and explore is now much greater. We should take advantage of the sacrifices made by the generations before us.
How do you think that opinion can change? Do you think it ever will?
I think the opinion will change with time and an effort to educate minority youth about traveling and its accessibility. It is encouraging to see organizations and individuals trying to help push this effort along. With the emergence of social media, everyone can now share their travel experiences with a wider group of individuals. Maybe an Instagram picture of the beautiful beaches in Thailand inspires a young person of color to work towards one day visiting, no matter the hurdles in their way. I know for myself it has opened my eyes and mind to hundreds of places I want to visit.
Alex swimming in beautiful pools while traveling
Have you faced any racism while traveling? How do you deal with it?
I thought I would encounter racism on a greater level traveling through Europe and Asia than what I’ve experienced at home. But in my 9 months of traveling to big cities, small cities, urban and rural areas I can not think of one time I’ve experienced any deliberate racism. There were a couple of incidents of ignorance but not what I would consider racism.
I do have one interesting story I’ll share from when I was in this small town on the border of Montenegro. Based on the looks of curiosity I received, I’m fairly certain I was the first black person to travel through this town in a long time. As I made my way to the bus stop, I had a brief encounter with what I would guess were late-teenaged boys. As I was standing at the crosswalk they slowly drove by with their rap music turned up and yelled out the window “What’s up my nigga?” accompanied by a peace sign gesture. Having heard the word “nigger” shouted from a car before, my guard went up immediately. But then I saw the look on the young boys’ faces. They were smiling as if they had an encountered someone famous. At that moment I realized they must have assumed this was an appropriate way of greeting a black male. I simply laughed while shaking my head. These kids were repeating what they were being fed through music and movies as being cool, likely not knowing the origin or meaning of the word they used. I only wish I could have used this as an opportunity to teach them the reality of that word and its connotations, but this was not a hate crime.
If anyone was treating me differently for being black, I was oblivious to it. At times I feel like I’m more likely to be treated differently for being American versus anything else. I’ve come to learn that most travelers are extremely open-minded and interested in learning about the places they travel as well the people they meet along the way. You would be surprised how many other travelers express their curiosity and concerns with me about the lack of minority travelers.
Alex in front of rice paddy fields
What advice do you have for other minority travelers worried about racism/prejudice when they travel?
Racism is ubiquitous. If you are going to put yourself in a setting of “others” you will experience “othering” – this is what humans have done for our entire existence. But I think one important piece of advice is that you can’t confuse racism and ignorance. It is likely you will travel to places which are incredibly homogeneous so meeting or seeing a minority like yourself may be a first for them. Take this as an opportunity to teach someone about you and your culture. A smile and quick chat can go a long way in learning about our differences but even more so our similarities as humans. If you do find yourself in a situation where you feel that you’re being treated differently due to the color of your skin, I’d suggest politely walking away. Don’t allow racism or discrimination to “win” by provoking a negative reaction from you and possibly ruining your adventure. The world is full of amazing and accepting people and I have faith that if you get out there on the road you’ll find them!
What was the moment you were like “Wow! I’m really doing this! This trip is real life!”?
Those moments happen so frequently. From the first train ride in Europe, staring out the window as I traveled from Stockholm to Copenhagen, envisioning the journey ahead of me, all the way to sitting on top of a pagoda in Myanmar watching as the sun rose, casting light onto an amazing moment. This trip has been the best experience of my life so far and I make sure to reflect on and be grateful for all the amazing moments often.
OK, let’s switch gears and talk about the practical side of travel. How do you make your money last on the road? What are some of your best tips?
My most important tip to the backpacker crowd is to control your spending on alcohol because those beers add up fast. Ask around where the best happy hour and drink specials are located. If you are with a large group, try to negotiate your own deal on drinks. Better yet, go buy alcohol from the store, grab a speaker to play music and drink outside somewhere. Those tend to be some of the best and cheapest nights out!
Alex caring for elephants while traveling
If you could give three pieces of advice to a new traveler, what would it be?
I’m one of those people who enjoys planning and researching before heading out to somewhere new. However, don’t over-plan your trip. Leave a little room for spontaneity. You’ll definitely meet some cool people or that special someone and want to continue traveling with them. That’s hard to do if you have your entire trip pre-booked. Put down your phone, smile and say hello to someone new. I promise that interaction will be more interesting than whatever you’re reading on Facebook. Find an activity to participate in that helps you overcome a fear. The open water scares me and in order to face that fear head on I went scuba diving. Also, pick an activity that challenges you mentally and physically. I climbed up the 5000+ steps to the top of Adams Peak in Sri Lanka. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my trip. Lastly, find a way to give back while you’re traveling. Volunteering, donating and responsible tourism are some of the ways to help support the local communities you are traveling through and impacting.
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Editor’s Note: This interview is not some end-all discussion on racism and travel. It’s one guy’s perspective. Since this is a topic I’m often asked about, I wanted to share Alex’s story and perspective on the matter. I know this can be a passionate subject, but please keep all comments civil and respectful.
P.S. – If you would like to help underprivileged students – of all races – travel more, we’re currently fundraising for an inner city school in D.C. to go to Cuba. We’ve reached 50% of our goal. Help us get over the finish line, change someone’s life by exposing them to the world of travel, and get some travel swag in the process. You can learn more and help here.
HOW AM I DOING? HELP ME MAKE THIS PLACE BETTER!
Hi all,
Just a short post today. Every six months I like to survey the community to get a sense of what’s working and what’s not. After all, I work for you and, as the site has grown from being just a personal blog, checking in lets me prioritize improvements and understand what you like and how you feel.
Over the years, your feedback has led to many useful improvements:
the introduction of the forums
the introduction of destination guides
the site’s current design
better navigation
a “start here” page
the addition of regular columnists
and much, much more.
I would appreciate it if you filled out this 10-question survey. It will take only five minutes of your time and I take these responses very seriously! Your feedback makes this website and community better!
Click here to take this five-minute survey!
These surveys are incredibly important to me, as I greatly value your feedback.
So please take five minutes and tell me what you like or what changes you would like to see! Be brutally honest. I won’t be hurt.
Thank you!
READER MAIL: ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS!
Time for another reader Q&A! It’s been a while since the last time I did this, so I sent out a call for questions from my newsletter readers! In this post, I answer questions about television shows, food, politics, upcoming projects. Besides personal questions, I also offer lots of travel advice to readers.
