Exciting New Update!

Last month I finally did something that I had been wanting to do for a long time. I bought the domain name: Samuelworldwide.com!

This is an exciting step for me as I continue to peruse expanding my travel blog. I have lots of ideas to expand on, tips to share, and travel stories to write. But don't worry, this site will still remain active, though some of the stories and articles that I have written will be copied over.

So hop on over to http://samuelworldwide.com to keep on traveling with me.

God bless!

~Samuel S.

Becoming a Known Traveler

Last week I had a appointment to interview for my "Known Traveler" number; I was applying for TSA Pre-Check. However, the lady made known to me that this was not good for international travel, and upon further inquiry, I decided to apply for Global Entry instead, which included TSA Pre-Check, and is only $15 more. My application is still in review... more updates when they become available.

Getting an International Driving Permit - Updated

Originally I was just going to link my last post about getting new International Driving Permits (IDPs); However, I realized that some of the info in the old post is no longer valid, so I decided to create a new post about how to obtain an IDP; I applied though the American Automobile Association (AAA).

(Asheville Branch)

While you can apply for a IDP from AAA via-mail by printing, and mailing in a form (mail-in AAA application found here), I have never taken this route. Both times I just went into a local AAA branch as I needed 2 matching passport sized photos for the application. For me, even if I was a good distance from an AAA branch, I would have made a special trip to go and apply in person; there is no waiting period to receive your IDP, the staff can answer questions if you have any, and you can pay with a credit card.

(friendly staff)

As of this writing, the fee for the IDP itself is $20. AAA will take the passport photos for free if you are a AAA Plus member or higher. However, there is a fee, varying by location, if you have a lower membership tier, or don't have a AAA membership at all. I recommend that you call ahead to the AAA branch that you plan to visit to make sure that you have all current information.

The IDP will good for one year from date of issuance. However, you can ask them to date it to a future date as I did, but is cannot be more than 6 months in advance.

Though I got my permit through AAA, you can also get one through the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA). These are the only two entities listed on travel.state.gov as authorized issuers of IDPs to holders of US driver's licenses. If you see another entity offering IDPs, it is probably a scam. For more up to date information on IDPs, please visit: travel.state.gov.

Note: While I do try to make sure all the information I provide is accurate, I will make no guarantees. Please do your own research. Also, I am NOT affiliate with AAA, NAC or USDOS. The links provided here will take you to other websites, click responsibly.

It's Official!

WE ARE GOING TO SWEDEN!

(Right to left: Kellyn, Monica, Me) :D

This is actually an announcement that I have wanted to go "public" with for a while, but the time never seemed to be right. However, yesterday we, Kellyn and Monica (my friends who will be joining me on this adventure to Sweden), and I, made an appoint to go get our International Driving Permits (IDPs) from AAA together. It was a fun experience to share with them, and we are more than excited for this trip!

Exploring Asheville #1

This afternoon I got to go back into Asheville for a few hours, as a friend who had a function to attend let me accompany then into town. Now obviously there is way more to see in Asheville than what a few hours could afford, but on the drive into town I decided to Google some food venues within walking distance of where my friend would my friend would be.

So today, I made up my mind to visit Vortex Doughnuts and Noble Kava Bar.

First I went to Vortext Doughnuts. This is a really trendy little coffee house type place that, as the name suggests, specializes in doughnuts. Not being familiar with their offerings, I was hoping to get my usually jelly filled doughnut. However, as they were in their last hour of business for the day, they were out of the filled kind. So with some guidance from a very friendly staff member, I picked ... and ... I ended up getting two of each because as the guy behind the counter explained they don't use any preservatives, so all doughnut are BOGO during the last hour of business to limit what has to be thrown out; I really appreciated this, as wasting food was a top level sin in my family.

Over all, I highly recommend this place. The prices are reasonable, the dining area is clean, the atmosphere is great, and the staff is really friendly. It is also worth noting that they have a selection of vegan doughnut offerings equal to the regular non-vegan selections.

My second venue for the day was Noble Kava Bar. I had heard of this place before, but was unaware of its location, but as someone who has spend a few months in Vanuatu, the word "kava" got my attention. However, despite my time in Vanuatu, I had never tried kava... for multiple reasons this posting is not meant to discuss. So I was actually pretty excited to see what they had to offer, and to see if I could get my first taste of kava.

Now for those of you who are unfamiliar with kava, it is the root of a plant native to the South Pacific, and it is used by native peoples to make a drink. Please note that this is a non-alcoholic drink. However, the drink contains a compound from the root known as kavain which can have a numbing effect on tissues it makes direct contact with.

