Travel tips from WorldNomads.com and friends !

A Fistful of Rupees: Coping with Begging on Third World Trails

travel-tips — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:42:00 GMT

Thanks so much to Jeff Greenwald from Ethical Traveler for this guest post.

Several years ago, on a solo trek in northern India, I was joined by an eight-year-old boy wearing a tattered red vest. He startled me with a phrase in perfect English:

"Excuse me, sir, but what is your hobby?"

Startled, I stammered a brief but no doubt incomprehensible reply about astrophotography. The lad took my gibberish in stride.

"Very good," he recited handily. "Mine is coin collecting. I collect coins of every country. Please, sir, you will give me a coin of your country. Any coin of your country. I want a coin of your country. You will give it to me NOW...."

This ingenious gambit was but a new angle on what has become one of the most common and frustrating dilemmas faced by travelers. Children (of all ages) in India, Nepal and Tibet — as well as Africa and the Americas — have come to see begging as a lucrative and entertaining form of trick-or-treat. Nor are their demands limited to cash. Returning tourists tell of being hounded for color film, batteries, even Motrin. Young porters in Nepal's Helambu region have been caught soliciting AA batteries for their Sony Walkmans; it's only a matter of time before trekkers into that ethereal realm are assailed by schoolchildren beggaring phone cards, MP3 diskettes and Nintendo cartridges.

(In Hindu and Buddhist cultures, of course, begging for alms is a well-established custom. It supports pilgrims and monks while giving lay persons an opportunity to practice generosity. Such spiritual mendicants, however, are easily distinguished from four-year-old urchins who cling to your shins and allow themselves to be dragged along for three miles.)

There's a kind of chicken-and-egg question about begging and giving on Third World trails. Which came first? Some people argue that impoverished locals, confronted by invading hordes of affluent tourists, were the first offenders. This makes little sense. People are unlikely to demand something they have never received before — and expectations of winning coins, candies or "school pens" from transient strangers were not conjured up by children in remote villages.

The problem started, more likely, with the first tourists and trekkers to visit these hamlets. Surrounded by raggedy children, and lacking any other means of explaining themselves, they began doling out money and sweets. Such behavior turns kids into beggars faster than you can say "one rupee" — as future travelers to those regions soon discovered. Even a used Bic is a rich prize to a kid whose parents make forty cents a day. In no time at all, anyone wearing rip-stop nylon became a potential mark.

* * *

Generosity isn't a habit we want to be cured of. Despite our sometimes better judgment, we will give things away. The trick, of course, is to do it without promoting greed or tooth-decay. It isn't difficult. With a bit of imagination and planning, gift-giving can be one of the most pleasurable parts of a trip — and a great way to forge connections with local children and families.

The first thing to remember while packing for a trip is that generosity doesn't have to mean giving away things. Sharing a bit of yourself, opening a window into your own world, is a good place to begin. During my years as a travel writer I've learned that people around the globe, from Bali to Belgium, have one thing in common: they all want to know about my family, and see what my home looks like.

For the oddest thing about westerners — from the Thai or Malian point of view — is that we tend to travel alone. Our apparent solitude is incomprehensible to people who have lived in one village, within an extended family, for generations. The quickest way to break the ice is to pack along some family snapshots, and a few dozen postcards of your home town. Such evidence places you in the world as a legitimate resident and creates a foundation for dialogue and friendship.

Dealing with children is not much different. They, too, are acting out of a natural curiosity: a desire to make contact with the bizarre-looking aliens tromping through their villages. Begging is a simple form of communication, and the possibility of a reward makes it all the more fun. But what these kids really want (like kids everywhere) is to be entertained. If you know how to juggle, do string figures or play the harmonica, you've got it made. If not, a few simple props will do. Cornered by a troupe of 10-year-old beggars in Delhi, I pulled out a small, inflatable world globe. What started as a feeding frenzy quickly became a geography lesson. The kids immediately began matching bits of news they'd heard on the radio — about Russia, Japan and the U.S. — to the appropriate countries, and argued heatedly about why India was pink and Pakistan blue.

A plastic magnifying glass, strong enough to burn holes in a dry leaf, seems miraculous to kids seeing it for the first time (but don't leave it behind; especially in a village of grass huts). Any toy store, or an outfit like the Nature Company, can supply you with cheap but astounding objects like gyroscopes, holograms and magnets. When I stop for a lunch break — and find myself surrounded by a bunch of kids with outstretched palms — I'll hand out colored pencils, and let them draw in my sketchpad. It's great fun, and their uninhibited sketches of mountains, flowers and beefy tourists in blimp-like parkas are among my most prized souvenirs.

Though I demonstrate things like kaleidoscopes and prisms, I rarely give them away. The kids don't mind; their natural appetite for engagement has been satisfied. Sometimes, though, at an unusually hospitable lodge, I'll befriend the owners and want to offer a token gift to them and/or their children. For these situations, I offer two rules of thumb.

First, and most importantly, NEVER give gifts directly to children. Give the present to a parent (or an older sibling) and let them make the actual presentation. Such a gesture is a sign of respect, and reinforces the endangered notion that family members — rather than wealthy tourists — are the ones to turn to for gifts and rewards.

Second, it's unwise and irresponsible to give away money or candy (unless you're planning a follow-up visit with a dentist). There are other gifts more genuinely expressive of one's personality. Picture postcards, mentioned before, are light and cheap, but are always cherished — and displayed — by the people who receive them. Ball-point pens, folding pen-knives or 'disposable' lighters (they're refilled all over the Third World) are also appreciated. Don't get too exotic; a travel companion once gave a Moroccan woman a little green flashlight, and she chucked it into her stew.

Kids are easier. I recommend balloons, tops (stock up on those little Hanukkah dreidels before your trip), magnifying lenses, prisms, little rubber dinosaurs or those cool hologram stickers sold in card stores. These are fun and educational presents that kids can share, and that might help them unlock a few secrets of the universe to boot.

* * *

There is another, very different kind of begging, much more poignant and disturbing than requests for bon-bons or coins. Quite often — especially along major trekking routes — children and adults appeal to the traveler for basic medical supplies. First-aid items like aspirin, antibiotics or iodine are hard to refuse, especially when the person making the request substantiates their claim by clutching their head, doubling over or displaying a gaping wound.

It's a tough call. But playing doctor can sometimes backfire, with terrible results. What if the child is allergic to penicillin? What if blind faith in a temporary treatment (applying iodine, for example) keeps a villager from seeking further care?

My sense is that it's best to help however one can — short of dispensing drugs. I won't leap to the aid of anyone with a bruised elbow, but if a situation looks threatening I usually try to deal with it. In a few cases I've found out where the nearest health post was and given a relative (or local porter) enough money to take the sick or injured person there. This kind of behavior risks casting westerners as cure-all philanthropists, but watching people suffer isn't much of an alternative. Again, there's nothing inherently wrong with giving; problems arise when people give compulsively, without regard for the consequences.

Although I've portrayed myself as something of a saint, let it be known that I've left the imprint of my Vibram sole in more than one kid's rear end (the Indian coin-wallah being a prime example). I've also denied help to people who probably had legitimate claims on my good will. What to do? The issue is confusing, and every encounter is different.

As with so many other situations, though, a little mindfulness goes a long way. Before I give away anything to anyone, anywhere, I find it useful to ask myself a few questions. Will what I'm doing improve this person's life, or degrade it? Will it promote greed and dependency, or foster some small degree of autonomy? And finally: how will fellow travelers to this place — tomorrow, next month or ten years from now — be affected by my actions? For unless we can find a way to stop the cycle, what is now an irritating habit will become, for many Third World residents and their children, a way of life.

This frightening prospect became vividly clear to me two years ago, after I'd dragged an unusually persistent Limbu brat — affixed like a leech to my leg — all the way to his packed-earth house on Nepal's Naudanda Ridge. I deposited him on his doorstep, rapped on the door and began lecturing his mother. My name, I told her, is not "One Rupee"; she might try teaching her kid some manners.

She gave me an apologetic look, and extended her hand.

"One rupee," she demanded.

Thanks so much to Jeff Greenwald from Ethical Traveler for this guest post. Ethical Traveler is full of great stories about empowering travelers to change the world. Read more...

The World of Spanish

travel-tips — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:41:00 GMT

One two, miss a few, ninety-nine, trescientos millones. That’s the number of people who hable Spanish: Three hundred million, almost five percent of the world population. While the suits are battling Mandarin, travellers of every strain are turning in droves to the allure of the Spanish (or Castilian) lingo.

Bueno for them. My first attempt was far from poetic. I was crammed into a Barcelona bar watching England prepare for a penalty shootout against Euro 2004 hosts, Portugal. My pint was empty and panic was setting in. The barman caught my gaze for what must have been a millisecond, and the crowd went quiet. “Uno pint of lager por favor!” Moments later he handed me a beer; the one that would eventually console me following England’s defeat.

Does One Speak Spanish?

Learning Spanish has equally great rewards for travellers. Just look at the roll call of Spanish speaking countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia*, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador*, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Guatemala, Honduras*, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Spain, Uruguay, and Venezuela*. It’s like the who’s who of backpacking. It’s the Westside Story’s Sharks to the Jets. A set of dark silk, draped across some of the raunchiest destinations on earth.

This month your favourite travel community, World Nomads has brought you the Spanish Language Guide and Spanish Language Guide PLUS. With muchos, muchos phrases they’re incredibly useful — my only criticism is that if you pull out your iPhone or iPod Touch to tell a Bolivian farmer that you “have a cold” (tengo un resfriado), he’s likely to be rendered speechless by its otherworldliness compared to his disobedient alpaca. If you’re looking for somewhere to test it out, I know at least one Shark that is vying for your pesos.

An Amazing Year for Argentina

Travellers in Argentina have a lot to look forward to in 2010, so ‘don’t cry’ for them (come on, I had to get it in somewhere). In sport, the Argie’s have narrowly qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa and will be full of beautiful aggression throughout the month long tournament which kicks off on June 11th 2010. It’s a little known fact that the Argentinean men’s basketball team is ranked number one in the world, and with the FIBA World Championship being held in Turkey at the end of August, you can be sure of some roaring home support.

If ball sports aren’t your thing, turn your lugholes to the 2010 Dakar Rally which takes place across Argentina and Chile, leaving Buenos Aires on January 2nd the competitors will hurl themselves full throttle towards the dunes of the Atacama Desert, before returning their bedraggled bodies to the capital two weeks later.

If you’re more of a culture vulture, you’re in luck; Argentina is celebrating it’s 200th anniversary of independence from Spain on May 25th, with events springing up across the country. If that’s got you fired up, stick around for the 2010 Tango World Championship in August where hundreds of couples pick up the pace — and if you’re not quite up to scratch, just slope into any of Buenos Aires milongas and wind down with an Argentine milongueros as you help reclaim their heritage. Did I mention Argentina is also the best place in the world for a steak?

Where to Learn Spanish

Just being in Argentina — or any of the twenty-one Spanish speaking countries — will bring out the español in you, however if you’re wondering where else to turn to learn the lingo, you’re not short of options. Not only is Spanish one of the most widely spoken languages, it’s also one of the most popular to learn so there’s a wealth of material on offer. I took night classes for a year while working full time in the UK. Although the content was relevant, I found you have to be prepared to do your homework — literally. I didn’t have the energy to drive straight from the office to the classroom, and my brain didn’t have the willpower to make it stick.

These days, I’d be more inclined to load up my MP3 player with one of the multitude of polite sounding e-teachers. Also, I’d check the local community sites and forums. Many Spanish speakers would love to learn your language, so drop them a line and buddy up. If you’re watching Pulp Fiction for the umpteenth time, turn on the Spanish subtitles or better still watch it in its original language; Una Palabra Tuya (One Word from You), El laberinto del fauno (Pan's Labyrinth), Y tu mamá también (And Your Mother Too) and Diarios de motocicleta (The Motorcycle Diaries) are just a few of the superb Spanish language films available. Perhaps you know some more?

Why Should You Learn Spanish?

The benefits of learning Spanish are numerous. You’ll open doors at every level; on a professional level you’ll give yourself a potentially vital edge in many industries. On a social level, not only will speaking Spanish enhance your time in the Spanish quarters but it will open up a whole new world back in your hometown.

The former Spanish colonies are rich in creative history. Famous for late nights, light feet and aromatic romance. The ability to converse in the origin language of everything from the tango and salsa to tapas and mojitos will gift you a channel to the Hispanics of old.

Whichever way you choose to absorb a little Spanish, never lose sight of the reasons you’re doing it. While you’ll be unleashing a cultural rush, it’s one you’ll never be able to contain, or conquer. Buena suerte!

*Some of these Sharks should be approached with caution.

Learn the local lingo

For those of you wishing to learn some Spanish lingo, WorldNomads.com has created a number of language guides to help you.

You can learn the basics through our Spanish language guide, available in MP3 and iPhone app format, or upgrade to our Spanish Language Guide PLUS iPhone application with over 500+ phrases plus audio lesson for less than a cup of coffee !

Written by the footloose Englishman, Ant; World Nomads very own guest blogger and the solo scribe of the charismatic travel blog Trail of Ants.com. Ant's currently drenching a thirst for travel during his third year of dragging a smudged and odorous backpack around the world. You can occasionally track Ant down via his Twitter feed.

