With the tropical rainforest canopy stretching overhead, our guide Brandon pointed out different species of trees to the dozen or so of us in his group. As he did, he casually raised his walking stick into the air and jabbed it into a large black bulb in the side of...
I’ve always had a knack for making birthdays and holidays special. Even when getting caught up in the materialistic, consumer culture of America, I still tried to put my own special twist on it. On literally the day my daughter was born we had a “zero birthday” party for her....
by Jeffrey Kontur · Published November 10, 2015 · Last modified November 17, 2015
In this 2nd installment of looking at how I plan great trips on the cheap, I will show what happens when I’m forced to take a completely different approach. Martiniqué, West Indies – January 2016 People traveling: 2 Length of Trip: 6 days Destinations: 3 Total combined cost: $961 The trip to...
by Jeffrey Kontur · Published November 6, 2015 · Last modified November 17, 2015
The promise of AmazingWorldAdventures is that you can take incredible trips without breaking the bank. Today I’m going to share a little of my process with you. My 20 year old daughter, who has been my default travel buddy for several years now, recently started planning her own trips independently...
I’ve been to most of the big cities in the United States and a few outside. Of all the big cities I’ve been to so far, Toronto is my favorite. Were it not for the climate, I would seriously consider living there. I read once that Toronto is what New...
The business of local government is to look after the common good for the people living in or visiting the municipality. Road maintenance, school administration, emergency services, public parks, and of course, making maple syrup. The city of Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada may be the only city in the world...
by Jeffrey Kontur · Published September 9, 2015 · Last modified November 17, 2015
“Are you crazy?!” “You’ll starve to death.” “You’re going to end up mugged or killed.” “Why would you put your daughter in harm’s way like that?” “How are you going to communicate?” I heard all that and more. As my daughter’s 18th birthday approached, I told her that I was...
Are you familiar with AirBNB? It’s an online service for peer-to-peer lodging rentals. Say you have a house or apartment that’s sitting vacant, or a guest room or even just a couch. You can list it and travelers looking for a place to stay might rent it from you. I...
Adventure / History / Modes of Transport / USA
by Jeffrey Kontur · Published April 16, 2014 · Last modified November 17, 2015
With a great deal of chuffing, 500 tons of steel slowly begins inching along. Not even walking speed. Trees and landmarks creep by the windows. The brass fixtures and polished wooden trim speak of a bygone era. An era most of us have never seen firsthand and yet, one which...
The Berlin Wall was torn down 25 years ago. (Has it really been that long?!) So to have lunch near the Wall seems implausible enough, but to do so in Nova Scotia? Even when the Wall was standing, it wasn’t exactly a lovely, pastoral place for a picnic. You may...