I’m bummed out that my Atlanta trip was cancelled due to corona and now my Portland trip is cancelled too. That means no whitewater rafting trip this year. But we can follow along as Veronica faces her ultimate fears on my whitewater rafting trip last year.
Do you wish you could go on an epic trip like me? Well now you can travel WITH ME!! I am offering guided adventure trips! My first trip is in the Atlanta area. For more details, check out Atlanta Adrenaline Adventure Tour.
See you soon!
In May 2019, I traveled to Napa Valley, California, to attend Bottle Rock Napa Valley. Since Bottle Rock is a camping festival, I rented a car from Dollar Car Rental at the SFO airport. Hello, car camping! After I picked up the car, I headed to the store to buy enough food and water for the rest of the trip. Then I headed to the festival to set up camp.
When I returned the car to SFO, I mentioned that going through the toll was confusing. Was I supposed to pay cash? Was there a transponder inside the car that I didn’t know about? (In Florida, the transponder gets charged whether or not you pay cash. If you do pay cash, you get double-charged.) I also didn’t understand how much the toll costs. It roughly depended on the volume of traffic, but the cutoff times were not clear.
The rental car employee told me I should have been offered to rent a toll device when I picked up the car. If I declined, I should have paid cash. But I could call fastrak (the company that collects tolls on the Golden Gate Bridge) and pay afterwards if I set up a PlatePass account. She handed me a PlatePass brochure. I was thoroughly confused. And I was definitely never offered to rent a toll device. Now I was left even more confused and frustrated…Good talk!
When I got home, I called PlatePass, but they were unable to find any charges on my rental car. I called back several times a week for a month. They never found any toll charges. Umm…ok?
Several weeks later, I got a $40 charge for rental car tolls on my credit card statement from a third party. What!? The Golden Gate Bridge toll was only $7 at most?? I tried to call Dollar, but I got an automated phone tree where none of the branches went to a human. I tried several different numbers, including the one on my credit card statement. But there was no possible way to speak to a human.
I called my credit card company and disputed the charge. The credit card company strongly advised against it. They said people never win against rental car tolls. But after calling back two more times, I found someone willing to try, and I won. Awesome!
Until November 2019. I got a bill for rental car tolls for over $50. This felt like a scam. I did my due diligence in trying to pay this damn toll, but they are still upcharging me 800%?! No part of this is acceptable.
After more calls, getting the run-around, and getting transferred in circles, I finally found someone willing to talk. Here’s what rental car companies don’t want you to know about how tolls work, and how you can avoid Rental Car Toll Rip-Off:
1. When you pick up a car, always ask how are tolls paid. Never assume there’s a toll device in the vehicle. Never assume there’s not. Ask for all the details. Some companies will give you a toll device for an extra charge. Sometimes they will refund the charge if you don’t go through any tolls. What if I pay cash? Will it still charge the transponder? Always ask if that’s the case and make them put it in writing. They are preying on your ignorance in order to nickel and dime you on the order of $50 per toll.
2. Make a free PlatePass account. PlatePass is a company that handles tolls for rental cars. When you pick up the car, register the license plate number on your PlatePass account. When you return the car, remove the license plate from your PlatePass. That way you don’t get charged for the next persons tolls. PlatePass has a daily charge, but it is much lower than the rental car company will charge. PlatePass is not available in every state. Make sure to double check it is available in the states you are driving through.
3. It seems like there isn’t an easy way to automate PlatePass when you pick up and return a car. In the future, if I end up making regular trips to California, I might have to buy my own fastrak toll tag (transponder).
4. Never rent from Dollar Car Rental!
I may have gotten ripped off in tolls, but I had one of the best festival experiences yet! I got to see Neil Young, Imagine Dragons, and Mumford and Sons. Some of them jumped into the crowd and were standing right next to me! Check out my video below!
Want more Bottle Rock? Check out the vlog I made last year about my my first festival camping experience.)