As you know, over the last few months, I’ve been putting together an online travel media school covering writing, photography, marketing, and, now as of today, video. Today, I’m announcing the final course in the media school on making travel videos.
Even though I’m a writer, I admit that video is the next big thing. Humans love video. We are visual creatures. Video gives us a special connection to the content we are watching. It makes everything seem more real and alive.
Video is already everywhere in our society: we Netflix and Hulu from our phones, we watch cat videos on YouTube, we Snapchat, and we search for videos to help us tie a bow tie or plant a garden or put on makeup. With better bandwidth and smartphones in everyone’s hand, we’re consuming video like never before.
And video consumption is only going to increase.
Travel is one of the largest subjects on YouTube, and video is the wave of the future in the travel industry.
Even though it feels like YouTube is crowded with thousands of channels all saying the same thing and everyone is on Snapchat, the truth is that the video industry is very young and still finding its way. It’s the wild west out there and, with that comes great opportunity to grow and succeed. There is plenty of space for you and your story.
If you’ve been thinking about branching into the travel video world, NOW is the time to get started.
Because I believe in video so much I partnered with two of the biggest travel YouTubers in the world to create an in-depth course on how to make videos and succeed at YouTube: Nadine Sykora from Hey Nadine and Kristen Sarah from Hopscotch the Globe!
Nadine and Kristen are experts at video. They have both been making videos for over 10 years and have a combined 335,000 subscribers and 46,000,000 views (and growing). They have worked with some of the biggest brands, tourism boards, and production companies in the world and regularly speak at conferences. I’m actually here with them at VidCon (the biggest YouTube conference in the world) in L.A. where they are speaking and running workshops on travel videos. There’s no two better suited to help you make amazing videos!
They didn’t start out as experts. They were just like you: with a desire for travel, a passion for video, and an idea.
kristen with a video
Like you, they were unsure of themselves and ability to put themselves out there. Kristen used to be so afraid of filming, she couldn’t do it in front of people for fear of embarrassing herself. And yet now she’s one of the biggest travel YouTubers out there!
There could be a whole host of other reasons you haven’t started video yet: you don’t know what gear to get, or how to edit, perform on camera, connect with established brands, or make money.
But Nadine and Kristen were there just like you. Like you, they imagined a world in which they were successful in travel video production but didn’t know how to get there.
They had to learn via trial and error.
They leapt not because they had skills, but because their dream was too important not to.
But we’ve created this course to be the roadmap they didn’t have.
You don’t need to worry about failure, because you have two of the top travel YouTubers in the world walking you through creating a channel, video production, growing your channel, and making money — all while answering your questions along the way. They will make sure you know what works, help you limit your mistakes, and provide guidance so you can get a leg up on the seemingly endless supply of new vloggers.
Whether you are looking to make this your job or just to get better at filming your own travels for home videos, our course has been designed to help you.
Taught through video instruction, step-by-step guides, photo and video examples, and take home exercises, this course will give you a complete understanding of how to succeed with video online.
What’s included in this course
Learn the art of filmmaking — from how to think about video, to developing shots, to painting a visual story that others want to watch.
Learn to get over any shyness and become a superstar on camera with our proven tips and advice.
Become an expert on gear — see what we use and why.
Get the dos and don’ts on filming outside, how to keep your gear safe, and how to always be on the right side of the law.
Learn the secrets to conducting great interviews and using those to grow your channel faster.
Become an editing master with advice on how to edit, structure stories, and do voiceovers.
Get the secrets to growing your channel and viewership from our experience — and failures.
Learn what to do — and not to do — in order to connect and collaborate with other influencers (a vital part of any YouTuber’s career)!
Learn how you can successfully make money in this industry.
Get access to a private Facebook group where you can network, collaborate, and get advice — not only from fellow students but also Nadine and Kristen!
Participate in quarterly webinars about different travel video topics.
Plus you’ll get interviews with other major YouTubers and video producers on how to edit, market, and create videos people want to watch! Included are Mark Weins (400,000+ subscribers), Alli Speed (540,000+ subscribers), Mike Corey (18,000+ subscribers), Matthew Santoro (5.4 million+ subscribers), and Abby Fuller (director, Chef’s Table on Netflix). (Plus, as we add more interviews, you’ll also get access to them too!)
If you’ve been looking for instruction on video, this course is for you.
If you’ve been wanting to break into Youtube, this course is for you.
And the content taught in this course will help you work with tourism boards and companies to excel behind the camera. This isn’t just about YouTube!
You can get this course for a one-time payment of $499 that will include lifetime access to the content and updates. With so many people turning their passion for video into careers, this is an investment that will pay off!
Now, I’ve never had a course this expensive before so you’re probably like “Hey Matt, sounds good but I don’t if I like video that much! Can’t I just get some of this for free online and figure it out myself?”
Yes, yes you can. If you want to figure it out yourself, waste hours editing videos, and wonder why no one is watching, do it yourself. Some people like to learn by only trial and error. If you are one of those people, this course is NOT for you!
This course is for those who are serious about learning all the technical aspects of video but don’t want to pay thousands for a college course. This course is for people who don’t want to waste their time. This course is for people who understand that it’s going to be a lot easier to succeed, grow, and monetize their videos if they have expert teachers pull back the curtain and walk them through it step by step, and along the way, get questions answered and meet other YouTubers. Online success does NOT happen in a bubble.
If you want to fumble around for a year and maybe succeed, leave this page. If you would rather save time, get instant connections, learn from the best, and INVEST IN YOURSELF, click the button below to get instant access:
(Want to pay in installments? No problem! You can pay $125 per month for 4 months! Click here for that payment option.)
Money Back Guarantee
Moreover, if you aren’t 100% satisfied with this course or find it helpful, email me within 14 days of purchasing and I will refund your money. I am that confident you will find this course valuable and educational. There’s nothing like it out there but, if after doing the work, you find it doesn’t meet your needs, we’ll happily and quickly refund your money. We are first and foremost here to help and if we can’t, we don’t deserve your hard-earned money!
Not so long ago, it was nearly impossible for artists to make a living. Today, platforms such as YouTube have allowed creatives to thrive and make a living from their art. In fact, there are online video creators making millions and replacing the faces of television and film in some of the largest brand campaigns.
If you are looking to get started with video but aren’t sure where to start and want some direction, this course is for you. No other travel video course features as many experts sharing their secrets to success in one place. If you’re going to learn video, learn from the best! With this course, you’ll be able to avoid the mistakes newbies make, find out what works, and start growing your video empire right away — instead of just fumbling around in the dark!