Argentina: A Vegetarian’s Dilemma or Delight?

travel-tips — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:36:00 GMT

Argentina - known the world over for its tango dancers, vibrant culture, and well - really, really good beef. And, let’s be honest, as a vegetarian, while the famous meat may not be so enticing, the country still absolutely is. So, what’s a veggie traveller in Argentina to do??? Fast? Pack a suitcase full of energy bars? Stick to a strict liquid diet of Malbec wine?

Well, while the wine option doesn’t sound too bad, you’ll still have to fill your stomach with something first if you’re going to make it through that tango lesson. So, we’ve done a little research to see how vegetarian travellers have managed in a country where meat takes center stage.

Chow down in the capital.

Buenos Aires easily caters to the meat-free population. Vegetarian, vegan and even raw food restaurants and cafes are beginning to have a trendy presence around the city, enabling vegetarians to chow down and offering an optional reprieve from nightly steaks for their carnivorous friends.

“My meat-eating husband was in heaven and ate more meat than I thought was healthy for someone who lives mainly on an enforced vegetarian diet. I was very pleasantly surprised by the food selection. In the major cities and tourist places large restaurants actually had a selection of vegetarian dishes (something you don’t always get in the UK).” – Clare Mercer, Lonely Planet UK

Check out this great veggie restaurant in Buenos Aires: BIO Restaurant

Explore the local markets.

Outside of Buenos Aires in some of the smaller towns, vegetarian friendly restaurants will be harder to find, as vegetarianism is still very much a foreign concept. Menu options may be more limited, but local fresh produce at the markets should make cooking an easy alternative.

“The quality of the produce, all grown in Argentina, was excellent, making for really tasty dishes and some of the South American ingredients, such as quinoa, were particularly veg-friendly. However, I eat fish and there were a few occasions in small restaurants in small towns/villages where trout was the only thing I could eat on the menu.” –Clare Mercer, Lonely Planet UK

Be specific.

Make sure you are clear about your dietary habits to you Argentinean friends and waiters. “no carne” in Spanish simply means “no beef”, not necessarily “no meat”, which just may land you a dish of chicken, pork or fish instead.

The Vegetarian’s Quick Spanish Reference Guide:

no carne = no beef
no pollo = no chicken
no pescado = no fish
no mariscos = no seafood
no jamón = no ham

Thank the Italians.

With the heavy Italian influence in Argentina, Italian cuisine is quite prevalent, and quite good. Pizzas and pasta dishes are readily available on menus, usually with good veg options. On the flip side, when the choices for vegetarians are frequently limited to pizza, pasta, cheese or empanadas, carbo-lovers rejoice while the rest scream for a fresh salad.

So, it must be asked - is Argentina a culinary dilemma or a delight for vegetarians? When choosing a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, you are reducing your options, no matter your country. When travelling, vegetarianism may prove to be tricky and may require a bit more effort - and clearly Argentina is no exception.

If you don’t plan to let go of your lifestyle and live like a local, a nice meal is not as easy as a glass of red wine and a steak, and may take some planning, research, and flexibility. However, maintaining a healthy veg lifestyle in Argentina is not impossible or, for that matter, difficult. With the availability of fresh produce and Italian cuisine and the growing presence of vegetarian-friendly restaurants, a vegetarian will not go hungry in the land of asado.

For a global listing of vegetarian options, check out Happy Cow , where you can sort between 100% vegetarian, vegan or vegetarian-friendly restaurants. It also lists health food stores, so great it’s great for sourcing vittles for a picnic or self-catering holiday.

Fancy a quick snack? Argentina is world-famous for its asado barbecues. Photo courtesy of Flickr.com, by [Alaskan Dude].

Are you a vegetarian on the road? Tell us about your culinary experience abroad or share your veg-friends travel tips.

Travel: The Winter Collection

travel-tips — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 01:50:00 GMT

When most people start planning their annual getaway, the last place they picture is a frozen cityscape with its streets devoid of solar-powered humdrum. However, if you slung Jack Frost his icepack, he’d skate a way through some of our planet’s most captivating cities. And perhaps Jack has a point.

Is there anything quite as refreshing as gulping icy air in a spot-coloured wonderland? Or anything quite as poetic as the percussion of chattery teeth, cracking through an honest winter silence?

Six Reasons to Travel to the Winter

Reports from my homeland confirm that the northern hemisphere is being frogmarched towards winter like a sulking child. While they’re languishing in the penultimate season, I’m reminded of the multitude of reasons I’d happily travel into the winter.

1. You need fewer clothes

A plump overcoat and a tangle of colourful wool covers whatever you’re wearing, plus there’s little chance of becoming stained with sweat.

2. It’s often cheaper to get there

This is especially true of inter-European flights — as winter falls, so do the prices.

3. It’s quieter

Naturally, most tourists choose to spiral a foreign spire during the summer months. Embrace the shhhhh.

4. It’s often cheaper to be there

Winter is typically the low season, so prices are lower and often more flexible than frozen.

5. You’ll get better photos

Snowflakes flirting with a frozen river. Steam rising from a bowl of sleepy noodles. Shots of winter’s ways have the edge over their summer equivalents.

6. You’ll feel energised

Winter has the ability to keep your internal battery running for longer — there’s no sweltering heat to drop you to your knees.

Six Superb Wintry Cities

When it comes to confirming your flights it’s simply mind over matter. Picture yourself there: chasing your breath through a Scottish close or reheating your fingers in a Siberian saloon. Perhaps this collection of win-terrific cities will warm you to the idea.

1. Seoul, South Korea

Seoul has no less than five palaces; including the highly rated 12^th century Changdeok-gung Palace, which is conveniently connected to fellow World Heritage site; the Jongmyo Shrine. In terms of tucker; warm up on Kimchi, a spicy pickled cabbage dish, which is so revered it even has its own museum; The Kimchi Museum.

Then there’s Korea’s other famous export — tae kwon do, literally translated as the art of hand and foot fighting and literally kick-ass. If you’re in search of snowfall, you’ll need to be in town from early December through to March.

2. Vilnius, Lithuania

One of the nippiest of the “New Prague” claimants, Vilnius becomes downright villainous in January, when average maximums of –5 degrees keep Lithuania’s capital in a permanent trance. Complete with an obligatory Old Town, grand Presidential Palace and the curious River Vilnia, Vilnius is ideally situated in one of Europe’s most interesting regions: the Baltic’s.

Vilnius is home to a young, lucid population. Stoic Lithuanian’s have emerged from the Soviet Union and armed themselves with an alluring creativity. Since Lithuania joined the EU crew, the bold economy has pumped the capital with big ideas, which has resulted in their current reign as 2009 European Capital of Culture. There’s a lot to take in this winter season, like the story of Three Crosses Hill and one of Europe’s most beautiful icons, St. Ann’s Church.

3. London, England

Ask any Englishperson what snow means to them, and they’ll look you straight in the mince pies and scowl ‘gridlock’. While it’s true that the traffic freezes with the turnips, it’s also true that this is a brilliant time to explore the capital’s labyrinthine laneways.

Capture the shiver of a chilled Beefeater; escape the snap in one of London’s fantastic — and mostly free — museums and galleries; weave a way through a market, and if you’re feel a cold sweat coming on, take a break in the Ice Bar and soak up the -5 degree atmosphere. Rise early in the Big Smoke, with fewer footsteps it’s a great time to absorb the essence of London before it heats up for another day of incredible hustle and bustle.

4. Oslo, Norway

Nestled in the southern quarter of Norway, Oslo attracts a mere six hours of quasi-daylight during the winter months. This famously festive capital is awash with winter fun. A stroll along Karl Johans gate will bring you to the foot of the enormous Norwegian Parliament, Stortinget. If art’s more your thing then don’t miss the brilliant Frogner Park, which in turn homes the awesome Vigeland Sculpture Park, which is pure magic when seen snuggled under a bright blanket of snow.

There are numerous noteworthy museums, including the Munch Museum, which houses The Scream — unless it’s been stolen (again), and no Norwegian winter is complete without the blazing spectacle of the aurora borealis (northern lights).

5. New York, USA

The Big Frozen Apple is the quintessential winter wonderland. The run up to Christmas sees thousands sway to the thrum of the iconic shopping districts. Grab yourself pastrami on rye from Katz’s and a coffee from the street, and then curl up on a cornerstone to inhale the city’s addictive spirit. Warm retreats can be found at any time of the day: rise early to visit the New Fulton Fish Market; spend the afternoon in the MoMA’s superb galleries; and finish the day at a show on Broadway.

Served by three airports, over 6300 subway trains, an armada of ferries, 12,000 taxis, 4372 public buses, hundreds of trains and dozens of horse-drawn carriages you’ll never be short of a ride. However, nothing beats a winter walk and if there’s one tip I can offer for NYC, it’s to look up. While the city continues to grow taller, there are hundreds of handsome buildings that are replete after just two-storeys.

6. Beijing, China

The Chinese don’t always get their snow as God intended. They’ve been known to toss a fistful of silver iodide into the air and whoosh; Beijing becomes doused in ironic purity. Beijing is on an Olympic comedown, yet don’t forget its magnificence is capable of withstanding even the mightiest commercial thaw.

The city’s doused in some of the richest history available. Tourists scuttle across Tiananmen Square, through the Forbidden City, up the steps of the Temple of Heaven and up and down the Great Wall. There are few better places to be this winter than huddled in one of Beijing’s resilient hutongs stabbing your dumplings with your chopsticks, cheered on by a dozen curious strangers.

Six Things To Pack This Winter

The fact that you need fewer clothes to enjoy the winter, shouldn’t overshadow the fact that what you pack is infinitely more important. Winter weather clothes are typically more expensive to accrue if you overlook an item, so take time to get it right. Layers are perfect, but don’t forget to cover your bonce and don’t scrimp on your duffel coat.

Photo courtesy of Flickr.com, by [Evil Erin].

1. Jacket

I bet you didn’t see this one coming. In the words of Shrek “Onions have layers. Ogres have layers”. Therefore, we travellers should have layers.

2. Fingerless Gloves

Controversial, huh! I much prefer the fingerless type, it means you can feel the snugness, but can still poke a Frenchman in the eye.

3. Reusable Plastic Bags

I’ll let you in on a secret, snow is actually water. Therefore, when it melts, it’s wet. Pack some plastic if you’re shifting around at pace.

4. Thermals

They’re no longer the off-white colour you caught your granddad wearing. Thermals are cool. And warm. And cool. And warm.

5. Thermos Flask

A Scotsman invented this: It’s often freezing in Scotland. Scottish people like to drink. Scottish people have red hair. Scottish people eat boiled offal. Convinced?

6. Language Guide

Your feet are wet from snow and your body is screaming for tea, but you’re in Korea and no one understands you. Make things simple with one of World Nomads’ straightforward language guides. Chop chop (절단 절단).

Six of the Hottest Hot Drinks

There’s nothing more rewarding than escaping the cold to a little-known haven and sipping on any of the following warm treats.

1. Mulled Wine

Spiced red wine found in various forms, but always dignified and served a welcoming warm

2. Hot Toddy

Take your favourite hot bevvy, and slosh liberally with Scotch. Or brandy. Or rum. Or blow your mind and leave out the hot bevvy. Sweeten to taste.

3. Sake

Japan’s most famous liquor is sake, and come winter the Japanese love nothing more than heating up the lower grade sake to make atsukan (hot sake). Even the cold stuff should warm you up.

4. Tea

There’s a world beyond the humble English breakfast tea. Take a look at what the locals are supping and you could discover a whole new brew.

5. Hot Chocolate

It’s hot, and it’s chocolate. Need I go on? Take it con churros for a heavenly winter treat

6. Irish Coffee

The old Caife Gaelach is a great way to chase your cornflakes, and will ensure you have a good craic the whole day.

So, you’re kitted out for a trip through the nip. While you’re there, take time to embrace the seasonal elements of winter — fearless icicles and cheerful chimneys, snugly duvet and hearty clay pots, and of course the trials and tribulations of our old friend, Jack Frost.

Let us know!

Wherever you’re heading, we’d love to hear your opinion on the world’s hottest season. Tell us your favourite wintry city, and uncover your favourite winter warmers.

The Roadtripper's Guide to Driving Australia Part 2: Tips for Driving Safely

travel-tips — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 02:47:00 GMT

Pete Burke, the owner and founder of Traveller's Auto Barn, shares his extensive knowledge and experience about driving in Australia and making the most of your roadtrip.

In part 2 of the road trip tip series, we will discuss road safety and what to avoid doing on the road. Kangaroos are a road hazard unique to Australia, and thus present a new challenge for foreign drivers, especially at night. I will also outline a few other things not to do, if you want to keep your vehicle upright, that is. So, road warriors, read on before you drive off.

Driving at night

When you live in outback areas, it is inevitable that at times you will need to drive at night. As a tourist (with all of your hard earned cash tied up in your car), if you find yourself driving at night, especially in an area where you see more dead kangaroos by the roadside than living - you’ve got to ask yourself: “Do I feel lucky today?” Well, do ya Punk?

If you hit a kangaroo at night, it is not called an accident, it is called LOSING. You rolled the dice, and you lost. How do you avoid hitting a kangaroo? It’s simple, really. DO NOT DRIVE AT NIGHT (this includes driving at dawn and dusk).

Note: You are also more prone to hitting a kangaroo on roads where the bush or scrub comes very close to the roadway and on overcast, dark, cloudy days.

Hitting a Kangaroo

Some boofheads, ahem, I mean drivers, believe that if you drive extra fast you will avoid the kangaroo, as by the time it hops, you will have passed. Others believe that if you tailgate a semi-trailer, its enormity will protect you from hitting a roo. I believe in Santa.