If it wasn't for the brightly colored sign, I might have just walked right past the place. As it is a very "hole in the wall" type venue. The atmosphere was quiet, and the lighting reduced, but inviting overall. After looking over the menu, I asked the cashier his recommendation for a first time Kava drinker. He said just try a regular double shot (again non-alcoholic) which is the price of a single for first timers. He ladled kava into a glass and garnished it with a slice of pineapple.

I took a seat off to the side and prepared to have my first taste of kava. The color looks a lot like ice coffee. However, know that this drink will not be sweet or chocolaty like a McCafe. Kava has a very unique taste that I can't quite describe other than to say it is kind of mineral-y. The place is trendy looking hangout, and I would encourage you to stop by if for nothing else other than for the cultural experience of saying that you have drank kava.

Back Home

Okay... I'm not back in my physical home, but back in Western North Carolina (WNC), my heart's home, and it feels good. This is actually just one of a number of trips planned this Summer and on into October.

The reason for this trip to WNC is two fold. The number one reason is because it has finally come time to close my mother's estate... which is bitter sweet. However, the second reason is because my birthday is coming up, and where else would I want to spend my 25th birthday than here in WNC?

While I have not officially lived in NC for a number of years, some of my best childhood memories, and closest childhood friends are based here. So returning for my 1/4 century celebration is the best possible outcome. Turning 25, marks the turning of not just a new chapter, but a new book. The next 25 years of my life will be completely different from the first 25, and I am so ready for the new adventures that are in store.

If At First You Don't Succeed, Try Again

Time to try again. The end of the Spring 2019 semester was a welcomed ending to a difficult past two semesters. My studies have been the biggest factor in my most recent hiatus from travel blogging; however, it is time for me to get back in the blogging game.

Now, I'll still be taking classes over the Summer, but they are all online which is good because I have some big travel plans this summer. So whether you are a faithful blog follower who has been checking back for updates, or you are new to my blog, stayed tuned for some really amazing announcements coming up.

Farewell, Mom!

At about 2:00 AM this morning, I arrived back home from my study abroad trip to Italy. However, though I was happy to be home, there was a noticeable presence absent in my welcoming party; it was my mom’s. Mom and I were always close, but on May 31^st (the day before I left for Italy) she passed into eternity. My mom played many roles in my life, and on that fateful day, I said goodbye to a friend, a teacher, a comforter, and of course my first travel partner.

As I was unpacking this morning from my latest trip, and got ready to put my passport away, I saw another passport; it was my mom’s. As I look at the stamps in her passport, each stamp tells a story that always involved the both of us. Together we have traveled tens of thousands of miles, via trains, boats, planes, cars, and even on foot to over 25 countries on 5 continents.

It was my Wondering Jew of a mom, with her adventuresome spirit who helped instill in me my deep love of travel, she always pushed me to go to new places, and to try new things. She was the one who taught me how to pack, book a flight, and maneuver through an airport; I owe so much of my travel experience to her.

It is a hard thought for me to think that mom and I will never travel on this earth together again. But just because she will not physically travel with me again, does not mean that I will not carry her with me; no matter where I go, she will always be in my heart.

So, I say: “Farewell, Mom; we’ll travel heaven together someday!”

Mendenhall Glacier, AK (2015)

My Next Adventure!

So, where is my next far off adventure going to be? Well, I'm going back to Italy!

I am one of 20 students at my college who's application has been selected to participate in a Greek & Roman Humanities study abroad trip. And this past Friday was the first of 6 state-side pre-trip meetings to be held regarding the upcoming trip.

To say the least, I am very excited as studying abroad is something that I have always wanted to do. Though this is only a "short-term" I am still very thankful for this opportunity.

Why did I choose to apply for the Italy study abroad trip? Well, even though I have been to multiple places in Italy, I did not feel that I got a very well rounded "Italian Experience." To be totally honest, Italy was one of my least favorite destinations, and I was really disappointing by my experience there. However, I always thought that if I had the opportunity to stay with an Italian family and to truly see the country through the eyes of the locals, even for a short time, I would for sure have a better understanding, and respect for the country. Which brings to why I felt that this particular study abroad offering was a good one as my group will be doing home-stays in Sicily.

There is still much to do before I leave for the trip, so stay tuned for more updates!

Could You Survive A Plane Crash?

Flying is by far the safest mode of transportation in the modern world; according to data compiled by Northwestern University, there are only 0.07 deaths per-billion passenger miles, compared to using a a car (2.28), or a motorcycle (212.57) (Morris).