P.S. – If you’re an existing Superstar Blogging course member, you get 20% off and should have gotten an email about it already!
Want to share your tips and advice? Got questions? Visit the community forum to ask questions, get answers, meet people, and share your tips!
Even though I’m a writer, I admit that video is the next big thing. Humans love video. We are visual creatures. Video gives us a special connection to the content we are watching. It makes everything seem more real and alive.
Video is already everywhere in our society: we Netflix and Hulu from our phones, we watch cat videos on YouTube, we Snapchat, and we search for videos to help us tie a bow tie or plant a garden or put on makeup. With better bandwidth and smartphones in everyone’s hand, we’re consuming video like never before.
And video consumption is only going to increase.
Travel is one of the largest subjects on YouTube, and video is the wave of the future in the travel industry.
Even though it feels like YouTube is crowded with thousands of channels all saying the same thing and everyone is on Snapchat, the truth is that the video industry is very young and still finding its way. It’s the wild west out there and, with that comes great opportunity to grow and succeed. There is plenty of space for you and your story.
If you’ve been thinking about branching into the travel video world, NOW is the time to get started.
Because I believe in video so much I partnered with two of the biggest travel YouTubers in the world to create an in-depth course on how to make videos and succeed at YouTube: Nadine Sykora from Hey Nadine and Kristen Sarah from Hopscotch the Globe!
Nadine and Kristen are experts at video. They have both been making videos for over 10 years and have a combined 335,000 subscribers and 46,000,000 views (and growing). They have worked with some of the biggest brands, tourism boards, and production companies in the world and regularly speak at conferences. I’m actually here with them at VidCon (the biggest YouTube conference in the world) in L.A. where they are speaking and running workshops on travel videos. There’s no two better suited to help you make amazing videos!
They didn’t start out as experts. They were just like you: with a desire for travel, a passion for video, and an idea.
kristen with a video
Like you, they were unsure of themselves and ability to put themselves out there. Kristen used to be so afraid of filming, she couldn’t do it in front of people for fear of embarrassing herself. And yet now she’s one of the biggest travel YouTubers out there!
There could be a whole host of other reasons you haven’t started video yet: you don’t know what gear to get, or how to edit, perform on camera, connect with established brands, or make money.
But Nadine and Kristen were there just like you. Like you, they imagined a world in which they were successful in travel video production but didn’t know how to get there.
They had to learn via trial and error.
They leapt not because they had skills, but because their dream was too important not to.
But we’ve created this course to be the roadmap they didn’t have.
You don’t need to worry about failure, because you have two of the top travel YouTubers in the world walking you through creating a channel, video production, growing your channel, and making money — all while answering your questions along the way. They will make sure you know what works, help you limit your mistakes, and provide guidance so you can get a leg up on the seemingly endless supply of new vloggers.
Whether you are looking to make this your job or just to get better at filming your own travels for home videos, our course has been designed to help you.
Taught through video instruction, step-by-step guides, photo and video examples, and take home exercises, this course will give you a complete understanding of how to succeed with video online.
What’s included in this course
Learn the art of filmmaking — from how to think about video, to developing shots, to painting a visual story that others want to watch.
Learn to get over any shyness and become a superstar on camera with our proven tips and advice.
Become an expert on gear — see what we use and why.
Get the dos and don’ts on filming outside, how to keep your gear safe, and how to always be on the right side of the law.
Learn the secrets to conducting great interviews and using those to grow your channel faster.
Become an editing master with advice on how to edit, structure stories, and do voiceovers.
Get the secrets to growing your channel and viewership from our experience — and failures.
Learn what to do — and not to do — in order to connect and collaborate with other influencers (a vital part of any YouTuber’s career)!
Learn how you can successfully make money in this industry.
Get access to a private Facebook group where you can network, collaborate, and get advice — not only from fellow students but also Nadine and Kristen!
Participate in quarterly webinars about different travel video topics.
Plus you’ll get interviews with other major YouTubers and video producers on how to edit, market, and create videos people want to watch! Included are Mark Weins (400,000+ subscribers), Alli Speed (540,000+ subscribers), Mike Corey (18,000+ subscribers), Matthew Santoro (5.4 million+ subscribers), and Abby Fuller (director, Chef’s Table on Netflix). (Plus, as we add more interviews, you’ll also get access to them too!)
If you’ve been looking for instruction on video, this course is for you.
If you’ve been wanting to break into Youtube, this course is for you.
And the content taught in this course will help you work with tourism boards and companies to excel behind the camera. This isn’t just about YouTube!
You can get this course for a one-time payment of $499 that will include lifetime access to the content and updates. With so many people turning their passion for video into careers, this is an investment that will pay off!
Now, I’ve never had a course this expensive before so you’re probably like “Hey Matt, sounds good but I don’t if I like video that much! Can’t I just get some of this for free online and figure it out myself?”
Yes, yes you can. If you want to figure it out yourself, waste hours editing videos, and wonder why no one is watching, do it yourself. Some people like to learn by only trial and error. If you are one of those people, this course is NOT for you!
This course is for those who are serious about learning all the technical aspects of video but don’t want to pay thousands for a college course. This course is for people who don’t want to waste their time. This course is for people who understand that it’s going to be a lot easier to succeed, grow, and monetize their videos if they have expert teachers pull back the curtain and walk them through it step by step, and along the way, get questions answered and meet other YouTubers. Online success does NOT happen in a bubble.
If you want to fumble around for a year and maybe succeed, leave this page. If you would rather save time, get instant connections, learn from the best, and INVEST IN YOURSELF, click the button below to get instant access:
(Want to pay in installments? No problem! You can pay $125 per month for 4 months! Click here for that payment option.)
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Moreover, if you aren’t 100% satisfied with this course or find it helpful, email me within 14 days of purchasing and I will refund your money. I am that confident you will find this course valuable and educational. There’s nothing like it out there but, if after doing the work, you find it doesn’t meet your needs, we’ll happily and quickly refund your money. We are first and foremost here to help and if we can’t, we don’t deserve your hard-earned money!
Not so long ago, it was nearly impossible for artists to make a living. Today, platforms such as YouTube have allowed creatives to thrive and make a living from their art. In fact, there are online video creators making millions and replacing the faces of television and film in some of the largest brand campaigns.
