10 Days in and still no bag. At first I was a bit overwhelmed with the lack of bag and the feeling of being out of my comfort zone. Now I am beginning to enjoy it and here are the first 10 days.
You can follow my all-star field editor behind the scenes at http://www.mtvidyo.com/blog/
In short-My recent trip to Fiji, put my battle of facing fears and travel hacking paradise to the test. Needless to say, Mission Accomplished. As a reward I am posting two videos featuring, ‘Getting Certified to Dive’ and ‘Swimming with the Sharks-Outside the Cage’. This is the actual unedited version of “Alive!-Fiji”, you can now purchase the first 5 episodes as well.
Special Thanks to Casey at FIJI FINEST TOURS, Aqua Trek, and the Darling Family at Voli Voli Beach Resort.
http://fijisfinesttours.com
http://volivoli.com
http://aquatrek.com
Follow me as I attempt to be one of the few people in history to go around the world without a bag, documented. 8 countries, 4 equator crossings, 50 days, 0 bags.
I have yet to travel around the world in one shot and I have yet to attempt to do it, without a bag. Adding to my bucket list, this is what travel is all about!
I will attempt to be one of the few people in history to go around the world without a bag. Rolf Potts, famous author of Vagabonding just completed his ‘No Baggage Challenge’ (www.rtwblog.com). I sat down with Rolf, while filming my travel show series. He is the legend behind backpacking and if he can go around without a bag, I had to see if I could do it as well.
If you are tired of paying bag fees, want a new perspective on travel, or just want to live vicariously through me, now you can. With all of the bag fees these days, its time to put things in perspective. Travel hacking is about saving money, time, and is considered the streets smarts of travel. Going around the world and realizing what you need in life and don’t, is a great way to incorporate travel hacking. Everyone should have a travel bucket list. Although most think it cant be done in this day an age of higher travel cost, I would disagree. In fact, I plan to cross off a dozen of those items on my bucket list while I go through 8 countries in 50 days, without a bag.
You can follow me on a live interactive map by visiting http://adventureaaron.com/live-map/
I look forward to your support!
“Expeditions are a great way to reinforce perspectives, gain traffic for a product, and allow others to see that most things are achievable. Like Cancer, life for me has been about seeing the positive in the challenges it gives you. Regardless of my experience, approaching it from this standpoint, allows me to be happy tackling what others may think is negative.”-Aaron
Last Expedition….
Around The World for 50 Days without a bag -October 2010
Click the below image to see the interview.
CBS Morning Show-The Morning Blend
October 6th, 2010. Aaron set out to travel around the world without a bag
50 Day Around The World, Without A Bag
Oct 06th-Nov 24th
Status Report
Days Traveled 50
Miles Traveled 36,014.89
Planes Taken 8
Trains Taken 6
Buses Taken 7
Country Count 8
Oceans Crossed 4
Total Bags Used 0
Travel Bucket List Items Achieved 5
View Adventure Aaron Map in a larger map
FIRST 10 Days-Field Report
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO0WxK2tuhU
20 Days in-Field Report
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCZV_qYfhso
30 Days in-Egypt Field Report
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVHyK6SkixY
40 Days in-Thailand and my first mistake
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUqxu8GRnJE
50 Days coming full circle, fastest minute in travel and bizzare foods
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=el6zKcLjYD0
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If you are tired of paying bag fees, want a new perspective on travel, or just want to live vicariously through me, now you can. With all of the bag fees these days, its time to put things in perspective. Travel hacking is about saving money, time, and is considered the streets smarts of travel. Going around the world and realizing what you need in life and don’t, is a great way to incorporate travel hacking. Everyone should have a travel bucket list. Although most think it cant be done in this day an age of higher travel cost, I would disagree. In fact, I plan to cross off a dozen of those items on my bucket list while I go through 8 countries in 50 days, without a bag. As requested, this page is devoted to following me, live! Here you can find the latest travel routes I am on and some of the live streaming video from that location. For those of you in the cube, be sure to look for the “No Baggage” live videos. This will be a live stream video periodically during the 9-5 work day, allowing you to live vicariously and hopefully provide you the motivation you need. Until then, here is the live Adventure Aaron map. I have yet to travel