The Nomad's Survival Kit

A Bag Snatch and Sleepless Nights in Nice

nomads-survival-kit — Tue, 7 Jan 2014 10:39:00 GMT

It was a sweltering August in the south of France and I had nowhere to sleep. I had just taken the train from Paris down to Nice with the intention of soaking up some rays on the coast of the sparkling Mediterranean. When I got off the train, however, I quickly realised I'd made a mistake in my itinerary planning.

I'd planned most of my accommodation for the next few weeks, but I'd left two night gaps in between cities, just in case I felt the desire to stay a little longer in a certain place. In the rush to make my train, I had completely forgotten to book an extra night at my intended hostel so I would have a place to lay my weary head. I wasn't too worried, though, since I figured there had to be at least one available bed in the place.

But, I was wrong.

The hostel was fully booked, so I checked a couple places nearby. I didn't have any luck at those either. I was quickly becoming exhausted, since I had neglected to sleep the night before. Then, I recalled the sad and grungy looking group of backpackers who were passed out in clumps on the sidewalk outside the train station. Like a moth to the flame, I wandered through the filthy streets back to my fellows. I picked a spot along the wall a little away from the crowd, wrapped my arms and legs around my backpack, and fell fast asleep.

I woke up four hours later clutching air. There were a few panicked moments as I flailed my arms around and clutched frantically for my belongings. It was no use. As the fog of sleep lifted, I despaired and knew my belongings were gone. Everything that was in my pack was gone. All I had left were the clothes on my back and the few things I always kept in my pockets: money, credit cards, cell phone, and passport. Someone had managed to pry everything else from my sleep-deadened arms.

I went through the crowd, asking people if they'd seen anything. No one had; they all appeared to be as exhausted and groggy as I was. Next, I ran to the police station and asked to fill out a report. I was greeted politely enough, but it swiftly became apparent my situation was not going to be high on their priority list; I'd be lucky to make the list at all. I filled out the form as completely and quickly as possible, then ran back to the train station and started searching. That is the point where I finally did something right.

I started searching the immediate area and surrounding two blocks for my possessions. I found my belt and some of my clothes in a homeless man's shopping cart. It was pretty obvious he hadn't stolen the items himself. That is, once he recovered from the shock of having me grabbing things out of his shopping cart and realised what had happened. He led me to a nearby dumpster, where I found the book I was currently reading and, miraculously, my travel journal. Not only was the journal filled with the entire account of my trip so far and extremely sentimental, my rail pass was also tucked in between some of the pages. A rail pass is worth hundreds of dollars and is almost as transferable as cash, so I felt a rush of relief when I opened my journal and found it still snug in its place.

I checked some more dumpsters and found a few more odds and ends. When morning finally came, I had to go out and purchase a new backpack, some new clothes, and new toiletries. The only actual valuable I lost? My camera, along with all the pictures on it. While that was a blow, it could've been much worse.

I was alive. I was unharmed. I still had my money, cards, passport, phone, and rail pass. I had clothes and shelter for the coming night. As I sat at a small cafe and let some piping hot espresso warm my soul, I couldn't help but be thankful it hadn't been worse. I learned a lot from that experience.

If you are the victim of theft, be proactive. Ask people if they saw anything. File a police report. Search the surrounding area – many times the thieves will dump the non-valuable things. Keep your valuables spread throughout your luggage and concealed within things that don't look important. Keep the 'essentials' (passport, money, cards, phone) securely on your person at all times. Purchase travel insurance which will cover lost and stolen belongings. Don't be particularly attached to all the stuff you're lugging around; life happens. Maybe even try to prevent this story from happening by always making sure to have accommodation when you arrive in a new city. Oh, and one more thing: never, EVER, sleep on the sidewalk in front of a train station. BE SMART!

Have you had any close calls on the road? Share your story below, and check out some of these terrifying travel tales!

The Wrong Place at the Wrong Time

Mugged in Mexico

About the Author

Nathan Anderson was born on a chilly December day in the shadow of the majestic Cascade Mountains in northwest Washington. Since that fateful day, he has loved the cold and been obsessed with the great outdoors. After graduating university with a degree in International Business and spending a few years doing responsible things like work hard and save money, he decided exploring the world was a much better use of his time.

Since then, he has visited 19 countries throughout North America, Europe, and Asia, with more destinations in the pipeline! There have been some awesome adventures, among them: scuba diving in the Philippines, barely completing a 4 day jungle trek in Borneo, traveling through Burma by rail, and going on a solo motorcycle trip through the steppes of Mongolia. Hopefully, there will be many more adventures to come! He’s currently living and working in South Korea, with plans to travel to Japan, China, and Kyrgyzstan in the near future. Follow him on twitter and check out his blog at The Open Road Before Me.

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WorldNomads.com keeps you travelling safely. Whether you’re off for a long weekend, looking for the ultimate adventure or living the nomadic dream, you’ll stay safe with Travel Insurance you can buy online, anytime, and the latest travel safety advice. Learn how to flirt in over 25 languages with our free language guides and have an experience of a lifetime on a travel scholarship. We'll also help you share your journey with a free travel blog, get answers from other nomads to all of your travel questions (try the new 'Ask A Nomad' iPad app) and donate to a local community development project through our Footprints program.

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Surviving the UK on a Budget

nomads-survival-kit — Wed, 4 Jul 2012 15:35:00 GMT

In his latest guest post, Colm Hanratty of Hostelworld.com gives us tips on how to save money when travelling around the UK.

Afternoon tea, premiership football, fish and chips and pints of ‘bitter’ – these are just some of the things the UK is famed for. You couldn’t visit without enjoying at least one of these experiences. I personally recommend the fish and chips in London - you know you’re in the English capital when you’re munching on cod and chips before enjoying a pint in a typical boozer.

There’s only one catch about all the above – your budget. Spend your days in English cities scoffing meat pies and downing pints of Boddingtons and you’ll soon see you’re spending (and gaining!) quite a few pounds. There are ways to enjoy the UK without it being too painful financially. Read until I tell you how.

Free museums

Cities in the UK and Ireland have one extremely enjoyable common trait – free museums. In London it’s harder to pay into a museum than it is not to. The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, the National Portrait Gallery just behind it and the British Museum in Holborn are all free. In Edinburgh the Royal Mile, Scotland’s most famous street, is dotted with them. In Glasgow you can visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery without paying anything, while in Manchester the Manchester Museum isn’t only worth visiting because it’s free, but also of its giant T-Rex and mummies.

Free walking tours of the captials

If London and Edinburgh are on your itinerary, good news – both capitals have free walking tours thanks to Sandeman’s New Europe Tours (they’re found in other parts of Europe too). It may sound like there’s a catch but there genuinely isn’t. The guides, who are usually a mix of locals, Spanish-speaking ones and Americans, are extremely knowledgeable and, more importantly, entertaining. At the end of the tour you’re asked to tip, but there’s no obligation to. If you feel you should then offer them a few pound and be on your way. A great way to see either city.

Stay in hostels and cook for yourself

If you’re planning a trip travelling around the UK make no mistake about it – staying in hostels will be kinder on your pocket than any form of accommodation. On top of that, you’ll be able to cook for yourself also, meaning spending endless pounds on dining out doesn’t have to be a worry. Then there’s the added bonus of meeting people – hostels are more social than any other form of accommodation so stay in one and expect to make lots of new friends. If you really want your own room though, don’t worry – over 80% of hostels have private rooms.

Free gigs

When I stay in hostels I see people staying in for different reasons. Either they’re devoid of energy after the night before, they’re the sort of person that prefers a quiet night, or they’re saving their pennies. The first two reasons are down to personal preference, but you don’t need to stay in to save money in UK cities. This is thanks to pubs and clubs dotted around the country hosting free comedy nights and gigs. Whistle Binkies just off the Royal Mile in Edinburgh hosts bands every night of the week. The Bell in Bath is another well-known live music venue, Ask hostel staff to find out the best places.

Parks

It may be a cliché when it comes to ways to save money, but you can’t deny the fact that if you want to entertain yourself without having to delve deep into your pocket parks and gardens are where to go. London is heaving with them – Hyde Park, Green Park and Regent’s Park are some of its top attractions. In Edinburgh you can’t leave without chilling in Prince’s Gardens for a while, In Bath there aren’t many places more beautiful than the Royal Crescent, and in Glasgow the Botanic Gardens are free to enter.

About Hostelworld

Hostelworld.com has hostels, budget hotels, guesthouses in more in destinations in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. You can keep up to date with everything they do by liking their page on facebook and following them on Twitter.

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Photos: The Nomad's Survival Kit

nomads-survival-kit — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 14:44:00 GMT

The Drugs Are Out: Surviving The Netherlands (Without Getting High)

nomads-survival-kit — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 14:26:00 GMT

Much of the recent talk surrounding Dutch tourism, both inside and outside the Netherlands, has revolved around the issue of drug legislation. Whether you’re for or against, the inevitable fact is that, from the start of 2013, tighter legislation regarding the sale of Cannabis will be rolled out nation-wide.

This means there’s a good chance that you, as a tourist, may not be able to walk into a coffee shop and purchase the most popular item on the menu without a ‘weed pass’ – a pass only available to residents of the local area.

The debate still rages between government, residents, tourism organisations, coffee shop owners themselves and even the Mayor of Amsterdam, with the biggest critique being the potential negative effect it could have on the tourism industry. Estimates conclude that about one-third of tourists to Amsterdam come due to the accessibility of soft drugs, and for the demographic between ages 18-24 there is little doubt this percentage is even higher.

Over the last few decades many of Holland’s interesting features and unique nature have been forgotten due to the changing priorities of the average tourist. Instead of seeing all that the Netherlands has to offer, many spend days or weeks wandering the streets of Amsterdam, or in the confines of a smoky Coffee Shop.

So what can be done when the laws are changed and these options are no longer available?

How can you survive a week in the Netherlands without the option of taking mind-altering substances every day? It’s not as hard as it might seem.

Food and Drink

While the Dutch aren’t as renowned for their culinary delights to the extent of their neighbours like France and Germany, they certainly have their own unique cultural take on the European staples in a cheap and simple manner. An agrarian history has led to excellence in the production of sausages, fruit and veg and, in particular, cheese.

The making of Gouda and Edam cheeses account for nearly 3 quarters of all Dutch cheese-making, and they’re known throughout the world. Every town and market in Holland will have somewhere and something to eat, whether it’s the delicious cheeses or the Dutch specialties of Herring, Eel and other obscure-sounding meals.

