Part Time Vagabond

4 Awesome Podcasts for the Road

// June 23rd, 2010 // 2 Comments » // ROADSIDE

When I started podcasting in early 2005, I had no idea how the medium would evolve, but I knew that I loved listening to random strangers babble on about random stuff. Five years later, my tastes have changed, and so has the podcasting world. Now, mainstream “old” media has started to catch on, re-purposing content, while the less professional shows have fallen by the wayside. Still, some “amateur” shows have risen to the top of the food chain. It’s those shows — the re-purposed mainstream and the quality amatuer — that I still listen to, and I find that the best place to listen to them is in the car. So instead of just playing tunes for your entire road trip, try pumping a few of these podcasts into your brain bucket.

Radio Lab

Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich produce and host this show that airs on NPR‘s WNYC in New York. The show’s website says they’re “On a curiosity bender,” which I find a great way to be. These guys are curiosity ninjas. The chemistry between Jad, Robert, and their subjects is fantastic, and the show’s editing, done by Jad, is some of the best I’ve ever heard. Each episode, they pick a topic, then delve deep into the how, why, and who of it. From deception to musical earworms to musical language, these podcasts sneak up on the unknown and destroy it with a knowledge smackdown.

This American Life

Americans live complex and varied lives. Sure, the rest of the world has a rich history and set of cultures too, but there’s just something about living life in America that is simultaneously fascinating and heartbreaking. Ira Glass, host of This American Life, and his cast of producers examines what makes this country what it is. Like Radio Lab, there is a theme to each show, but the theme is usually broken down into 3 or 4 stories about real people in real, every day situations…situations that may not necessarily feel so “everyday.” Be careful with this podcast, because it can get pretty emotional and heavy at times. But man, it’s worth it to know that we’re not alone.

The Nerdist

On the lighter side of things, The Nerdist is pretty much what it sounds like: Host Chris Hardwick and his merry band of comedic ne’er-do-wells (yep, I said “ne’er-do-wells”; deal with it) invite a guest on the show to nerd out about comedy, technology, movies, music, and whatever else nerds freak out about. You may know Hardwick from such pop-culture shenanigans as MTV’s Singled Out, G4′s Web Soup, and PBS’s Wired Science. The standup comedian and his friends crack me up everytime I listen to the show, which makes me come to the harsh realization that I am an über nerd. Awesome.

Coverville

This is one of those original podcasts from the early days, started by an amateur producer who took everything to the next level. On each episode of Coverville, Brian Ibbott spins a cover of a previously recorded song by artists from around the world, provides info about the artist and their music, and talks about the original song. If you love piano versions of Sweet Child O’ Mine and techno versions of Cover Me (or even if you don’t think you do), this show is one fun listen, perfect for those long road trips because you can sing along to the new versions and feel like an idiot in the privacy of your own car.

Drive In, Drive Out: One man’s road from passenger to driver.

// June 21st, 2010 // 1 Comment » // ROADSIDE

Scott Josephson is a native New Yorker who grew up on Long Island and moved to the Boston suburbs in 2007. He has predominantly traveled by train, plane, and cruise ship to over 30 States, Canada, the Caribbean, Western Europe, and Israel. He is the proud owner of his first car — a 2010 Prius named Jet — and recently drove round-trip from Massachusetts to New York. When he’s not traveling, Scott works in product management for an educational software company.

Music has always been an essential part of my life — from listening to records as a child to playing Super Nintendo games growing up while blasting the radio or cassettes from my portable stereo — I can’t remember a time without a soundtrack.

I tend to attach tunes to a certain place and time; sometimes it’s based on a specific memory, like walking home from the train station in my hometown to Green Day’s American Idiot album. Other times, it’s based purely on my mood — I’m a huge fan of “breakup” albums like Dylan’s Blood on the Tracks. And for what feels like forever, so many songs have propelled me across over 30 states while I sat on a train, bus, or plane — or in the passenger seat of a friend’s car — but never behind the wheel.

As a native New Yorker, I didn’t get my driver’s license until I was in my late 20s. I figured that I’d need it someday and it was important in case of an emergency. When I moved to Massachusetts, I hesitated for almost 3 years before even getting a car, relying on the generosity of friends, public transportation, and the overpriced single taxi company in my town.

Last Fall, I finally gave in and purchased a Toyota Prius. As a newer driver, I was hesitant to get on the road, so I started small: supermarket runs and trips to the nearest mall. Over time, I expanded my journey to visiting friends in Central Massachusetts, spending the night to cut down on the amount of travel. On Super Bowl Sunday, I decided to take the bold move of making the round-trip in the same day — and, after I embraced night driving, there was no turning back.

