Once a year, Beer lovers gather at TAP New York Beer Festival at Hunter Mountain to indulge in hops grown, bottled and sold all over the world.

The entrance fee is a steep $55 and $25 for designated drivers. Yup, that means NO alcohol but it’s easy to sneak a few sips of your friends if you can only afford this ticket.

As frugal travelers, we did the math and the entrance fee its actually worth it as it gets you an unlimited supply of food, drinks and outdoor entertainment.

We arrived an hour into the four-hour long-event on Saturday without much difficulty. Despite the crowds, the lines move rapidly and we were able to enjoy a multitude of different food and drinks from over forty breweries.

Supposedly the Sunday crowd is much smaller, but we wouldn’t recommend missing the energy of a packed outdoor festival.

We were a little disappointed that the event was primarily indoors and under tents on a small patch of concrete, but all-in-all, it was the perfect way to bring in the summer.

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I am sure you have already heard by now that airlines are charging for checked bags as well as carry-ons. Some have even decided to only allow carry-on’s.  So, what are you going to do, you ask?  Well… save money by packing lighter, of course!

This reality isn’t so new to many backpackers who travel to third-world countries and rely on mobility. I, in fact, learned early on to roll, rather then fold, my clothes into tight balls in order to get them to fit into a small carry-on backpack. No way was I going to pay extra fees or be stuck with a huge suitcase trying to maneuver in and out of hostels in India alone.

The New York Times and a travel-savvy-flight-attendant provide us with a few tips on how to pack appropriately.

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You read about Tucson.

Phoenix is just a little bit hotter, a little bit gayer. Although, Tucsonans do believe their town to be more gay friendly, and Phoenixians (my name for a person living in Phoenix) don’t seem too eager to defend themselves.

All gay owned and themed restaurants nest themselves in Arizona (or so it seems). Here I am again at another gay spot ordering a gay Mexican burger (whole wheat bun and an avocado, I’ll let you decide which is Mexican and which is gay).  I’m throwing on some lettuce and tomatoes to be all-American. I have to counter act the deviance.

After I break the number one gay male rule of all time by overeating, I have a choice: choose the red pill or the blue pill. I can either explore old Phoenix culture in the confines of museums’ walls or see what it means to be gay in this part of the country.

I choose the rainbow pill.

Our first stop is the One Voice LGBT Community Center of Phoenix. It’s the gayest part in the strip it inhabits. It’s quite out of place, but the design is fierce. No need to have LGBT on the logo, the on-set of red, yellow, green, blue and purple hint quite strongly to what kind of establishment this is.

The eye candy here is top notch as the “Library Assistant”, which I will later learn is a volunteer position, is amazingly handsome, or “delish.” I half pay attention to the tour of this small, but useful, community center hoping to strike a conversation with Mr. Assistant. There are LGBTQ friendly and inspired books, and I envision my novel there someday (The Gayest Tamal by Bryan Luis Pacheco).

A staff member offers me coffee (they are so nice!), but I politely decline. Mr. Assistant, unable to (obviously) resist my charm, finally begins some dialogue. He does not seem to be from Arizona, and I later find out that most gays in Phoenix are just transplants for a temporary stay. True? I’m not sure. But, that is what I am told.

Upon the innocent noise of chatter, I learn that One Voice offers programming, including talks and forums. The center has a beautiful art exhibit on display by gay artists. I’m not sure how long the exhibit will be up, but I imagine it’s temporary. I really don’t know what anything is, but this is art after all.

(Attention frugal traveler:  the tour, art exhibit, community center and eye candy was all FREE.)

Because my stay in Phoenix is brief (11 hours), I am rushed out of 1 voice and make my rounds at other gay establishments. It seems that all the LGBTQ community can own are either cafes or porn shops.

I conclude my stay in Phoenix learning about the annual Phoenix Pride festival while playing with whips and other adult items in an adult themed store (probably the third I am visiting).  Apparently, Pride not only overprices their drinks; the amount of money you will spend purchasing a booth to represent your LGBTQ organization/group will cost more than what you will make from selling any memorabilia.