Where weed may have led you to a variety of international fast-food options, perhaps the law change is a positive sign for Dutch cuisine.

Holland is also the home of one of the world’s most famous beers – Heineken. The brewery in Amsterdam offers a tour called the ‘Heineken Experience’ – and an experience it certainly is, with traditional aspects as well as virtual reality simulators and a ride that puts you in the place of a bottle on the production line.

Culture, History, Museums

The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is the Dutch National Museum, filled with classic Dutch artwork and historical artefacts from the Dutch colonial era, including Hartog’s Plate, the evidence of the first confirmed visit to Australia by Europeans – the Dutch. There are also Museums and Galleries dedicated to the great Dutch artists known worldwide, such as van Gogh and Rembrandt.

The Anne Frank House, while not exactly a scene of excitement or joy, is still an experience all travellers to the Netherlands should have. Being able to see and explore the living situation of this significant, harrowing story brings across the experience in a truly harrowing but unforgettable fashion.

One of the most prominent Dutch cultural aspects you will witness, particularly in Amsterdam, is the prevalence of bicycles. They’re a great way to see and get around the city, and can be hired from many places for minimal fees. Cyclists are the primary motorists in the heart of Amsterdam and as such are afforded the respect they deserve, but don’t forget that there are rules and courtesies that you should follow out of respect and to avoid being reprimanded.

Another means of transportation is by boat, given the amount of canals and waterways that you can find in many Dutch cities. From Amsterdam to Utrecht a canal cruise is not only a great way to get around, and to see the sights, but a memorable experience in general.

The People & The Country

A great thing I learned last time I was in Holland is that it takes a mere 2 hours to travel from one side of the country to the other via public transport. This means that travelling to any part of the country from Amsterdam leaves you with enough time to experience things and return to your accommodation in one night.

Whether you head over to Rotterdam to check out Holland’s biggest and most spectacular Zoo, or the amazing Apenheul Monkey House in Apeldoorn, or the houses of Parliament in Den Haag, most cities and their attraction aren't so far out of the way so it wouldn't require more than a day to make a return trip.

The public transport also runs with meticulous efficiency. While you may have to change trains, more often than not the train you need to be on will be waiting for you across the platform when you get off the first one.

One of the greatest things about the experience of travelling throughout Holland is the people. While it helps to start off respectful you’ll find that the Dutch are some of the most laid-back people in the world, with or without marijuana. Most Dutch people have an excellent grasp of the English language and have fewer hang-ups about conversational language than the French or Germans. They will treat you with an openness and respect you won’t find so forthcoming in other parts of the world, and have a truly wonderful sense of humour.

As you can see there is alot to do and to keep you sane in the Netherlands without drugs - and this isn’t even the half of it. Despite the fact that drug legislation is changing there is no reason that Amsterdam and the rest of the country should appeal to you any less than any other part of Europe. It’s a great country to see at any time of year and there is more than enough to see and do for days in this relatively small nation.

If tourism really does suffer as a result of the coming changes, surely it says more about the mentality of the international traveller than it ever did about Holland and the Dutch.

About the Author

David Piepers is student of international relations, a foreign diplomat in training, culminating in research at overseas meetings of the minds such as music and beer festivals. Dave’s travel advice is like that of the father you never had. A father who’s slept in some of the worst hostels Europe has to offer. Follow him on twitter @jvanderp.

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Hotel vs Hostel

nomads-survival-kit — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:24:00 GMT

If you’ve ever travelled internationally there’s a very good chance that you’ve had the pleasure or displeasure of staying in a Hostel. There are many awesome features that come with Hostels – they’re cheap and they’re also fantastic places to meet people in similar situations to yours.

That being said, for many travellers the advantages of staying in a Hostel might not be outweighed by what could be considered to be disadvantages. With that in mind here are a few tips to consider when weighing up the choice between a Hotel and a Hostel.

Value for Money

Luxurious Hostels are few and far between. Given that you’re not able to actually go and tour the facilities until your bleary-eyed check-in I can advise doing as much research as you possibly can online. The accommodation guides that you can find on online review sites are the best place to go.

Keep in mind, though, that everyone is after something different - while someone may have been disappointed by their experience that doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be. However, if you find a Hostel with considerably more bad reviews than good ones, it’s a pretty sure sign to look elsewhere.

Any Hostel worth its salt will be reading these reviews and working on rectifying problems. Naturally, the more recent reviews will give you the best idea of what to expect.

Security

Most Hotels around the world will provide you with a miniature safe in your room for storing valuables. Hostels will in many cases be an entirely different story. While some will provide some kind of locker or storage area often the quality may be sub-par with locks that don’t work or a storage room filled with the bags of 50 other travellers as well. Those with SLR or Video Cameras as well as laptops may not find the thought of this ‘security’ too enticing.

Depending on your faith in humankind you may also want to remember that people come and go from Hostels all the time. In a dorm-room you might fall asleep and wake up with different people sharing the room. I’ve never had any experience with theft while travelling but it serves well to bear in mind that knowing they’ll never see your face again can make a potential thief more brazen - don’t freak out, just be aware of the remote possibility.

Cleanliness and Maintenance

This can often come back to value for money, if you’re paying ultra-cheap to stay somewhere you can’t expect too much, if anything at all. When last travelling in Europe I had the pleasure of staying in a few different Hostels throughout Prague, Berlin in Amsterdam and they were all very different.

In Amsterdam I stayed at the Hans Brinker, a place that proudly displays in its lobby its award for ‘worst hostel in the world’. We had no idea of that, and while Amsterdam is certainly not a city where you need to worry about these things so much, with 4 nights of sleeping on a ‘bed’ that smelled strange with two metal bars across your back for support, and a bathroom that flooded if you took a shower for too long, it can be deterring.

The Hotel (Apollo Museumhotel) I stayed at in Amsterdam after the Hans Brinker was truly immaculate. That may have just been by comparison though.

Much of your reaction will depend on your expectations – so expecting too much before you check-in can often result in disappointment.

Creature Comforts

In a Hotel you’ll more often than not have your own shower, a TV, perhaps even a fridge. All of these items are yours to do whatever you’d like with, within reason. The amenities, rooms, and other devices a Hotel room may or may not have are typically all communal in Hostels. Your room might have a shower but you share that room and that shower with various other people who don’t know you from a bar of soap, and who might even USE your bar of soap while you’re out.

This once again comes down to personal preference and expectations. If the thought of sharing a room with multiple randoms who you may not even be able to communicate properly with is one you find unattractive, perhaps Hostels aren’t for you. If you want to spend your late evenings curled up in bed reading or watching the TV, a Hotel might be a better idea.

So which should you choose?

The choice between a Hotel and a Hostel will ultimately depend on the type of experience you’re after. If you prefer comfort and security, as well as every nights sleep being a good one, a Hotel is the logical choice. If you want to immerse yourself in your travel and really don’t care about things like whether you can access your own personal amenities then a Hostel is a great place to stay and experience, and it will also save you a considerable amount of money.

Having stayed in both, and having seen the worst a Hostel can be, even I acknowledge that sometimes, after a few weeks, you just want a room that isn’t going to be filled with other people – a little space for your own.

Staying in a Hotel does not make you a prude or a snob - everyone appreciates comfort once in a while. Ultimately what should matter the most is where you’re going and what you’re seeing, not where you’re staying, but everyone has their preferences.

Related articles

A Guide to Better Couchsurfing

3 Tips for Surviving Airport Delays

About the Author

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Dubai's Arabian Romance: Accessible, but at a price

nomads-survival-kit — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:52:00 GMT

Dubai is so elaborate and luxurious, it's easy to forget where in the world you really are.

When you’re a free-spirited nomadic couple of first world origins, unfortunately you have to control your impulses in certain countries. By “impulses” I mean the urge to embrace at romantic viewpoints or to give your partner a cheeky pinch on the bottom when you think there’s nobody else around.In Dubai, many foreigners become so consumed in surreal surroundings - elaborate water fountains and over-the-top buildings - that they forget they are, in fact, in a Muslim country with very conservative social rules.

Prior to the discovery of oil less than 50 years ago, the locals who now drive Ferraris probably rode camels through the desert trade hub. The significant shift in appearance of both the city and its people, however, does not mean that beliefs and tolerances have also become more relaxed than in the past.

I believe that research and rational thinking at all times are essential to remain culturally appropriate in this region... Unless you are willing to pay a premium to access real privacy to avoid any issues.

You can't proceed past the front gates of the Burj Al Arab without spending a small fortune.

Reportedly amongst the most exclusive and romantic dining experiences in Dubai
are the seven restaurants at Burj Al Arab - the famous five star hotel that mimics a tall sail ship and has stunning 360 degree views. Honeymooners and couples celebrating significant anniversaries secure their bookings months in advance. The only way to even proceed past the front gate of this outrageous hotel is to lock in a table and commit to a minimum spend that is equivalent to the cost of a long distance flight for each person. Of course, if you’re willing to pay the money, you certainly won’t be hassled for stealing a kiss across the table.

The Atlantis at The Palm offers similar restaurants to Burj Al Arab but the hotel itself is much larger. The rich and the famous stay for a minimum 2,270.00 AED per night (equal to A$574.10 at the time of writing, according to Atlantis The Palm website), with rooms valued all the way up to AED 129,000. That’s an absurd A$32,624.95 per night! For that price, Atlantis throws in a private butler and your very own elevator, providing the ultimate solitary escape for the elite.

Atlantis at The Palm is a hotel for the rich and famous.

A more affordable refuge, is Jumeirah Beach. You can access this private beach for only a couple of dollars to join expats and tourists enjoying the sun and sand in the same way they would at home. Western women rock their bikinis like rebellious teenagers and men snuggle up to their partners under umbrellas. You could be seriously apprehended for acting in this manner at any other beach in the UAE. But within the fences of Jumeirah it appears to be accepted and enjoyed.

In addition, alcohol is heavily regulated and a permit is required to buy liquor in Dubai. However, you can enjoy a flirtatious night of drinking and dancing at bars and clubs only within hotels.

Throughout the rest of the city, the big lights and luxury hypnotize couples into a state of complacency. A small number of couples appear completely unaware of being inappropriate - they genuinely don’t understand the culture and customs, stopping in Dubai only to experience shopping on the way to another destination.

Expats and tourists also consciously push the boundaries; wearing inappropriate clothes, holding hands and drinking in areas they are expected to conform. Most of the time these people get away with receiving only glaring stares from others. Lucky, as the Emirates maintain a strict policy to enforce cultural sensitivity in highly public spaces.