The whole country is not riddled with roving populations of roos, but the danger of hitting one exists on almost all rural, country and outback roads. Some places are more dangerous than others, but it really just depends upon the roo population in that area at the time. A good rule of thumb is that if you see a lot of dead kangaroos by the roadside, you probably should not be driving at night in that area.

Bull bars/roo bars will limit the damage and may save your life, but they do not provide some kind of magical force field. The damage will still be significant, and may be the end of the line for your car. Because you do not NEED to drive at night, you do not NEED a bull bar/roo bar. (However, they do look very cool on your car and if your car has a bull bar/roo bar at selling time, it will probably be the bull bar that makes the difference.)

How to Roll your Car (or Things to Avoid Doing on the Road)

Swerving to avoid hitting an animal
Swerving to avoid wedge tail eagles picking over a road kill carcass
Driving too fast (which may only be 40 km/h) on dirt roads
Many roads are only wide enough for one car. When a road train is coming the other way, you will be forced off the tarmac. If you do this at speed, you may lose control when one wheel hits the soft edges. Often when passing cars on outback roads, each car will put one wheel off the tarmac (again speed, soft verges and inexperience will result in you rolling your car).
Speeding
Looking down to adjust the radio, get a drink, SMS…

Coming soon…

That’s all for now, intrepid Aussie roadtrippers. In my next instalment, stay tuned my tips and tricks regarding driving dangers, road rules, and vehicle maintenance. See ya on the road!

The Roadtripper’s Guide to Driving Australia Part 1: Choosing Your Wheels

travel-tips — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 02:26:00 GMT

Pete Burke, the owner and founder of Traveller's Auto Barn, shares his extensive knowledge and experience about driving in Australia and making the most of your road trip.

There are a 1000 guidebooks dedicated to driving around Australia, but most, if not all, are written for people with big budgets who are planning an extended tour around Australia in a big expensive 4WD, or some kind of large motor home or RV.

However, this guide assumes that you are on a very limited budget, are a first time visitor to Australia, and may not even own a car in your home country. That being said, attempting to drive around Australia in an old Ford Falcon or some clapped out old campervan is definitely a challenge. So, I’ve provided a few pointers that may keep you (and your wallet) safe.

In this first installment of the roadtrip tip series, I will explore the different vehicle options available to roadtrippers and how to choose the right wheels for your trip. We will also explore budgeting for your vehicle, reselling, and driving expectations.

Choosing the Right Car

Small manual diesel cars are very popular in Europe…but, if that’s what you are looking for in Australia, you are…WRONG, WRONG, WRONG. Why are small manual cars popular in Europe? Because taxes are very high on larger cars, because fuel is very expensive, and because the streets are very narrow…

But, you are in Australia now. There is no significant tax difference between an old 4 cylinder car and a large 6 cylinder car. Fuel is approx ½ the price that it is in Europe and there is plenty of wide open space in Australia. The result? BIG cars are popular.

My advice? Buy a car suited to the journey ahead. So, what is the journey ahead?

Are you a couple lazily cruising the East Coast? If you answered yes, then buying a van would be an acceptable risk.

Are you 3 mates travelling either the East or West Coast and the Red Centre? Go for an Aussie made 6 cylinder wagon.

Do you want to go off-roading on Fraser Island? Rent a 4WD for the week.

Let me break it down for you.

Wagons, Vans and 4WDs

4WD’s

Do you need a 4WD to drive around Australia? To get to Uluru (Ayer’s Rock)? To make it to Kakadu? My answer? You don’t need one, and you won’t want one. A single tyre for a 4WD costs about $200 as well as the fuel consumption being much higher compared with a wagon or van. Oh, and if it breaks down, not to worry, just give the mechanic your left leg as payment.

That being said, driving a 4WD around Australia is FANTASTIC fun. When a 4WD is your chosen method of transport, you will need a bigger budget, more extensive research, and a bit thicker skin…as there may be times when you ask yourself ‘what have I done!?’.

My advice for first timers? In those places where a 4WD would be brilliant (such as Fraser Island, Cape York, Uluru, Broome) - rent one for a few days. Like I’ve always said: go mental, it’s a rental!

So, that leaves two choices for your great Aussie roadtrip (assuming you’ve opted to keep your left leg): a van or a wagon. Let’s compare your options.

Vans

Come in a multitude of differing makes and models
Have smaller engines
Nearly always have high kms (note: 200,000kms on a car in Australia is nothing)
Are less reliable than wagons
Are not easily repaired everywhere (plus, parts and labour are always much more expensive when paying for repairs)

Wagons

Are robust and reliable (esp. Ford and Holden)
Are relatively inexpensive to buy
Are easily repaired on the cheap all over the country

Will carry 5 people, luggage and camping gear without stressing their big, lazy engines.

Vans will struggle, if you load them down. When you consider that many vans have been souped up to convert them into campervans (including the kitchen sink), and then you add anything more than 2 people and their luggage, you are dramatically increasing your chances of blowing up your engine at some point.

On a much more positive note, a van will save you anywhere from $40 to $100 per night on accommodation (although you can sleep in a wagon, most people don’t). With these huge savings, the risk involved in buying a van is easily balanced out. Nevertheless, if you were thinking of buying a van for only 2 months AND then the engine blew up, the accommodation savings will be gone!

So in a nutshell, couples travelling for 6 months or more should definitely buy a van. Mates planning on picking up along the way should opt for the wagon.

In all of my reasoning, I am clearly making a contingency for the worst case scenario. If you plan to have a breakdown, if you budget for a breakdown, but then you don’t have one…pop the champagne! However, it is unreasonable and naive to expect to drive around Australia in an old car and not have to have some sort of mechanical issue...but, of course we can all hope.

A word of the wise. There is also a fine line between getting you car ready for the roadtrip ahead and over planning. No matter how much money you spend on your car and in preparing your car, never rule out the unexpected.

Expectations

Expectations. For me, mindset is the key to a successful roadtrip.

Success is not driving around Australia without a breakdown - that’s pure bloody luck. Success is not buying a car for $2000 and selling it for $2500 - that’s a bonus.

Success is buying a car, driving 10-20,000kms around Australia, having a few breakdowns, spending a little on repairs and selling the car in under a week.

Buying a car for how much you ask? Spending how much for repairs? Selling it for what? Well, how long is a piece of string?

But the real answer is this:

If you do all the above, add your accommodation costs, and the sum is equal to or less than the combined cost of the other option of accommodation costs plus bus, plane, train, tour and rental costs…then you are a winner!! (This assumes that there are more than two people on your roadtrip).

Something to think about: What option returns the greatest economic benefit?

A.)The couple that spends 2-3 weeks trying to sell the car they bought for $4000, and eventually selling it for $1500 OR

B.)The couple that sells the car they bought for $4000 in 5 minutes for $1000, and spends the next 2-3 weeks in a REAL job?

Answer?

Even if the couple of Option A sell their car for $4000, but it takes 2-3 weeks, I believe that the couple of Option B is still miles ahead (pun intended).

Selling your car at the end of your trip is underpaid hard work. This is where having a guaranteed buyback can be great insurance.

In conclusion, if your expectations are to buy a car for $2000, drive around Australia, absorb no repair costs, and then make quick profit at the end of your trip - good luck, you’ll probably be disappointed. Now we’ve all heard of someone who has done just this, but for every one who summits Everest there’s 100’s who don’t. On the flip side, if your expectation simply is to drive around Australia, and to do so more cheaply than hopping the bus – then you most likely won’t be let down, as you this a much more achievable goal.

Stay tuned…

So now you know what your vehicle options are. You’re ready to get out there, find that perfect set of wheels, and explore Australia. In my next installment we will discuss driving safety in Australia and what to avoid doing once you get on the road.

Hot Croatian Nights: A Sundowner’s Guide to the Adriatic Party Scene

travel-tips — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 01:42:00 GMT

The best beaches, the best activities, the best food, the best cities - you’ve researched it all. You know where you want to go and what you want to do in Croatia - plus, you’ve heard the hype about this hidden gem in the Adriatic. You’ve pictured your days lazing on a yacht or wandering around a quaint little town, but what about those long balmy nights?

Whether it’s pounding a few back on Pag, sipping Mojitos in Hvar, or partying in Primosten, Croatia is also well-known for offering quite an itinerary after sundown. Check out these premiere party spots that that aim to quench the collective thirst of sun-kissed visitors.

Zrce Beach, Novalja, Island of Pag

With 3 beachfront clubs (Aquarius, Kalypso, Papaya) open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in peak season, it is easy to see (and hear) why Zrce has earned the title as the party beach of Croatia. Favored activities quickly turn from waterskiing and windsurfing to drinking and dancing as soon as feet return to dry sand.

Carpe Diem, Hvar, Island of Hvar

Sea…and be seen. As the premiere party spot on Hvar Island, Carpe Diem attracts socialites and sun worshippers for long nights that turn lounging at the chic beach club terrace into raging electronic dance parties with the hottest DJs. Cocktails are flowing and beats are pumping into the wee hours in this hedonistic palace. Yes, we said palace.

Discotheque Aurora, Primosten

While Primosten oozes medieval Mediterranean style, the scene at Discothèque Aurora is quite trendy and chic. With a restaurant, a tiered-terrace, a VIP lounge, five cocktail bars, two dance floors and a swimming pool all under one roof, it is truly a one-stop-shop for an unforgettable night out.

Motovun at the time of Motovun Film festival

The sleepy little town of Motovun, home to about 500 residents, transforms into a party and entertainment mecca during the Motovun Film Festival each July. Hosting open-air screenings of indie films as well as thousands of visitors drinking homemade wine and spirits with the locals, Motovun whets the palates of movie buffs and boozers alike.

Zagreb, when it’s not summer

The partygoers may flock to the coast in the summer season, but Zagreb fulfills it capital-city duty and has a draw and solid nightlife year-round. The student crowd, urban professionals and international tourists continually fill the plethora of nightclubs, swank bars, and laidback cafes that Zagreb offers.

Curious about Croatia?

For the rest of the Best of Croatia, check out Why Croatia

Any Sundowner's Secrets? Let us know!

Tell us where you have spent your hot Croatian nights.

How to travel Europe by Train: Ant's all-inclusive guide

travel-tips — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 03:13:00 GMT

No matter where you are, you’re never far from Europe; its cafes, cuisine and comedies have bled into every corner of the globe. And when you’re actually in Europe, you’re never far from a train station — or a bahnhof, a gare, a stazione, a ferrocarril or indeed if you’re fortunate to find yourself in Croatia, you’re never far from a željeznička stanica (pronounced Ze•li•je•ni•ky•cho•ka•lo•ka•ni•chi•ka•ka deep breath Sta•n•ee•cheee•a) With this in mind, is there a better method to weave a way through Europe, than by train? For me, It wins hands down, and this article is going to put you on track to what I believe to be the most diverse, exciting and spontaneous continent on the planet.

Which Europe Rail Pass?

If you’re travelling for more than a week you’ll benefit from a rail pass, for which you have two main choices. If you’re European, or have lived in Europe for the past six months then you need an InterRail Pass. If not, you’ll need a Eurail Pass.

How much is a Europe Rail Pass?

Non-Europeans do tend to miss out here. Those aged 25 or younger and lacking heriditary Europeanisms will pay around €159 more for their 1-month Eurail Global Pass (approx €586), compared with an equivalent InterRail Global Pass (€427), which will score you entry to 9 more countries — the main InterRail ticket covers the entire Eurail portfolio plus the UK, Turkey and Poland, most of the Balkan countries andblameless Slovakia. It hits even harder for non-European adults (26 or older) whose only option is a first-class (€900) jolly, and while Europeans in the same age bracket could buy the equivalent (€865) they can also snatch a more pocket-friendly second-class fare (€641).*

If like me you’re a European and thinking of grabbing a European rail pass to cut back the cost of the morning commute, then your luck is out. The Fat Controller is quite adamant: “this pass is not valid in the pass holder’s country of residence.”

You have your ticket, you have a backpack full of baguettes, an earful of football and a head full of Shakespeare. So mon ami, where should you go?

Take the Train to Croatia

Everyone’s talking about Croatia, and rightly so. Its stoic character has meant Croatia has withstood the test of time and since 1998, echoes of peacetime have brought with it a bloom of prosperity. Its sights are now firmly set on one thing — obtaining the coveted EU ticket.

As a traveller in Croatia, you’ll be allured by the romance of the Adriatic and fuelled by hearty treats such as spicy sausage, cheesy štrukli pasta and some of Europe’s most sublime seafood. Whether you’re looking to spot a real Dalmatian, or see the sun drag its shadow across Dubrovnik’s chess-sets, you’ll find it all within Croatia’s abiding landscapes.

Visit Scandinavia by Train

The European rail passes are also a great way to check out the bombshells of Scandinavia, by which I mean those beautiful folk. Have you ever seen an ugly Scandinavian? I thought not, and it’s little surprise when you explore the lands that they’re bred on.

But be aware, Europe’s far north isn’t riddled with rails like you may expect — it is the Arctic Circle after all. But don’t let this Finnish your dream. You can still nuzzle your way down Norway’s combed coastline, swank your way through Stockholm or get kinky near Helsinki.

If you’re prepared to bust the myth that Scandinavia is the bane of global budgeteers, then you’ll be rewarded with a softly-lit enchantment, and perhaps you’ll spy the myriad creatures of their velvety Norse mythology.

What is The Schengen Area?