Does that not defeat the purpose?

You would think that Pride, a LGBTQ community focused event, would support the development of LGBTQ establishments by at least having a sliding scale for pricing. Not all gays have the pockets or skin color of Clay Aiken or Ellen DeGeneres. But, hey, it’s all about the bottom dollar and as frugal travelers, you know we will have to window shop.

But, really…how many rainbow items do you really need?

Bryan Louis Pacheco, Contributing Writer

insidesocal.com

Arizona.

I was forced there because of work obligations.

And… guess what? I’m already planning my next trip (well, in theory)!

New York City can be a cold and frigid place. I was only happy to go to Arizona because, in comparison to NYC, it was warm and I was getting away. (And here is a tip for the frugal 20 something year old traveler: Find a job that pays for you to travel, because I only spent $20 out-of-pocket. Thanks Job!)

Holding onto the arm rest of my violent chair (I hate planes!) I fantasized about what Arizona would be like.  I envisioned this warm vacation spa where I could sit under the sun and relax.

And I was right! I arrived at the Tucson International Airport, waited for my coworker to use the gender neutral bathroom (the family bathroom) and rushed my way passed the moving doors and into the warm crisp air.

A huge cactus welcomed me and I greeted it back, hopping around like a 5-year-old just discovering he was gay. I was so happy to have Vitamin D lend me some endorphins and plant a smile on my face.

Tucson was quiet.

I had just finished doing research on the Mexican/United States border prior to arriving in Tucson so I was expecting to see a huge Mexican cultural influence; mariachis greeting me and maybe a taco stand. But, it was not Queens, NY and so I got none of that. Oh well. I did eat Mexican food that night though it was like a really exaggerated taco bell. It was good, but it wasn’t the “authentic” Mexican food that my Mexican friends had told me about… Pozole, Tamales and Cemitas. Yum.

That being said, Tucsonans do pride themselves on their Mexican culture, which they call Sonoran. It’s a lot different then the Mexican cultures that have migrated to New York City.

Gay Travel in Tucson.

And being gay in Tucson is apparently a lot more acceptable than in Phoenix (which shocked me, but that’s for another article). I went to Colors, which is a gay owned and themed restaurant. It truly seemed like a welcoming place for LGBTQ people and not just a flaming stereotype. However, it certainly was not intergenerational. At 23, the waiter and I were the youngest ones there, and at least by 10 years.

One cannot go to a gay restaurant and leave without an interesting story:

As soon as I felt my age, I immediately had to lock myself in the bathroom and send texts complaining to my New York City constituents that there was no one my age and I would not be able to partake in the hotel rendezvous I envisioned.

The door wasn’t locked.

An older gay man, about 55, comes in and spots me huddled up in the corner by the sink, texting away. “What a pleasant surprise, a cute young twink.” He startles me, but I like a good flirt. I stand up and apologize, and tell him he can use the bathroom. He, jokingly (I think), invites me to stay and watch. I decline but do accept his offer for a hug.

Hugging a random stranger in a public bathroom. Only in Tucson, Arizona?

Two Vodka Cranberries later, I’m buzzed and it’s time to leave. The older man stops me, and introduces me to his older friend. I feel so beautiful. My competition, the other 23-year-old (the waiter) comes by, and referring to me, says “Are you messing with my customer?”  Ah, I love him now.  We all share a good laugh, my self esteem is high, but my coworker gives me the look and I must leave.

I should have gotten the waiter’s number. Oh well.

But yes, Colors was fun. I did do some touristy things while in Tucson, like visit the Saguaro National Park. That was… cute. After seeing Cacti for over an hour, I had my fix. I would go again, but it’s best used for a jog or walk with a love one. I was in a car with my co worker and a very quiet older, and awkward, lady.

All in all, Tucson… 2 thumbs up!

Next stop: Phoenix!

