All posts by Drew Meyers

Drew Meyers is the co-founder of Horizon & Oh Hey World. He worked for Zillow from September of 2005 to January of 2010 on the marketing team managing Zillow’s API program and various online partnerships. Founder of Geek Estate Blog, a multi-author blog focused on real estate technology for real estate professionals, and myKRO.org, a blog devoted to exploring the world of microfinance. As passionate as you get about travel.

What’s My Favorite Place I’ve Visited?

Being known as a traveler has its pluses and minuses. One of the minuses in my mind is that I have to answer the dreaded question everyone seems to ask. For those travel addicts like me, you know the one I’m talking about –“what’s your favorite place?” That’s like asking “what’s your favorite place you’ve worked” to someone that has had 25 different jobs over the course of their life — sure, there are some favorites that end up near the top of the list, but it’s not an easy numbered list that can be given without a lengthy explanation; it requires time to explain how they were different. Travel destinations are no different — they are vastly different cultural experiences that satisfy different needs. How do you possibly compare rural Ghana to New York City? The beaches of the Dominican Republic to the skyscrapers of Hong Kong? The rivers of Cambodia to Rome? You can’t.

It seems like I’ve answered this question hundreds of times already, but wanted to clarify so that the next time someone asks, I can send them a link to a blog post.

  1. Santorini, Greece – Those of you that know me know I love Santorini. The summer of 2010 was the best summer I’ve ever had. The island has a way of sucking you in and making you never want to leave. Once you visit, you’ll understand what I’m talking about. It’s actually surprisingly affordable to backpack Santorini (and particularly if you rent an apartment long term).
  2. Cinque Terre, Italy – unbelievably gorgeous and tranquil. Hiking all 5 cities in one day was quite the workout, but well worth it for those in a rush to get to Rome (if going south) or Monaco (if going North).
  3. Interlaken, Switzerland – probably the most gorgeous city I’ve ever seen. Towering mountains surrounding the city, and an amazing backpacker destination right in the center of Switzerland.
  4. Cambodia – The people there genuinely cared about me as an individual, whereas in Thailand and Vietnam, people were helpful and kind but seemed to just be after my money. An amazing rich cultural country with a war torn history that should be high on your list.
  5. Kenya – I’ve posted my thoughts on Kenya already, so read those. In short, it’s just an amazing country with an unbelievably kind local population. My first real visit to Africa was an amazing experience.

My list has changed slightly since I wrote this post in July of 2010 — Barcelona and Hong Kong have been axed from my top five as a result of spending more time in Santorini and backpacking Kenya for a month.

What are your favorite destinations?

Drew Meyers

Drew Meyers is the co-founder of Horizon & Oh Hey World. He worked for Zillow from September of 2005 to January of 2010 on the marketing team managing Zillow’s API program and various online partnerships. Founder of Geek Estate Blog, a multi-author blog focused on real estate technology for real estate professionals, and myKRO.org, a blog devoted to exploring the world of microfinance. As passionate as you get about travel.

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Naples – Good or Bad?

I feel like Naples has a constant stigma of being a mafia safe-haven and unfriendly destination to visit. But, as with everything else, there are two sides to every story — I just read a post written by Jessica Spiegel on Twenty-Something Travel about Naples that gives the positive side of the city.

During my first trip abroad back in 2005 following graduating from University of Washington, my buddy and I were in Naples for 2 nights and 3 days on our way over to Greece from Rome. What do I remember about that city?

  • Motorcycle drivers are insane – I remember walking through narrow streets and seeing motorcycles speeding through intersections at close to 40 miles an hour. If a person had mistakenly walked across one of those intersections? They’d be plowed over without any regard. How drivers survive on a daily basis driving at those speeds through crowded, narrow streets is beyond me.
  • Guards with guns – when walking downtown and visiting the main mall, there were guards with machine guns on the streets outside. At the ripe age of 22, I have to admit it was a little intimidating.
  • Se7en – I had never seen this movie until we watch it at our hostel in Naples; I didn’t sleep well that night.
  • Capri – a short boat trip from Capri, totally worth the day trip. We tried to do a boat tour around the island, but missed it — TWICE. We were bummed, but we had a train to catch to Brindisi to catch a long overnight ferry to Patros.

All in all? I thought the city was worth visiting, but wasn’t even close to my favorite spot in Italy having just came from Rome and Cinque Terre. I’m sure the city has changed in the 6 years since I’ve been there, so maybe it’s a little more friendly.