It’s easy to get carried away with romance in a destination like Dubai. It is, after all, a desert transformed into an unreal playground of sights and activities we only previously dreamed of. That’s no excuse for behaving inappropriately, though. Research before you decide to visit Dubai and, if romantic temptation is too difficult for you to manage, plan your itinerary in a way that will keep you out of trouble, even if it’s more expensive.

About the Author

Marissa Toohey is an Australian writer who enjoys busting her comfort bubble through travel, adventures and volunteering. She enjoys getting off the beaten track and shares her insights at theBubbleBuster Project blog. Follow her on twitter @theBubbleBuster or Facebook.

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A World Festival Survival Guide

nomads-survival-kit — Fri, 3 Feb 2012 07:37:00 GMT

Music is an international language, a tool that can only be used for good in the breaking of boundaries between people. From enjoying some Bob Marley in an Amsterdam coffee shop with a Jamaican, to the international beer-drinking language of Polka, I’ve come to understand that music transcends everything.

Music Festivals are somewhat of a global circuit. The Big Day Out starts in Australia in Summer and then many of the bands begin a good 6-8 months of touring, following these festivals and playing sideshows along the way. While they might have most things taken care of for them, from a plush hotel room to the excessive demands on the rider, the international traveller often has a different experience on the travel circuit. If you’re looking at heading to a UK or European Festival, or even to the states, here are some things to bear in mind;

Give Yourself Some Time

I have attended both V Festival in the UK and Oktoberfest in Germany, and it was straight to the campsite from the airport each time. I can tell you now, if you’re anything like me, going straight from minimal sleep on a plane to a campsite where you have to set up and get ready while surrounded by drunken people, followed by a night of minimal sleep because of said drunken people, you can be pretty damn irritable by the time the festival comes around.

You might be more of a party animal than myself, but bear it in mind. Get a hotel for a night before you head to the campsite. You’ll thank yourself for it because…

You’ll Get Minimal Sleep

If you’ve had a good night’s sleep beforehand, you’ll be better prepared. If not you’ll just have to endure, knowing there’s not much you can do. The non-stop party atmosphere of the massive campsites is a great vibe, but certainly not conducive to sleeping. Given that many of these are 2-3 day festivals, be prepared. A hotel also provides the benefit of having a long, extensive, warm shower before you spend a few days in your own muck.

Take a Tent

Once again, as you go straight from the airport to the campsite you might as well take everything you need. You can leave the tent when you’re done, who cares, so make it a cheap one, but also preferably one that water doesn’t get into - attempting to get a tent in a town near the festival, as well as a sleeping bag, will be difficult given that thousands of people before you were also ill-prepared.

Get Your Bearings

If you’ve already been to a camping festival in Australia you’ll know the potential hazards of stumbling back to the right tent in the middle of the night while intoxicated. Overseas the festival campsites are about 3-4 times bigger and there is often more than one site, so knowing where you are is crucial.

There are systems to help but if you’re jet-lagged, tired and drunk you might need even more help than that. While stumbling into someone else’s tent may turn out to be a rewarding experience, the odds of this are low compared to the odds of starting a fracas.

Get Some Earplugs

The debate about whether it’s cool or not to wear earplugs at a music festival still rages, but these serve multiple purposes. In my last travel experience I found that sleeping with earplugs in certain instances made sleep happen in circumstances that certainly weren’t helping. This is not a long term solution. Sleeping with earplugs can cause damage to your hearing, so don’t do it every night for crying out loud.

They will help you sleep when all hope seems lost. If you can, try and steal an eye mask from the plane as well, it will help with the consistent lighting that fills the campsite of a night time.

Be Somewhat Responsible

Remember that, there is a heavy police and security presence at these events, to scale with the size of these festivals compared to Australia. Have some drinks, but drink sensibly. Do not take drugs into the festival. God knows there are already enough in there. Don’t think that you can get away with being a more reckless version of yourself at these events. If you’re the kind of person that draws trouble here, you’d be the same over there. Keep that in mind.

Enjoy Yourself!

You are experiencing a cultural melting pot on the other side of the world. The home you create around your campsite over the multiple nights you’re there becomes a community of people from all over the world.

You might be tired, jet-lagged, frustrated and/or grumpy but you’re not going to get opportunities like this too often. We all know what festivals have to offer but the camping experience is truly unique. You will make new friends and have new experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime. And then there are the bands!

Related articles:

A Taste of Germany - Local Brews

Burning Man - USA

Oktoberfest Tips and Survival Guide

About the Author

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How to Prepare for (and Survive) a Cross-Canada Trip

nomads-survival-kit — Fri, 3 Feb 2012 06:32:00 GMT

It started out as an idea, and grew to obsession.

Early last year, a friend and I were trying to figure out a way to make it to TBEX 2011 in Vancouver, British Columbia. Flying across the country is hardly an option at times, with flights costing often more than my salary. Well, close to it.

But being the second largest country in the world, we wondered if travel by land was even possible, or affordable.

Thankfully, our awesome powers of travel planning helped traverse us across the country in just under three weeks, resulting in one of the most incredible trips I’ve ever taken.

Preparation

Don’t be fooled: although it’s just ONE country, the differences in geography, people, culture, landscapes, etc. are extremely variable from coast to coast. Newfoundland, for example, is a different world than most of Canada. We have our own dictionary.
Preparation was the tricky part, but also pretty fun.

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VIA Rail is the only passenger rail system in Canada, stretching from British Columbia to Nova Scotia. While we were still figuring out the particulars of the trip, we received an email announcing a mega-sale. We booked our trip from Halifax to Montreal to Kingston for $180 CAD each...a fraction of what most airlines charge.

Seek alternative travel methods.

We were fortunate enough to score the perfect travel deal with HittheRoad.ca, a company which “hires” people to move cars from destination A to B (meaning the driver gets a free trip). In Kingston, we picked up a bright yellow Mazda Protege named Daytona Beach Bad Boy, signed a few papers, and started the rest of our journey across Canada. We were reimbursed for gas, and given a fairly lax schedule.

Another alternative: RideShares. On the website, seek out people traveling to your destination, pitch in with gas money, and you’re all set.

Plot your route carefully, and don’t underestimate the size of the country.

We had a limited time to reach Vancouver. When we first started planning, we wanted to spend a couple of days in Montreal, Toronto, Banff, and Calgary. We expected to breeze through most of Ontario.

Here’s something you might not know: Ontario is BIG. Like, really, really big. It took us three days to drive through JUST Northern Ontario, never mind our stopovers in Ottawa and Toronto. It threw a wrench in our plans, and most of our days ended up being eight hours of driving, but it was worth out...turns out Northern Ontario is one of the most scenic drives in the country. Dip your toes in one of the Great Lakes; it’s totally worth it.

Give yourself more time.

Things don’t always go as planned, and my one regret from the trip is not having spent more time in a few places. If I were redoing the trip, I’d spend a few more days in Montreal (the love of my life), meander up to Quebec City, and spend the night in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

Bring a GPS.

Cell phone navigation be damned! Most of Northern Ontario doesn’t have cell phone service, especially during the two-day stretch from Toronto to Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay. You will need the GPS.

Survival

How do you survive a 7500-kilometre trip crammed into tiny quarters and on a tight budget? Well, other than traveling with someone you actually like, here are a few suggestions.

Make yourself as comfortable as possible on the train.

Despite the journey being affordable, the train trip from Halifax to Montreal was, well, less than comfortable in economy class. We were hushed by attendants for chatting, drinks were not cheap, and sleeping was a total nightmare. I brought a Snuggie along and turned it into a person-sized tent, plopped my head onto the table, and tried to get as much sleep as possible. Montreal is not a city for the sleepy.

Rest!

Speaking of which, rest is SO important. There were times when I felt too dragged out to move, and the pressure to see everything in a short amount of time is exhausting. Don’t let it kill you.

Take the advice of others with a grain of salt.

We were told countless times that we should do the USA route, skipping over Northern Ontario and much ofthe prairies...which would have defeated the purpose of our trip entirely.

But the backcountry of Northern Ontario is stunning, and filled with rolling green hills, tons of opportunity for wildlife spotting (including moose and black bears), and endless stretches of road where not another soul is in sight. I loved every minute of it.
Similarly, the wide open prairie skies blew my mind, and the busy metropolis of Winnipeg was an anomaly among all the isolation.

On the other hand, listen to the locals.

If it weren’t for the friendly tourism folks we met in Saskatchewan, Cailin and I would have bypassed Moose Jaw entirely. The Tunnels tour was one of my favourite highlights from the trip, and the town itself is worth exploring.

We were also told to fill up on gas before leaving Sault Ste. Marie on our way to Thunder Bay. Somehow, it slipped our mind...and we ended up driving for nearly an hour on gas fumes. It was nerve-wracking.

Music, yummy treats, and car games.

For the stretches of road with no radio, make sure you bring a few burned CDs. Sing loudly.

Pack munchies for when your energy levels start to plummet. Trail mix with M&Ms was our favourite!

And car games, like travel bingo, will help keep your sanity.

Related articles:

Cruising Canada

5 Tips for Surviving the AMTRAK Train

Canada: Born to be Wild

About the Author

Candice Walsh is a travel writer and blogger currently stationed in St. John’s, Newfoundland. When she’s not shooting whiskey and hitting on men, she’s eating nachos and dreaming about her next big adventure. Check out her blog, Candice Does the World.

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How I Survived the AMTRAK Train

nomads-survival-kit — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 06:04:00 GMT

This year I travelled across America on the AMTRAK. Beautiful sleeper cabins, a dining cart with cocktails and white linen table clothes and service that would put top restaurants to shame. I thought this would be a beautiful way to see the country.

I was wrong.

A good friend and I set off on this adventure from San Francisco to Chicago after battling a very serious 20 hour hangover. Coffee in hand we boarded the AMTRAK, excited of the pleasures to come. An hour in, we began to discuss how long we would be sitting there for.

“It’s only 3 days”, then “It’s 54 hours...” and then “we could fly to Sydney return. TWICE!”

The first 5 hours were bearable. We explored the carriages, looked at the beautiful scenery, read and listened to music. The foggy glassed “observation desk” could really only be used to observe passengers settling in for their 54 hour games of UNO, terrible, terrible (TERRIBLE) guitar sessions and bizarre word games which still to this day I can not understand (It was basically use every letter in the alphabet backwards to invent new words....?).