Want to go on a crazy adrenaline-filled adventure with me? Sign up here to be the FIRST to hear about my next epic adventure trip you can join!
The week before I left for my solo trip to Nicaragua, I was so excited for my upcoming adventure! Unfortunately, many of my friends were not. I received many texts begging me to cancel my trip immediately to avoid certain disaster:
This was true at one point in time. I have friends who live in Nicaragua. When I originally wanted to go in Fall 2018, they said it was not safe. They suggested waiting. I ended up going in February 2019. I was in close contact with them while planning my trip. I waited until they said it was safe, instead of listening to fear-mongering by people who have never been to Nicaragua.
While I was there, the locals mentioned that few Americans come to visit. I told them Americans are scared to go to Nicaragua. They were surprised, and said Nicaragua is only dangerous for people who live there or people who recently left who are trying to come back. They said if you are a tourist or Nicaraguan who moved away years ago, you will be safe.
This sounds like a generic solo woman traveler fear. Sure, this could happen. But it could also happen in your hometown. Or anywhere. It’s not more likely to happen in Nicaragua. To ensure safety, my friend sent one of his drivers to pick me up from the airport. I asked him about potential scams to look out for. I never felt unsafe during my trip.
Wrong. They had water there. The water out of the tap is not potable, but everywhere I went had filtered water available. Bottled water was also available in stores. I drank the filtered water and it was fine.
Nicaragua is known for their meat – carne asada. It’s amazing and you have to try it if you go (unless you are vegetarian or otherwise goes against your dietary restrictions.) I didn’t meet anyone there who had heard of eating guinea pig.
Botflies look similar to small bees. They can’t breathe underwater. Or swim. They deposit their larvae on mosquitos. If you get bitten by an infected mosquito, it’s possible for the larvae to be injected into your skin. Though they are native to Central America, I never heard of anyone getting botflies during my trip. If you do get infected, it looks like they are easily removed with petroleum jelly or iodine and tweezers. Keep in mind, everywhere you go will have bugs. They may be different from the bugs you are used to back home. Whenever you hear a crazy story about bugs you’ve never seen before, it can seem like a horror/sci fi come true. But when you see it, you realize it’s just another bug.
So what did I actually do? I went to the beach, surfing lessons, ziplining, ate local food, and went swimming. It was an amazing time, and I’m so glad I went! Check it out:
Are you looking for new ideas for adventures to try? In my Epic Adventures series, I interviewed some friends (and then made new friends to interview!) in search of adventures I’ve never heard of.
This week, Ivan Salazar, a nine-to-fiver and adventure travel enthusiast, discusses his recent trip to Chernobyl. Ivan booked his tour with SoloEast.
Are you looking for new ideas for adventures to try? In my Epic Adventures series, I interviewed some friends (and then made new friends to interview!) in search of adventures I’ve never heard of.
This week, Joanna Hoang, a full time biotech engineer and part time adventurer, talks about her experience hiking a volcano in Indonesia. Look for more of Joanna’s adventures on coffee then adventure (coming soon).
Are you looking for new ideas for adventures to try? In my Epic Adventures series, I interviewed some friends (and then made new friends to interview!) in search of adventures I’ve never heard of.
This week, Campbell Miller talks about the time she went SCUBA diving with sharks! Campbell teaches dance lessons in Texas.
Are you looking for new ideas for adventures to try? In my Epic Adventures series, I interviewed some friends (and then made new friends to interview!) in search of adventures I’ve never heard of.
This week, Craig Kulyk from Create Good Mornings tells about the time he went ATVing in the Sand Dunes along the Oregon Coast.
Are you looking for new ideas for adventures to try? In my Epic Adventures series, I interviewed some friends (and then made new friends to interview!) in search of adventures I’ve never heard of.
This week, Chase Boehringer, founder of The Bucketlist Lifestyle, talks about his experience Running with the Bulls in Spain. Chase leads epic bucketlist vacations with small groups of awesome people.