Drew Meyers

Drew Meyers is the co-founder of Horizon & Oh Hey World. He worked for Zillow from September of 2005 to January of 2010 on the marketing team managing Zillow’s API program and various online partnerships. Founder of Geek Estate Blog, a multi-author blog focused on real estate technology for real estate professionals, and myKRO.org, a blog devoted to exploring the world of microfinance. As passionate as you get about travel.

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Cheap Flights from Detroit to Miami

Delta is currently running a special right now for flights from Detroit to Miami — only $99 one way with the purchase of a round trip ticket.

PURCHASE BY: August 13, 2011
TRAVEL PERIOD: Outbound travel is permitted on Saturday August 13, 2011 only. Inbound travel is permitted on Monday August 15, 2011 and Tuesday August 16, 2011 only.
ADVANCE PURCHASE & MINIMUM/MAXIMUM STAY: None; Minimum stay is return on the first Monday after departure; maximum stay is return on the first Tuesday after departure
BLACKOUT DATES: None
OTHER RULES: Tickets are available for purchase at delta.com. Fares are valid in the Economy cabin on Delta/Delta Connection carrier and certain codeshare partner flights only.
More information on fares and restrictions.

Drew Meyers

Drew Meyers is the co-founder of Horizon & Oh Hey World. He worked for Zillow from September of 2005 to January of 2010 on the marketing team managing Zillow’s API program and various online partnerships. Founder of Geek Estate Blog, a multi-author blog focused on real estate technology for real estate professionals, and myKRO.org, a blog devoted to exploring the world of microfinance. As passionate as you get about travel.

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Saint Thomas, Tropical Storm Emily, and Travel Plans

As some of you may know, I’ve been living in Saint Thomas for the last five weeks to get a break from Seattle. That time is rapidly coming to an end, as I’m scheduled to fly back to Seattle this coming Wednesday (only 2 days left!). However, we’ll see if “Emily” turns into an actual tropical storm or hurricane and changes that departure date. My friends and I were planning to spend the day on Saint John snorkeling tomorrow, but Emily may put a damper on that. More on Emily here and here.

I’ll keep you posted as to whether I make it off this rock on schedule.

Drew Meyers

Drew Meyers is the co-founder of Horizon & Oh Hey World. He worked for Zillow from September of 2005 to January of 2010 on the marketing team managing Zillow’s API program and various online partnerships. Founder of Geek Estate Blog, a multi-author blog focused on real estate technology for real estate professionals, and myKRO.org, a blog devoted to exploring the world of microfinance. As passionate as you get about travel.

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Life is a Game, Football is Life – Trailer

Football, also known as soccer to us Americans, is a sport that transcends borders. Whether you are in Ghana, Greece, Kenya, Brazil, or anywhere in between — if there is a major English Premiere league game on (or certainly a World Cup game), you can bet you’ll find a group of locals watching the game somewhere nearby. You can also bet that you can find a group of kids kicking a ball around a ragged field on any given day somewhere nearby as well. You’ve probably heard the saying that “life is a game”, but football is life for many — and all you need is a ball.

Life is a Game, Football is Life (Trailer) from FLEX P. on Vimeo.

Football truly is “life” for many around the globe. I’m looking forward to seeing this film.

[via GoBackpacking]

Drew Meyers

Drew Meyers is the co-founder of Horizon & Oh Hey World. He worked for Zillow from September of 2005 to January of 2010 on the marketing team managing Zillow’s API program and various online partnerships. Founder of Geek Estate Blog, a multi-author blog focused on real estate technology for real estate professionals, and myKRO.org, a blog devoted to exploring the world of microfinance. As passionate as you get about travel.

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What You Do NOT Need to Live A Summer in Saint Thomas, USVI

I just spent 5 weeks in Saint Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, and here are some of the supplies you don’t really need to spend a summer here (ie the items that haven’t been touched):

  • tennis shows (though you’ll want these if you plan on hiking)
  • jeans
  • rain jacket (you might want this if you plan to bike or run regularly, but the showers are so short that you don’t really need it)
  • button up dress shirt
  • fleece

What do you need?

Nice flip flops, shorts, tshirts, and a swim suit. That’s about it.

 

Drew Meyers

Drew Meyers is the co-founder of Horizon & Oh Hey World. He worked for Zillow from September of 2005 to January of 2010 on the marketing team managing Zillow’s API program and various online partnerships. Founder of Geek Estate Blog, a multi-author blog focused on real estate technology for real estate professionals, and myKRO.org, a blog devoted to exploring the world of microfinance. As passionate as you get about travel.