Here are 5 tips I wish someone had told me before I boarded (although I’m sure the barman in San Fran did, we just thought we knew better):

1. Take your toothbrush

A rookie mistake. There is nothing worse than spending 3 days with your toothbrush, hairbrush, hand sanitiser, deodorant and clean clothes travelling snuggly in the baggage cart. I don’t know why we didn’t think to bring these things with us on the train, but it's safe to say that my friend and I got further and further away from each other as the days went on.

2. Take food

So important! The food offered on board in the kiosk is inedible. And that’s saying a lot as i'll eat most things. We spent the entire trip surviving on 2 apples, a box junior mints and milk duds. You can take anything you want on board with you so definitely stock up on drinks (maybe some booze..) and something nutritious. Even if you do have to eat from the kiosk, the best you’ll find is a microwaved pizza or cheeseburger.

This is an actual AMTRAK pizza - you have been warned!

3. Mingle and take a friend

There are plenty of interesting characters on board, most puzzled as to why 2 Australians were on their train. A lot of the travellers we met on the train were drifters, travelling cheap to meet women in Chicago or ...training it just for fun. Everyone was very friendly and had interesting stories to tell about their journey, although I am happy I had my fake husband with me. I felt safe travelling on the AMTRAK, but you’ll have a more relaxing journey if you have a friend with you.

4. Take entertainment and expect crazy thoughts

We had 4 books between us and both read The Prophet twice. If I had an ipad or a kindle back then I doubt I would have been as restless as I was so I highly recommend taking them on board with you if you can. Also, when you are stuck for entertainment and sitting on a train for 54 hours straight expect some crazy thought patterns. On the last day my friend and I said very little to each other, although both had the “what am I doing with my life” thoughts in our minds.

5. Enjoy the ride

Thinking back now, the experience was amazing. It's one of those trips that's horrible at the time but hilarious as soon as you get off. Take your camera and your journal and enjoy the ride as on one side of the window you'll see beautiful dirt hills and outback scenery then a few hours later it will transform into picture perfect snow covered houses. Just beautiful.

Related Articles:

American Street Food - Following the Food Truck Trail

Weird and Wonderful: Authentic American Eats

About the author

Kate Hoffman is the Editorial Producer at WorldNomads.com. She lives for all things travel and food. Follow her on twitter @Hoffkate.

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7 Tips for Surviving the Night Bus

nomads-survival-kit — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 05:09:00 GMT

All budget travelers eventually have to learn to love the night bus. It's not the quickest or most comfortable mode of transportation, but often it's the most sensible. Buses are a lot cheaper than flying and roads go many places that planes and trains are not able to. Plus, there's something so cool and convenient about being lulled to sleep by the wheels of the bus only to wake up at your final destination.

Unfortunately the reality is not usually so pleasant. Cramped quarters, bizarre midnight stops and petty theft are all night bus hallmarks. Depending on where you're going your night might be spent on a bed or a hard bench, sleeping soundly or bracing for your life as a half-awake driver hurdles around steep corners. There's a pretty good chance you will arrive at your destination exhausted, barely having slept a wink.

Luckily, there are some things you can do to make your night bus experience more comfortable:

1. Spring for the Better Bus

The cheap bus might sound like a good idea early on when you are well rested and energetic, but it will feel very different when you are exhausted at 3 am. It's almost always worth it to spend the few extra dollars and upgrade to the bus with reclining seats or even actual beds. Some nicer buses will distribute blankets and pillows and sometimes even meals. A nicer bus gives you are far better chance of actually sleeping on your long ride.

2. Prepare some Rations

For 6 hour-plus rides you are bound to get hungry at some point and it's often impossible to know when the next stop will be (or what kind of food might be available). Have a personal supply of snacks that you can tap into when the hunger pangs get to be too much. Dry, non-smelly things like crackers and chips are a good bet.

The caveat here is liquids. Nothing, I mean nothing, is worse than being stuck on a bumpy road with a full bladder and no working bathroom. Don't do this to yourself, ration your water intake.

3. Dress for Cold Weather

I don't know why this happens, but ever night bus all over the world likes to treat passengers like refrigerated cargo. It can be tropical outside but inside the bus, prepare for arctic weather. Come prepared with some warm socks, long pants and a sweater. A long scarf or sarong is easily converted into a thin blanket.

4. Bring (or make) a Friend

On most buses you're going to have a seatmate (or bed mate). This can lead to becoming very intimately acquainted with someone you may have just met (particularly in country's with a different definition of personal space). If you're not already traveling in a pair, it might be a good idea to befriend another friendly-looking solo traveler to be your bunk buddy for the night.

5. Bring Headphones

It is almost certain that around 4 am everyone on the bus will be sleeping soundly and you will be wide awake, counting headlights and bored senseless. This is when it helps to have some stimulation in the form of an ipod (be sure to be discreet with it though).

Occasionally you will stumble onto a night bus where sleep isn't an option. In Asia night buses often like to show local movies at top volume late into the night. Sometimes the buses will blare loud music or even have karaoke. This is another time it's nice to tune out to the music of your choice.

6. Watch Your Stuff

People do occasionally get robbed on night buses so it's important to always have an eye on your valuables. Anything expensive or irreplaceable should be in your seat with you- not below the bus. Things like money, electronics and passports should be on you at all times: if you need to get off the bus for any reason, take your possessions with you. When you sleep, cuddle your purse or day bag so that no enterprising passengers can rifle through your stuff.

7. Remember, it will all be over in the morning

When you are wide awake at 3 am in a freezing cold bus full of snoring passengers, it's easy to despair. The morning will come, your bus will arrive at it's destination and you can look forward to exploring a new place (and sleeping in a real bed).

Related Articles:

On the Rails in India - Tips for Surviving Train Travel

Taxis in Vietnam; Avoid the Scams

About the Author

Stephanie is a girl who can't sit still! She's lived, worked and traveled through Europe, Asia, Australia and now South America. She blogs about her adventures, tips and photos at Twenty-Something Travel.

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10 Reasons for Independent Travellers to Join a Guided Tour

nomads-survival-kit — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 03:19:00 GMT

There are as many approaches to travel as there are travellers. Everyone has their own answers to the big four – Where, How, When, and Why.

In truth, we all wear many travel hats. In my opinion, the great debate between independent and guided travel can be resolved with a simple “let’s do both."

Independent travel is often a life changing experience. In truth, it’s an experience I wish everyone were fortunate enough to enjoy. I’ve seen much of the world from the perspective of an independent traveller and plan to pursue many similar adventures in the future.

Although independent travel can be highly fulfilling, it is only one slice of the tasty travel pie. In certain cases, the offerings of guided tours can either augment or exceed the offerings of independent travel.

Our friend Darcy McGilvery at BikeHike Adventures shares these 10 reasons to participate in guided tours. You’ll find that even the most independent of travellers has a thing or two to gain from the guided experience.

1.) Guides

Missed opportunities for adventure are rarely disclosed to us. Only when we find them do we know they’re there. A guide can provide these opportunities and turn “what could have been” into reality. Many independent travelers use guidebooks. These are great, but also lead to beaten paths that many travelers want to avoid. Adventure guides are your golden ticket to cultural and physical experiences you’d otherwise never see. Utilizing personal relationships with locals, unparallel knowledge of community amenities, and extensive experience with outdoor activities, guides immerse you in culture guidebooks simply cannot provide.

2.) Friends

The friends we make abroad drastically affect our experience. For those of us working with constrained vacation time, developing meaningful relationships is difficult. Group guided tours offer immersive social experiences amongst like-minded travellers. Often times, the people you meet on your guided tour make for fun travel companions on subsequent independent travels.

Try beginning your travels with a guided tour before taking off on your own. You’ll find the two approaches complement each other by adding a foundation for your independent travels.

3.) Hassle Free

As fulfilling as independent travel is, it comes with its share of difficulties. Common hassles associated with unaided journeys include scheduling, transporting, cost, equipment, misinformation, backtracking, safety, etc. Whether you’re a business professional looking for a quick escape or a seasoned travel vet looking for a break from the nitty gritty, guided tours provide a chance to see the world without the unwanted baggage.

4.) Safety

A feeling of safety while travelling abroad is an important component of a successful trip. The vast knowledge and experience synonymous with local guides provides a level of safety foreigners are otherwise unable to obtain. In addition, group tours offer safety in numbers via a large support group of fellow travellers.

5.) Money

Contrary to popular belief, guided tours can drastically cut down on travel costs, especially with group tours. Guided tours allow travellers to split the cost of transportation, equipment, and lessons. This is especially true for travellers looking to test numerous activities in a short period of time. Imagine a couple independently renting a raft, bikes, kayaks, climbing equipment, and transportation. They would quickly find that tour operators have a necessary place in the world.

6.) Encouragement

Among those of us who want adventure, some still need a little push. Sometimes the only thing keeping us from letting go and allowing ourselves to experience something new is a little encouragement. Guided tours do just that. With a trusted support system in place, we find ourselves thrown into excitement and pushing our own limits – all in a safe environment.

7.) Time

It’s an unfortunate truth that most people’s holiday time is minimal. Although independent travel is highly romanticized, it is also time consuming. As nice as it is to find your own way around a foreign city, you’re bound to make more than a few wrong turns along the way. Most people simply don’t have the time to take the long way around. Guided tours specialize in providing a worldly experience without the injury time.

8.) Orientation

If you are blessed with an abundant amount of time to see the world, guided tours can start you off with a bang. A guided tour can serve as a great orientation to your destination. I once did a weeklong guided trip in La Alberca, Spain. It was a wonderful introduction to rural Spanish life. From that tour I made contacts all over the country. I spent the remainder of two months visiting and travelling with my new Spanish friends. This “locals experience” was a direct result of the initial connections I made on my guided tour.

9.) Opportunities

In some situations, guided tours are the only option for (inexperienced) travellers. For adventurous souls looking to try whitewater rafting, caving or canyoneering, tour operators provide guides, equipment, and transportation. Without these three essential components, only experts with substantial resources can partake in these activities, let alone numerous activities strung together in a jam packed multisport adventure.

10.) Sustainability

Many adventure travel companies are committed to using local adventure guides. Combined with commitments to local dining and accommodation, these efforts help boost the economies of the destination.