around the world in one shot and I have yet to attempt to do it, without a bag. Adding to my bucket list, this is what travel is all about! I will attempt to be one of the few people in history to go around the world without a bag. Rolf Potts, famous author of Vagabonding just completed his ‘No Baggage Challenge’ (www.rtwblog.com). I sat down with Rolf, while filming my travel show series. He is the legend behind backpacking and if he can go around without a bag, I had to see if I could do it as well. Following Rolf Potts model (www.rtwblog.com) , I will be tracking my progress above. Rules Using the same exact rules from Rolf Potts, No Baggage Challenge, I will apply the same. Below is from Rolf Potts Himself; “While circumnavigating the globe with no luggage sounds like a clear enough proposition, it can raise a few semantic issues. What, for example, counts as a bag? Can your traveling companion carry some things for you? Are you allowed to buy new gear and clothing along the way? To clear up these issues, I’ve set up five simple ground rules for the No Baggage Challenge. If for some reason you feel that I’ve overlooked some technical detail of no-baggage travel, let me know in the comments and I’ll give it consideration as a new ground rule. 1) No bags on the journey, period. This means no backpacks or daypacks, no suitcases or briefcases, no fanny-packs or man-purses. Not even a plastic bag from the grocery store (unless it contains groceries en route to a meal). Any items I take on the road have to fit into the pockets of my ScotteVest clothing. 2) No borrowing of items from (or stowing items with) the cameraman. I will be accompanied on the journey by Justin Glow, my video cameraman. Justin will carry a daypack for his computer and camera equipment, and he will assist me in getting my stories and videos online. On a practical-logistical level, however, Justin will not exist during the No Baggage challenge. That means I can’t stow items in his bag or borrow anything he brings with him. Not even a spot of toothpaste. 3) Borrowing items from locals or other travelers is permitted That said, I am allowed to borrow a spot of toothpaste from a fellow traveler at the youth hostel. Or a random guy in the street. Since hospitality and generosity are time-honored virtues for hosts and travelers alike, I can borrow items as I go — just so long as I’m gracious and courteous about things, and don’t carry any borrowed items in a bag. 4) Buying items along the way is permitted On that same token, I am allowed to buy things for myself along the way. If I suddenly decide that I want my own toothpaste supply, I can buy a tube in Paris or Cairo or Bangkok. The same goes for clothing and accessories: If I want to buy a pair of sunglasses in Casablanca, a fresh t-shirt in Johannesburg, or a pair of flip-flops in Singapore, I can. I can even buy a souvenir and mail it home from some far corner of the world — so long as I don’t break any of the above rules in the process. This is all in keeping with another time-honored travel virtue: If in doubt, bring less gear and more money. 5) Mailing items to oneself is interesting, but not permitted. Now that increased baggage fees are complicating air travel, many travelers have embraced a novel way to avoid the luggage hassle: They mail their gear to their destination(s) in advance. I actually considered this strategy (and ScotteVest was willing to refresh my no-baggage wardrobe at various intervals of the journey) — but ultimately I decided not to, since it simply seemed like more fun to wear the same set of clothes the whole time and buy (or borrow) only what was available at my destinations.”
*Please note, per request, weekly blog post will begin*
Join me on camera, around the world! As most of you know, the blog came to life on the Halogen Channel. Now, we are filming 8 more countries and I am looking for a few adventure seekers.
This is the last of my shameless plugs for the show, so we are going all out. The Halogen Channel is about giving back and that is exactly what we want to do. Be one of the eight sponsor on the show and you will come with me on a few of my crazy adventures. You will also be benefiting the American Cancer Society. Here are the details…next week, “Earning your keep in Fiji-How to Catch and Kill a Chicken”
The Halogen Channel has made it official. August 16th for 13 weeks and 13 countries an estimated 30 million are going to see the blog come to life!
We are having a private screening in Omaha on August 23rd. If you are interested in free drinks and free tickets, leave a comment on the site link below. We are limiting the event to 150 seats.
www.halogentv.com/alive Hope to meet you there!
Travel Hack of the Century
If I told you that you could own the airways with the ultimate status on US Airways and it would only cost you $3,500 would you do it? What if you could do it in 3 weeks?