If you are looking to get started with video but aren’t sure where to start and want some direction, this course is for you. No other travel video course features as many experts sharing their secrets to success in one place. If you’re going to learn video, learn from the best! With this course, you’ll be able to avoid the mistakes newbies make, find out what works, and start growing your video empire right away — instead of just fumbling around in the dark!
P.S. – If you’re an existing Superstar Blogging course member, you get 20% off and should have gotten an email about it already!
Want to share your tips and advice? Got questions? Visit the community forum to ask questions, get answers, meet people, and share your tips!
วันจันทร์ที่ 4 กรกฎาคม พ.ศ. 2559
13 AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN INDIA
As crazy as it sounds, I’ve never been to India. I know, right? It’s high up on my list of places to visit but, with so much to see, I’m just saving it for a time when I can have a long visit. But, until that time, my friend Wandering Earl is picking up the slack. Wandering Earl is my other half – a hard core budget traveler who loves exploring the world. We’re two peas in a pod. As he gears up for his nineteenth trip to India (leading yet another sold out tour), I asked him to share some of his favorite locations in the country to give you (and me) some ideas on what to do in a country so vast! Enter Earl:
Everywhere you turn in India, there is something to do or to see that you probably have never done or seen before. There are experiences to be had — whether fascinating or shocking or rewarding or confusing or educational or frustrating — all day long, no matter where you happen to be.
When I traveled to India for the first time back in 2001, just my first two weeks in the country involved camping at a pristine lake in a remote tribal region, hiking in the Himalayas, visiting Tibetan villages and monasteries, drinking mango lassis for the first time from a market stall in Kolkata, playing cricket with a group of Indians I met at a Hindu temple, and spending an evening with the family of a taxi driver who invited me to his home for dinner.
That’s what happens when you visit India.
The result of such an incredible variety and frequency of memorable experiences is exactly what has happened to me and countless other travelers: we simply can’t get enough and constantly feel the need to return over and over again for more.
And though one post on India could never do the country justice, today I want to share 13 of my favorite things to do in India after 18 visits there, both as a traveler and a tour guide:
Gali Paranthe Wali (Delhi)
Chandni Chowk market
A famous food lane in the heart of Old Delhi in the middle of the Chandni Chowk market. On this lane are a handful of well-known eateries, all serving up the same dish: unique Delhi-style stuffed parathas, a type of flatbread made from wheat dough and lightly fried in oil on both sides. While the usual filling is potatoes, on this street you can get them stuffed with anything, from cheese to squash to raisins to mint to mixed vegetables to cashews and more. Some of the places have been around for over 100 years, and it doesn’t take long to see why these hole-in-the-wall eateries are almost always full of Indians enjoying this tasty meal.
Akshardham (Delhi)
Akshardham
This cultural complex located near the Yamuna River is, to me, one of the most impressive structures in all of India, with its massive temple constructed from the carvings of several thousand Indian artisans. When you see it for the first time, it will blow you away with its unique appearance and seemingly otherworldly architecture — and that’s before you go inside. Inside, you’ll find yourself amidst a scene of absurdly detailed design, from the pillars to the walls to the domed ceilings high above, all helping to tell the story of Hinduism. Arrive an hour or so before sunset and you’ll also be treated to the beautiful temple all lit up, helping to further etch itself in your memory.
Raj Mandir Cinema (Jaipur)
Raj Mandir Cinema
It’s one of the best-known cinemas in India. Opened in 1976, this large art-deco structure is my favorite place in the country to catch a Bollywood film. The pastel-colored interior design, the efficient suit-clad staff, the spacious theater with its comfortable seats, and the lively atmosphere deriving from hundreds of excited Indian moviegoers all make you feel as if you’re attending a major movie premiere. As a bonus, once the movie is over, you’re only a two-minute walk away from MI Road, where you’ll find several Jaipuri lassi shops. Join the lines, order a large sweet lassi, and sit back and enjoy its pure deliciousness!
Chand Baori Stepwell (Abhaneri)
Chand Baori Stepwell
The first time I visited the tiny, dusty village of Abhaneri, some 10 kilometers off of the main Agra-to-Jaipur road, I thought I was going to see a small well in the midst of a ruined ancient city, take a photo, and then continue my journey. An hour and a half later, though, I was still staring at this spectacularly striking, 1,200-year-old “water tank,” one of the largest in India. Constructed by King Chanda of the Nikumbha Dynasty in AD 8000, the massive rectangular well is approximately 30 meters deep and consists of over 3,500 steps intertwined in a precise maze-like pattern on three sides, playing with the sunlight reflecting off of its angles. When you are inside, be sure to have a look at the dozens of statues of Hindu gods and religious scenes that line the outer walkway of the well, some dating back a thousand years. There is no entrance fee, but the local caretaker, who keeps the place immaculate, will ask for a “tip” as you leave.
Ranakpur Jain Temple (Ranakpur)
Ranakpur Jain Temple
The village of Ranakpur sits a bit off the main route from Jodhpur to Udaipur, and is a remarkably quiet place. Apart from a few hotels and a couple of restaurants, the only other structure is the Ranakapur Jain Temple, one of the most important Jain temples in the world, dating back to the 15th century. Set in the forest, this temple is supported by over 1,400 intricately carved pillars, of which no two are the same, creating an almost eerie atmosphere as you wander through the courtyard, as if in a never-ending ancient maze. I highly recommend the audio guide that comes with your ticket, as regular guides are not allowed inside. The narration offers a thorough look at how this temple was created, its period of abandonment, and its resurrection as a major place of worship. Not too many people visit Ranakpur compared to other destinations, and even fewer spend the night in the village.
Animal Aid Unlimited (Udaipur)
animals in India
With plenty to do, Udaipur is a popular place for visitors, but one activity that is not as well known is spending a day or two volunteering at Animal Aid Unlimited. This organization acts as a “rescue center, hospital, and sanctuary for injured and ill street animals,” something that you don’t find too often in India despite the ubiquitous animals. If you visit, you’ll find cows, donkeys, dogs, pigs, goats, and other animals receiving wonderful care from a dedicated team of volunteers, veterinarians, and paid staff from the local community. I’ve visited Animal Aid four times now, and I always head to the enclosure for dogs that have been partially paralyzed. I could sit in that enclosure for hours, hanging out with these energetic dogs that seem truly excited to be in this special place. Animal Aid is a great spot to visit, either for a tour by one of the staff (which they are happy to do) or even to volunteer. Short-term and long-term volunteers are always welcome with open arms.