Related Articles:

Cycling in Germany - 5 Reasons to Get on your Bike

Make a Local Connection - Change your Travel Experience

About BikeHike Adventures

If you’re interested in experiencing the benefits of guided tours, check out BikeHike Adventures, a global adventure travel company offering guided tours to over 30 destinations worldwide. BikeHike caters to outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience numerous activities in one multi-sport adventure. Highly experienced and personable adventure guides facilitate the wonder and pride of exploration. Both big and small groups are accommodated with varying degrees of difficulty. Operating for over 17 years, BikeHike Adventures have found their way into the lives of many reoccurring customers. National Geographic has repeatedly regarded BikeHike as one of the best adventure travel companies in the world.

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The First Timer's Nepal

nomads-survival-kit — Thu, 4 Aug 2011 01:34:00 GMT

Imagine a land filled with lush landscapes, soaring mountain peaks, colorful, friendly locals and a fascinating culture as old as the day is long. Now imagine you have arrived at this land and are immediately met with exhilarating adventure, from trekking to biking to white water rafting and everything in between – where you play and discover all day, dine on delicious local cuisine at night and learn about some of the most interesting and benevolent people in the world. What you’ve imagined isn’t a fantasy – it’s the country of Nepal, where the adventure is matched only by the warm hospitality and the incredible nature that surrounds you.

A trip to this exotic country is certain to delight and intrigue even the worldliest traveler, and will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on your heart and in your soul. But before you pack your bags and set out on your own Nepali expedition, here are a few travel tips from the experts at Ace the Himalaya to help you get the most out your journey.

1.) Buyer Beware

If the price tag seems too good to be true, as in most small stores, it probably is. For instance, the North Face - with possibly a slight variation in the name, like Narth Foce- merchandise will not last you more than a month.

2.) Careful Respect

Always remove your shoes before entering a temple - but do make sure they're kept somewhere safe, where people and native temple monkeys can't find them.

3.) Toilet Time

It may not be your favorite subject, but let’s face it – everybody does it. First thing you want to do is check the toilet paper situation. To be on the safe side, you may even want to consider carrying your own stock. Oh, and don't forget to stretch your legs before you squat.

4.) Don't Mind the Cows

The cow is the national animal of Nepal and is also revered as a holy Hindu animal, which means beef is banned throughout the country. Stray cows (along with dogs and occasionally, pigs) wander freely about the streets of Nepal, including in the busy highways and the narrow alleys of Kathmandu, the capital city. Even the rowdiest of drivers don’t tend to mind the cows in the streets.

5.) Eating Etiquette

Avoid "disrespecting" the food by inadvertently touching it or bringing it into contact with a used plate or utensil. Using your own fork or spoon to serve more food is not acceptable. Always wait to be served by the host.

6.) Come with a Huge Appetite

If you feel you have been given too much food, ask your hosts to take some away before you commence eating; this is perfectly okay and is more appreciated than wasting food.

Of eating in Nepal, a traveller once noted: “If you don't hold your hand over your plate, it doesn't matter how many times you tell people you're full - they will just keep heaping food on your plate. If holding your hand over your plate doesn't work, try bending your whole torso over the plate to block the incoming food with a little more bulk.”

7.) Questions and Answers

Be prepared for lots of questions. Just walking in the streets you may be asked: "What's your name? Where are you from? How old are you? Where are you going?" (Perhaps questions you may consider personal). Don't be affronted or consider it rude or an invasion of privacy. It's usually genuine curiosity, friendliness or a desire to practice their English. Respond with patience and in a cheerful manner. Concepts of privacy in some countries can be very different to your home country.

Nepal is so much more than just a lovely place to visit. The terrain is some of the most beautiful on earth, and the amazingly hospitable locals welcome visitors with open arms, inviting them to truly discover what their beautiful country has to offer. The endless activities and challenges to conquer mean you’ll never be bored, and the unique cultural experiences mean you’ll never forget your journey into Nepal. These travel tips will ensure that you get the most out of your adventure and create lasting memories for all the right reasons.

About Ace the Himalaya

Ace the Himalaya Community Service Volunteer Program provides a unique opportunity for volunteers to live and work in Nepal. Volunteers may contribute in areas such as school education, health, community development, forest conservation, agriculture, culture preservation and fund raising and maintenance of the drinking water resources. With Ace the Himalaya, volunteering is about building bridges, creating links, it's about inspiring, it’s about sharing, and more than anything, it's about giving.

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Avoiding Travel Burnout: Hitting the Brakes on the Road

nomads-survival-kit — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 02:28:00 GMT

It happened in Arizona.

Two weeks into a cross-country road trip that began in New Jersey, my friend and I drove into Scottsdale, where her pal had offered up his town home for a few days. We’d swept through Nashville and Little Rock, saw the stockyards in Fort Worth and pondered alien life in Roswell. We’d crammed our days with sightseeing and too many stops at Denny’s and our nights with mingling with locals and too many margaritas. It had been 14 days at full throttle. When we got to Scottsdale, we lugged our bags into the crash pad and proceeded to stretch out on the couch watching West Wing marathons and eating pizza for three straight days.

Whether it’s a road trip or a RTW journey, there comes a time during travel when a person just needs to stop for a minute.

No matter how juiced someone is to hit the road and keep going, we humans need down time. We all reach a point where we need a bed that’s not surrounded by a half dozen other backpackers, some liquids other than alcohol and food other than the greasy, processed kind. But it goes beyond those basic needs. When my friend and I stopped in our little desert haven, we spent some time apart, reading, running errands, reclining by the pool. Even people traveling solo need a carved corner away from other travelers.

It’s understandable why travelers want to keep going, going, going until they’re gone. The very nature of travel calls for a certain keyed-up energy, a commitment to going all in and leaving no opportunity left unturned, no new thing left untried. I truly envy the travelers who can bounce from country to country, city to city, hostel to hostel and still seem joyful and energized.

In the effort to see it all, though, more than one traveler has seen the stark darkness of complete mental and physical exhaustion. All of a sudden, the epic journey plotted for months or years comes to a howling halt, leaving a certain emptiness in its place. All of a sudden, a road warrior desperately wishes to become a homebody.

The need for down time often is one of the reasons I chose to move directly to Sydney and then take small trips to other parts of Australia instead of taking a long backpacking journey. I know myself. I know I need a base, a place to hang up my clothes and curl up and read. I need a favorite café, a good pizza place, a neighborhood whose rhythm I know. I know if I spend more than a week in a hostel, I’m probably going to start breaking things.

Other hardcore travelers have documented how they’ve beaten backpacker burnout with some “me” time. Bobbi from Heels and Wheels splurged on a nice hotel room to escape her six-bed dorm while living in Port Douglas, Australia. Steph from Twenty-Something Travel stopped her jaunts around Asia during her RTW trip to chill for a few months at her boyfriend’s crib in Xi’an, China after hitting what she terms No More Rocks Syndrome. Taking a break didn’t make these travelers weak or diminish the awesomeness of their adventures. It just reminded them that they’re human.

It’s for that reason I’ll continue to seek out my Scottsdale wherever I travel in the world.

Related Articles:

Home vs. Abroad: Shedding your 'Role' while Travelling

What is the best thing you have done for free on your travels?

Have you ever stopped in your tracks on a trip? What are your tips for easing travel burnout?

About the Author

Lauren Fritsky moved to Australia in January 2010, intent on staying just a year. Nearly 18 months later, she continues to live in Sydney with the American boyfriend she met Down Under and work as a freelance writer and editor for various web sites. She has traveled around Australia and visited China, New Zealand, Italy, France, the U.K., Ireland, Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean. Read her blog at The Life That Broke and follow her on Twitter.

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Spain Travel 101

nomads-survival-kit — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 01:49:00 GMT

Ideally located where the mighty Atlantic meets the alluring Mediterranean Sea, the country of Spain is made up of a diverse and unique culture that has been shaped by its long history. Miles of magnificent coastline entice sunbathers from across the globe while the soaring peaks of the Pyrenees hover over the peaceful countryside. Visitors are met with welcome arms as they dine on delicious authentic cuisine, sip exquisite Spanish wine and watch as age-old traditions are carried out before their very eyes. Spain is alive with vibrant, passionate people and an exhilarating atmosphere that is unmatched anywhere else in the world.

Before you pack your bags and head over to this exotic country, here are a few travel tips to keep in mind.

Better to Be Safe than Sorry…

Given its vast and varying terrain, outdoor activities and adventure sports are commonplace. While they can certainly make your trip memorable, be sure to take the appropriate precautions when participating. For example, be aware that many of the beaches along the coast, particularly around the Spanish Islands, may have dangerous undercurrents. Before entering the water, be sure you pay attention to and understand the local flag system used for safety purposes (i.e. a red flag indicates swimming is off limits) and heed any warnings. It’s also important to use care when doing other activities such as mountaineering, climbing and canyoning.

Take note that the Catalonia region has recently begun charging negligent climbers, skiers and other adventurers who require emergency rescue services. If you happen to be one of the unfortunate ones who needs to call for help, don’t be surprised if you get a bill in the mail when you return home.

On the Road Again…

Driving in Spain is typically uneventful but there are a few rules and regulations you’ll want to take note of before getting behind the wheel. For example, motorists driving in Spain are legally required to:

Carry two red triangles to be placed in front and in back of the vehicle in the event of an accident or breakdown

Carry an extra pair of glasses if they are needed for driving

Keep a spare tire and a full set of spare bulbs in the vehicle, as well as the tools to change them

Wear a reflective jacket when waiting outside the vehicle for assistance or emergency services

Carry proof of insurance

Also note that talking on a mobile phone, even when pulled to the side of the road, is strictly prohibited and seatbelts are required for all passengers. Additionally, the drunk-driving laws in Spain are quite strict, carrying penalties from hefty fines to loss of license to imprisonment. If you drink, don’t drive. It’s not worth the risk.

Interesting Local Laws…

Spain has a number of unique laws that many visitors are unaware of and as a result end up facing anything from fines to jail time. Before you head there, keep in mind the following local laws and customs:

It is illegal to smoke in indoor public places such as restaurants, airports, shopping malls and even bars. It’s also illegal to light up outside schools, hospitals or anywhere near children’s parks.

Be aware that authorities have been cracking down on drinking and sexual activity in public places. This includes beaches.

It’s against the law to wear only a bikini or swim trunks on the streets in Barcelona. Topless and/or nude sunbathing anywhere but on the beach or on the seafront promenade is prohibited.

In some public or government buildings the wearing of a burka or niqab is not allowed for security reasons. Be aware that you may be asked to remove them while inside a particular building.