Its called a “Mileage Run”. If you saw the last post I did “Airlines Miles Gigolo” and didnt do it, here is another chance.
THIS IS CLEARLY MY HACK OF THE CENTURY. By far the best hack I have seen to date for the amount of money spent.
This is the link for the current promotion released early this morning.
US Airways
Here is the cliff note version. Fly routes on the above checklist and you will move up in status for every 4 items you check off. Here is how I am going to become the highest of the members and also Star Alliance GOLD.
My Account has about 5,000 miles in it now. I need about 20,000 for the first of 4 levels on the preferred list.
My routes with example dates
1-Omaha to Boston 7/15
2-Boston to NYC 7/15
3-NYC to Boston 7/16
4-Boston to Platsburg, NY 7/16
5-Platsburg, NY to Philly 7/16
6-Philly to Alaska 7/17
Total miles 6,345 and total cost $1253
7-Alaska to Phx 7/22
8-Phx to Jamaca 7/23
9-Jamaca to Charlotte 7/28
10-Charlotte to Melborne 7/29
11-Melborne to Charlotte 8/1
12-Charlotte to Baton Rouge 8/2
13-Baton Rouge to Charlotte 8/3
Total Miles 8,995 total cost 1,294.20
14-Charlotte to Los Cabos 8/4
15-Los Cabos to LAX 8/8
16-LAX to Hawaii 8/9
Total Miles 6,874 total cost 1,000
Grand Total in Miles 22,214 and cost is 3547.20
Remember I had 5,000 to start. With the addition of the above miles I earn the first level and with the 16 legs, I become eligible for 3 levels. Putting me at the cream of the crop.
So is it worth it? Lets see, I now get all of the following; (straight from the US Airways Website)
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Chairman’s Preferred Life is better when you’re Preferred. Here’s a peek at all the perks you‘ll enjoy…
Upgrades
Travel in First Class. If an upgrade becomes available, we’ll automatically upgrade you and a companion to First Class (when traveling in the same reservation). Complimentary upgrades may be awarded up to 7 days in advance.
Upgrade to an Envoy Sleeper Seat anytime before takeoff. If you’re booked in Envoy, you can purchase an upgrade to an Envoy Sleeper seat anytime before departure by calling the Preferred Desk.
Complimentary upgrades are subject to capacity controls, Full-fare (Y or B class) economy tickets may be upgraded anytime after ticketing. Other paid tickets can be upgraded up to seven days in advance. Chairman’s Preferred members receive 2 annual electronic one way First Class/Envoy upgrades to be used to or from Hawaii, Europe, South America and the Middle East. Companions must be booked on the same itinerary and will be processed at the same time as the Preferred member.
Learn more about upgrades
Learn about mileage upgrades
Complimentary upgrades to/from Hawaii/Europe/South America/Middle East
Here’s how to use your annual electronic upgrades:
•Purchase your ticket through US Airways or a travel agent. Before you finalize your purchase, make sure that your fare class is eligible for an upgrade.
•Provide your Dividend Miles account number to a Personal Liaison at the Chairman’s Preferred desk to process the electronic upgrade for you and your companion. As always, upgrade eligibility is based on the fare you purchased and is subject to capacity control.
To/from Hawaii
Eligible fares paid Advance request schedule
Y and B Immediately after purchase – complimentary
All other economy fares 7 days prior to departure from each one way trip – upgrade credit required
To/from Europe, South America and the Middle East
Eligible fares paid Advance request schedule
All economy fares Anytime in advance (prior to departure from each one way trip) – upgrade credit required.
*An additional premium tax may apply upon exiting some transatlantic destinations. Terms and conditions apply.
Priority baggage handling and extra baggage allowance
Get your bags faster and take more with you.
•You and everyone in your reservation are exempt from the first, second and third bag fees
•Your bags will be loaded last which means they’ll be among the first on the conveyer belt at your destination
•Allowances vary by airline, so please contact the airline you’ll be traveling on for details.
Bonus miles
Earn award travel even faster with an automatic 100% mileage bonus for all paid, qualifying flights on US Airways, US Airways Express carriers, US Airways Shuttle and United, Continental Airlines and Lufthansa.
•Preferred flight bonus miles do not count towards Preferred status.