A very good friend of mine and I have seen Dave Matthews Band in Hartford for the past 4 years in a row. Before this year, I always took the bus or caught a ride with him. Now that he lives in Manhattan and I’m a car owner, it was my turn to take a chance behind the wheel. It’s not a bad haul from the land of Jack Kerouac (Lowell, MA) to Hartford, but I knew that I needed some tunes.

Whenever I travel, I’ve got a set number of tunes for specific travel: Steve Miller Band works well on planes because of the number of songs about air travel (Jet Airliner, Fly Like an Eagle, Rock’n Me); Aerosmith always made sense when crossing the Massachusetts border and heading to Boston by bus; Bruce Springsteen’s songs speak of highway freedom (Born to Run, Thunder Road, Hungry Heart); and U2 sings you across the darkest night to deliver you to a place beyond where the streets have no name.

For the drive to and from Hartford, I built specific playlists to mirror how Dave Matthews Band plays a 2-night gig: a loud list and a chill list. One of the greatest moments of this journey was when Two Step came in just as I crossed from the Mass Pike tolls onto I-84 West. And after sailing home on the chill side, I felt relaxed and confident at my 200+ mile adventure that will surely be the first of many.

What’s next? Well, as I build momentum, I already have carved out an escape back to my hometown. Surely this can only lead to my ultimate Kerouac fantasy — a cross-country jaunt from Boston to Phoenix. And one of my first stops is sure to be The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Scott Josephson is a Twitter friend and fellow Dave Matthews Band junkie. While Scott’s pretty new to driving, he’s not lacking in travel experience. He’s been to way more DMB concerts than me.

Friday Snapshot: White Manna, Hackensack, New Jersey

// June 18th, 2010 // 2 Comments » // GRUB, SNAPSHOT

One of the best parts of a road trip is food. And the eating of that food. And food related facilities. White Manna Hamburgers on River Road in Hackensack, New Jersey has all three. And they are so worth it. Hop inside this tiny building and sidle up to the counter to order the best sliders you will ever wrap your mouth parts around. Order up 4 or 5, with cheese and onions, and watch as the cook behind the counter skillfully grills your order to perfection along with the 6 people ahead of you and 7 behind you. Fresh ground beef, paper thin onions, local cheese, and locally baked potato bread rolls come together into a greasy but oh-so-satisfying sandwich of the gods. Eat them there or get them to go and watch the staff wrap these little slices of Heaven in wax paper and drop them lovingly into a brown paper bag that you’ll be able to see through in less than 2 minutes. Whatever you do, get there early because there will be a line, and be ready with your order. There’s no hemming and hawing at this burger joint. Forget Five Guys or In-N-Out. This is more than eating; this is a true American experience.

7 Must-have Travel Gadgets

// June 16th, 2010 // 3 Comments » // GEAR

I’m a gadget geek. There, I admitted it. I love them, I envy those who have them, and I lust after the latest and greatest. And I know that you are JUST… LIKE… ME. When you’re taking a road trip, leaving home without a gadget feels like leaving behind a limb. Not necessarily essential, but pretty awkward without it. With that lovely thought in mind, I’ve concocted a list here of 7 Gadgets you must have on any road trip. Travel well, my friends.