Natraj Dining Hall (Udaipur)
traditional thali experience
Well-known among locals in Udaipur, this is a chance to have a traditional Indian thali experience in a place that seldom sees any foreigners. A thali is a meal that consists of a variety of foods, usually all served on a large, round metal plate. Natraj is located in the Bapu Bazaar area, about a 30-minute walk from the City Palace. If you’re lucky, there won’t be a line, but once you get a table, things happen quickly. There is no menu — you simply eat what they cook: a variety of vegetable dishes, rice, fresh chapati, chutneys, and plenty of other good stuff. Some dishes might be spicy, so be sure to ask before you take a bite! It’s all-you-can-eat and they’ll keep dishing out the food until you give a forceful “no more!” It costs about 120 rupees ($1.85) per person.
Kukki’s Cave Paintings (Bundi)
ruins in Bundi
Sign up for a trip with the local named Kukki on the outskirts of Bundi, a beautiful little town in Rajasthan. You’ll hear Kukki’s story on the tour, but here’s a short version: he was a man with little education and no background in archaeology who ended up discovering some of India’s most impressive cave paintings and ancient artifacts simply by wandering around ruined monuments and structures on his own. Some of the paintings you’ll see are of hunting scenes and daily life and are believed to be 15,000 years old. But even apart from the paintings, joining Kukki is absolutely wonderful, as he takes you to seldom-visited areas of Rajasthan, tells you endless stories about his fascinating life and work, and teaches you about the general history of the region. His personality alone is enough reason to go on this tour, and if you’re in Bundi, there is no better way to spend half a day.
Jolly Music House (Varanasi)
Varanasi
Not every traveler loves the intensity and roughness of Varanasi, but regardless, it’s difficult not to find this 3,800-year-old city fascinating. Religious ceremonies, endless temples, open cremations, narrow lanes winding through ancient markets, crumbling palaces, people praying and bathing in the holy Ganges River, animals roaming the streets — it’s all in this one destination. Apart from the usual sights and experiences, however, there is one tiny room located down a lane in the Bengali Tola area of the Old City that I always get excited to enter. This is the Jolly Music House, run by the always-friendly Jolly, a middle-aged man and talented musician who offers courses and lessons on all types of traditional Indian instruments. But if you ask him, he’ll also organize a concert in the evening. The experience will leave you mesmerized and wanting to return every night you’re in this city. Tell him Earl sent you!
Medieval city of Orchha (Orchha)
Medieval city of Orchha
Bus groups often come to Orchha for a few hours, see a few temples, and then take off to their next destination. However, if you spend a couple of nights here, with its seemingly infinite number of stunning temples and palaces dotting the landscape everywhere you turn, you’ll get an opportunity to have this medieval city all to yourself. Wake up early, before the buses arrive, and rent a bicycle. Bike along the paths connecting the temples, palaces, and fort, and you’ll be the only one out there. Once evening comes around and the bus tours are gone, wander into the courtyard of the Ram Raja Temple, a major pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Ram. Climb onto a rooftop and observe life below, as there are often festivals and ceremonies taking place by the temple. Given the small size of Orchha (just a couple of streets), accommodations aren’t abundant, but an excellent option is to book a homestay in a local family home through the NGO Friends of Orchha.
Golden Temple (Amritsar)
Golden Temple
With its shimmering golden temple and an endless stream of local pilgrims to talk to, each visit will lead to a new and rewarding experience. Be sure to head over to the Langar Hall, the community dining hall where all visitors — Indian and foreigners — are welcome to enter for a simple but tasty free meal, available at almost any time. It typically feeds up to 100,000 people per day. You sit on the floor, they dish out the food, you eat, and you leave, so that another group of several hundred people can do the same shortly after. While there isn’t much time for conversation, you’ll probably end up waving and smiling to a lot of Indians sitting near you, all curious as to why you are there. Once back outside, you’ll then often find yourself shaking hands with those you were eating with and chatting up a storm.
Palolem Beach (Goa)
Palolem Beach
If you want the Indian beach experience, this is my favorite spot for that. Located in the well-known state of Goa, Palolem is very low-key, offering an affordable mix of beach huts located in a fully walkable and welcoming village setting. The whitish sands are clean and backed by towering palm trees, the bluish water is calm and perfect for swimming, and the sunset is consistently stunning as the sun dips behind jungle-filled Monkey Island at the far end of the beach each evening. The main reason I like this area is that it has a little bit of everything: independent travelers, couples, a party crowd, vacationers, all kinds of food, some simple nightlife, water activities, and plenty of day trip options to waterfalls, secluded beaches, snorkeling locations, canyons, and more — all while keeping its laid-back atmosphere. Here’s where I like to stay when I’m there: A quick guide to Palolem, Goa
Kinnaur, Lahaul, and Spiti (Himachal Pradesh)
Kinnaur Valley
I call it the “loop,” and if you want a true Himalayan adventure, this route that goes through the Kinnaur, Lahaul, and Spiti Valleys (starting in Shimla and ending in Manali) is one of the most spectacular options. You’ll visit the villages of Kalpa, Nako, Tabo, Dhankar, Kaza, Ki, and Kibber along the way, as well as one of the oldest Tibetan temples. With the breathtaking snow-covered mountains surrounding you at all times, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to a hidden world of such extreme beauty that nothing could possibly top the experience. Give yourself 10-14 days to complete the loop — it just might be the most memorable period of your travels.
That’s India. Actually, that’s only a tiny slice of this country, a tiny, tiny glimpse into what awaits those who visit. The possibilities are literally endless.
And since my travels here always involve a long list of educational, rewarding, and eye-opening activities, interactions, and experiences that I could never have imagined or predicted, every time another India trip comes to an end, I already know it won’t be long before I return again.
Wandering Earl has been on the road for close to 15 years, having got the travel bug when he worked on a cruise ship. He’s lived in Romania, traveled Iraq, got detained by customs, and has been to more than 40 countries. He helps people travel on a budget and visit off the beaten path destinations around the world. One of my all-time favorite travel blogs, Earl can be found on his website, Wandering Earl, as well as Facebook and Twitter.