Also worth knowing, is that exactly half of Europe’s fifty countries make up a friendly region known as the Schengen Area. It excludes the UK, but incorporates much of the rest. This means that if your visa enables you to enter one of these countries, you can crisscross the zone freely. No miserable border guard is going to whip you in your sleep. Ever. Again.

Planning your Railway Journey

Looking for another insider tip? The Man in Seat Sixty-One is an incredibly detailed and wholly independent resource for people looking to travel by rail in Europe, or indeed anywhere on the planet.

You don’t really need to look anywhere else. He is the Man. Literally. End of. BUT WAIT! You have to promise you’ll finish reading this article first.

Looking for a failsafe European Timetable?

Whether or not you know how to use the internet thingamajig, you’ll need a copy of the loyal Thomas Cook European Rail Timetable. This book is definitely worth buying before you leave home, for two simple reasons.

Firstly, even brain surgeons must struggle with understanding the intrinsically complicated columns. You’ll find you need five thumbs and fifteen fingers to plan your way from Zagreb to Zaragoza, so grab the book early to learn the ropes. Secondly, you’ll need to know how much room it takes up in your backpack, at 576 pages it’s not small — but thankfully it’s surprisingly light.

Backpackers’ Staple Diet

In terms of food, if you’re travelling by budget on European trains you’ll need to become familiar with the following five;

Nutella; a morish chocolaty hazelnut spread
Baguettes; available from Frenchmen everywhere
Plastic Cheese; also known as processed cheese slices
Pesto; useful to disguise said cheese
<€4 wine; the saving grace of everything, and not to be confused with Antipodean goon.

You’re sure to find many other local delicacies, these are just the readily available products.

When’s Best to Train it in Europe?

Travelling Europe by train is a rite of passage, I personally recommend avoiding the American Invasion that occurs each summer (June-August) when ‘schools out’ — and Bank of Mum & Dad pays out — unless you’re fascinated by the fact that Josh can crush fourteen cans of Bud on his head, before banging Amanda the Texan down a Munich side street. This is the period when you’ll find Europe is truly as small as you believed.

Perhaps instead, visit during the winter. The crowds are visibly less, and the locals are visibly relieved. To be stood, frosty-breathed, in the silent cold of a medieval old town, considering the life of an aged-peddler before backing into the warmth of a tipply crowd, is to me much more appealing than a summertime of sweat and Speedos. But then again, I’m not Josh.

I most definitely, wholeheartedly recommend you don’t stick to the rails too rigidly. Much of Europe’s most fascinating regions will still need alternate methods of transport to explore.

What the European rail network does brilliantly, is give you an assured, safe way to enter and exit a country, with time between to think. They’re great value for money and will rarely let you down — unless that is, the French are on strike or you’re travelling during London’s rush hour. Train travel is the vogue for a variety of great reasons. It’s good value and it’s green, and while the trains get newer, faster, bendier we’ve never lost our notion of the romance of the rails.

*Currency conversions correct at time of this article being written. Non-European prices are based on “All Other Non-European Countries”, therefore prices will differ slightly for North Americans and considerably for South Africans. World Nomads and the author cannot be held responsible for price fluctuations and both parties recommend you fully research your options before purchasing.

Written by the footloose Englishman, Ant Stone; World Nomads very own guest blogger and the solo scribe of the charismatic travel blog Trail of Ants. Ant's currently drenching a thirst for travel during his third year of dragging a smudged and odorous backpack around the world. You can track Ant down via his Twitter feed.

The Best American Adventures You’ve Never Heard Of

travel-tips — Sun, 2 Aug 2009 22:52:00 GMT

When planning a road trip across America most folks will definitely hit Vegas, the Grand Canyon, New Orleans, New York City and Hollywood; but for those of you looking for something a little less touristy, somewhere the locals go, check out these great adventures.

Kayak Lake Yellowstone in Wyoming

Earth’s hottest show and Yellowstone’s awesome natural phenomena — all just beyond the bow of your boat. The endless shores of Yellowstone Lake, the continent’s largest mountain lake, have steamed and simmered in a geothermal flux for thousands of years deep in the heart of Yellowstone National Park, a western U.S. adventure paradise. Steamy geysers gush at water’s edge, mud pots bubble and hot springs sear, and all are easy to spot from the unique perspective of your sturdy, stable sea kayak. Enjoy a rarely-seen view of the volcanic forces that helped forge the American Rockies.

Check out O.A.R.S. if you’re looking for a great operator to guide you around.

Canoeing the lakes of the Adirondacks in New York

Adirondack National Park consists of six million acres that are a unique combination of one-half public and one-half private land. There are several designated wilderness areas and many wild forest areas that are very attractive to paddlers. The terrain is hilly and sometimes mountainous, yet the base is level enough to provide ideal canoeing waters. The scenery is superb, and mountain day hikes are possible from your paddling route.

Upstate New York will give you a whole new appreciation for the state, too many people stay in the city and never experience all the wonderful outdoors that New York has to offer.

Check out these great self-guided day trips from Canoe Outfitters.

Wreck-diving in Lake Superior in Minnesota

(Photo courtesy of Minnesota Historical Society)

We know what you’re thinking – diving? Minnesota? Isn’t that in the middle of America? Believe it or not Minnesota is the land of 10,000 lakes and in one or two of those you’ll find some pretty awesome wrecks to explore.

For example, The Ely, a 200ft wooden schooner, sank during a storm in 1896 and lies just inside the breakwater of Two Harbors. The protected location and shallow depth (25ft) makes it a great dive for Lake Superior novices and wetsuit divers.

Check out Scuba Center in Eagan for some more info on Great Lakes Diving.

The Maine Island Trail

The National Geographic Adventure editors call this Trail “The East’s top kayaking destination,” enough said? It’s America’s first water trail created, protected and enjoyed by people who love the coast of Maine. Whether your exploration involves several nights of camping with close friends or simply a lunchtime family picnic, there is a whole world of opportunity available and countless adventures to be had on the Trail.

Learn more by visiting the Maine Island Trail Association website.

Petrified Forest National Park

Trees that turned to stone more than 200 million years ago are the focal point of this very unusual park, but they're not the only attractions. Your visit will begin with a drive through a picturesque swath of the Painted Desert -- a rainbow-striped terrain of eroded hills and expansive grassland. Be sure to stop at the visitor center to see the fossils of prehistoric reptiles that roamed this region when it was a tropical river basin.

The National Park Service even created a virtual tour so you can have a look around before deciding to stop by. For more info visit the Petrified Forest National Park’s website.

Havasu Falls, Arizona

We know you’ve seen the pictures – those giant waterfalls falling into crystal clear ponds from huge heights. The pictures are well known but not many have actually seen the falls in person. The reason? You have to hike 8 miles through the hot Arizona desert to get there! It’s hot hot hot so plan on hiking at dawn or dusk and be wary of the pack mules that come barreling around corners.

Visit the Havasupai Tribe’s website to learn more about how to get to the falls and what to bring with you.

Mojave National Preserve, California

(photo courtesy of chazzlayne / Flickr.com)

If you ask someone what lies halfway between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, you're likely to get a blank look and a one-word answer: nothing. It's that widely held belief that has kept the Mojave National Preserve such a fabulously untrampled place to explore.

Singing sand dunes, volcanic cinder cones, Joshua tree forests, and carpets of wildflowers are all found at this 1.6 million acre park. A visit to its canyons, mountains and mesas will reveal long-abandoned mines, homesteads, and rock-walled military outposts. Located between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, Mojave provides serenity and solitude from the crowds of major metropolitan areas.

Learn more at the NPS’ site for the Mojave National Preserve.

Did this get you motivated to go on your own road trip? Have a look at the Van-Tastic road trip around Australia WorldNomads.com is currently sponsoring. We still need drivers for 5 more legs so hurry up and apply here!

American Dialect Dictionary

travel-tips — Sun, 2 Aug 2009 04:15:00 GMT

A couple of the most commonly confused words right off the bat:

Soda, fizz, pop or Cola all mean soft drink. Chips are potato chips, not French fries. Fanny – watch this video, we’re not saying anymore.

In the North:

Packie – liquor store

Leaf Peeper – a tourist that has come to see the autumn foliage

Catty Corner – the corner diagonally across from you (useful when you’re lost and getting directions)

Hero – not Batman but a sub sandwich (and they’re might tasty)

Dungarees - Jeans

In the Midland:

Hoosier (esp. Indiana) - someone from Indiana; outside of Indiana - a person from a rural area, comparable to redneck

barn-burner - an exciting, often high-scoring game, esp. a basketball game

Jimmies – ice cream sprinkles

Dinner – the largest meal eaten of the day, could be what others call lunch

The South

Y’all – meant to abbreviate ‘you all’, basically means ‘you guys’, plural is all y’all

Alligator pear – avocado

Yankee – someone from above the Mason-Dixon line (a northerner)

fais-dodo – party in Louisiana

The West

gyppo - contract work (or worker). Corruption of "gypsy"

unshucked - Cowboy talk for naked. An unshucked gun is one that's out of the holster.

So if you’re planning on being a leaf peeper in New York, be sure to stop by the packie for some fizz and a hero. You got that right??

Looking for more? Check out the online slang dictionary.

What unique things do people say in your neck of the woods? Let us know in the comments

Summer music festivals: the limelight is getting greener

travel-tips — Sat, 1 Aug 2009 03:28:00 GMT

Green initiatives are taking center stage on the U.S. summer music festival scene as a trend that may just last a little longer than some of the opening acts. Festivals seem to almost be trying to out-do one another in not only performance acts, but also in eco-conscious programs and sustainability projects.

What they’re doing

Music festivals Bonnaroo, Rothbury Festival and Lollapalooza have positioned themselves as frontrunners showcasing the green scene in the U.S. Their efforts to reduce and recycle concert waste, eco-educate festival-goers and support green vendors and local business has transformed ideas of the concert experience.

Bonnaroo

Where: Manchester, Tennessee, USA
When: June 11-14, 2009
Acts: Bruce Springsteen, Nine Inch Nails, Ben Harper, Wilco
Attendance: 75,000

Their eco-credentials?

Won the Outstanding Green Festival Award in 2008
“Buy local” theme this year
On-site electricity facility
Bottle-less water program
Compost heap
Vegetable garden
Work with Clean Vibes to reduce and divert half of their waste from landfills

More info: www.bonnaroo.com

Rothbury Festival

Where: Rothbury, Michigan, USA
When: July 2-5
Acts: Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, The String Cheese Incident
Attendance: 35,000

Their eco-credentials?

“Think tank” at event where scientists, writers, politicians share ideas about developing a greener economy
Workshops about how to find a greener job, make your home and office energy efficient, grow your own organic food
Spitfire Agency to help reduce waste of the event
Selling carbon offsets
Green Team of volunteers
Sustainable Schools mission
Required biodegradable cup, plates, utensils from all vendors
Bins for separating waste (compost, recycles, trash) – everywhere
Generators run on biodiesel ranging from 20-90% bio products
Emphasis on using water fill up stations with reusable bottles and jugs
Portable ash trays

More info: www.rothburyfestival.com

Lollapalooza

Where: Chicago, Illinois, USA
When: August 7-9, 2009
Acts: The Killers, Snoop Dogg, Jane’s Addiction, Depeche Mode, Kings of Leon
Attendance: 225,000

Their eco-credentials?

Every cent from ticket purchases will support the Parkways Foundation (to enhance Chicago’s public spaces)
Features eco-vendors and non-profits
Pay extra $5 for the BeGreen Fan Tag that helps offset your travel carbon impact
Chance to win a Honda Insight Hybrid (the further green you go, the better chance you have to win)

More info: www.lollapalooza.com

The festival-goers form a transient community, bonded by their love of music, but also united as facilitators of an eco-friendly movement. It seems like the mission of these festivals is powerfully resonating with musicians and their supporters, launching the green initiatives onto the world stage. By featuring and endorsing a greener lifestyle at the festival, hopes are high of the efforts echoing in daily life.

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nineinchnails/ / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Found any other eco-festivals in the US that you love? Let us know

Weird and Wonderful: Authentic American Eats

travel-tips — Sat, 1 Aug 2009 00:48:00 GMT

A family enjoying a daunting Chicago-style deep dish pizza "pie". Now that's a slice!

While the U.S. may be known as a culinary melting pot - adopting, transforming, and fusing cuisines from around the world, there are a few foods that just may be truly American. They invented the Twinkie, coined the PB&J sandwich and claim burgers’n’fries as their own, but the real regional delights from across the U.S. might actually surprise you. So, put down your grande Starbucks Americano and read on...

1. Rocky Mountain Oysters (aka Cowboy Caviar)
...only resemble their sea-dwelling counterparts – they are better known as testicles of a bull or a sheep - breaded, fried, and thinly sliced, of course.

2. Turducken
...the name says it all really – it is a whole deboned turkey, stuffed with a duck, which is then wrapped around a chicken, layering the poultry with sausage stuffing (lest we leave out the four-legged animal kingdom).

3. S’mores
...a campfire essential - graham cracker based sandwiches stacked with a bar of chocolate that melts perfectly with the addition of a gooey, freshly-toasted marshmallow. Caution: also a critter favorite!

4. Philly Cheesesteak
...is not actually a steak, but the proud and greasy sandwich native to Philadelphia made of thinly-shaved and grilled pieces of beef, topped with melted provolone cheese and/or onions and peppers, served on an Italian hoagie roll.