Bryan Pacheco, Contributing Writer

Once a flashy tourist destination for Cambodian’s and the French in the 1900’s – 1960’s, Kep and its luxurious mansions were later destroyed by the Khmer Rouge.

Today, Kep is the undeveloped and serene St. Tropez of Cambodia. Small bars stretch along the ocean serving fresh crab and a handful of secluded islands lie in the distance enticing you to spend a day snorkeling and sunbathing.

Shot with a Kodak Zi8

Morgane Veronique Richardson, Writer/Editor

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So, you only have one day in Bangkok before you head south to the beaches. Don’t fret! There is plenty to do to make you feel as though you have seen it all. All you’ll need is a little bit of cash, and your walking shoes!

On Foot For A Day: Itinerary

8am: Breakfast

If you are staying at a hotel/hostel that serves food, grab a quick bite to eat there. If not, start walking towards the Golden Mount and you are bound to find a delicious food stand. Try something… Try anything!

But before you set out, read this: Avoid wearing short sleeve shirts, skirts above the knees or shorts if you plan on visiting temples. This is a sign of disrespect to the Gods and you will be forced to rent or purchase appropriate clothing. If its too hot to wear them, bring a change of clothes in your bag.

9am – 10am: Wat Saket & Golden Mount
Between Th Wora Chak and Th Boriphat, Admission 10b, 8am – 5pm, bus 508, 511 Blong taxi to Tha Phan Fah
The Golden Mound is a small stupa that offers 360 degree views of Bangkok. If you can wake up any earlier, try being here by 8am to watch the sun rise over Bangkok.

11:30a – 1:30p: Lunch, Democracy Monument and Wat Arun
After all the heat, you are bound be hungry and in need of a cool place to sit. Head towards the Grand Palace and the bank of the Mae Nam Chao Phraya. Don’t forget to take a quick snapshot of Democracy Monument along the way. Democracy Monument was erected in 1932 to celebrate Thailand’s transformation from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional one.

Head onwards towards Th Maharat, find a restaurant overlooking the water and grab yourself a Pad Thai (notice how much spicier it is then in the states, yum!), a beer Chang and gaze over at Wat Arun. If you have a bigger budget, try The Deck restaurant located on the water (Arun Residence, 36-38 Soi Pratu Nok Yung, Th Maharat, dishes 170 – 690bB, river ferry Tha Tien).

Wat Arun is a Khmer style tower situated on Th Arun Amarin (Admission 20b, 9am – 5pm, river ferry Tha Thai Wang). If you are pinched for time or planning (or returning) from a trip to Angkor Wat in Cambodia, you can afford to see this from a distance.

2:00pm – 3:30pm : Wat Phra Kaew & Grand Palace
Admission 350B; 8:30am – 3:30pm, bus 508, 512, river ferry Tha Chang

Wat Phra Kaew is the name of the compound that contains The Grand Palace, the former residence of the Thai Monarch. The main attraction here is a surprisingly small Emerald Buddha (66 cm).  If you are starting your trip and/or you are not yet sick of all the monuments in Thailand, spend an hour here; I wish I had done it first, the architecture is phenomenal. Crowd Alert: This is the most popular tourist attraction in Bangkok.

4pm – 5pm:  Wat Pho and Wat Pho Traditional Medical and Massage School
Wat Pho: Admission 5ob; Wat Phra Chetuphon, 8am – 5pm, bus 508, 512, river ferry Tha Tien/Wat Pho Traditional Medical and Massage School: Soi Pen Phat, 8am – 10pm
Wat Pho is home of the largest Reclining Buddha, and the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand. After you take a walk around this impressive golden statue depicting Buddha entering Nirvana, get a 30-minute massage at the national headquarters for the teaching and preservation of traditional Thai massage (220b for one hour massage). They have massage centers within the temple area!

5:30pm – 6:00pm: Amulet Market
On your way home, adjacent to Wat Mahathat and between Maharat Road and the river, you might be able to catch the last of the vendors selling Amulets on the sidewalk. Here you will find monks, collectors, and the like searching through an abundance of amulets to ward off, well… everything!