Don’t Get Conned…

The crime rate in Spain isn’t alarming by any means, and most incidents are typically petty in nature. Obviously, as with any place, where there are tourists there will inevitably be thieves looking to capitalize. Do your best to avoid looking like an obvious tourist, keep your valuables well concealed and always remain aware of your surroundings. One of the more popular ways in which Spanish criminals get their hands on unsuspecting victims’ money is by conning them. While there are probably too many creative scams to list, here are a few of the more common ones to watch for.

The “Bird Mess” Ploy – A friendly stranger taps you on the shoulder and is kind enough to inform you that a bird has unfortunately just used your back for its bathroom. While you twist to look, your bag becomes loose and the would-be good Samaritan makes off with it before you realize it.

The “Fellow Tourist” Trick – There have been a lot of recent reports of locals posing as tourists in busy areas (usually public transportation), striking up a friendly conversation or asking for directions and then pickpocketing the unsuspecting victim. No matter how friendly someone may seem, always stay on guard and protect your pockets and belongings.

The “Friendly Card Game” – A group of charming locals invites you to join them for a friendly game of cards. You just have to put up a little bit of cash. You may even notice another “tourist” win a hand or two. Unfortunately, most of the time these people are all in on the scam together and it’s just a creative way to get ahold of your hard earned money.

The ATM Sham – If your bank card gets eaten by an ATM machine and a good Samaritan mysteriously appears out of nowhere offering to help, beware. They’ll probably try to get you to call some “hotline” from their mobile phone at which point they’ll ask you for your PIN. Surprisingly, people still fall for this seemingly obvious trick so it’s worth mentioning, just in case.

And, of course, it goes without saying that you should never leave your bags or valuables like mobile phones unattended. Restaurants, bars and beaches are favorite hangouts for sneaky crooks so don’t make yourself an easy target for them. It’s also a wise idea to always check the bill before paying in bars and restaurants. Occasionally underpaid wait staff will attempt to make a little extra money from unsuspecting tourists by charging them for things they didn´t eat or drink. As with anything, pay attention and you should be fine.

Show Respect…

Finally, as is the case when visiting any foreign country, you should show appropriate respect to the local customs and traditions during your stay. Spaniards are notoriously patriotic and passionate about their country. Avoid criticizing or talking about negative events from the past, such as the former fascist dictatorship of Francisco Franco. You are certainly entitled to your opinion, but it’s never a good idea to insult or offend those who call an area that you are visiting home.

Spaniards are a generally friendly, affectionate people who think nothing of greeting you with a kiss on each cheek or patting you on the back during a conversation. Feel free to return the gesture and be sure to always show gratitude for their welcoming nature. If you follow their lead you’ll fit right in.

Spain is by far one of the most beautiful and fascinating countries in the world. Breathtaking scenery, vibrant culture and an intriguing history make a visit here absolutely unforgettable. Just be sure to take heed these travel tips so that your trip is memorable for the right reasons.

Related Articles:

A Guide to Spain's Islands

A Taste of Spain - The Secret of Sangria

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Surviving Airport Delays

nomads-survival-kit — Mon, 4 Jul 2011 02:48:00 GMT

They are the bane of many would-be sunbathers lives and we all feel a shared sympathy when the news shows people stuck in delays at the airport. Most of us have been there to one degree or another, whether it’s that annoying hour delay or a few days sleeping on the terminal floor. Delays are painful but they can’t be helped. The wonderful planes that whisk us off into the sun are usually on time but sometimes things happen and when they do we just have to deal with it. When it comes to dealing with it there are a few things that Holiday Extras can help you with, and here are a few tips to make things easier;

1. Entertainment

Pack entertainment in your hand luggage. It seems simple but can be an absolute lifesaver. When delays strike they often strike once you’ve checked in your bags, and in fact they usually encourage you to do so even if you haven’t. What this means is your sole source of entertainment, the thing you’re going to turn to when boredom sets in is your hand luggage. Never fear, just pack two books rather than one (you never know how long you’ll be stuck), put a pack of cards in there and charge up your iPod. You need multiple sources of entertainment, not just one so think ahead.

2. Accommodation

Book a stay in an airport hotel. No matter where you’re flying from, when you book your holiday check out the little extras on offer. The best one is always an airport hotel for the night before you fly. No matter the city, the effect is the same. You’ll arrive at the airport on departure day rested, relaxed and ready to take on anything and what’s more if you hear of the delay early enough you can just stay a little longer in one of the wonderful hotels (or wherever else you may be) rather than suffer the perils of the terminal.

3. Nourishment

Make good use of the food hall. If you’re stuck for a while you will get hungry, it’s a fact and one that no amount of those boiled sweets you suck to pop your ears on the plane are going to change. The temptation will be to just grab a sandwich or something but don’t give in. A cold, tasteless sandwich eaten in the middle of the terminal will not improve your mood. Take the time to find a restaurant on the terminal, there are always plenty, and sit down, relax and enjoy a proper meal that will lift your spirits and make it all seem some much better. Trust me, it works.

Follow these tips and I guarantee that next time your flights are delayed you’ll have a much better time. Granted, it still won’t be the highlight of your holiday but it’ll be a little more bearable and you might not even lose your temper this time.

Related Articles:

Solo and Safe - 10 Tips for the Solo Traveler

Learning a Foreign Language on the Road - Tips from Travellers

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On the Rails in India - Navigating Train Travel

nomads-survival-kit — Fri, 27 May 2011 01:14:00 GMT

India is a country that grows on you in time. It is overwhelming in its population, culture and poverty, yet every time I leave it I have a yearning to go back. I don't know what the constant pull is, but ask anyone that has travelled there and they’ll all tell you the same thing. It is a country of contradictions, of love and hate, of ups and downs. But is it a country that beckons to be explored.

If you travel in India you are bound to do so by train at some point or another. Train travel in India is the lifeblood of the country. It is by far the most economical and efficient form of transport to get around. It can be a bit confusing at first and a daunting experience, but it doesn't need to be.

Below we have compiled advice and tips helping make your time catching trains in India as smooth and as easy as possible.

Bookings & Reservations

There are a number of different ways that you can reserve your ticket for your train travel in India. But by far the most efficient is online at http://www.irctc.co.in/ But be warned, this isn't the easiest website to navigate and figure out, and you’ll need to know your train number before booking. The website http://www.indianrail.gov.in/ will help you with that too. Once you get the hang of the back and forth between pages it does become a little less confusing. The best advice would be to give yourself some time before booking the ticket to actually work your way around the sites and find all the information you need.

If you would prefer to talk with a person and not book online, many hotels and travel agents have booking facilities. You can also book directly at the train station, where you will find a teller that is only for tourists.

It is advisable to book at least a few days in advance-as tickets sell out fast. This is especially so during festivals and holiday times. If there are no tickets available you can be put on a waiting list-but there is no guarantee that you will be given a ticket until the train arrives. It is possible to (sometimes) be able to bribe the train reservations manager if it is urgent that you must get on the train, but you didn't hear that from me ;)

Understanding the Class System

Depending on your budget and comfort levels will depend on which class you chose to travel on. There is a dramatic difference in price and comfort level throughout and understanding these classes will ensure that you are getting what you pay for.

1AC This class is the equivalent to 1st class and is complete with air-conditioned, your own private berth and locking doors for two people or four people. This is the deluxe of Indian train travel at Indian standards

2AC This class is also air-conditioned and has two tiered beds, where 4 people sleep per berth. There is a curtain you can pull across for some privacy

3AC This class is the one we mostly used whilst in India and is also air-conditioned and three tiered beds with 6 people per berth. The price difference between 2AC and 3AC is miniscule and we would sometimes opt for 2AC for the extra space.

CC- This is a carriage with chaired reclining seats. The carriage is also air-conditioned and the seats are covered in vinyl so be prepared for sweaty legs on long train rides. We chose this option when we were on shorter train rides.

SL This class is sleeper class and is non-air conditioned carriages. We slept this class on one occasion when there was limited space left on an 18 hour train ride. We had never been so hot in our lives. I would highly recommend air-conditions if possible during the hotter months in India.

2S- This is a free for all class and it is unreserved seating. First in first served. The tickets are unbelievably cheap and there is a reason why. They pack people in like cattle and in you can fit into a small space anywhere in this carriage you're good to go. I can't think of anything worse than being stuck in a cramped carriage for 18 hours. Not recommended!

Checking In

Once you have your booking number you will now present this at the station to receive your ticket for your train. This will have your seat number along with your booking reference number and your name on it. Once the train arrives, you will have to check the corresponding carriage with your ticket. There will also be a piece of paper stuck to the train with your name and bed number which needs to match the one on your ticket. Once you have searched for your correct carriage and you have reconfirmed all your information. You are finally right to board the train.

As stated before, head to the tourist booth in the train station to receive your ticket.

Navigating Indian train stations can be confusing. They are busy, loud and the signs are confusing. Allow yourself plenty of time to get to the station, receive your ticket and to find your way to the correct platform!

Waiting & Boarding The Train

You may find yourself waiting for a long time for a train. Don’t worry! Most trains never run on time-especially if you are at a station where the train isn’t starting point for the trip. Just, be patient. We had to wait for a train until 3am in the morning once, which was supposed to arrive at 9pm. No matter how long it takes, the train will most always arrive!

If you have booked an AC ticket quite often at station there are rooms for you to wait in while you train arrives. This can be a great place to escape the heat or the cold.

There are also rooms just for females, so if you are travelling solo this can be a good place to wait to stay safe and comfortable.

Essentials for any train trip are a good book, iPod, ear plugs (for the snoring symphony that is bound to be on board!) eye mask as well as some warm clothing (if you have booked an AC carriage). We constantly use these items on trains and can be your saving grace when travelling long distances.

Remember though to look out the window so you don't miss the beautiful countryside whilst travelling by train as well as chatting to others in the berth with you is great to hear other’s stories. Try not to sleep away your experience. Getting to your destination is part of the travel experience!

Dress

If you will be commuting on a train for a long period of time it is important that you wear comfortable loose clothing. Taking socks and a jacket in the AC carriages will ensure you are kept cozy and warm. These carriages will also provide you with a pillow and blanket.

Food & Water

Depending on which train you are taking there may be a food carriage on board. If not there is never a shortage of food. Vendors will board the train each time it stops at the station, giving you the opportunity to buy every samosa, dosa or chai that comes on board. You can also bring your own food on with you if you prefer. We opted to take our own food on with us and bought a compact metal container with various compartments. We went to a restaurant before getting on the train and filled it up with various curries, rice and naan. We also bought the odd cup of chai or samosa every now and again. The bottom line-you won’t go hungry on trains in India!