P.S. – With offline and online donations, we’ve raised over $15,000 to send a group of inner city kids from D.C. on a school trip to Cuba this August. Thank you! There’s still more ways to go and I really, really need your help. You and I know how amazing travel can be. Let’s bring that gift to people who could never experience it on their own. If you want to be the traveler that gives back, this is your chance to do that. For just $10, we can change someone’s life. If you’ve been inspired by this website or saved money with the advice here, please help me in getting these kids to Cuba. Click here to learn more about the school, the program, and how you can donate. Let’s change the world!
Everywhere you turn in India, there is something to do or to see that you probably have never done or seen before. There are experiences to be had — whether fascinating or shocking or rewarding or confusing or educational or frustrating — all day long, no matter where you happen to be.
When I traveled to India for the first time back in 2001, just my first two weeks in the country involved camping at a pristine lake in a remote tribal region, hiking in the Himalayas, visiting Tibetan villages and monasteries, drinking mango lassis for the first time from a market stall in Kolkata, playing cricket with a group of Indians I met at a Hindu temple, and spending an evening with the family of a taxi driver who invited me to his home for dinner.
That’s what happens when you visit India.
The result of such an incredible variety and frequency of memorable experiences is exactly what has happened to me and countless other travelers: we simply can’t get enough and constantly feel the need to return over and over again for more.
And though one post on India could never do the country justice, today I want to share 13 of my favorite things to do in India after 18 visits there, both as a traveler and a tour guide:
Gali Paranthe Wali (Delhi)
Chandni Chowk market
A famous food lane in the heart of Old Delhi in the middle of the Chandni Chowk market. On this lane are a handful of well-known eateries, all serving up the same dish: unique Delhi-style stuffed parathas, a type of flatbread made from wheat dough and lightly fried in oil on both sides. While the usual filling is potatoes, on this street you can get them stuffed with anything, from cheese to squash to raisins to mint to mixed vegetables to cashews and more. Some of the places have been around for over 100 years, and it doesn’t take long to see why these hole-in-the-wall eateries are almost always full of Indians enjoying this tasty meal.
Akshardham (Delhi)
Akshardham
This cultural complex located near the Yamuna River is, to me, one of the most impressive structures in all of India, with its massive temple constructed from the carvings of several thousand Indian artisans. When you see it for the first time, it will blow you away with its unique appearance and seemingly otherworldly architecture — and that’s before you go inside. Inside, you’ll find yourself amidst a scene of absurdly detailed design, from the pillars to the walls to the domed ceilings high above, all helping to tell the story of Hinduism. Arrive an hour or so before sunset and you’ll also be treated to the beautiful temple all lit up, helping to further etch itself in your memory.
Raj Mandir Cinema (Jaipur)
Raj Mandir Cinema
It’s one of the best-known cinemas in India. Opened in 1976, this large art-deco structure is my favorite place in the country to catch a Bollywood film. The pastel-colored interior design, the efficient suit-clad staff, the spacious theater with its comfortable seats, and the lively atmosphere deriving from hundreds of excited Indian moviegoers all make you feel as if you’re attending a major movie premiere. As a bonus, once the movie is over, you’re only a two-minute walk away from MI Road, where you’ll find several Jaipuri lassi shops. Join the lines, order a large sweet lassi, and sit back and enjoy its pure deliciousness!
Chand Baori Stepwell (Abhaneri)
Chand Baori Stepwell
The first time I visited the tiny, dusty village of Abhaneri, some 10 kilometers off of the main Agra-to-Jaipur road, I thought I was going to see a small well in the midst of a ruined ancient city, take a photo, and then continue my journey. An hour and a half later, though, I was still staring at this spectacularly striking, 1,200-year-old “water tank,” one of the largest in India. Constructed by King Chanda of the Nikumbha Dynasty in AD 8000, the massive rectangular well is approximately 30 meters deep and consists of over 3,500 steps intertwined in a precise maze-like pattern on three sides, playing with the sunlight reflecting off of its angles. When you are inside, be sure to have a look at the dozens of statues of Hindu gods and religious scenes that line the outer walkway of the well, some dating back a thousand years. There is no entrance fee, but the local caretaker, who keeps the place immaculate, will ask for a “tip” as you leave.
Ranakpur Jain Temple (Ranakpur)
Ranakpur Jain Temple
The village of Ranakpur sits a bit off the main route from Jodhpur to Udaipur, and is a remarkably quiet place. Apart from a few hotels and a couple of restaurants, the only other structure is the Ranakapur Jain Temple, one of the most important Jain temples in the world, dating back to the 15th century. Set in the forest, this temple is supported by over 1,400 intricately carved pillars, of which no two are the same, creating an almost eerie atmosphere as you wander through the courtyard, as if in a never-ending ancient maze. I highly recommend the audio guide that comes with your ticket, as regular guides are not allowed inside. The narration offers a thorough look at how this temple was created, its period of abandonment, and its resurrection as a major place of worship. Not too many people visit Ranakpur compared to other destinations, and even fewer spend the night in the village.
Animal Aid Unlimited (Udaipur)
animals in India
With plenty to do, Udaipur is a popular place for visitors, but one activity that is not as well known is spending a day or two volunteering at Animal Aid Unlimited. This organization acts as a “rescue center, hospital, and sanctuary for injured and ill street animals,” something that you don’t find too often in India despite the ubiquitous animals. If you visit, you’ll find cows, donkeys, dogs, pigs, goats, and other animals receiving wonderful care from a dedicated team of volunteers, veterinarians, and paid staff from the local community. I’ve visited Animal Aid four times now, and I always head to the enclosure for dogs that have been partially paralyzed. I could sit in that enclosure for hours, hanging out with these energetic dogs that seem truly excited to be in this special place. Animal Aid is a great spot to visit, either for a tour by one of the staff (which they are happy to do) or even to volunteer. Short-term and long-term volunteers are always welcome with open arms.
Natraj Dining Hall (Udaipur)
traditional thali experience
Well-known among locals in Udaipur, this is a chance to have a traditional Indian thali experience in a place that seldom sees any foreigners. A thali is a meal that consists of a variety of foods, usually all served on a large, round metal plate. Natraj is located in the Bapu Bazaar area, about a 30-minute walk from the City Palace. If you’re lucky, there won’t be a line, but once you get a table, things happen quickly. There is no menu — you simply eat what they cook: a variety of vegetable dishes, rice, fresh chapati, chutneys, and plenty of other good stuff. Some dishes might be spicy, so be sure to ask before you take a bite! It’s all-you-can-eat and they’ll keep dishing out the food until you give a forceful “no more!” It costs about 120 rupees ($1.85) per person.