5. Aqutaq
...an Eskimo ice cream treat that could only be Alaskan – a batch of fresh snow whipped up with fresh berries, seal oil and reindeer tallow with salmon or caribou meat - for a flavor that never did make it to the Ben & Jerry’s counters.

6. Oyster Shooter
...appetizers and cocktails conveniently rolled into one, this concoction of vodka, Tabasco sauce and lemon juice shaken and served in a shot glass over a fresh, raw oyster – is meant to be consumed in one gulp.

7. Grits
...originated from a dried corn-based food that Native Americans shared with their new European neighbors. Now, the corn meal is mixed with hot water for a porridge-like consistency and flavored with salt, pepper and butter for a hearty and very Southern breakfast.

8. Chicago-style Pizza
...the mid-Western adaptation of the Italian import really serves more as a bread bowl enveloping the pool of cheese and toppings to create a 3-inch tall “deep dish” pie that demands a knife and fork - as well as a big appetite.

9. Gumbo
...is a Creole stew served straight from the cultural melting pot – with Spanish, French, West African and Native American influences of the South joining to create this thick soup of rice, vegetables and any combination of seafood, poultry or pork.

10. Chimichanga
...is rumored to have earned its name from a Mexican expletive a cook uttered after he accidentally dropped a burrito into the deep fryer. As a part of the Tex-Mex cooking style hailing from Spanish and Mexican origins in the southwestern U.S., this crispy tortilla wrap is usually stuffed with ground beef, rice, beans and veg.

Thus, it seems a bit of culture and creativity has seeped into the kitchens and onto the plates of the nation known for its fast food joints, greasy diners and colossal serving sizes. But, next time you are craving that pint of good old Ben & Jerrys, be thankful that “Reindeer Berry” never caught on like the BigMac did.

Did you know?
The average American will have eaten 1,500 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches before graduating from high school.

Indulge Us! What are your favorite “all-American” eats?

Essentials for Planning a Road Trip

travel-tips — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:40:00 GMT

If you poked your noggin into a hostel and screamed "roadtriiiiiip!” you'd be - literally - struck by the response. The ingrained midday silence would be smashed by a giddy boulder of excitement, rising to a fever pitch. A willful German couple urgently wiggle their bicycle through the hallway, cutting across an Indian motorcyclist, who slams on his only brake just by the bookswap, causing a Dutchman to swerve his dented campervan dangerously close to the hitchhiking Canadian who has her thumb raised by a sofa, which saves her from a small brown saloon that's drifting side-on towards her, while a trembling Mexican driver hails Mary... yep, universally, everyone loves a roadtrip!

Who’s In?

For travel addicts, road trips are the quickest fix out there. Unless you’re retracing your granddads war story or your Uncle Mick’s coming-of-age campaign, the planning stage should be kept to a beautiful minimum. Simply arm yourself with some wheels and some moola, and start considering potential passengers. I've road-tripped with horny lads, with my budgeteer parents, with my intrepid girlfriend and even by my grumpy self. They have (thankfully) all been completely different experiences. Consider the length of time you're planning to be away, and envisage yourselves together in confined space for hours on end.

If you're already flying solo, the best places to find road trip buddies are hostel notice boards and quick fire online forums, such as the LP Thorn Tree or get straight to the point with sites like Liftshare.com (other sites are available – just Google: Carpooling).

Photo coutesy of abhisawa/flickr.com

Choose your Weapon

Another vital detail of your road trip is the vehicle. Up until now you've probably been picturing a flowery VW campervan, or a clapped out estate car crammed with pungent Tupperware. With global infrastructure improving a mile-a-minute, there are endless online resources to plan an alternative road trip. I've met cycle-tourists who have covered every nook and cranny of the planet, and they all wave away the notion that “you must be super fit”.

Similarly, journeying by motorbike shouldn't be reserved for your dad’s midlife crisis – there’s plenty of time to secure your license, and in this era of global gridlock, there’s never been a better time to switch to two wheels. People have crossed continents on everything from tuktuks to camel trains, so it’s worth going with that initial buzz and fully researching an opportunity (carpe diem). If you’re going for a shorter length of time and don’t have your own wheels, you probably won’t want to buy a vehicle:

Rental companies offer the most obvious solution (unless you’re insisting on camels). Ensure you read the small print; you probably can't actually take that shiny off-road 4x4 off the road, as it's probably not insured. Most countries accept your national driving license; however don’t skip the five minutes of priceless research.
Relocation is a great option if you’re travelling in the right country. Many rental companies in the US, Australia and New Zealand offer vehicles for as little as AU$1 a day; certain time and distance constraints apply, but are nearly always flexible.
Carpooling is a simple A-B method, though you lose the option to pull off the highway and shimmy up to a little known wonder. Unless you’re paying half the petrol, then you can try.
Hitchhiking is a more hazardous, and unreliable. It has obvious risks, as well as idyllic pluses. If you insist, then the main thing to check is the local legalities.

Choose your Poison

Another idea is to theme your road trip. I know a girl whose dad spends his entire year planning his annual horseback holiday, which always follows a war in which Britain was involved. Naturally this takes him pretty much everywhere, but the magic is he comes face to face with a passion.

If you like the English Premier League you could score highly working your way through the league. Check out China by visiting the provinces in your Friday night takeaway or bore your mates silly with a slideshow of Australian Big Things. Dave Gorman took the ethical road trip, America Unchained to explore the possibilities of swerving The Man, while Hunter S. Thompson’s infamous journey battling Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas was somewhat more debauch. You don’t have to be original, it’s perfectly fine to take inspiration from the tried and tested. My personal dream is to retrace Che’s Latin American pilgrimage (though preferably not on a Norton).

3 Classic Road Trip Destinations with a Twist

Have you got the gyst? Then give it a twist, these three bullets should give you the right idea for thinking outside the box:

USA: ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’. Can you cross the country in the greatest number of vehicles? Hitchhike to Houston, pedal it to Portland and borrow a lorry for a trip to Louisiana
UK: ‘Yorkshire Pudding Trail’. Everyone in England claims their mums Yorkshire Pudding are the best. Beg, steal and borrow your way around my motherland with a fork in one hand and a gravy boat in the other as you're passed from mother to mum.
Australia: ‘Catch Me if You Can’. Dress up as a rabbit and grab yourself a 4x4 then cruise the inner deserts evading the hunters. Bump into the rabbit proof fence and nibble on some bush tucker, and if you're single, well, do what rabbits do best and take a young rabbitress to the Carrot Café.

Your road trip should be designed to incorporate all the things you love about regular journeys: intriguing, encouraging, educational, and spontaneous. Whatever your wagon, the right kind of road trip can take you on a spiritual journey.

Serial road-tripper, Jonte Oldestam from Sweden has just completed an extensive tour of Asia and Australia, when I asked about his various road trip adventures he concluded “I think they can be quite personal. A perfect way to really test your boundaries and maybe to realise that you dont actually have any”.

In the right regions, you’ll cross paths with strangers and leave trails of friends. There’s no right or wrong way, but an hours pre-trip research can enhance the journey from a fumbled, spluttering jaunt into an unforgettable march up the motorway.

5 Kit List Essentials for a Road Trip

iPod & FM Transmitter: Conversation needs fuel as much as your rusty ride. Think 'Michael Jackson's Greatest Hits #128', think podcasts, think audiobooks.
Local Simcard: “Hello! Can you hear me? I'm in the middle of nowhere and my camels just run away” Signal saves lives. Do the right thing and go local.
Inverter: Electricity means power.
Spares: Even if you don't know your inner tube from your intestines, or your locking nut from your coconut, stock up and practice the art of looking helpless.
Sunglasses: Come rain or shine, sunglasses make you cool. When the antsy cop pulls you over and insists you bend over the bonnet, or the mother-of-two, whose SUV you just rammed turns and glares at you, you can perform some funky eye-dancing behind the lens, and they won't have a clue.

Photo courtesty of modenadude/Flickr

Hunker Down

At some point you have to pull up and put your head down. Unless you’re in a campervan you’ll have to consider your accommodation options:

Slinging up a tent and boiling up some pasta is more satisfying than it sounds. You stay in tune with your journey. Better still, go Aussie and roll out your swag.
Stoke up your Couchsurfing account and be welcomed by a strangers’ open arms.
Bed down with your budget. You won’t come across many hostels between the Western cities, but the hotels won’t give a sheet about swiping your plastic.
Mix & match. For all you wild-childs, mix it all up. No, don’t pitch a tent with your Couchsurfing host in the hotel. Just, swap and change.

The beauty of the road trip is in fact none of the above, it’s ‘the unknown’, and wherever your road trip takes you, I urge you to travel safely.

Hidden Inspiration for your next Travel Destination

travel-tips — Mon, 6 Jul 2009 00:46:00 GMT

In a lottery of last words you quit your job, sold your car and stuffed your parent's attic with wonky boxes. Your best friend recommends Australia. His girlfriend argues South Africa. Her sister demands Eastern Europe. Her cousin reckons China. His mother barracks for Japan. Her nephew insists on the Greek islands. You have a slice of time and a wedge of money, but how do you even begin to decide on a destination?

Sauce of Inspiration

The inspiration for your journey can come from all aspects of your life. From the dreams of your slumber to a sneaky subliminal advertisement, everyday we're exposed to the names of faraway lands. As travellers we're often perceived as conscience-savvy warriors of spontaneity, so when you're next looking for inspiration for a trip consider letting your food lead you on some mouthwatering journeys. A swift, sneak peak beyond your food labels will send your wanderlust into a ravenous snarl.

To get the juices flowing I'm whipping up the best banana pancake you've ever tried. This Banana Pancake Pilgrimage (not to be confused with the retro Banana Pancake Trail) sources its bananas from Costa Rica, which harvests a monkey-maddening 2 million tonnes a year.

Yellow benders aside, hunky Costa Rica is strewn with volcanoes and a leading destination for ecotourism. If that doesn't whet your appetite then spice it up with swathes of green and season generously with biodiversity that's bulging out of protected regions that cover more than a quarter of the entire country. Cap it off with the capital, San Jose with its dusting of Catholic candescence and you've got yourself the vital ingredient with an ultra healthy core.

America is infamous for its wide belts, and the wheat belt of America's Midwest is a great place to score a few notches of your own. The good ol' US of A annually produces a whopping 50 million tonnes of wheat and I've grabbed a handful to grind some flour for your Banana Pancake Pilgrimage. In the wake of the mighty combines you'll find flour power in abundance.

Follow in the flow of Huckleberry Finn, gasp at the Great Lakes and hold onto your breeches in the windy city, Chicago. Don't wheat about to explore the peaceful Amish Country before getting mucky with a Mississippi mud pie.

Hungry for More

How's the inspiration going? The pan's heating up and the galley air is plump with the sweet sojourn. Are your hunger pains thrusting a tangy tango with the beat of your heart? Yes chef!

Germany produces more than 28 million tonnes of milk per year so they won't miss a splash or two. The nature-loving Deutschlanders inhabit a land riddled with rivers, smothered in forests and muddled with mountains. Scoff your face on a German döner, swill it down with a swig from your stein and if that doesn't tickle your schnitzel then gorge on black forest gateaux.

The Germans have shaken off a series of stereotypes, so loosen your lederhosen and take a blast up the autobahn through spellbinding history, sweet wineries, and folkloric forests.

Proof in the Pudding

Next I'll crack a couple of eggs in the bowl from the yolk-choked valleys of China whose dazed hens squeeze out more than a shell-shocking 400 million eggs a year.

Get up to speed on those monotone slobs, the panda and catch forty-one winks on the noodle-slurping Chinese railways. Marvel at emerging history and join the flocks at the myriad of must sees. The Rooftop of the World looms over a house of chintz and cheery Chinese. At the end of a long day, wok into a local shack and sample some baozi (stuffed buns) with your chopsticks or nibble on some fiery street barbecue to the muffled cackles of karaoke.

The final step; uno-dos-tres and flip like a feasting Filipino. Voila, you lik'a m'pancaike? Proof that a once unconsidered, yet sensational destination is right under your nose.

Let your imagination run wild; travel through your moussaka, explore your caesar salad, delve around your ratatouille and discover the hidden delights of your vol-au-vent. Bon appetit.

Do’s and Don’ts When Travelling in Costa Rica

travel-tips — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:28:00 GMT

Costa Rica is one of the prettiest countries you can visit, full of exceptional wildlife, beautiful scenery and wonderful people. However, always remember that to be a responsible tourist there are some Do’s and Don’ts you should follow.

Do:

Do learn and use the phrase pura vida (pronounced POO-ra BEE-da).
The commonly used phrase literally means "pure life." Costa Ricans use pura vida for hello and goodbye and to express their happiness. It can also mean “no worries.”

Do embrace and compliment Costa Rica's progressive reputation
Most Costa Ricans you encounter certainly will. Costa Ricans are proud of the fact that they have more teachers in their country than police officers. Costa Rica has the highest literacy rate in Latin America. In fact, Costa Rica has traditionally elected former teachers to the presidency.

Do use your Spanish, no matter how limited your speaking skills are.Costa Ricans respect the effort, and they will be friendlier with you if you at least try to speak their language.

Do break the ice with Costa Ricans by acknowledging the ecological wonderland that is Costa Rica.
Complimenting the splendor of the country and asking questions about its natural resources are great conversation pieces with locals.

Do take public transportation or arrange for your travel company to transport you, rather than rent a car.
Bus transportation is inexpensive, pretty reliable, and the drivers know where they are going. Road signs are notoriously poor in the countryside and it's easy to get lost, especially if you don't speak good Spanish; so unless you’re up for a real adventure don’t rent.