500 mile segment minimums
Chairman’s Preferred members earn a minimum of 500 miles on all US Airways operated flights.
Reserve Preferred seats
You’re able to reserve the best seats, including those in the front of the aircraft and exit row.
Reservations assistance
Get stellar customer service 24 hours a day. Just call the toll-free number on the back of your Preferred card to get in touch with our exclusive Chairman’s Preferred Desk, where Personal Liaisons will assist you with reservations, award travel, upgrades and more. It’s like having your very own personal travel assistant.
Traveling abroad? Our private email address and toll-free number (also on your card) will get you in touch with our Preferred Desk from Europe as well as select destinations in the Caribbean and South America.
Remember to let us know if you experience spectacular service from one of our employees by filling out one of the Above and Beyond Employee Recognition cards that came in your Preferred kit.
Nominate a friend to Silver Preferred status
As a Chairman’s member you can nominate an individual of your choice to Silver Preferred status. Email your nomination request to chairmans@usairways.com and use CNOM in the subject line. US Airways reserves the right to reject a nomination for any reason.
In addition, for every 25,000 Preferred qualifying miles you earn above 100,000 or for every 30 segments you fly over 120, you’ll be able to nominate another friend to Silver Preferred status.
Star Alliance benefits
Enjoy special privileges when you travel on any participating Star Alliance airline. Just present your Chairman’s Preferred membership card and same-day international ticket to access to the US Airways Club and to more than 600 Star Alliance lounges.
•Eligible international destinations for lounge access include Asia, Africa, Canada, Europe, Middle East, South America and the following cities: Mexico City, Guadalajara, San Jose (Costa Rica)
Find out more about Star Gold benefits
Guaranteed seating
Get a spot on the fullest flights. We guarantee you a coach class seat on US Airways flights when you purchase an unrestricted fare (Y class), even if the flight is full. Just call the Chairman’s Preferred Desk at least 24 hours prior to departure to secure your seat.
Priority check-in and boarding
Skip the line and check in at designated Preferred ticket counters. In airports where none are available, check in at one of our First Class counters (within the U.S. or to Bermuda, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean) or at our Envoy Class counters for travel to/from Europe, South America and the Middle East. And if you’re traveling on one of our Star Alliance partners, go ahead and use the Star Alliance Gold check-in counter.
Get to your seat faster, too. Chairman’s Preferred members board US Airways operated flights with Zone 1.
•Priority boarding is not provided at all airports, by all airlines.
Priority security lanes
Sail through security at the airport and get to your gate even faster. Just show your Chairman’s Preferred card, a valid form of I.D. and your boarding pass at our Priority Security Lanes at participating airports. You can even bring your travel companions along with you.
Priority standby
Get that open seat before someone else. When you’re traveling on US Airways and Star Alliance™ member airlines, you‘re the priority. If there aren’t any seats left on a flight you wish to take, you’ll have priority over Silver, Gold and Platinum Preferred members, as well as other customers, should one become available.
Standby and redeposit fee waived
Move up to an earlier flight for free. We waive the standby fee for our Chairman’s Preferred customers who want to move up to an earlier flight on the same day of travel.
We waive the mileage redeposit fee of $150 for totally unused award tickets for our Chairman’s Preferred members.
US Airways Club benefits
Come in, be productive or just relax at the US Airways Club. As a Preferred member, you’ll enjoy a member discount on an annual membership.
Members who fly 150,000 Preferred qualifying miles or 150 segments in a calendar year will receive a free Club membership for the following Preferred program year.____________________________________________________
To take it one level higher, heres how you really hack this.
Not only do you get the free upgrades but anyone traveling on your reservation (1 extra) will get the free upgrade as well as the below. Plus you get 2 one way international tickets, free, and earn enough miles for a domestic roundtrip! If thats not enough, the rich get richer, all of your future flights will earn double the miles!!!!! Want more? Here your go…
Part of becoming Chairman is you get to nominate one person to Preferred Status! If your tight on cash, grab a friend who can earn extra miles using his credit card, offer him the preferred nomination and perhaps a small fee 
Afterall, you will both be going First Class from here on out! Enjoy my friends, news on the show to come in the next 8 days. Big news…