Kukki’s Cave Paintings (Bundi)
ruins in Bundi
Sign up for a trip with the local named Kukki on the outskirts of Bundi, a beautiful little town in Rajasthan. You’ll hear Kukki’s story on the tour, but here’s a short version: he was a man with little education and no background in archaeology who ended up discovering some of India’s most impressive cave paintings and ancient artifacts simply by wandering around ruined monuments and structures on his own. Some of the paintings you’ll see are of hunting scenes and daily life and are believed to be 15,000 years old. But even apart from the paintings, joining Kukki is absolutely wonderful, as he takes you to seldom-visited areas of Rajasthan, tells you endless stories about his fascinating life and work, and teaches you about the general history of the region. His personality alone is enough reason to go on this tour, and if you’re in Bundi, there is no better way to spend half a day.
Jolly Music House (Varanasi)
Varanasi
Not every traveler loves the intensity and roughness of Varanasi, but regardless, it’s difficult not to find this 3,800-year-old city fascinating. Religious ceremonies, endless temples, open cremations, narrow lanes winding through ancient markets, crumbling palaces, people praying and bathing in the holy Ganges River, animals roaming the streets — it’s all in this one destination. Apart from the usual sights and experiences, however, there is one tiny room located down a lane in the Bengali Tola area of the Old City that I always get excited to enter. This is the Jolly Music House, run by the always-friendly Jolly, a middle-aged man and talented musician who offers courses and lessons on all types of traditional Indian instruments. But if you ask him, he’ll also organize a concert in the evening. The experience will leave you mesmerized and wanting to return every night you’re in this city. Tell him Earl sent you!
Medieval city of Orchha (Orchha)
Medieval city of Orchha
Bus groups often come to Orchha for a few hours, see a few temples, and then take off to their next destination. However, if you spend a couple of nights here, with its seemingly infinite number of stunning temples and palaces dotting the landscape everywhere you turn, you’ll get an opportunity to have this medieval city all to yourself. Wake up early, before the buses arrive, and rent a bicycle. Bike along the paths connecting the temples, palaces, and fort, and you’ll be the only one out there. Once evening comes around and the bus tours are gone, wander into the courtyard of the Ram Raja Temple, a major pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Ram. Climb onto a rooftop and observe life below, as there are often festivals and ceremonies taking place by the temple. Given the small size of Orchha (just a couple of streets), accommodations aren’t abundant, but an excellent option is to book a homestay in a local family home through the NGO Friends of Orchha.
Golden Temple (Amritsar)
Golden Temple
With its shimmering golden temple and an endless stream of local pilgrims to talk to, each visit will lead to a new and rewarding experience. Be sure to head over to the Langar Hall, the community dining hall where all visitors — Indian and foreigners — are welcome to enter for a simple but tasty free meal, available at almost any time. It typically feeds up to 100,000 people per day. You sit on the floor, they dish out the food, you eat, and you leave, so that another group of several hundred people can do the same shortly after. While there isn’t much time for conversation, you’ll probably end up waving and smiling to a lot of Indians sitting near you, all curious as to why you are there. Once back outside, you’ll then often find yourself shaking hands with those you were eating with and chatting up a storm.
Palolem Beach (Goa)
Palolem Beach
If you want the Indian beach experience, this is my favorite spot for that. Located in the well-known state of Goa, Palolem is very low-key, offering an affordable mix of beach huts located in a fully walkable and welcoming village setting. The whitish sands are clean and backed by towering palm trees, the bluish water is calm and perfect for swimming, and the sunset is consistently stunning as the sun dips behind jungle-filled Monkey Island at the far end of the beach each evening. The main reason I like this area is that it has a little bit of everything: independent travelers, couples, a party crowd, vacationers, all kinds of food, some simple nightlife, water activities, and plenty of day trip options to waterfalls, secluded beaches, snorkeling locations, canyons, and more — all while keeping its laid-back atmosphere. Here’s where I like to stay when I’m there: A quick guide to Palolem, Goa
Kinnaur, Lahaul, and Spiti (Himachal Pradesh)
Kinnaur Valley
I call it the “loop,” and if you want a true Himalayan adventure, this route that goes through the Kinnaur, Lahaul, and Spiti Valleys (starting in Shimla and ending in Manali) is one of the most spectacular options. You’ll visit the villages of Kalpa, Nako, Tabo, Dhankar, Kaza, Ki, and Kibber along the way, as well as one of the oldest Tibetan temples. With the breathtaking snow-covered mountains surrounding you at all times, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to a hidden world of such extreme beauty that nothing could possibly top the experience. Give yourself 10-14 days to complete the loop — it just might be the most memorable period of your travels.
That’s India. Actually, that’s only a tiny slice of this country, a tiny, tiny glimpse into what awaits those who visit. The possibilities are literally endless.
And since my travels here always involve a long list of educational, rewarding, and eye-opening activities, interactions, and experiences that I could never have imagined or predicted, every time another India trip comes to an end, I already know it won’t be long before I return again.
Wandering Earl has been on the road for close to 15 years, having got the travel bug when he worked on a cruise ship. He’s lived in Romania, traveled Iraq, got detained by customs, and has been to more than 40 countries. He helps people travel on a budget and visit off the beaten path destinations around the world. One of my all-time favorite travel blogs, Earl can be found on his website, Wandering Earl, as well as Facebook and Twitter.
P.S. – With offline and online donations, we’ve raised over $15,000 to send a group of inner city kids from D.C. on a school trip to Cuba this August. Thank you! There’s still more ways to go and I really, really need your help. You and I know how amazing travel can be. Let’s bring that gift to people who could never experience it on their own. If you want to be the traveler that gives back, this is your chance to do that. For just $10, we can change someone’s life. If you’ve been inspired by this website or saved money with the advice here, please help me in getting these kids to Cuba. Click here to learn more about the school, the program, and how you can donate. Let’s change the world!
วันอังคารที่ 28 มิถุนายน พ.ศ. 2559
HOW TO MAKE KICK-ASS TRAVEL VIDEOS
As you know, over the last few months, I’ve been putting together an online travel media school covering writing, photography, marketing, and, now as of today, video. Today, I’m announcing the final course in the media school on making travel videos.
Even though I’m a writer, I admit that video is the next big thing. Humans love video. We are visual creatures. Video gives us a special connection to the content we are watching. It makes everything seem more real and alive.