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Cheap Flights from Philly, Boston, Manchester and Providence

Are you looking to fly between Philadelphia, Boston, Manchester, or Providence in the next month? If so, this week is your lucky week — since Southwest Airlines is offering one way tickets for as low as $39. That’s quite a steal if you ask me; I didn’t think you could fly anywhere for less than $50 unless with the exception of RyanAir flights over in Europe. You need to book your flight by August 8 — you have 8 days left.

Further details about the Philly-Boston-Manchester-Providence special:

  • Fares do not include airport-assessed passenger facility charges (PFC) of up to $9 and government-imposed September 11th Security Fee of up to $5 one-way.
  • 21-day advance purchase required.
  • Purchase by August 8, 2011, 11:59 pm Pacific Time.
  • Travel through August 25, 2011.
  • Travel valid every day except Fridays & Sundays.

More details here.

Drew Meyers

Drew Meyers is the co-founder of Horizon & Oh Hey World. He worked for Zillow from September of 2005 to January of 2010 on the marketing team managing Zillow’s API program and various online partnerships. Founder of Geek Estate Blog, a multi-author blog focused on real estate technology for real estate professionals, and myKRO.org, a blog devoted to exploring the world of microfinance. As passionate as you get about travel.

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Cheap Flights from Denver to Vegas – Special Southwest Airlines Offer

Southwest Airlines is currently offering a one way fare from Denver to Las Vegas for $59. You just have to purchase by midnight PST August 1st — your time’s-a-tick-in.

Further Denver to Las Vegas fare details:

Fares do not include airport-assessed passenger facility charges (PFC) of up to $9 and government-imposed September 11th Security Fee of up to $5 one-way.
Purchase by August 1, 2011, 11:59 pm Pacific Time.
Travel August 23 through December 14, 2011.
Blackout Dates Apply: September 1 – September 5 and November 17 – November 29, 2011
Travel valid every day except Fridays & Sundays.

Head over to Southwest Airlines for further information.

Drew Meyers

Drew Meyers is the co-founder of Horizon & Oh Hey World. He worked for Zillow from September of 2005 to January of 2010 on the marketing team managing Zillow’s API program and various online partnerships. Founder of Geek Estate Blog, a multi-author blog focused on real estate technology for real estate professionals, and myKRO.org, a blog devoted to exploring the world of microfinance. As passionate as you get about travel.

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Traveling by Ferry from Saint Thomas to Saint John


The trip from Saint Thomas to Saint John is a really quick 20 minute ferry ride and costs $12 round trip. It runs from the marine terminal at Red Hook every hour — you can also take a Ferry from Charlotte Amalie to Red Hook if you want to do the whole trip via ferry from Charlotte Amalie. You’ll be dropped off at the dock at Cruz Bay in Saint John, where you can explore the town or rent a car to explore the rest of the island. Something I haven’t done the two times I’ve taken the trip so far, but plan to do this coming week on my 3rd trip.

The last ferry running from Saint John to Saint Thomas leaves Cruz Bay at 11 PM — so don’t drink too much and miss it unless you want to spend the night on Saint John. Side note — even though you can drink pretty much everywhere else in the US Virgin Islands (including in the car), you can’t drink on the ferry. I tried, and got scolded.

Drew Meyers

Drew Meyers is the co-founder of Horizon & Oh Hey World. He worked for Zillow from September of 2005 to January of 2010 on the marketing team managing Zillow’s API program and various online partnerships. Founder of Geek Estate Blog, a multi-author blog focused on real estate technology for real estate professionals, and myKRO.org, a blog devoted to exploring the world of microfinance. As passionate as you get about travel.

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Saint John Carnival 4th of July Celebration 2011

I think I made it Saint John for the first time on the absolute best day to be there all year — the 4th of July for the last day of Carnival.

Here are a few photos to give you a flavor of what we experienced:

Drew Meyers

Drew Meyers is the co-founder of Horizon & Oh Hey World. He worked for Zillow from September of 2005 to January of 2010 on the marketing team managing Zillow’s API program and various online partnerships. Founder of Geek Estate Blog, a multi-author blog focused on real estate technology for real estate professionals, and myKRO.org, a blog devoted to exploring the world of microfinance. As passionate as you get about travel.

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