1. Smartphone – Devices like the iPhone and the Droid are quickly becoming indispensable travel accessories. With built in GPS, maps, the internet, and a phone, it’s a wonder how we got around without them at all. There are tons of apps in the various app stores that are mini guidebooks as well, and the variety gets bigger every day. Of course, you’re likely to miss all the good stuff if your gob is glued to this toy all day.
2. Apple iPad - Forget lugging around that evil brick they call “laptop.” Most of those things will burn the top two layers of skin off your legs if you use them too long anyway. The iPad is a great, portable way to stay connected on the road. Grab the 3G version so you can get access to the web anywhere there’s 3G service. Sure, it’s basically a giant iPhone, but its size (about as big as a small magazine) is one of its best features, allowing easy consumption. Movies, magazines, books, newspapers, TV shows… all available on the iPad, and all great ways to pass the time on the road.
3. Digital camera – We’re in an age of constant documentation. Future generations will be so inundated with photos of kittens and sunsets, they may believe we were some kind of early evening feline worshipers. Either way, a digital camera, like the Olympus PEN E-P2 is a must have on any travel adventure. High megapixels (for that wall-sized poster of the Paul Bunyan statue your wife will glare at disapprovingly), image stabilization (to capture the look on that bear’s face as you run away in terror [not recommended]), and good low light capabilities (to see the looks of sheer sugar fueled delight as your kids down s’mores around the campfire) are some of the features to look for in a good camera.
4. Portable Video Camera – A video camera like the Flip UltraHD Camcorder will allow you to capture all your road trip hijinx in stunning high definition. For me, this one is a must have because it’s small, ultra portable, and plugs directly into your laptop so you can edit the Ultimate Road Trip Adventure Movie™ right there on the road. Speculation says you might be able to edit right on the iPad in future updates, but for now, you’ll have to stick with a notebook computer (*Note: I’ve just been informed that you can import 640×480 video onto the iPad, but you can’t do anything with it, and you can’t import HD video. How useful. Thanks to Mike from Geekistry for the hattip). Or wait until you get home. But how are you going to blog about it on the road if you wait?
5. GPS – This one is kind of a no brainer. If you’ve brought your smartphone, you may not need a GPS unit, but a standalone unit like the Garmin Nuvi 1690 may give you more bang for your buck. These units are usually a bit more feature rich than the smartphone versions. For instance, The Garmin features Garmin’s NuLink data service, which provides traffic data, fuel prices, and Google Search for points of interest. Whichever device you go with, it’s worth the peace of mind knowing you’ll probably never get lost. Probably.
6. USB Rechargeable batteries. They are the bane of our existence, but they are the essential lifeblood of our devices: batteries. Pick up a few of these little bad boys and you won’t have to worry about finding a 7-11 in the middle of western Nebraska at 3AM.
7. FM Transmitter – Don’t leave home with out this, especially if you have your smartphone or mp3 player loaded with enough tunes to get you through a month on the road. An FM transmitter, like the Monster RadioPlay 300 turns your iPod into a mini radio station, broadcasting a signal strong enough to hit your car’s radio without interfering with your fellow road warriors. This is essential if you’re renting a car, since you never know what kind of music system will be installed.

6 Tips for the Discount Vagabond Traveler

// June 14th, 2010 // 5 Comments » // ROADSIDE

My Guest Poster this week is Alexandra Munier of Broke207. She’s one of those people who you want around when you go bargain hunting because she knows a thing or two about saving pennies. I love her wit and wisdom, and I think you will too. Hopefully she’ll become a PTV regular! For now, let’s get into spending wisely on the road.

It’s time to throw out the budget travel handbook, because everything you ever learned about printing coupons, packing lunches, and sucking it up when your discount flight has 5 layovers, is wrong- really wrong. Sure, you can shave off a few dollars here and there, but you might also accidentally shave off a whole lot of enjoyment. Vacations are for people who like to rest quietly inside hermetically sealed all-inclusive resort bubbles, but travel is about exploring and adventure. And really great travel has nothing to do with how much cash you’ve got rattling around in your pockets, it’s all about being creative.