6:30pm – ?:  Dinner, Drinks and Shopping on Khaosan Rd.
Last stop, Khaosan Rd. You have arrived in Backpacker heaven. Anything and everything that you are looking for can be found here: Thai fisherman pants, beer, sex, a boy/girlfriend, jewelery, hair braiding, drugs, cheap hotels and restaurants, and tourists galore. I would recommend some places to eat and drink but only because of the wonderful people (and thus memories) I made in them and not the meals I had. It would be wrong if I stole that experience from you and so, it is up to you to find your favorite spot (among many) on this wild ride. Enjoy!

Morgane Veronique Richardson, Writer/Editor

Source: Prices, hours of operation, address and monument facts taken from Lonely Planet Thailand Guide, 13th Ed.

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I arrived at the Niras Bankoc Boutique Hostel (204-206 Mahachai rd. Samranrach Phra-Nakom, Bangkok) in Bangkok solo. To my surprise I was relieved (and just a little nervous) that I was doing this on my own.

I had heard that Bangkok was an easy place to travel alone as a woman. “Everyone is out to meet new people and, if you want be anti-social, there are enough things to see to keep one occupied.”

Like clockwork,  I was greeted by two fellow solo travelers, Jennifer and John Park at the check-in desk of my hostel. Jennifer was making a reservation and she had brought her friend (they had just met as well) along with her.

They invited me to join their posse on Khaosan Rd. and though I was in a state of delirium after having spent a a few emotionally crazed final days in Cambodia, I immediately agreed.

Khaosan Rd. is the mind-blowing and world famous mecca for new-age frugal travelers. There, you will find everything from cheap (and often dingy) hostels, hair braiding, clothes, jewelery, and an abundance of drinking and dining options. You can easily spend your entire time on this strip.

We ended the night in Soi Cowboy, where I obtained a rude awakening into the distressing world of sex tourism, money and the delicacy of eating cockroaches.

The following morning, I awoke to find an incredibly sick Jennifer in my hostel lobby asking to share the room with me. Despite my initial uneasiness (what if she wanted to steal my identity or put drugs in my bag?! Hello, Brokedown Palace), I let her crash in my room. I figured I would want someone to do the same for me… plus I had already made sure that all my valuables were with me.

Thankfully, I had made plans to see the tourist attractions of Bangkok with John Park that day and so I was distracted by my sudden “paranoid Mother” moment as we took a hilarious journey through the city.

I returned to my room just the way I had left it, but Jennifer was never to be seen again (if you are reading this, I hope you made it home safely!).

I spent the following few days with John Park, meeting fellow travelers, starting a dance party in a disgustingly American, but enormously fun bar on Khaosan Rd., avoiding scams (and getting caught by one, ha!) and pushing away men who reminded me too much of a member my own Posse at Middlebury College.

Despite my fun, there are a few things that all travelers to Bangkok should be aware of:

1. Always ask Taxi drivers to turn on their meters before going anywhere. They tend to rip you off otherwise.

2. Avoid using tuk tuks in Bangkok. They are horrible drivers and they charge a lot more money. If you must, look at tip #1.

3. When visiting temples, the Grand Palace, etc don’t be fouled by people who tell you it’s a holiday and the temples are closed. They are trying to get you to go somewhere else so that they can make a commission.

4. Don’t wear flashy jewelery and clothes. You won’t get robbed (most likely), but someone will assume that you are wealthy and try to exploit that.

5. Avoid telling everyone you meet that you are traveling alone. Be smart, use your instincts.

6. Plan some of your itinerary ahead of time so that you don’t get sidetracked and end up in an uncomfortable situation. However do leave some room for unexpected encounters.

7. Find someone (or multiple people) that you trust and stick with them.

All that being said, flying solo in Bangkok as a woman turned out to be a blast.

Morgane Veronique Richardson, Writer/Editor

“Who am I?” and “What do I want?” are the questions that invade the minds of all the twenty-something’s I know.