However, accidents happen, and there are many factors that play into one's chances of surviving a plane crash. But knowing some of the statistics of the unlucky fortunate might just save your life if you ever find yourself facing the unthinkable... a plane crash.

Check-out Patrick Allen's "How to Survive a Plane Crash" on LifeHacker.com.


Sources Cited:

Morris, Jessica. "What is the safest way to travel?" City A.M. Limited, 2017. http://www.cityam.com/215834/one-chart-showing-safest-ways-travel

I'm Back!

Well... at least for now. Two semesters of college have really dampened my blogging, not that I have not had any adventures, on the the contrary. However, the almighty "A" has dictated my priorities as of late, but hey it paid-off... I've kept a 4.0GPA for two whole semesters!

Ever Wondered...

Have you every wonder how it's possible for an airplane pilot to make up for lost time, and help get an airline back onto the planned flight schedule?

Well, check-out this article by Bobbie Edsor on BusinessInsider.com.

I Am So Doing This!

Today, I heard about this travel agency via Facebook and just had to check it out. Since I'll be doing a summer semester at college with class-free weekends, this would be a great mid-semester getaway option for me.

Check them out here: packupgo.com

Exciting News For Cheaper Trans-Pacific Flights!

The headline "First low-cost Asian airline cleared for flights to the U.S." caught my eye last night. . . all thanks to a friend's Facebook post. This news really excites me, a development like this really opens some new options for Americans looking to travel to Asia.

Even if they never start offering direct flights to the East Coast, where I live, I am still going to keep an eye on this as according to the article, AirAsia's "long-haul affiliate," AirAisia X, will be handling the US - Asia routes. AirAsia X has direct flights to Auckland, New Zealand from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Gold Coast, Australia.

Read the full article here: Money.CNN.com

1 Year Ago...

1 year ago, I arrive in the beautiful nation of New Zealand to begin a YWAM DTS, which unsurprisingly ended-up becoming the biggest adventure of my life to date. In the 7 months total that I was away, God really gave me a new and refreshed heart for missions on a scale that I could have never imagined before. I am so eager to see what is He has for me next!

My 2016: In The Air!

My 2016 Flight Map:

Created With: Great Circle Mapper (http://www.greatcirclemapper.net)

It totals 50446km or 31345mi

HAPPY NEW YEARS! :D

When it comes to parenting a blog, I am not the most attentive of parents. Of recent, I have been an absentee parent for a few very major events and milestones: I missed Thanks Giving, My blog's 2nd birthday and even Christmas... oh my!

At least I have returned just in time to celebrate New Years! As a "peace offering, to make up my blog neglect, below are some pictures from my travels in the last year... travels which have been my most extensive to date. Actually, I don't think that they could be much more extensive but, such trips may become much more frequent in the future... God willing!

So, without further delay... especially for those of you who have been waiting since my "Why No Pics?" post, here you go!

OUT WITH 2016 AND IN WITH THE 2017!
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERY ONE!
HAVE A BLESSED NEW YEAR!

This Is the Longest Nonstop Flight in the World | Majic 105.7

This Is the Longest Nonstop Flight in the World | Majic 105.7: DEL-SFO route now flies over Pacific Ocean rather than Atlantic

My Current Travel Map (Updated: November 2016)

Samuel has been to: Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Belize, Canada, Ivory Coast, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Egypt, Spain, Finland, Fiji, France, United Kingdom, Gibraltar, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Liberia, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Palestine, Portugal, Russia, Sweden, Turkey, United States, Vatican, Vanuatu.
Get your own travel map from Matador Network.

Chase Sappire Prefered Card!

As you probably know, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is my FAVORITE reward credit card. Recently, I got what Chase calls "An Annual Rewards Recap" in the mail and it really highlights just how valuable this card has been to me over the last few months in particular. See image below:

(Click to Enlarge!)

Note: The original image has been edited to protect certain personal information.

As you can see, this card has more than paid for it's $95 dollar annual fee... in both rewards and fee savings. If you are looking for a good travel rewards card then you have to take a look at the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.

If you would like more information about this card, you may do so via my referral link: CLICK HERE!

Disclosure: As a card holder participating in Chase's “Invite a Friend” promotion, I will be rewarded with a set number of points for each person who clicks my referral link, applies for, and is subsequently approved for the credit card. While I try my best to make sure all info which I post about this card is accurate, policies could change. I do NOT work for Chase Bank.