• Get an inside man. If you have the luxury of a few days to a few weeks before you head off into the sunset, it’s time for a little intensive research. But this time, skip the usual vacation information sites, and set your crosshairs on local travel/food/culture bloggers. It’s time to make contact. If you don’t actually know anyone living in your chosen travel destination (or don’t trust any of your mall-restaurant loving friends & relatives), regional bloggers hold the secrets of their cities from the best cheap eats to where the real action is on a Wednesday night. Find someone who speaks your language and ask for recommendations. A local blog is like a love letter to a destination, and you’ll be amazed how enthusiastic that letter writer will be to share their insider information.
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• Mind your manners. Unfortunately, there is no secret website that will get you phenomenal travel deals with few simple keystrokes. Nowadays, the big travel websites differ primarily in functionality with only minimal variation in price. However, there is one tried and tested way to get your hotels & flights upgraded without ever needing the aid of a wireless connection- turn on the charm. I’m not recommending flagrant ass kissing, but if you are honest, earnest, and unfailingly polite to your booking agents and customer service reps, you’ll find you’re more likely to have your bare bones budget accommodations turned magically into something a little more comfortable.
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• Go play outside. I have never once in my life been disappointed by a national park. If you’re traveling regularly from sea to shining sea, $80 for a year-long national parks pass is a deal worth grabbing. Breakfast in the Badlands beats the hell out of a continental muffin at the Mariott. Skip a day of shopping and head out for a hike or a swim or just a picnic and a nap in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
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• Harness the power of the snack. Eating is hands down one of the greatest things about being alive. If you’re spending your trip living on PB&Js constructed in your hotel room just to save a little scratch, you’re unnecessarily depriving yourself of one of the best parts of your adventure. If you’ve done your homework getting connected, you should have no trouble tracking down some stellar eatables for low low prices at a wide variety of roadside shanties, greasy spoons, street carts, and holes in the wall. But what if you find an incredible restaurant that’s a little more of the upscale variety? First of all, I firmly believe that amazing meal is always an investment worth making. But if you really just can’t spare the cash, consider a compromise before you decide to start your pickpocketing career. Head to the bar area of your dream restaurant, and pull up a stool. You won’t need a reservation, and you can grab yourself a cocktail and an incredible appetizer or dessert for a fraction of the full meal price, while still being able to tell everyone you know that you’ve been there and done that.
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• Rethink the retail. Consider steering clear of the mall area and tourist tchotchke traps entirely, and focusing your souvenir shopping attentions on the world of second hand. Thrift stores and flea markets are not only fantastic places to hunt down some very memorable (and dirt cheap) memorabilia of your trip, but they’re also an adventure in and of themselves. There is no better way to get intimate with a new location than digging through the fossil record of their cast offs. Take it a step further, and indulge in some foreign garage and stoop sales. Thanks to the miracles of GPS and craigslist, you and your rental car, bike or scooter can cruise through neighborhoods like a local- scavenging treasures for a dollar or less.
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• Be brave. Amazing travel is about 2 things- memories & bragging rights. No matter how many carefully scheduled museums and monuments you have on your tour, take at least one day for just walking around and exploring, and then find yourself something crazy to do. Mechanical bull riding at country western bar? Amateur burlesque night at a local cabaret? Pie eating contest at the county fair? Embarrass yourself in front of strangers and live to tell the tale! Real excitement doesn’t have to be all rock climbing and hang gliding, it can be found in every town in the world, and it doesn’t have to cost a thing.

Alexandra Munier is usually found chronicling her monetary misadventures in Maine over at Broke207. Find her on Twitter at Broke207, or give her Facebook page a gander.

The Winner is announced! Congratulations!

// June 9th, 2010 // No Comments » // News

Congratulations to Melissa Gramling, the winner of the Hi-Tec V-Lite Hornet HPi trail shoes! I’ll be in touch with Melissa to get her info and get those shoes shipped out to her asap!

GEAR: Hi-Tec V-Lite Hornet HPi trail shoes

// June 9th, 2010 // No Comments » // GEAR

When Hi-Tec approached me to review the V-Lite Hornet HPi trail running shoes (and hold a giveaway too!) I was a bit hesitant. I’ve never known Hi-Tec shoes to be the top of the game when it comes to comfort, durability, style, and cutting edge technology in the outdoor shoe industry. Quite honestly, I’ve always thought of them as the budget shoe. But I’m open to trying almost anything, so I agreed to give them a shot. My results have been surprising. Continue Reading

My Top 5 Short Road Trips

// June 8th, 2010 // 5 Comments » // ROADSIDE

Road trips don’t have to be epic cross country battles that take days, weeks, or even months to complete. “Epic” is a word that people throw around a lot to describe the wonderful feelings they have after a long road trip, but epic can be used to describe even the shortest of journeys. As a Part Time Vagabond, I don’t always get to hit the road for weeks at a time, so shorter adventures quench my thirst for wide landscapes and quirky attractions. To kick off Road Trip Month on Part Time Vagabond, I’ve compiled a list of some of the more beautiful, eccentric, or just plain “epic” short road trips I’ve taken.