Video is already everywhere in our society: we Netflix and Hulu from our phones, we watch cat videos on YouTube, we Snapchat, and we search for videos to help us tie a bow tie or plant a garden or put on makeup. With better bandwidth and smartphones in everyone’s hand, we’re consuming video like never before.
And video consumption is only going to increase.
Travel is one of the largest subjects on YouTube, and video is the wave of the future in the travel industry.
Even though it feels like YouTube is crowded with thousands of channels all saying the same thing and everyone is on Snapchat, the truth is that the video industry is very young and still finding its way. It’s the wild west out there and, with that comes great opportunity to grow and succeed. There is plenty of space for you and your story.
If you’ve been thinking about branching into the travel video world, NOW is the time to get started.
Because I believe in video so much I partnered with two of the biggest travel YouTubers in the world to create an in-depth course on how to make videos and succeed at YouTube: Nadine Sykora from Hey Nadine and Kristen Sarah from Hopscotch the Globe!
Nadine and Kristen are experts at video. They have both been making videos for over 10 years and have a combined 335,000 subscribers and 46,000,000 views (and growing). They have worked with some of the biggest brands, tourism boards, and production companies in the world and regularly speak at conferences. I’m actually here with them at VidCon (the biggest YouTube conference in the world) in L.A. where they are speaking and running workshops on travel videos. There’s no two better suited to help you make amazing videos!
They didn’t start out as experts. They were just like you: with a desire for travel, a passion for video, and an idea.
kristen with a video
Like you, they were unsure of themselves and ability to put themselves out there. Kristen used to be so afraid of filming, she couldn’t do it in front of people for fear of embarrassing herself. And yet now she’s one of the biggest travel YouTubers out there!
There could be a whole host of other reasons you haven’t started video yet: you don’t know what gear to get, or how to edit, perform on camera, connect with established brands, or make money.
But Nadine and Kristen were there just like you. Like you, they imagined a world in which they were successful in travel video production but didn’t know how to get there.
They had to learn via trial and error.
They leapt not because they had skills, but because their dream was too important not to.
But we’ve created this course to be the roadmap they didn’t have.
You don’t need to worry about failure, because you have two of the top travel YouTubers in the world walking you through creating a channel, video production, growing your channel, and making money — all while answering your questions along the way. They will make sure you know what works, help you limit your mistakes, and provide guidance so you can get a leg up on the seemingly endless supply of new vloggers.
Whether you are looking to make this your job or just to get better at filming your own travels for home videos, our course has been designed to help you.
Taught through video instruction, step-by-step guides, photo and video examples, and take home exercises, this course will give you a complete understanding of how to succeed with video online.
What’s included in this course
Learn the art of filmmaking — from how to think about video, to developing shots, to painting a visual story that others want to watch.
Learn to get over any shyness and become a superstar on camera with our proven tips and advice.
Become an expert on gear — see what we use and why.
Get the dos and don’ts on filming outside, how to keep your gear safe, and how to always be on the right side of the law.
Learn the secrets to conducting great interviews and using those to grow your channel faster.
Become an editing master with advice on how to edit, structure stories, and do voiceovers.
Get the secrets to growing your channel and viewership from our experience — and failures.
Learn what to do — and not to do — in order to connect and collaborate with other influencers (a vital part of any YouTuber’s career)!
Learn how you can successfully make money in this industry.
Get access to a private Facebook group where you can network, collaborate, and get advice — not only from fellow students but also Nadine and Kristen!
Participate in quarterly webinars about different travel video topics.
Plus you’ll get interviews with other major YouTubers and video producers on how to edit, market, and create videos people want to watch! Included are Mark Weins (400,000+ subscribers), Alli Speed (540,000+ subscribers), Mike Corey (18,000+ subscribers), Matthew Santoro (5.4 million+ subscribers), and Abby Fuller (director, Chef’s Table on Netflix). (Plus, as we add more interviews, you’ll also get access to them too!)
If you’ve been looking for instruction on video, this course is for you.
If you’ve been wanting to break into Youtube, this course is for you.
And the content taught in this course will help you work with tourism boards and companies to excel behind the camera. This isn’t just about YouTube!
You can get this course for a one-time payment of $499 that will include lifetime access to the content and updates. With so many people turning their passion for video into careers, this is an investment that will pay off!
Now, I’ve never had a course this expensive before so you’re probably like “Hey Matt, sounds good but I don’t if I like video that much! Can’t I just get some of this for free online and figure it out myself?”
Yes, yes you can. If you want to figure it out yourself, waste hours editing videos, and wonder why no one is watching, do it yourself. Some people like to learn by only trial and error. If you are one of those people, this course is NOT for you!
This course is for those who are serious about learning all the technical aspects of video but don’t want to pay thousands for a college course. This course is for people who don’t want to waste their time. This course is for people who understand that it’s going to be a lot easier to succeed, grow, and monetize their videos if they have expert teachers pull back the curtain and walk them through it step by step, and along the way, get questions answered and meet other YouTubers. Online success does NOT happen in a bubble.
If you want to fumble around for a year and maybe succeed, leave this page. If you would rather save time, get instant connections, learn from the best, and INVEST IN YOURSELF, click the button below to get instant access:
(Want to pay in installments? No problem! You can pay $125 per month for 4 months! Click here for that payment option.)
Money Back Guarantee
Moreover, if you aren’t 100% satisfied with this course or find it helpful, email me within 14 days of purchasing and I will refund your money. I am that confident you will find this course valuable and educational. There’s nothing like it out there but, if after doing the work, you find it doesn’t meet your needs, we’ll happily and quickly refund your money. We are first and foremost here to help and if we can’t, we don’t deserve your hard-earned money!
Not so long ago, it was nearly impossible for artists to make a living. Today, platforms such as YouTube have allowed creatives to thrive and make a living from their art. In fact, there are online video creators making millions and replacing the faces of television and film in some of the largest brand campaigns.
If you are looking to get started with video but aren’t sure where to start and want some direction, this course is for you. No other travel video course features as many experts sharing their secrets to success in one place. If you’re going to learn video, learn from the best! With this course, you’ll be able to avoid the mistakes newbies make, find out what works, and start growing your video empire right away — instead of just fumbling around in the dark!
P.S. – If you’re an existing Superstar Blogging course member, you get 20% off and should have gotten an email about it already!
Want to share your tips and advice? Got questions? Visit the community forum to ask questions, get answers, meet people, and share your tips!
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