Do participate in all the great activities on offer.
like...zip lining, surfing, canopy tours, turtle patrols and scuba diving.

Do bring your own sunscreen.
It can be super expensive in Costa Rica. Along the same lines, you can never bring enough insect repellent.

Do bring an umbrella and raincoat.
They’re always helpful in the green season (that's a tourist-friendly way of saying wet season!). Binoculars are also helpful when those naturalist guides spot wildlife in the forest that you would never be able to see with your own naked eye.

Do bring an extra pair of sandals and sneakers if your feet are US womens size 9+ or US mens size 11+.
Costa Ricans are generally a bit smaller, therefore these sizes are very hard to find if your shoes break or get ruined in the mud.

Do get a room.
Costa Rica can be a very romantic country, but try not to be overly affectionate in public. Excessive public display of affection between adults is frowned upon in Costa Rica.

Don’t:

Don’t bathe nude at the beach!
Also, wearing bathing suits away from the beach, on the street or in restaurants/stores, is not acceptable unless at a resort – respect local customs.

Don’t Tip.
You are not expected to tip the wait staff extra at restaurants. A service charge of 10% is already included in your bill on top of the tax. Taxi drivers also do not need to be tipped. You should, however, tip hotel busboys and maids (about $1.00 per bag or $1.00 per day is more than enough). It’s a great idea to bring lots of US $1 bills—they are easy to pull out for tips and the US Dollar is welcomed in Costa Rica’s tourism industry.

Don’t hike in the rainforest off of any marked paths!
They don't have lions and tigers and bears, but they do have fer de lances, pit vipers and fire ants! Especially do not hike after dark as that's when snakes are most active.

Don’t plan a vacation to Costa Rica during the Christmas and Easter holidays
...because these are the most popular vacation times for locals. The whole country shuts down as locals head to the beach and join in family celebrations, so you’ll be hard-pressed to find hotels, restaurants, and guides.

Don’t pick plants or hunt for seashells
... and don't damage trees or flowers, no matter how beautiful and irresistible they are! In Costa Rica, vegetation is strictly protected by the government and it could be the equivalent of a felony if you are caught disturbing the flora and fauna.

Don’t be surprised
... to see male tourists and businessmen accompanied by prostitutes, especially in downtown San Jose or in Jaco. Costa Rica is a largely conservative Catholic nation, but prostitution is legal. Although frowned upon in respectable circles, prostitution is socially acceptable throughout most of the country.

Don’t skimp out by not paying for a local naturalist guide
in the national parks. It’s definitely worth it because you will end up spotting a lot more than if you go in by yourself.

Don’t wear bright colors if you hope to see elusive wildlife.
You will scare off the animals and maybe even other tourists! Instead, wear darker, neutral colored clothing; those white linen safari pants may be stylish, but you will surely stain them as soon as you get there!

What the locals have to say

Costa Rica rafting operator Rios Tropicales recommends researching the training, certification, and safety procedures of your outfitter for adventure trips that require "hard skills" like river guiding, canopy tours, rock climbing, mountain biking, etc.

i-to-i, a voluntourism company with projects throughout Costa Rica, recommends bringing a camera with a decent zoom, high resolution (7 megapixels or better) and waterproof case or bag to carry it in. Even if it is supposedly dry season, be prepared for rain.

Tales from Travelers

A fellow World Nomad, Alexia, went to Costa Rica to work with sea turtles and ended up working with the local mosquito population instead.

“After three straight nights of mosquitoes buzzing around my head I can highly recommend investing in the $5 mosquito net for your bed if you are in an infested zone. The buzzing can be quaint on night one, but by nights three, four and five you will be at war if you don’t have a net.”

Learn to Appreciate rainy days like jdaniet:

"it has rained here EVERY day since the beginning of rainy season; like clockwork between 1pm and 3pm. I've always appreciated rainy days (here and there); the world is still, its good naptime, there’s a nice fresh smell afterwards... "

Have you been to Costa Rica? What tips made it onto your Do's and don'ts list?

Questions to Ask Before You Volunteer Abroad

travel-tips — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 01:56:00 GMT

All in all volunteering abroad can be a rewarding experience for both you and the community – just be sure you do your homework before you go to avoid disappointment. Here's some questions we think you should ask

Ask Yourself:

Establishing your expectations is the likely the most important preparation you can undertake before volunteering abroad. Are you expecting to change yourself, or change the world? Can you accept that no matter how much time and effort you put in, the job may never get done? Taking that a step further, can you find solace in knowing that your time and effort are ALWAYS valuable?

A few other questions you should consider before volunteering:

What are you looking to get out of this? Experientially? Socially? Educationally?
Are you OK leaving your comfort zone?
How well do you cope with language barriers?
Do you mind going few days without showering?
Can you cope with different hygienic practices of other cultures?
Are you able to recognize that right or wrong, countries have different gender roles than you are used to?
What are your expectations of the culture and community you are working in?
What are the expectations you have of the people you will be working with?
What are the expectations you have of yourself to contribute to the community?
How do you expect to feel when you return home?

Ask the Voluntourism Operator:

Here are a few questions to ask operators to make sure you’ve found a genuinely sustainable project that’s right for you:

What is the average age of volunteers on this project?
Can I chat with volunteers that have done this project before?
What work will I be doing mainly? For how many hours a day? For how many days a week?
Do I need to speak another language to really enjoy this project? Is there a translator nearby if I need one?
What are the accommodations like? Will I have to share? Do I need to bring a sleeping bag?
What kind of food can I expect to eat?
What’s included in the project fee? Meals? Lodging? Will I need to pay anything else in country?

Then there are the general safety questions like:

What is the emergency evacuation plan should a natural disaster, riot, etc happen?
Where is the nearest hospital or clinic?
Is there a number that my parents/friends/loved ones can call me at to make sure I’ve arrived safely?
Is there a number I can call 24/7 to get help?
Is there someone from your company in country to help/advise me?
Do I need to get any immunizations before I go?
Are there certain clothes I shouldn’t wear because of cultural norms?

Yes, you too can cuddle a lion! Photo courtesy of AfricanImpact

We asked voluntourism operator AfricanImpact.com's Sarah Graham her thoughts on the most important question to ask

"The number one question prospective volunteers should ask is ‘where does the money go?’ Whilst volunteering is about your participation and your input, it is important to know where how much of your project fee is actually benefiting the community too. And it varies widely. The company that you book with should be transparent and will be able to give you a breakdown. Do bear in mind that not all the money goes in country as there are costs involved in marketing online, producing brochures, staff salaries and having an office. However, the local communities should be benefiting in a sustainable way..."

If you have any questions on volunteering abroad send our favourite Voluntourism Gal, Alexia Nestora an email.

What are your voluntourism experiences?

Do’s and Don’ts When Travelling in Vietnam

travel-tips — Mon, 1 Jun 2009 02:59:00 GMT

Vietnam is a friendly country that is generally safe to travel to and full of wonders like Hanoi, the Mekong Delta and let’s not forget the always scrumptious roasted sparrow entrees!

The Vietnamese are very appreciative if they see you trying to abide by their customs, and very forgiving when you get it wrong, but just in case here is a quick list of Do’s and Don’ts for traveling in Vietnam.

Don’t:

Wear shorts or old T-shirts to visit a Pagoda, they won’t let you in. Be sure to dress conservatively and dress for the occasion, you are after all visiting a piece of history
Sit with your feet pointing towards a family altar if you are staying in someone’s house.
Take pictures of anything to do with the military, this can be considered a breach of national security and trust us, you don’t want to see the inside of a Vietnamese jail.
Take video cameras into the small villages, it is considered very intrusive and they’ll be too polite to ask you to stop filming.
Display any personal displays of affection! Just don’t do it. Find a hostel, hotel, whatever suits – but anything beyond holding hands is seriously frowned upon.
Expect to sleep late as Vietnam starts moving at 6am and the noise can be overwhelming.

Do:

Dress conservatively, especially you ladies out there. The dress code is more relaxed in major cities but do yourself (and the Vietnamese) a favor - don’t wear booty shorts to the fish market.
Drink loads of water as you’re wandering around checking out the sights. The heat can be oppressive and heat stroke can be a real killjoy, so take our advice and drink up (water that is)!
Hold your bag in front of you and wrap it around a limb when riding in a Cyclo – bag snatching is a big problem and if you are looking at a Pagoda there’s a good chance someone’s looking at your bag.
If you’re invited into a local’s home (which is really the only way to travel), be sure to take your shoes off at the entrance.
Travel by train, it’s one of the best ways to see the country through the eyes of the locals (prepare for the trains to be late and smelly – but that’s part of the charm, right?)
Carry a bit of toilet paper with you at all times – we won’t go into detail – just trust us.
Make sure that you have a hotel/hostel business card from the reception desk. This will make your return to the hotel in a taxi or cyclo much easier.
Do expect to pay less for a beer than a bottle of water – but remember our hydration tip above!

Our top tip at the moment?

Do make a difference when you travel.

There is no greater way to experience a culture and participate in a local community, than to become involved in a volunteer project during your travels. Vietnam offers ample opportunities to aid in developmental, environmental and educational projects throughout the country. Our friends at Buffalo Tours can help you find out more about travelling responsibly while visiting Vietnam.

Taxis in Vietnam; avoid the scams

travel-tips — Mon, 1 Jun 2009 02:51:00 GMT

Taxis

Taxis are the number one place where even the savviest travelers are taken advantage of—yes, even you! Vietnam is no exception. That’s why you should only take licensed taxis that have official meters.

The scamming may start as soon as you step out of the airport. It usually starts when you're approached by a "limo driver" who says he's just finished his shift and could use a little extra cash. “Care for a lift?” Most of the time you will eventually get to your destination, but only after the driver you takes you on a scenic, roundabout tour of the city, perhaps even stopping to pick up more passengers for the joy ride. All the while your fare is hiking up to an undetermined amount as your “driver” judges how much he thinks he can get out of you.

Being overcharged may be the least of your worries with an airport ‘limo service’. A common trick in Vietnam is that the driver will set a reasonable flat fee with you before taking you to your hotel, but then hold your luggage hostage in the trunk until you pay him a hefty ransom.

How can we beat these scammers at their own game?

NEVER EVER accept a ride with anyone who does not have a working meter and a displayed license.

Doing so not only puts your money in danger, but more importantly, your safety. Being grossly overcharged by a fake taxi in Vietnam might put a damper on your vacation, but losing a little extra cash pales in comparison to the risks of kidnapping, assault or robbery.

Scam artists have been known to pose as taxi drivers and take off with your luggage. They have also taken unsuspecting tourists to a deserted area and then robbed and/or assaulted them.

Airport ride - Ian's story

“When I visited Ho Chi Minh I was immediately approached by taxi drivers at the airport (outside the arrival gates) who tried to take my bags and usher me into their taxis. I asked about price to my hotel in a central district and was quoted $40 USD. I refused and was then immediately offered the same ride for $20. I made my way out to the taxi rank and negotiated a much 'fairer' fare of $8 USD, including toll fares, which is roughly what most guidebooks suggest.

When in SE Asia I try to put the price I'm paying into perspective of their local cost of living. In my experience of Vietnam taxi drivers would consistently quote about double the 'fair' price - and if you don't barter you're paying for a very expensive ride!”

Ian

Avoid Being Shortchanged

If you suspect you were scammed, try to write down specifics about the driver and/or the taxi so you can file a police report later.

Even the licensed, metered guys try to get their fair share in the action. “Shortchanging” is one of the most common tourist scams in Vietnam not only in taxi taxis but in gift shops as well. It takes full advantage of two common assumptions-that the tourist does not know the language and is unfamiliar with the local currency. It allows them to take advantage of the full spectrum of tourists-from ripping off frugal backpackers to swindling carefree wealthy travelers.

Easy fix to shortchanging—next time you travel, count your money out loud as you hand it to the taxi driver or cashier, bill by bill, and make them confirm the amount out loud to you while it’s in their hands.

Seasoned travelers often try to avoid taxis altogether and instead opt for riding bikes, walking or public transportation when available.

Top tips for good Taxi experiences:

Ask your hotel or hostel where to find a legit taxi
Take a business card from your guest house or hotel with you - it's easy to show this to a taxi driver after a long day and few beers and be reassured that you won't have a Lost in Translation moment.
Familiarize yourself with a map to learn the main streets, and pay attention to where the taxi is taking you.
Make sure the meter is turned on and ask the driver what the rate will be to make sure you are being charged an appropriate fare.
Look for a car number and company marked on the outside, a registration and driver information card displayed on the dashboard, and a list of charges on display.
Study the rate list when you first sit down in the taxi. Make it very blatant to the driver that you are checking out the rates—this will keep him from trying any funny business.
Make sure all taxis you enter are legal, fully-licensed, and in good condition (i.e. inner door handles that work and proper seatbelts).
Above all else, trust your inner traveler instincts. If something seems the least bit fishy, stop the taxi, pay the driver, and hightail it out of there!

What's your experience of Taxis in Vietnam? Share them with us here

Cyclo culture: join the slow lane

travel-tips — Mon, 1 Jun 2009 02:33:00 GMT

Cyclos (also called trishaws) in Vietnam are now mainly for tourists, although many locals do still use them from time to time. They won’t be hard to miss as drivers ring their bells constantly trying to attract attention, especially near tourist attractions.

In a cyclo you’re sitting in front of the driver who is on a bicycle behind you, so you really feel part of the crazy street traffic. If this sounds like a terrifying proposition amongst the moped frenzy of Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi, then let me explain some of the great benefits of grabbing a cyclo.