Do not drink the water on board the train unless it is bottled. Make sure you bring enough for your trip-especially if it is a long ride.

Hygiene

We found the general hygiene of most trains to be satisfactory. Sheets were clean as well as the sleeping bunks. Toilets are another story all together, even if you do use the western one that is on board. They are often smelly, dirty and are just something you need to deal with. We think the squatter toilet is better to use on board, as there are no points of contact. Toilets are shared both men and women and can be a mission to use while the train is going!

It is advisable to bring your own toilet paper as well as baby wipes (for a quick ‘shower’) and hand sanitizer as a secondary measure to clean your hands.

Security

Try and fit your luggage away under the beds and out of sight from peering eyes. You may wish to secure your bag with a chain and lock, or use a pac-safe to keep you from worrying about your belongings. We generally slept with our daypack in bed with us that had all our important belongings in it. Our larger backpacks were tied under our beds. We never had any problems with security while on the trains.

Of course, the obvious still goes, don’t flash your expensive belongings about like your laptop, iPod etc. Keeping it out of sight will minimise the chance of you being a target for theft.

Know Your Stop

Always know the name of your train station and approximately the time of your arrival. Talking to fellow Indian passengers will give you an understanding of how close you are to your station. The carriage conductor changes on a regular basis so don't leave it up to them to tell you when to get off. The may be several stops in the same city, so know the name of the station not the city you are travelling to.

Train travel in India can and be exhilarating and an exciting way to travel. Using some precautions along the way will help you stay safe but most of all enjoy your travels in such an exotic country!

Have you travelled by train in India? Do you have any more tips to add?

Related articles:

Tips - Before Travelling to India

Learn Hindi with World Nomads Hindi Language Guide

About the Author

Anthony is one half of the dynamic duo at Positive World Travel. He is travelling the world on an indefinite journey sharing his experiences through HD video, photos and articles. You can follow him on Facebook or Twitter for more of their travel experiences.

About WorldNomads.com

WorldNomads.com keeps you travelling safely. Whether you’re off for a long weekend, looking for the ultimate adventure or living the nomadic dream, you’ll stay safe with Travel Insurance you can buy online, anytime, and the latest travel safety advice. We’ll also help you share your journey with a free travel blog, flirt in over 25 languages with our free language guides, have an experience of a lifetime on a travel scholarship and donate to a local community development project through our Footprints program.

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Malaysia Travel 101

nomads-survival-kit — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 03:45:00 GMT

Malaysia is a truly amazing country to visit. With unique places that will suit even the most particular traveler – you can be assured that there is always something for everyone in Malaysia. After all, where else in the world can you find multi-cultural, multi-racial people living together in peaceful cohabitation? Malaysia is ‘Truly Asia’ indeed.

With that said however, here are some interesting details about the country that you should take into consideration before you visit. Our friends Eric Woo and Ian Goh from Waahhh.com share their expertise.

Communication

Most Malaysians speak English. In fact, Malaysia has one of the highest levels of proficiency in the language within the southeastern Asia region. Unless you plan to escape the tourist trail and visit rural areas or experience a homestay, there is no need to worry if you don’t speak Malay or any of the local dialects. However, a simple pocket English-Malay translation guide can come in handy (or download our Malay language guide).

Transportation

Commuting within the city like Kuala Lumpur (KL) is convenient with Light Railway Transport (LRT) or public buses like RapidKL. If you want to travel to places which are not reachable by LRT, taking taxi is the fastest and most convenient mode of transport. However, be sure that the taxi you are hopping in uses a meter, or ask for the taxi fare before starting your journey. If you plan to travel around the country, express bus or inter-city coach services are available at Puduraya Bus Terminal (assuming you are in KL). Make sure you only buy tickets at designated sales counters to avoid paying extra to ticket touts. An alternate way is to travel via low cost airlines like Air Asia or FireFly.

Religion

Islam is the official religion of Malaysia. As such, you will find many Islamic-influenced architecture as well as infrastructure all across the country – making Malaysia an ideal place to visit for Muslim tourists. However, non-Muslim Malaysians can freely practice and express their faith (Buddhism and Hinduism being the other two major religions), which results in a colorful potpourri of cultures as well as festivals.

Food

Malaysia is an undisputed food haven. You can find all sorts of cuisine to suit your palate - may it be the local Malay, Chinese or Indian food or international cuisine, not mentioning the abundance of fast food outlets and the exotic treats. You are bound not to have an issue with finding food that is both tantalizing that doesn’t burn through your wallet. Plus, some eateries are open 24 hours a day (just in case you’re worried you’ll wake up in the middle of the night hungry).

Tip: Halal means that the food is pork-free and is suitable for consumption by those of Muslim faith. Also note that during the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims are expected to fast during daytime.

Emergency Number

In case of emergency, you can dial 999 from any public phone; the worldwide emergency number for GSM mobile phones, 112 will be redirected to the 999 call center.

Weather

Weather in Malaysia is fairly hot and humid (sometimes wet) throughout the year. Temperature ranges from 21° to 34° Celsius. If it’s rainy season, make sure you pack an umbrella or a raincoat.

Drugs

Drug offenses in Malaysia can be severe. Trafficking (defined as the possession of a certain quantity of drugs) incurs a mandatory death penalty, possession incurs a custodial sentence and possible whipping.

Related Articles:

5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Malaysia

About WorldNomads.com

WorldNomads.com keeps you travelling safely. Whether you’re off for a long weekend, looking for the ultimate adventure or living the nomadic dream, you’ll stay safe with Travel Insurance you can buy online, anytime, and the latest travel safety advice. We’ll also help you share your journey with a free travel blog, flirt in over 25 languages with our free language guides, have an experience of a lifetime on a travel scholarship and donate to a local community development project through our Footprints program.

Backpacking Tips for Couples - Going the Distance, on the Road and in your Relationship

nomads-survival-kit — Thu, 3 Mar 2011 01:11:00 GMT

Crossing the border between Ecuador and Peru

“Will we still be together after this trip?” we asked ourselves. Aracely and I had never traveled long-term together. A 10-day trip to Madrid in a decent hotel, while eating out for every meal doesn't test your compatibility or patience much, at least not compared to backpacking for a year in Central and South America.

Friends or Lovers?

2 Backpackers at Salinas Grandes in Northwest Argentina

Traveling with your friend or partner can both be complicating and lead to a parting of ways, but I still prefer to travel with a friend. A friend is someone you enjoy spending time with, doing things like going out dancing or partying, watching a ball game, people watching or tackling a challenging adventure. Strictly as lovers, you might only do those things because you have to, in hopes that maybe there are other benefits involved. Don't travel long-term with that person! I would also advise, enjoy the fun, but don't marry that person either. I guess that's a different article.

A friend is someone you spend time with purely because you enjoy being around them and that is the person you want to backpack around the world with. And hopefully, that person is your partner too.

Looking for Privacy?

You won't find much privacy backpacking from hostel to hostel or guest house. Depending on your budget limitations, paying for privacy might not always be feasible. Private rooms with their own bathroom are limited and the most expensive. Sometimes a dorm room is the only option, sleeping in your own twin bunk bed. There will be no playing between the sheets tonight.

If you scored the private room with a bathroom, you may have escaped the rowdy dorm rooms, but let's hope neither has been infected with travelers' diarrhea, because that private bathroom might not be so private between the two of you. There really isn't another room to escape to.

I Love Camping

Aracely camping in the rain during our trek of Torres del Paine in Chile

I truly do, even after hiking for 9 days in Torres del Paine, Chile. It's a good thing Aracely enjoyed the long trek too. You may not be aware of this, but your partners preferences may be different than yours. Sometimes you don't really discover what your partner enjoys doing until you spend time with them outside of each other's comfort zone. Has your relationship consisted of wining and dining, movies and social get togethers? Have you been hiking, camping, sick or even lost with your partner? These are the things that you will encounter on the road.

If you are excited about camping and hiking long trails, you better make sure they are too. Will they experiment with street food or stay clear and feast from the corporate world chains? It's true, you can find a McDonalds, TacoBell, Burger King and possibly Subway in many places you will visit. And pizza has become an international staple.

Don't get shocked when you have finally arrived to New Zealand for camping and your loved one says, “I don't do that.”

Squashed Dreams of Machu Picchu

Two friends flew in to Cusco, Peru to meet us for the tour of the great Inca Machu Picchu. It was January 25th, 2010 and the Tourism Department of Peru just closed Machu Picchu indefinitely due to devastating floods in the region.

I proudly admit my tolerance for pain, discomfort or just things not going as planned has grown during our travels.

Often things won't occur smoothly on the road. There will be many bumps, pot holes and even sections of road washed away. You can't do much to prepare for the uncomfortable situations that you will encounter, but you can and should take notice of how tolerant your partner is.

We arrived at hostels at 2am to discover they don't have our reservation. Machu Picchu was closed for months disappointing travelers' dreams. Unrest in the Middle East has caused many tourists to pack up and return home. These examples range from the petty to the devastating. The ways in which each of us react can effect the severity of the situation. Backpacking in foreign lands with foreign languages, foreign weather, foreign food, foreign behaviors and foreign cultural norms requires a lot of tolerance and patience.

You could spend hours thinking of everything that might happen and guessing how you would react. Instead, when the situation does find its way to you, think back to this article and remember that it's best to just go with the flow.

Money Effects Relationships and Travels

Larcomar Shopping & Dinning Mall in Miraflores Lima, Peru

I have read many times that money and finances are always at the top of the list of divorce reasons. Don't think you can escape the topic when traveling.
Backpacking is typically for the budget conscious, so decide on that budget before you go selling all your stuff on eBay and Craigslist.

Where will you splurge? Where will you save? Aracely and I saved on accommodation, rarely enjoying a nice hotel. We prefer a good meal over a good bed. Once we arrived to Lima, we indulged in our favorite, sushi. In Buenos Aires, steak. Understand what each other wants out of the trip and where they will argue to spend more.

If you are completely in sync with each other, you can decide when it's right to book that hotel or spa treatment while on the road. Another idea is to decide how often you can drop the big bucks before you get on the road.

Things you might spend money on: First class bus ride, flights, hotels, spas, better tours, fancy diners, renting a car, upgrading equipment, expensive souvenir, self improvement lessons (cooking, dancing, language).

Will Anything Happen Between the Sheets?