1. Oak Creek Canyon – Flagstaff to Sedona, AZ – This is quite possibly my favorite short road trip. From alpine forests to red rock desert in 45 minutes, this trip will have your heart pounding and your mind racing! Make this breathtaking trip in late spring or early summer (avoid treacherous winter driving) and watch for elk and deer in the Ponderosa pine filled Coconino National Forest just outside Flagstaff. Follow Route 89A down Oak Creek Canyon and watch as the landscape transforms from high alpine tundra to red rock desert. Take it easy as you hit the switchbacks in Oak Creek Canyon, because while they offer gorgeous views, they can be tricky. The entire drive is a lesson in geology, with layers of exposed rock revealing the historical evolution of the area. It’s one of the most stunning drives in the country.
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2. Route 9, Fishkill to Hyde Park, New York – Take exit 13N off of Interstate 84 in Fishkill, NY for a quick ride through the gorgeous Mid-Hudson Valley. Autumn is the best time to do this trip as you pass through small upstate towns and by national historic sites flourishing with autumn color. This 20 mile drive has plenty of places to stop and poke around, especially for those of you who love antiquing. For the history buff, the end of the journey features the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Val Kill (Eleanor Roosevelt’s Home) National Historic Sites. Stop off in Poughkeepsie to see the campuses of Vassar and Marist Colleges, and hit up the Culinary Institute of America‘s restaurant, open to the public with a reservation.  If you stay overnight in Hyde Park, catch a first-run movie at the Hyde Park Drive-In theater.
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3. Interstate 87, Rockland County, NY to Montreal, Quebec, Canada – Interstate 87 passes through some of the most beautiful country in the United States, and certainly in the Northeast. Hugging the outskirts of Adirondack State Park, this trip takes you nearly the entire length of New York State. Small towns and large cities alike punctuate the mostly forested route. I love stopping at rest areas along the way for a quick picnic lunch overlooking some gorgeous vistas. This is the true New York. Head north on I-87 from Suffern, NY for 320 miles to the Canadian border, where you meet up with Autoroute 15 into the historic French-Canadian city of Montreal.
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4. Route 1, Portland to Camden, Maine – This classic road trip is one that most people have only heard about. Lighthouses — while popular attractions in these parts — aren’t the only things to see on the rocky Maine coastline. Start in Portland, where you can tool around the Old Port for some fresh lobster and local craft beer. Head out to the Eastern Promenade for views of Casco Bay, then hop the ferry to Peaks Island, a year round residential island where life is a bit slower and a lot more peaceful. Hop back in the car on the mainland and head north on Route 1, stopping in Freeport for some outlet shopping (make sure to hit up outfitter L.L. Bean, which has been open 24 hours a day since 1951. Look on the doors…no locks!) and a nice dinner at one of the many fine restaurants. Further up the road, stop in Brunswick for some gelato and a stroll down Maine Street, then hit the road toward Bath, where the Bath Iron Works still builds ships for the U.S. Military. As you pass through Wiscasset, take a stroll downtown and grab a red hot at Red’s Eats, right on the water. Wind your way further north on the MidCoast to Damariscotta, Rockland, and Camden, then stop at Historic Fort Knox and the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory, which offers stunning views of the Penobscot River. End your trip by heading onto Route 3 in Ellsworth and taking a trip to Acadia National Park, or continue on Rt. 1 up to the Canadian border.
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5. 7th Avenue, Manhattan, NY – Strange, but true. New York City’s 7th Avenue is one of my favorite short road trips. Walk it, ride it, drive it, whatever you do, enjoy it. True, not all of this trip is actually on 7th Ave., but it’s worth it. Start at the north end of Central Park, then make your way down Central Park West. You could spend an entire day in the famed green space and all the museums that call it home, but we’re on a schedule here! When you hit Columbus Circle, head east on 59th St, then south on 7th Ave. Cruise down the avenue and enjoy all the sights and sounds that come with The City. Pass through Times Square, then it’s a straight shot through the Fashion District and Chelsea to SOHO where 7th Ave. turns into Varick St., leading you right into the Financial District.

Road Trips don’t always have to be long journeys across a country. There is always something to see or do wherever you go. It’s just a matter of taking it slow and keeping your eyes and ears open as you go.

Hi-Tec Hornet Shoe Giveaway Closed!

// June 5th, 2010 // No Comments » // News

Thanks to everyone who entered the Hi-Tec and Part Time Vagabond Shoe giveaway! We got some great entries, and I’ll be announcing the winner LIVE  on Wednesday, June 9th at Part Time Vagabond.com. Keep an eye out for more details on the winner announcement. And thanks to everyone who entered!

National Trails Day: Helping Conserve & Preserve

// June 2nd, 2010 // 1 Comment » // News

National Trails Day is this Saturday, June 5, 2010. It’s an annual event held by the American Hiking Society to foster awareness of local hiking, biking, and walking trails and engage the public in the protection, conservation, and sheer enjoyment of these trails. In Portland, Maine alone, there are over 50 miles of trails overseen by the Portland Trails organization, and they will be helping to recruit the public on National Trails Day to clean and maintain the trails while educating them on good use practices and local history.

This event is important, especially for us as travelers. We may be part time vagabonds, but our travels to various parts of the world always leave a mark. It’s because we leave that mark that we have the responsibility to give back. We take an awful lot while traveling, so replacing a little bit, wherever we choose to go, is so important.

This National Trails Day, take a few hours to help plant a garden, or build a drainage ditch, or educate your neighbors. It’s not only a great excuse to get outside this Saturday, but a fantastic way to help preserve and protect the trails we as travelers hold so dear.

Thank you.