In the hot climate, the breeze often will keep you cooler than in the non air conditioned taxis.

Cyclos are meant to fit two people, but if there are plenty around and you’re with a friend take two cyclos – easier for the driver and better for the local economy. The guys work hard all day and are often far from their families, earning a small keep in the big city to send their kids to school.

Aside from your contribution to the economy however, the real benefits of travelling by cyclo is that the city moves by at a different pace.

If you're interested in the art of people watching and generally understanding the minutae of daily life that give Vietnam it's unique feel, then the slow pace of cyclos are a must-have travel experience.

The downside to all this is occasionally absorbing new smells (although, not always that nice if you pass piles of rubbish or sewers!)

Tips for hailing a Cyclo:

Negotiate the price before setting out, don’t bargain too hard though, this is a low income country.
Have the correct rate as they often don't seem to have change.
Take a deep breath. You’ll be in the middle of traffic so it won’t be a smooth eventless journey, but that said, it is a wonderful way to see things in style, and at a human pace rather than whizzing past in a taxi.

My Hanoi Adventure

"I'd been in Hanoi just one day and couldn't work out how to cross the street. After half an hour watching for a gap in the relentless traffic, a guy gently took my arm and led me calmly and boldly into the oncoming traffic. We reached the other side safely and I grinned... "thank-you, thank-you" I said, as he hopped back on his parked cyclo. "How about a ride tomorrow? I'll pick you up at 9 and take you everywhere!" How could I say no? And thus begun a great three days in Hanoi as seen from the front of Mr Bihn's bike.

The highlights were a spot of lunch in a local restaurant near some military buildings - no English on the menu, the *best* fish in tomato and dill dish i have ever eaten and a roomful of uniformed Officers talking and laughing over tea and rice. It was a moment in time where the communist Vietnam of old and entrepreneurship of new came face to face. The deal was that I paid for both of us - about US$5 in total - but got to see a local view that wasn't on offer to other tourists; for me, a priceless memory. Cyclo drivers are a lifeline into the real life of Hanoi."

by Crustyadventures

Top 3 Travel Safety tips for Thailand

travel-tips — Mon, 1 Jun 2009 02:08:00 GMT

Whether it’s watching out for tipping tuk-tuks, careening coconuts or menacing mozzies, here are our Top 3 safety tips to consider while travelling in Thailand.

1. Staying safe on the road

In our experience as a leading global travel insurance provider, some of our largest claims ever have been made by British nationals travelling in Thailand following road traffic accidents. Road accidents are the biggest cause of death to foreign tourists in Thailand. Be it trying to navigate the minefields that are the Thailand road system, getting side-swiped in a tuk-tuk or coming off that rented motorcycle, travellers should be made aware of the hazards of road travel in Thailand.

Don't assume anything. You should always expect other drivers to do things you don't expect. Not indicating, overtaking on blind corners, running red lights are all commonplace. Always keep well to the left when riding a motorcycle and watch for overtaking cars, on even the narrowest of streets. Always, always wear a helmet - the wind in your hair is overrated when it comes at the cost of a head trauma.

2. Don’t do drugs!!

Sounds like a commonsense piece of advice, but travellers continue to ignore this rule, particularly when hitting the full moon parties in Thailand. Penalties for possession or use of, or trafficking in, illegal drugs in Thailand are severe and convicted offenders can expect long prison sentences under harsh conditions with resulting heavy fines as well. Thailand has a death penalty for serious drug offences, and they use it!

Just say no!

Beware of cons that offer free trips around South East Asia in return for transporting ‘luggage’ back to the United States or Europe. Drug traffickers are very resourceful and are known to spend weeks grooming a tourist.

3. Damn those pesky mosquitos

Experienced travellers to Thailand should already be familiar with some of the disease that mosquitoes carry. Yellow Fever and Dengue, two viral illnesses, are common maladies travellers need to deal with. Fortunately, Yellow Fever is vaccine preventable, Dengue is not. Malaria is the other disease that travellers need to be aware of. This blood borne, parasitic infection is a global killer. Filiariasis also deserves mention, too. There are many other infections carried by "mozzies" and they all help make up a list of reasons to not get bitten!

We strongly recommend that you consult your travel doctor well in advance of departure to ensure that you have the right vaccinations for Thailand.

Other methods of disease prevention generally centre on not getting bitten by mosquitoes. This is best done with a multi-step approach of using a bed net if sleeping outdoors or with open windows, applying insect repellent to skin (DEET) and on clothing (permethrin). Also try to wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors.

Did you know?

Around 350 people a year are killed by falling coconuts in Thailand – more than by sharks! Golden rule, try not to walk under coconut trees and if you hear a rustling sound from above, RUN! (but not onto the road!)

What's your #1 tip for Thai travel? Leave us a comment

Come in, the water’s fine! A guide to better CouchSurfing

travel-tips — Wed, 27 May 2009 01:40:00 GMT

Have you heard the term ‘couch surfing’ and want to know what it is? For some, it’s about scrounging a free place to doss so budget travels stay that way. For others, it’s about a desire to avoid the cultural bypass of big beige hotels and stay away from the flocks of tourists. Sleeping on a stranger’s couch (or if you’re lucky, in their spare room) can scratch that deep travel itch to find the ‘real’ life of a city – the one that only locals know.

The first place to start with all of this is over at couchsurfing.com – the heart and home of the vibrant couchurfing community. With over 1.2 million members, this is where you will find free beds, friendships and hopefully, deep and meaningful connections that cross oceans.

If it’s sounding good, then read on.

Our Travel-Tips guest blogger - Adam Schofield - is a 30 year old professional Dj and freelance writer from Bolton/Manchester Uk currently writing a series of books about couchsurfing the continents of the world. He has just crashed on his 110th couch, at the home of Roy Abrahams in Toronto and is full of good tips to keep you surfing safely and getting the most from these great interpersonal experiences.

Here are his top 10 tips on how to be a good surfer.

1. Get set up

The more information other members can access about you, the greater your chances will be of obtaining a host. When creating your member’s profile on couchsurfing.com, fill out all the appropriate fields to describe yourself, your interests and intentions. Also, make sure to include a cracking photo. Unlike passport authorities, smiling is encouraged… the bigger the better.

2. Get Verified

The CouchSurfing community unites to provide info on their website such the host’s validation credentials and written references that can give you some peace of mind before you decide to stay on the couch of someone you've never met before. The validation system on Couchsurfing.com is extremely important and here's how it works

There are three distinct levels of verification, each represented by an icon on your members profile page. How are these obtained?

Level 1 – Add your home address:
Simply add your home address details to your profile. This will not be available for others to see. Once this is complete the first icon will appear on your profile.

Level 2 – Address verifications via your credit card address.
Make a donation of $25 to couchsurfing.com via a credit card registered to the same home address you embedded in your profile. The donation helps maintain costs of the website running and the credit card security check .

Level 3 – Password security.
A snail mail will be posted to the home address you supplied with a unique password. Log into the CouchSurfing website and enter it to get your level 3 verification icon proving that you are who you say you are, and do in fact reside at that address.

How does verification benefit you?

Couchsurfing.com utilizes a specific search engine enabling you to tailor a search for your host based on gender, age, location, profession, language barriers, disability accessibility and especially, those who have taken the time and dedication to become verified. This way you can rest in the knowledge that your experience will be safe. The network will always have a record of its members should anything happen.

4. Choose your host well

When staying in a hotel, you like to read about it first before making a decision, don’t you? The same applies to CouchSurfing. Make sure to read profiles during the selection process. The more you know about your host before your arrival, the better your expectations will be. Strike up a little rapport with your hosts via Skype or MSN chat a few weeks in advance and get to know each other before arriving. Always address the host by their name when requesting a couch. Spam mailing several hosts or groups looking for a quick couch will often make you look disorganized and disrespectful.

5. Arrive in style

Be sure to give an exact date and time of arrival and if you’re lucky, a host might offer to pick you up. If making your own way there, be sure to get clear and precise directions and a contact number should you have any problems. One advantage of CouchSurfing is that your host can tell you the cheapest and safest way to get to their house and you can avoid the usual scams of overpriced taxis at the airport.

6. Be respectful and learn to adapt

My experience has led me to believe that a warm roof, clean drinking water and a safe place to store your bags are the three most crucial concerns. Anything else is a bonus. So, be considerate of the small expenses we take for granted. Remember, someone has to pay! Pay attention to water, electricity and gas consumption and even toilet paper, soap, and cooking essentials. Always keep your area clean and offer to help your hosts with household chores, cleaning and cooking. Never expect free food. When it happens, be grateful. Manners are essential and should be always maintained. And need we say, remember to wash yourself too! Considering all these points will not only create a smoother experience but will often lead to a lifetime friendship with your host and a positive reference on your profile for other potential hosts to read before deciding to host you.

7. Get social

Before arriving at your destination, post a welcome message in the group for that city or country on CouchSurfing.com. Introduce yourself to the local members and other travellers in the area... even suggest a meeting. The sooner you post your welcome, the more time you will have to coordinate your plans with others. There will undoubtedly be other members wanting to get together for tours or a night on the town. This is my favourite feature of being part of the CouchSurfing community - you can quickly meet trustworthy friends in unfamiliar places and discover great, cheap places to visit, eat and enjoy like a local.

8. Know your new surroundings

Familiarize yourself with your host’s neighbourhood as soon as possible. Hotels might be easy to find, but houses and apartments can look the same. Try and obtain a small map and mark your host’s location. Listen attentively to their advice and be sure to have a contact in case you get lost. If your host gives you a key, safeguard it at all times.

9. Beware Stranger Danger

You should never invite strangers back to your host’s house without permission, nor disclose their address.

10. Do unto others

It’s great to spread the word about CouchSurfing and share your experiences, yet wise to consider who to direct the idea too as there are some that may try and take advantage of others. Decide if the person you are about to tell is someone you would like to surf with or be hosted by in the future. Should you have any problems with a member, speak with local city or country CouchSurfing ambassadors or contact the dedicated member dispute team who will decide what course of action to follow

Remember to always remain open minded, non judgmental, smile and enjoy the couchsurfing experience. It’s more than a free couch, it’s an opportunity to learn and share from each other, bring together our individual worlds, helping one another utilise the short time we have to embrace all that life has to offer.

You can read more of Adam's CouchSurfing adventures over here.

Share your best CouchSurfing stories and tell us your top tips to get the most from the experience.

How to Beat the Travel Blues

travel-tips — Mon, 18 May 2009 06:58:00 GMT

“You’ve got to help me; I… see… things.” There’s no doubt that long-term travel can impact on your mental well-being. In today’s Western society it just isn’t natural to be so darn free. We develop into skins pre-programmed to set alarm clocks, eat fruit and shower daily. This is arguably why travelling is so popular; it’s one of the safest rebellions we can perform.

Depression. Anxiety. Loneliness. The shadows that crawl through the alleys become a physical torment. Stranger’s eyes pierce you. The restaurant tried to poison you. The rickshaw-wallah tried to kill you! The internet café tried to electrocute you. The monsoon tried to drown you. Your roommates tried to molest you! The shopkeeper tried to con you. The street kid tried to rob you. On and on, your once revered world drains itself of all familiar things and you’re left standing, alone, amid the dry scurf of solitude.

There are a number of ways you can avoid slipping into insanity. Slipping into insanity. Slip. Slip. INsANiTy. Here’s my non-slip top five:

1. Don’t forget who you are:

You’re going to grow dreadlocks; Scoff ‘shrooms; Marry an Icelandic; Travel naked with your sitar; Buy a VW Campervan; Get tattooed; Stretch your earlobes; Save the Ganges dolphin. Wonderful. Good on you, we’re fully behind you. Just don’t forget the passions you left behind. If cross-stitch, alchemy and a Horlicks before bed were once-loved vices then lead yourself into temptation and deliver yourself from evil. (Oh, and skip the drug experiment - that might be a catalyst to releasing the cuckoo-cuckoo).

2. Don’t forget where you’re from:

It’s no coincidence that the hostels of the world become factionalised. The “je parle Français” hunker in one corner, the “hablo Español” in another, the “ich spreche Deutsches” barge to the best one, and the “私は日本語を話す” shuffle to the last leaving us “one speaks English, don’t you know” to gather en masse in the centre. It’s no secret. We’re erecting a fence, inside which we feel safe, loved, understood, and connected. While outside it we’re unveiled, vulnerable, and vexed. It’s ok, go and sit inside the gate for a while. We won’t tell.

3. Keep a diary:

A private diary is a great way to offload thoughts and fears that you’d rather not share with the world (or your uncompassionate Israeli bunk-buddy). If carrying a flowery pink diary isn’t your thing then the outbox of your mobile phone is a useful alternative to store your mental notes. “OMG f dat kid duznt stop humming Om Mani Padme Hum I'm gunA go Nsane. I jst wnt my pillow n a mlky horlx”

4. Stay a while:

Routine is an ingredient most of us agree with - even wild, footloose travellers. By withstanding the strong currents of the major RTW trails and taking roots for a few weeks you’ll soon become familiar with your surroundings and things will seem a little less alien. Friends will flourish; Smiles will sway your way; and courage will cultivate. Doesn’t that sound more energising than a three-week test of wills along the raging routes of your guidebook?