Are you looking for new ideas for adventures to try? In my Epic Adventures series, I interviewed some friends (and then made new friends to interview!) in search of adventures I’ve never heard of.
This week, Arabela Navarro, an adventurer and travel enthusiast, recounts her Northern Lights adventure in Saariselka, Finland.
Are you looking for new ideas for adventures to try? In my Epic Adventures series, I interviewed some friends (and then made new friends to interview!) in search of adventures I’ve never heard of.
This week, I interviewed Monica Von about her Stratosphere Sky Jump experience in Las Vegas. Monica is the founder of Giving Adventures, which organize a epic international vacations that center around connecting to and giving back to the local community.
Watch Monica’s Stratosphere Sky Jump video!
Are you looking for new ideas for adventures to try? In my Epic Adventures series, I interviewed some friends (and then made new friends to interview!) in search of adventures I’ve never heard of.
This week, JR Hinds talks about the time he rappelled off of the tallest building in Portland, OR, for charity! When he’s not doing extreme sports, he likes to fly airplanes and woodworking.
To find rappelling for charity events near you, check out Over The Edge.
Are you looking for new ideas for adventures to try? In my Epic Adventures series, I interviewed some friends (and then made new friends to interview!) in search of adventures I’ve never heard of.
This week, Ryan Sefko recounts his bungee jumping experiences. Ryan is an aerial sports enthusiast on a quest to find the top 10 bungee jumping spots in the world. For more inspiration on where to bungee jump, check out 17 highest bungee jumps in the United States. Many states have banned bungee jumping due to accidents, so make sure you go with a reputable and legal company. Due to these laws, you may need to travel out of state to go bungee jumping.
Are you looking for new ideas for adventures to try? In my Epic Adventures series, I interviewed some friends (and then made new friends to interview!) in search of adventures I’ve never heard of.
This week, I talk to Devin Horne about swimming with whale sharks. Devin is a teacher who is a real estate investor on the side.
Are you looking for new ideas for adventures to try? In my Epic Adventures series, I interviewed some friends (and then made new friends to interview!) in search of adventures I’ve never heard of.
This week, Nick Huggins, from Adventurous Pursuits, explains what it’s like to go Canyoning in Switzerland. Nick leads digital detox retreats.
Are you looking for new ideas for adventures to try? In my Epic Adventures series, I interviewed some friends (and then made new friends to interview!) in search of adventures I’ve never heard of.
This week, I interviewed Slade Sundar about his experience cliff jumping in Jamaica. Slade runs a fitness apparel brand called KRKN Brand. His brand uses humor and positivity to promote fitness.
Several years ago, I moved to Phoenix, Arizona, for a job without knowing a single person there. When December arrived, I didn’t have enough money (or time off work) to fly home to Florida for Christmas. It took almost a whole day to fly home, especially after the time change and layover. I tried to join a get together with friends, but that fell through. Everyone else either already had plans or was leaving town. I eventually came to accept that I would be alone on Christmas.
Hmm, now what? Having a traditional Christmas was no longer an option. I had already been living in Arizona for five months and I hadn’t been to the Grand Canyon yet. Or to that ski resort in Flagstaff. And I had just been given the perfect opportunity to go explore them. That’s it! I would go on a Christmas Road Trip Adventure!
As Christmas got closer, I became more and more excited about my upcoming trip. Some coworkers told me about a really cool ski resort in Flagstaff, and I hadn’t had a chance to go skiing since high school. They said lift tickets sometimes sell out, so I bought them ahead of time from a ski shop in Phoenix.
I booked a hotel with a hot tub and packed my ski suit and bikini in my suitcase. On December 23, I headed north to Arizona Snowbowl!
It was an easy, two hour drive straight up I-17. I checked into my hotel, then stopped at the store for a ski hat and some gloves. I woke up early the next morning and drove up the mountain to Arizona Snowbowl!