After four years of college, we leave with more questions about who we are then when we started. All that defined us slowly shifts and the people we love transform.

Many of us travel around the world in search of the answers only to find them in the most unusual and unexpected places.  Yet we need the chance to step away from our homes in order to pay attention to the solution.

For me, that took flying out to visit a close friend in Cambodia where I realized that I had lost her and gained a better understand of myself in return. What started out as a casual escape, ended in a world of self-discovery.

Letting her go was difficult, but I gained something more. I gained an appreciation of myself and the decisions that I have made.

And so, I boarded the plane for Thailand alone, with butterflies in my stomach, but proud of the decisions we had both made. And let me tell you… Thailand as a twenty-something woman flying solo was breathtaking… but I’ll divulge later (the pictures is a “sneak-peek”).

Oh, and who am I?…

I am a compassionate womyns rights advocate and a queer woman of color who finds pain in staying still and believes in a womyns right to choose (everything).

My host was bitter about the political state of Cambodia (and rightfully so), but also about everything that I had just flown out to inevitably see… from the insurgence of Korean tourists, to the way Cambodians drive and my desire to talk to everyone rather than relax on vacation.

There were very little positive remarks about the place I had flown half way across the world, and spent the remainder of my meager salary, to visit.

Though I have always known her to be a sarcastic and borderline cynical woman, she was my “best-friend.” My host was also incredibly generous, intelligent, remarkably fun and a strong woman whom I respected and enjoyed having in my life.

Oddly enough, I wasn’t expecting this drastic change in my friend.  I knew of and respected her development from the “wife” of Howard Dean to the pro-life, libertarian and (soon-to-be) Orthodox Jewish woman she is today. I was proud that I could maintain a friendship with someone who believed in almost everything I fought against. We were more than our political views…

Yet I was naive and didn’t realize that spending a few weeks with her would be different from having Sunday brunch once in a blue moon.

Were we “best-friends” or simply show-off brunch buddies every five months?

But this is not about my host or our personal relationship. Our interactions only acted as the door that led me something great:

I was slowly starting to realize that I had changed as well.  I had become peppy, overly optimistic, incredibly sensitive and passionate about everything I believed to be right (I don’t use those last adjectives lightly. It has taken me a long time to accept and embrace these characteristics).

As you can imagine, it is difficult to travel and avoid seeing a place through the eyes of your host.

And yet, I tried my best to push aside her negative views and learn about this country and myself, in a positive light.

And I saw it.

I saw the incredible endurance of a people and the possibility for change.

Within myself I found an inner strength to walk away from the pessimism that once allowed me to hide from the nitty gritty truth.

My twenty-something ass grew up in Cambodia.

Angkor Wat, one of the seven man-made travel wonders of the world, is a must-see if you find yourself in Cambodia.

If you are running on a budget but don’t feel like walking or taking a bike, the best way to visit Angkor Wat is via tuck tuck. For $15/day a tuck tuck driver will take you around the temples. If you hit it off, he may even take photos of you and give you a tour.

Visiting with a little extra money? Ask your hotel to set you up with an elephant, hot air balloon or go via helicopter.

To visit Angkor Wat you may purchase a day ticket for $20, three day (consecutive) pass for $40 and a three-day pass (valid for one week) for $60.

TIP: Frugal travelers, I would strongly advise purchasing a day-pass and just spend sunrise to sunset at Angkor Wat. Make sure to make a list of the temples that you would like to see most and cut out those you don’t care about. Though the temples are wonderful, they do become monotonous after a while so you won’t be missing out on much.

If Angkor Wat is on your list, I suggest you end the circuit with this famous temple in order to beat the crowds. In this manner, you will have the luxury of walking with fewer tourists.

If you happen to be traveling alone, a whole day at the temples without talking to anyone can be difficult. I found that listening to my iPod while examining the architecture was a serene way to focus my attention. It also gave me space to think and reflect on my experiences in Cambodia.