5. Phone home:

No, I don’t mean ring your mum (or to watch E.T.) Ring your best mate and ask them what’s new, then cut to the chase and ask what’s different since you left. Things have probably hit rock bottom because, lets face it “you were the life and soul of the weekend and the glue that held everything together.” Modest? No. Feel better? Well and truly.

Above all, remember that while travelling will cleanse you of certain hang-ups it has a remarkable ability to surface some of your most hidden flaws. So before you reach for your flexible friend to forge an express route home, take a minute to ask yourself “what am I missing?” You’ll often find the remedies within reach.

Written by the footloose Englishman, Ant; World Nomads very own guest blogger and the solo scribe of the charismatic travel blog Trail of Ants.com. Ant's currently drenching a thirst for travel during his third year of dragging a smudged and odorous backpack around the world. You can occasionally track Ant down via his Twitter feed.

WorldNomads.com Travel Tip - Night Torch Photography

travel-tips — Wed, 7 Jan 2009 07:32:00 GMT

Ever wondered how to get you name up in lights? Amanda Byrne , WorldNomads.com program manager, demonstrates how to do night torch photography - on location in the Thar Desert, Rajasthan.

Amanda was over there filming Positive Footprints - India ( the 5th documentary in our Positive Footprints series).

She begged just to be sent over to film this Night Torch Photography segment, we laughed, felt sorry for her and sent her anyway!

Telegraph.co.uk Travel Tips - 2008 Best & Worst in Travel

travel-tips — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 00:51:00 GMT

Who better to share their best & worst travel experiences from 2008 than the travel writers from the Telegraph.co.uk

I've placed below a selection of what I thought were their standouts for best and worst, as well as sharing my own. You can get the full article here.

EDWARD BISHOP

Worst: Hauling myself up a snow field at 11,500 feet in Morocco's Atlas Mountains. It wasn't just the raging headache and nausea, but the irrational anxiety – a feature of altitude sickness apparently – that really did me in; it's difficult to plod on when you're convinced that you and your three old hiking buddies are about to die. I should have gone back down, but we got lost and had to camp on a windblown heap of shale. I made it – just – through the sub-zero night, but only with the help of an excellent sleeping bag, assorted prayers and a fistful of paracetamol.

Best: Less than 24 hours later, down the mountain, all symptoms gone, soaking in the hammam and strolling the scented gardens of the Kasbah du Toubkal (0033 5 4905 0135;(www.kasbahdutoubkal.com), glad to be alive and wondering what all the fuss had been about.

CHRIS CALDICOTT

Worst: After flying from sea level to San Pedro, high in the Chilean Andes, I was warned to "do as little as possible for the first couple of days and avoid the booze". Finding myself in one of the most visually exciting places on earth, I could resist neither the temptation to explore, nor a couple of beers with supper. That night was a hell of ice-pick headache, nightmares and breathless torment followed by a doctor and life-saving oxygen.

Best: At Calcutta's Park Hotel (0091 33 2249 9000; www.theparkhotels.com) I found the ultimate New India experience: a hip, contemporary hotel; zingy pan-Asian dishes; and live music so seductive I danced like a teenager.

MAGGIE O'SULLIVAN

Worst: A new boutique hotel in New York called Stay. I was travelling alone and was therefore assigned a tiny room with a view of a brick wall. My air-conditioning made such a racket that it drowned out the television… on the plus side, it also drowned out the noise from the industrial-sized air-cooling unit outside my window. When I returned to the hotel at 1.15am, I found the lobby crammed with people and music booming in the bar. Did I mention that my room was above the bar? "Stay central. Stay connected. Stay smart. Stay sexy. Stay comfortable", runs the hotel's marketing blurb. Stay awake, more like. After a sleepless night, I was hit with a bill for nearly £200. Nobody asked me if I had enjoyed my Stay.

Best: The Seychelles. Why haven't I visited these beautiful islands before? They've got it all: the weather and white-sand beaches of Mauritius, the faultless service of Indonesia, the chic resorts of the Maldives, and all for about the same flying time from Britain as Barbados.

RODNEY BOLT

Worst: Venice, with a sweaty, sweltering surge of passengers on board a vaporetto one summer's day, having forked out €6.50 for a single ticket. The cabin was under-cooled and under-ventilated, which meant most people tried to jam on to the packed deck. There was no route information, no announcement of forthcoming stops, the engine was old and polluting, the boat shoddy.

Best: Rome's second-century Trajan's Market (www.mercati ditraiano.it), where I wandered down corridors lined with chambers that seemed just hours before to have been emptied of their jars of oil and wine, folds of rich cloth. You need less of an act of imagination here than anywhere in Rome to people the forum with shoppers in togas, or strolling centurions.

SASHA BATES

Worst and best: I was sleeping in a yurt. It was the middle of the night, and I woke to the sound of rain on canvas. As water seeped in I thought I was in for trouble. In fact, Huzur Vadisi (020 8690 0890; www.yogaonashoestring.com) in Lycia, Turkey, turned out to be my best holiday of the year. A restored farmhouse, with 15 yurts scattered around its gardens, views across farmland stretching to the Taurus Mountains in one direction, the Turquoise Coast in another, it was aesthetically perfect. With home-cooked food, swimming pool, superb staff and yoga lessons below the trees twice a day, by the end of my week I was blissfully relaxed.

TIM POZZI

Worst: Arriving in Dibrugarh, India, at 6am, after 17-hour train journey, shattered, and looking forward to the comfort of the hotel we'd been booked into. It was on a dirt road, along which lorries raised great clouds of dust. The stairs were littered with dead bugs. The corridors echoed with the sounds of televisions and bickering staff. The wiring was terrifying. The single towel was a muddy brown. We sat at a grease-stained table in the empty, windowless dining room watching mice scurry across the floor, and despaired.

Best: Our guidebook recommended a house on a tea plantation about six miles away. An hour later we were in a beautiful 19th-century mansion surrounded by elegant gardens. White-jacketed staff steered us across vast expanses of polished mahogany floor to the biggest room I have ever stayed in. That night we dined alone on the veranda. The food was of a surreal brilliance – here we were in the middle of nowhere, and yet the exquisite dishes would have graced any restaurant in the world.

My Best & Worst

Worst: Riding in a tuk-tuk down the streets of Phnom Penh,stop at a traffic light to see a tiny hand come over the side of my seat. Looked over to see the angelic face of a 3-year old boy. Begging. In 3 lanes of traffic. Still haunts me.

Force 9 storm outside of Tromso, stuck on MS Midnatsol, thrown from bed in middle of night, not so flash.

Best: Sitting on the top of Phnom Bahkeng Temple outside of Siem reap at sunset. Enjoying a cold beer with a friend and discussing the many contradictions of Cambodia. Promising to return and go on a Pepy Ride cycle tour of Cambodia.

What was your best and worst?

Chris Noble
General Manager
WorldNomads.com
chris[at]worldnomads.com

WorldNomads.com Travel Tip - Honking in Asia, embrace it !

travel-tips — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 03:47:00 GMT

It doesn't matter which part of Asia you're in, the local traffic love to HONK ! The problem is, that new travellers to these countries are used to a honk being closely followed by a '$#^&** You'.

Honking in Asia is for the most part not a sign of aggression, it's a way for fellow road traffic to let you know where they are. It's how they look out for each other on the road, amoungst hundreds of motorcycles, tuk tuks, cars and trucks.

So when you're next in Asia, embrace the honk, it's what will keep you travelling safely on the road !

Chris Noble
General Manager
chris[at]worldnomads.com
http://twitter.com/WorldNomad

WorldNomads.com Travel Tip - Cambodian Som Pas

travel-tips — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

If you're travelling to Cambodia, you'll notice how Cambodians greet each other with their palms together. This is called Som Pas.

To whom the Som Pas is being given to will determine how high the hands are held and how low the bow.

Little language tip as well. You usually Som Pas and say Choum Reap , which means hello. When you leave, Som Pas and say Choum Reap Lir , which means goodbye. Always make sure you return the Som Pas if it is given to you, it's a simple sign of respect.

NileGuide.com Travel Tip - Top 5 Destinations to Visit During a Recession

travel-tips — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 01:14:00 GMT

Our mates over at Nileguide.com have posted a story on the Top 5 Destinations to visit during a recession.

They've listed the following as the Top 5 - full blog post here

1. Argentina

Get a taste of Europe for a fraction of the cost in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, trek through the expansive landscapes of Patagonia, and sip Malbec in the vineyards of Mendoza. With the roughly 3:1 Peso - US Dollar exchange rate, it’s easy to live large in Argentina.

2. New Zealand

Learn the history of Maori culture, catch a glimpse of the elusive kiwi bird, and participate in one of hundreds of outdoor activities (from biking to surfing to zorbing). Live it up in Auckland with a 2:1 NZ Dollar - US Dollar exchange rate.

3. Turkey

Experience the bright colors, flavors and fragrances of the Istanbul Spice Bazaar, admire the minarets of the Blue Mosque, and explore archaeological sites and beaches on the Aegean coast at 1.6 New Turkish Liras to the US Dollar.

4. South Africa

Take in breathtaking views of Capetown from the famous Table Mountain, sample award-winning Reisling and Cabernet Sauvignon in the Cape Winelands, and enjoy fresh seafood from both the Indian and Atlantic on 10 Rands to the US Dollar.

5. Brazil

Party enthusiasts can check off Carnival in the streets of Rio de Janeiro from their must-do lists. Dance the Samba or soak up the sun on one of the beaches of Brazil’s 4,000+ mile coastline. Nothing beats the price of an all-you-can-eat Brazilian barbecue at 2+ Reais to the US Dollar.

I'd love to add one more to this list

Cambodia - Very, very inexpensive to travel and surprisingly safe given the turmoil this country has gone through. Enjoy the temples of Angkor, bizzare culinary delights and bask in the warmth of an amazingly warm culture.

Where else would you travel to in such tumultuous times?

Chris Noble
General Manager
chris[at]worldnomads.com

WorldNomads.com Travel Tip - Backpacks

travel-tips — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 00:51:00 GMT

I have travelled with everything from climbing rucsacks on a long haul trip across India to just a tiny day pack for 4 weeks in Cambodia. My advice, like many before me is to travel light! Now of course, this might mean either of the above, so you have to consider:

where are you going
what is the climate like
what are you going to do
what can I buy along the way
what can't I buy along the way

Then, having made your choice, you have to consider how valuable any of this stuff is to you. I usually travel with the idea that I don't
take anything I'm not prepared to lose (or have stolen) and leave those items behind.

Now consider what it will be like to lug that 25Kg at lunchtime when it is 40 degrees in the shade and lose at least another one third of it. Now you are getting closer.

Then think about security and dangling straps. Does my nice new pack look, well, rather nice and expensive? Think about people who might have barely eaten for a month, put yourself in their shoes and ask what you'd do in their situation? That isn't being harsh, it is often just reality. I've had stuff stolen before. It isn't nice, but get over it. Do you padlock your backpack and advertise you have something to steal? Or do you make your pack lokk, well, kinda grubby and let them go after another traveller? (that is a rhetorical question).

And finally, consider what you might buy on the way. Apart from various replenishables like t-shirts and thongs etc, consider all the lovely booty out there just waiting for you to take it home, so leave about a third of an empty pack of space. Trust me: you'll need it!

Simon Monk
Director of Online
simon.monk[at]worldnomads.com

WorldNomads.com Travel Tip - How to manage the risk of theft

travel-tips — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 19:51:00 GMT

It is one of the peculiarities of travel insurance that people buy it because they imagine having their belongings stolen, and yet this is one of the least important reasons you actually need it. By this I mean that although it is an incredibly common occurrence, it isn't actually such a big deal is it?

It's all a question of attitude.

In my view you shouldn't really take anything with you that you can't afford to lose. After all, they are just possessions and can usually easily be replaced, however inconvenient.

Having said this, let's not throw stuff away. A few basic precautions can greatly assist in keeping valuables safe, although they certainly won't prevent someone determined too get them from you. Hold onto your things, put bag straps around your foot or around your chair leg if you are in a bar or restaurant and don't leave your bags unattended, even for a few moments, as this is all the time that is needed.

A common tactic of these thieves is for one person to distract your attention for a few moments whilst another disappears with your bags. People putting their bags down a few meters away and turning around for a chat only to then find them gone happens so frequently it isn't even funny.

It is actually extremely rare but in the unlikely event that you are held up at gun or knife point, don’t resist or fight and try not to look at the thief’s face as psychologically this can be taken as a sign of challenge. Just let it go and walk away with your life and dignity.

If any of this happens be it minor or not, report it to the policy and no matter how much hassle, get a proper paper report from them. Without this, any likely claim on your travel insurance will prove difficult if not impossible.

And lastly, try to keep things in perspective. Thefts happen but they aren't the end of the world. Things can be replaced. You can't. Your health and your life is what is precious.

Simon Monk
Director of Online
simon.monk[at]worldnomads.com

WorldNomads.com Travel Tip - Plugs, power and travelling with laptops

travel-tips — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:46:00 GMT

I don't know about you, but I frequently head off on shortish trips to small groups of countries like Japan, Vietnam and Laos or Italy, France and the UK. Modern electronics have become wonderfully small compared to 10 years ago ... but I am still left baffled by all the combinations of plugs and cables. Simplicity in one seems to have been traded by a complexity in the other.

While I can't do much about the plugs and cables I can point you at a new site that has been built just for fun: WhatPlug.info

From Azerbaijan to Zambia you have the one-stop-shop for voltage, plug types adaptors.

neat.

Simon Monk
Director of Online
simon.monk[at]worldnomads.com