Travel Tips with Phill Michael: An Introduction
15 Aug, 09 - 12:22

Steve Siglin hooks up with Phill Michael in Irvine, California in June 2009
I had the privilege to meet up with travel expert Phill Michael on his latest trip to California this past June. I was excited to meet the man who has created and personally led some of the most intimate, remote, and successful trips in the outdoor community. He has ushered in a new era of travel adventure by reminding us the value of a personal cultural connection. He shares his knowledge of the outdoor world with people creating individual connections and experiences. Phill Michael is always in search of the ultimate Secret Spot.
With his 25 years of expertise in the outdoors world, Phill helped me understand these 5 easy tips for planning your next travel adventure.

Ang Dawa Sherpa, Phill Michael, Caroline Ang and Dana Engler on Mera Glacier in October 2008
1. Get A Travel Guide
It is crucial for you to have an expert guide who is familiar with your destination. Your travel adventure guide will have local knowledge of political activities and weather patterns around the area that will allow you to navigate easily through the land. Plus their understanding of the local culture could provide you with many unique opportunities to connect with the native people and truly see the lifestyles through their eyes. Having a travel guide is the only way to go if you want to maximize your travel adventure experience.

Phill on top of St Nick's Peak in the Canadian Rockies in the early 1990's
2. Go Somewhere Remote
Have you ever been to the Grand Canyon? What about the Golden Gate Bridge or Times Square? Spots frequented by many may be easy, but provide an impersonal experience that may leave you feeling unsatisfied. When you challenge yourself to finding a destination which is more personal and secluded, your travel adventure will take unpredictable turns giving you an experience much more desirable and unique.

Phill using the Hughes 9201 in Nagarkot Nepal in October 2008
3. Give Yourself Time To Plan
It's all about the proven phrase, "Failing to plan is planning to fail". From the logistics of your trip, down to the clothing you wear, organizing your travel adventure correctly will help ensure your comfort and safety. Planning in advance will help save you money and loads of unnecessary frustration. It is important to understand the who's, what's, where's, when's, and how's of your trip. This preliminary action will ensure that you are spending more of your time exploring, making better use of your time and money. Your travel guide is your best asset for effective preparation.

Phill Michael rips up deep powder at Island Lake Lodge in March 2003
4. Be Well Equipped
Safety is key when you are in an unfamiliar location or situation. Your equipment could be the difference between success and failure. It is always smart to shop around for a good price, but remember it is vital that your equipment is functional and reliable. Know where you are going and know how long it is going to take. Over packing can be just as problematic as not packing enough. So make sure you have only the essentials when equipping yourself for your next travel adventure.

Alex Mondau, Ang Dawa Sherpa, Chris Stanko and Phill Michael
5. Know What Your Paying For
In your excitement to find your next Secret Spot, please be cautious of hidden fees and unforeseen "expenses". Some travel agencies will give you an appealing low price, but tack on a bunch of fees in the small print, or omit important expenses (ie food, transportation, or shelter). If details of your trip are unclear, then do more research! You want you know exactly where your money is going to ensure a travel adventure of the upmost satisfaction.
Conclusion:
The next time you are planning your next travel adventure, make sure you remember Phill Michael's tips...NOW GO OUT AND EXPLORE THE WORLD!
Until the future.
Steve
Steve Siglin
Social Networking
SecretSpot.NET
PhillMichael.COM
Steve Siglin hooks up with Phill Michael in Irvine, California in June 2009
I had the privilege to meet up with travel expert Phill Michael on his latest trip to California this past June. I was excited to meet the man who has created and personally led some of the most intimate, remote, and successful trips in the outdoor community. He has ushered in a new era of travel adventure by reminding us the value of a personal cultural connection. He shares his knowledge of the outdoor world with people creating individual connections and experiences. Phill Michael is always in search of the ultimate Secret Spot.
With his 25 years of expertise in the outdoors world, Phill helped me understand these 5 easy tips for planning your next travel adventure.

Ang Dawa Sherpa, Phill Michael, Caroline Ang and Dana Engler on Mera Glacier in October 2008
1. Get A Travel Guide
It is crucial for you to have an expert guide who is familiar with your destination. Your travel adventure guide will have local knowledge of political activities and weather patterns around the area that will allow you to navigate easily through the land. Plus their understanding of the local culture could provide you with many unique opportunities to connect with the native people and truly see the lifestyles through their eyes. Having a travel guide is the only way to go if you want to maximize your travel adventure experience.

Phill on top of St Nick's Peak in the Canadian Rockies in the early 1990's
2. Go Somewhere Remote
Have you ever been to the Grand Canyon? What about the Golden Gate Bridge or Times Square? Spots frequented by many may be easy, but provide an impersonal experience that may leave you feeling unsatisfied. When you challenge yourself to finding a destination which is more personal and secluded, your travel adventure will take unpredictable turns giving you an experience much more desirable and unique.

Phill using the Hughes 9201 in Nagarkot Nepal in October 2008
3. Give Yourself Time To Plan
It's all about the proven phrase, "Failing to plan is planning to fail". From the logistics of your trip, down to the clothing you wear, organizing your travel adventure correctly will help ensure your comfort and safety. Planning in advance will help save you money and loads of unnecessary frustration. It is important to understand the who's, what's, where's, when's, and how's of your trip. This preliminary action will ensure that you are spending more of your time exploring, making better use of your time and money. Your travel guide is your best asset for effective preparation.

Phill Michael rips up deep powder at Island Lake Lodge in March 2003
4. Be Well Equipped
Safety is key when you are in an unfamiliar location or situation. Your equipment could be the difference between success and failure. It is always smart to shop around for a good price, but remember it is vital that your equipment is functional and reliable. Know where you are going and know how long it is going to take. Over packing can be just as problematic as not packing enough. So make sure you have only the essentials when equipping yourself for your next travel adventure.

Alex Mondau, Ang Dawa Sherpa, Chris Stanko and Phill Michael
5. Know What Your Paying For
In your excitement to find your next Secret Spot, please be cautious of hidden fees and unforeseen "expenses". Some travel agencies will give you an appealing low price, but tack on a bunch of fees in the small print, or omit important expenses (ie food, transportation, or shelter). If details of your trip are unclear, then do more research! You want you know exactly where your money is going to ensure a travel adventure of the upmost satisfaction.
Conclusion:
The next time you are planning your next travel adventure, make sure you remember Phill Michael's tips...NOW GO OUT AND EXPLORE THE WORLD!
Until the future.
Steve
Steve Siglin
Social Networking
SecretSpot.NET
PhillMichael.COM











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