A lot can happen if you have your own private room. Don't worry so much about whether or not you will have to practice abstinence again, you won't.

Private rooms are available in most hostels. If you just returned from 10 days of camping and can't wait to get undressed, consider booking that love shack ahead of time. Busy season in traditional backpacker locations can make it hard to find that perfect love nest.

The walls will be thin and most bathrooms are shared, so be more considerate than the one-nighters that turn hostel bathrooms into an echoing speaker of 70s porn.

Bullet Proof Relationship

Jason & Aracely Castellani getting engaged while on a road trip in Northern Chile

Many traveling couples out there will tell you they believe they have the best relationship. If they have been traveling for several years and still love each other, there won't be many people disagreeing with them.

Traveling as a couple can be the greatest bond you build with your partner. It tests your compatibility in ways home life might never have. You have seen the worst and best of each other. You can brag about who truly has the tougher stomach, greater patience and the ability to learn another language. Most importantly, you have something to share and reminisce about for your entire lives that will never go dull.

It won't be easy, but go convince your partner to travel with you.

Related Articles:

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Backpacking checklist: Do's and Don't's on the Road

About the Authors

Jason & Aracely Castellani completed their first long-term trip together as a couple in 2010. After experiencing nirvana while backpacking through most of Central and South America, they have now turned their attention to their travel blog at 2backpackers.com. These 2 Backpackers travel around the world sharing their experiences through HD adventure travel videos, travel photos and writings. Follow their journey for travel tips, insights, adventure, inspiration and entertainment. Join 2 Backpackers on Facebook and Twitter.

About WorldNomads.com

WorldNomads.com keeps you travelling safely. Whether you’re off for a long weekend, looking for the ultimate adventure or living the nomadic dream, you’ll stay safe with Travel Insurance you can buy online, anytime, and the latest travel safety advice. We’ll also help you share your journey with a free travel blog, flirt in over 25 languages with our free language guides, have an experience of a lifetime on a travel scholarship and donate to a local community development project through our Footprints program.

WorldNomads.com - an essential part of every adventurous traveller's journey.

Solo and Safe: How to be a Solo Traveler

nomads-survival-kit — Tue, 4 Jan 2011 15:44:00 GMT

Traveling solo has many benefits. You can do what you want, when you want, and you have time for reflection and self-discovery. So why don’t more people travel solo? There are two main concerns: feeling lonely, and anxiety about safety. The issue of being lonely was addressed last time in Alone, not Lonely, on the Road. This time I want to write about safety.

Before getting into the tips, let’s establish what needs to be safe. You need to be concerned about:

1. Your person

2. Your documents

3. Your money

4. Your stuff...

... in that order. Your stuff means nothing if the other three priorities are lost. Keep this list in mind as you travel.

The Golden Rule of Safety and 10 Tips

When you travel alone, you are the arbiter of all situations. You decide who, what and where is safe.

This may seem overwhelming but there is one rule, I call it ‘The Golden Rule of Safety’, that will help:

Stay in public places because public is always safer than private.

Sharing a cab with a stranger is not staying in a public place. Going to a private party is not staying in a public place. Such behavior is risky until you know the person well.

Now, here are my 10 safety tips:

1. Do your research and know the risks of your destination before you arrive.

2. Schedule your arrival in a new location early — well before dark.

3. We are trained to be polite and to keep our voices down in public. Before leaving, take some time in your basement or some other appropriate place to yell – loudly. Practice yelling “HELP!”

4. Draw on the support of total strangers – people of YOUR choice – if you feel unsafe.

5. Carry the name and address of the place you’re staying on a card in the local language.

6. Don’t flash expensive items or jewelry.

7. Keep your passport and other important documents secure in a money belt and have backup copies using cloud computing or simply by emailing basic information to yourself in several distinct emails.

8. Be aware of your surroundings, where the exits are, who is with you, landmarks to orient yourself… don’t wear an ipod so that you are and look distracted. It makes you a mark.

9. Stay sober and well rested.

10. Use ATMs to get money and don’t take out large sums at one time. You can also consider prepaid credit cards.

Now, head out and enjoy the benefits of solo travel.

Related Articles:

Inspiring Independence: 12 Reasons to Travel Solo

Solo Travel: 10 Tips to Avoid Feeling Alone

About the Author

Janice Waugh publishes Solo Traveler, the blog for those who travel alone. The blog offers solo travel stories, tips, safety advice and destination ideas as well as a couple of free ebooks including Glad You’re Not Here: a solo traveler’s manifesto. You may also want to join the Solo Travel Society on Facebook.

About WorldNomads.com

WorldNomads.com keeps you travelling safely. Whether you’re off for a long weekend, looking for the ultimate adventure or living the nomadic dream, you’ll stay safe with Travel Insurance you can buy online, anytime, and the latest travel safety advice. We’ll also help you share your journey with a free travel blog, flirt in over 25 languages with our free language guides, have an experience of a lifetime on a travel scholarship and donate to a local community development project through our Footprints program.

WorldNomads.com - an essential part of every adventurous traveller's journey.

Have you ever travelled solo? What is your best tip for staying safe on your own?

Bhutan Travel 101

nomads-survival-kit — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:20:00 GMT

There are plenty of choices for travelers today, but few places on earth offer the natural beauty and rich, ancient culture as Bhutan. Located in the Himalayas, between China and India, this tiny land-locked country is steeped in the tradition of its ancient roots, and provides stunning scenic views and a truly unique cultural attitude unmatched anywhere else in the world. A trip to Bhutan is an experience not to be forgotten.

The History

Although the true origin of Bhutan is unknown, some evidence suggests that there were nomadic herders inhabiting the land as early as 2000 BC. In 747 AD, Guru Rimpoche, the patron saint of the country, visited the area and introduced the Buddhist religion. To this day, Bhutan is the world’s only Vajrayana Buddhist nation. Theocracy and a code of law were established in 1652, and it was then that the many fortresses, called Dzongs, were built. Dzongs still remain in use to this day. The country is now ruled by kings but still carries much of the tradition that it was built on centuries ago.

The People

There are three ethnic groups that make up the Bhutanese people: the Sharchops of the east, the Ngalongs of the west and the Lhotshampas, who inhabit southern Bhutan. Each culture speaks their own dialect, with the Ngalongs’ language of Dzongkha given the title of the national language. The Bhutanese people are strongly influenced by their Buddhist religion and have kept the teachings and traditions alive for generations.

The Culture

One of the most unique things that visitors to Bhutan discover is the way the country views wealth and economic achievements. In comparison to other countries, Bhutan is considered quite poor in terms of average wage. But the Bhutanese don’t measure wealth in monetary terms. Instead, value is placed on things like cultural development and environmental preservation. In 1974 King Jigme Singye Wangchuck implemented a new ideology that the country’s success should be measured not by economic achievements, but by the level of happiness and contentedness of its people. This led to the establishment of the GNH indicator, which stands for “Gross National Happiness”, which the Bhutanese value much higher than the GNP indicator used by most other nations. This unique attitude contributes to a culture of peace and harmony rarely seen elsewhere.

And although the country as a whole is considered poor, because the population is small and the land so fertile, the Bhutanese people are well fed, receive free education and free medical care. Tourists find it refreshing to know that beggars and homelessness are nonexistent and the environment pristine. There is also virtually no crime anywhere in the region. Because of this, Bhutan is often referred to as “The Last Shagrila”.

What to See and Do

Even though Bhutan is a relatively tiny country, there are still seemingly endless beautiful sights to take in, so planning ahead is encouraged.

The Paro Valley is truly beautiful and includes sights such as The Museum and Dzong. The grand Paro Dzong dominates the valley and is the most important Dzong in Bhutan. It is the model by which all other dzongs are constructed and can be viewed only from outside, as it is not open to visitors. The watchtower above it, Ta Dzong, is also an impressive building that houses the National Museum. Old costumes and battle dress, together with priceless jewelry and specimens of the kingdom’s unique flora and fauna are present in the museum.

The famous Takstang Monastery, perched high on the cliffs above Paro is also known as the Tigers Nest Monastery and is a highlight not to be missed. It is the divine resting place of the Guru Ringpoche, and is definitely worth the 2 hour walk to the top.

Cross the Dochu La pass by road for magnificent close up views of the sacred mountains of Bhutan. On the other side lies Punakha and the sprawling Punakha Dzong with its 21 temples, administrative buildings and Assembly Hall. The Tibetan Buddhist sect that constitutes the official religious school of Bhutan is also housed here.

Rice is the main staple of Bhutanese cuisine and don’t forget to try the national dish, ema datchi, made of boiled chilies and cheese.

Travel Tips

Given the beautiful landscape and harmonious nature of Bhutan, it’s no wonder the tiny nation is considered one of the world’s top travel destinations. There are a few things, however, that visitors should know before planning their trip.

Getting a Visa
Visas are required to travel to Bhutan, and can be easily obtained through the assistance of a travel company.

Independant Travel?
Travelers must be accompanied by an operator as independent travel to Bhutan is strictly prohibited. This is actually beneficial to tourists since negotiating the local terrain can be tricky without the use of an experienced guide. "All tourists (group or individual) must travel on a preplanned, prepaid, guided package tour or custom-designed travel programme. Independent travel is not permitted." Bhutan Tourism department

Daily tariff
There is a mandatory tariff imposed on all tourists of a minimum of USD 200. This tariff is typically inclusive of all taxes, meals, guides and transportation.

Cash and ATMs
Travelers are advised to bring all the funds they will need for their trip with them when they go, as there are no banks or ATMs that can be used to access money while in Bhutan.

Tobacco
The sale of tobacco products is banned. Tourists are allowed to bring tobacco products, however it is illegal to sell them to the local people and smoking in public areas can result in a hefty fine.

Flights to Bhutan
Air tickets to Bhutan can only be booked after visa is obtained. It is advised to apply for a visa at least 2 months before arrival date. So it is not difficult, but the procedure has to be adhered to, and without a visa, one cannot board a Druk Air flight into Bhutan.

Weather in Bhutan
The weather in Bhutan is best from mid-March through mid-July, when the rainy season begins.

With beautiful landscapes, a truly harmonious atmosphere and cultures and traditions that have remained virtually untouched for centuries, Bhutan is a destination that should be any world traveler’s itinerary. Visitors are sure to be moved by the true contentedness of the Bhutanese people, and will bring home with them a new view on life and memories to last a lifetime.

Thanks to our friends at World Expeditions and EcoOdysseys for their help and insight; both offer small group tours to Bhutan.

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