I was so excited to go skiing! I went inside and rented skis and poles. They asked me if I wanted a skiing instructor. Pshhh! I already know how to ski! I politely declined, then suited up, headed outside, and got on the chair lift.
It was the most terrifying chair lift I had ever been on. There was nothing keeping me from jumping (falling?) out of the seat from so high up. I closed my eyes and held on tight as the chair swung back and forth. When I finally arrived at the top, I pushed myself off of the lift.
The views were gorgeous from the top of the mountain! I stayed up there for a while enjoying the view and taking pictures. I thought about all of the pictures my friends posted on social media of them selecting their Christmas tree, strapping it to the roof of their car, and decorating it. I decided to select one to be my Christmas tree. I looked over at all the trees. They were all so beautiful. It was so difficult to pick one. Finally, I saw one by itself in the snow in front of the mountain. That’s the one! That will be my Christmas tree! But I’m not going to chop it down and haul it away to decorate it. Nature already decorated it perfectly. I stood there for a minute, soaking up the views and enjoying the moment. Then I took a picture to show my friends.
I decided to take it easy on my first run. I hadn’t been skiing since I was a teenager. There was no designated “bunny hill” at the Arizona Snowbowl, so I chose a green circle slope, which is the easiest level slope. When I was a kid, I sped down the blue square (intermediate) slopes like it was nothing. And I loved it so much!
This time, it was much more difficult. At first, I started going fast, and it was fun. But then I realized I couldn’t slow down and had very little control. There were lots of people around, so I didn’t want to hit anyone. I ended up jumping/falling off to the side of the path. When I landed, one of my skis fell off. As I started to look around for my missing ski, I realized I was stuck.
I reached for the ski and tried to snap my boot back into it, but it popped back off. A guy on a snowmobile rode by several times without saying anything. I wondered if anyone could see me. At least I wasn’t hurt. I felt like I was laying in the snow forever. Maybe I should take off my other ski and boots and walk down the hill in bare feet?
Eventually, he asked if I needed help. He helped me put my ski back on, then I got up and made my way to the bottom of the slope. I felt a pain in my hip as I tried to walk.
I decided to call it a day. Maybe I should have paid extra for those skiing lessons. I returned my equipment and went back to my car. I met some people in the parking lot and sold them my remaining ticket. Oh well, at least there’s a hot tub at the hotel.
When I got back to the hotel, I put on my bathing suit and went to the hot tub. I reached for the door to the pool area, but it was locked. On the website, it said the hot tub was open until 8pm. It was only 5pm. I went to the office, and they said the hot tub closes at 5pm. What a bummer.
I went back to my room and laid in bed. There was no way I could go to Grand Canyon the next day. I was in too much pain after falling on my hip. At this point, I was even dreading the two hour drive back to Phoenix.
I searched the internet to look for alternative plans. I found Meteor Crater Observatory – a national landmark at the site where a meteor hit. It sounded pretty interesting. But upon further research, it was closed one day a year. December 25. The day I needed to head back to Phoenix.
I decided to go to bed early and get some rest. In the morning, I checked out of the hotel and headed back towards Phoenix. Driving south on I-17 felt like a roller coaster ride. Zooming down the mountain, shifting into neutral.
I stopped at a rest stop in Sedona. I had heard a lot about that place. Lots of artist type people have been known to go there and have life-changing experiences after seeing the red rocks, or perhaps from the energy fields that radiate from the ground there. I enjoyed a picnic lunch from the rest stop. I could see the red rocks in the distance.
It was quite a bit warmer in Sedona than it was in Flagstaff. I took off the hat, scarf, and ski jacket and wore just a sweater. By driving 60 miles south, it warmed up significantly!
When I got home to Phoenix, I ended the day in a bathing suit in the hot tub. It was so nice to finally relax and look back at my adventurous Christmas. Even though a lot of things went wrong, I had no regrets. It was something I really wanted to do. I got to explore places I had never been before. But most importantly, I learned how much fun it can be to go on solo adventures, even when nothing goes as planned. I was hooked on adventures! Especially since I hadn’t spent much time out west. Everything was new to me.
