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Published on 06/26/1995 All articles from this issue

Adventurers offer tips on readers' 'Quest' for travel on a budget

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By Bruce Barton / Town Crier Staff Writer

Grant Shearer and Dave Hirschbein are both 23, but they've already explored more than 50 countries collectively. That's saying something, especially considering both have been college students on a budget.

Shearer and Hirschbein, both living in Los Altos, share their discount travel tips in a 200-page book titled, "Quest," which they claim is "the ultimate source book for next to nothing adventure travel." Shearer and Hirschbein will hold a book signing 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Heintzelman's Bookstore, 205 State St., in Los Altos.

The two recent Chico State University graduates, stricken with wanderlust in their early years, began traveling around the world - together and by themselves - two years ago.

"The amount of information we've gathered about traveling is just amazing," Shearer said. From talking with fellow travelers and extensive reading, the two picked up a truckload of budgetary advice. They found themselves giving out that advice to their friends, prompting the idea for the book.

For instance, Shearer boasts he traveled on a round-trip flight to Japan for $200. He said major discounts on flights can be had by carrying baggage coupons for courier companies.

"Unlike most travel books, ours shows how you can get to these countries," Hirschbein said. Shearer said travelers can "live like a king with American dollars" in places like India, Egypt and the Eastern European countries. Hirschbein recalled spending $25 on dinner for eight at a five-star restaurant in India.

He said another important aspect of "Quest" is inspiring readers to travel in the first place. "We want to excite the reader about traveling first," he said. "We bring a lot of spiritualism in it (the book)."

"Imagine riding a camel in the dessert in Egypt and climbing to the top of a pyramid in the moonlight," Shearer said.

The two authors see no end to their perennial traveling.

"Everything's so new (traveling in other countries)," Shearer said. "It's like nothing you experience here."

Besides Heintzelman's Bookstore, "Quest" can be ordered through Atlas Publications, 675 Rivera Drive, in Los Altos 94024, or by calling 964-7892.