A few days later, I resigned from my corporate job, packed a suitcase, and drove to Las Vegas, NV, for a New Years adventure with a group of friends from college.
I already had another job lined up, but I was scared to resign. The people I worked with were nice. I felt like I was screwing them over. But going on my solo Christmas adventure allowed me to see that I needed to do this for myself. I needed to do what’s best for me.
Coincidentally, some friends from college in Florida were flying into Las Vegas for vacation/New Year’s Eve. My next adventure was right around the corner!
Have you ever turned a lonely holiday into an epic adventure?
I recently went on a weekend getaway trip with my mom and my dog. My mom booked the trip on Spirit Airlines with no checked bags and no carry-on bags. Later, I learned that the dog does not get a personal item (for food, treats, and poop bags, etc). Here is how I packed light enough to share a personal item with the dog, and fit everything into one bag.
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I spent many years avoiding solo cross-country road trips. If my destination was more than a five hour drive away, I got on a plane. But while I was living in Portland, I realized that there are a lot of National Parks and other destinations that are not near an airport. Sure, you can bring a friend and switch drivers. But how many of you have put off a road trip because none of your friends were available?
I decided to go back to Florida with my car. I didn’t have the money to ship my car. I looked at a map and saw tons of destinations I’d otherwise never get to see: the Pacific Coast Highway, southern Utah, the Grand Canyon, Santa Fe. I was sold. Time to face the wall I had built up in my mind around cross-country road trips.
PLANNING
GETTING READY
ON THE ROAD
HACK THE TRIP
Have fun, and make sure to slow down and enjoy the journey!
What are your favorite road trip tips?
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What’s the best way to celebrate Halloween with your SCUBA diving buddies? Underwater Pumpkin Carving Competition, of course!
My first Underwater Pumpkin Carving Competition was with Gator Scuba Club in 2010. At first, I was unsure about it. How can I possibly carve a pumpkin underwater? Isn’t carving on land difficult enough? I’m terrible with knives. Am I more likely to cut my fingers off??
When we arrived at Blue Grotto in Williston, Florida, we gathered around the picnic tables. We paired up with a dive buddy, and each group was issued a pumpkin. We were ready to begin. But first we needed to prepare the pumpkin for carving (above ground).
Each team cut a hole in the top of their pumpkin and scooped out the seeds and guts. When it was all cleaned out, we then drew our design on the pumpkin with markers. My buddy and I decided to free-hand draw my design, just like my dad did when I was a kid.
Others teams brought stencils and traced them onto their pumpkins.
After we finished marking up our pumpkins, we put on our SCUBA gear, grabbed our tools, and got in the water.
There are several key elements that made our underwater pumpkin carving possible. We needed to have space to carve without damaging any underwater vegetation. Blue Grotto has a concrete platform at 15 feet, which made it the perfect place for underwater pumpkin carving.
The pumpkins are buoyant. In order to keep them grounded on the platform, each team put a weight inside their pumpkin. As pieces of pumpkin are carved off, they float to the surface. In order to keep Blue Grotto clean for the next divers, we grabbed a mesh bag and put a weight inside. As we carved pieces of pumpkin off, we were careful to grab them and place them inside the mesh bag.
We descended to the platform with our pumpkins, mesh bags, and carving tools and started carving. I found it difficult to cut small, narrow pieces.
Divers who were more skilled knife users than I am didn’t have a problem.
Here’s how the pumpkins turned out:
I had such a great time that I did it again after graduation. I found a local dive club in Atlanta, and we went to Dive Land Park in Alabama. Learning from my first attempt, I decided to carve a simpler design into my pumpkin – a shark with less detail, without the tiny fish.
Do you have any unique Halloween traditions?