Wild Junket

8 Ways to Spice Up Your Travels

admin — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 02:13:45 PDT

Since travelling became a significant part of my lifestyle, I’d come to realize that a conventional travel itinerary was just not enough to feed my thirst for complete cultural immersion or adventurous endeavors. It was time to ditch the guidebook and delve a little deeper, to get to know my destination inside out. Slow travel (usually means spending more than a month at a place) definitely does the trick, but if you haven’t got the time, here are some other ways to help spice up your journey and make it more than just travel.

1. Volunteer

Over the past ten years, voluntourism has gained popularity, especially among young travelers. Many people include a short volunteering stint in their travel plans. I personally volunteered at an education office in a small village in Tanzania two years back – the emotional ride was one of the best times in my life. Programs such as the Peace Corps assign volunteers to places that need help. Many organizations require a program fee, so do your research before signing up.

2. Hop on a Cruise

I’m not talking typical Caribbean party cruises. Think mid-sized cruises that bring you through the isolated Norwegian fjords or the massive icebergs in the Arctic and island-hopping in the Galapagos. Cruising offers a different perspective, especially in remote and secluded areas like the North Pole. They allow us to get to territories that cannot be visited otherwise. Discount cruises can be an interesting way to travel and even a cost-cutting one.

Photo from Destination360

3. Learn A Skill

From culinary classes to meditation courses, there are plenty of learning opportunities that gives you the chance to know the local culture better. Traveling to China? Take a tai-chi class or a kung-fu introductory course and you’ll leave with more than just photographs. In Japan, you can take a class from a veteran geisha to learn about their traditional ethics and behavior. Many embark on culinary tours around Italy and Spain to dig deeper into their gastronomy, learning to whip up typical Mediterranean dishes and sample local wine.

Photo from Tripadvisor

4. Couchsurf

The trend is here to stay: couchsurfing is now used worldwide, where members contact locals who are willing to offer them a couch to crash in or just meet up for a coffee. I personally have tried couchsurfing several times and have had amazing experiences every single time. It’s the perfect way to meet locals, understand their lifestyle, cultural habits and customs. Check out my previous post on couchsurfing.

Photo from shoestringmag

5. Book an Adventure Tour

Whether you are climbing icebergs in the Patagonia or trekking through the Amazon Jungle, an adventure tour definitely gives you the thrills of travel. It challenges you to your limit, gives you an adrenaline-pumping experience and allows you to explore a part of the country you might not be able to on your own. A tour usually takes up a chunk of your travel budget, but hey, no pain no gain. It’s often cheaper to book the tour at your destination rather than through the internet.

6. Pick Up a New Language

Another popular traveling option is language immersion: the most typical being Spanish classes in Guatemala, Argentina or Spain. Latin America is a top choice for language courses thanks to the low cost of living, rich culture and wide range of options available.These days, Mandarin is becoming the hottest language – so why not head further afield to Beijing? English is not commonly spoken, so you’ll definitely get plenty of practice.

7. Homestay

Most study-abroad programs consist of homestays where local families host you in the comfort of their homes, cooking you typical meals and speaking to you only in their language. Those who have had first-hand experience only have good things to say about this. Many build strong relations with their host families and often keep in touch after returning home. Even if you’re not a on study-abroad program, there are still many opportunities to go on a homestay. For instance, accommodation in Cuba is often in the form of homestays. They are cheaper and a better choice for many.

8. Get a Part-time Job

Work as diving instructor, teacher, chef, au-pair or cruise crew, there are thousands of working options available. For many countries, being a native English speaker gives you the advantage to find work easily. In Spain, you can easily find work as a teacher in an English summer camp. Depending on your skills, short-term work not only allows you to earn an extra income, but also gives you the experience of living and working in a new country.

Photo from Season Workers

————————————————————————————————————————————–——————–———–

7 Unconventional Budget Ski Destinations in Europe

admin — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:23:25 PDT

Skiing on the cheap, really? In Europe? No, I’m not kidding. Look harder and you’ll find several budget options that can make the stingiest of all skiers a happy man. Forget about the Alps, look towards Central and Eastern Europe where small but economical ski stations hide under thick blankets of snow and well-maintained pistes. These locations are often serviced by budget airlines and accommodation are relatively affordable so ski weekends don’t necessarily cost an arm or a leg!

1. Soldeu, Andorra

A small country tucked between France and Spain in the giant Pyrenees mountain range, Andorra has always been the cheapest skiing destination in Europe thanks to its duty-free prices. Although the introduction of euros have since caused an increase in prices, the ski station at Soldeu is still relatively cheaper than most places in Western Europe. There are perfect skiing conditions and plenty of new lifts and hotels here.

Flickr Photo by Tania Ho

2. Bohinj, Slovenia

This ski area is located in the Julian Alps (as they call, the sunny side of the Alps) at the edge of the Triglav National Park. Famous for its lake, Lake Bohinj – the largest natural lake in Slovenia – the station sits beneath a giant glacier. For après-ski activities, there are plenty of charming villages to explore and watering holes to enjoy a beer or two. Hotels are cheaper here than standard resorts in France or Switzerland.

Photo from Rab Supetaska

3. Les Arcs, France

If you’re looking to ski France, this would be the most affordable station. With four modern resorts and a small village, Les Arcs is one of the largest ski areas in the world. Its slopes are perfect for beginners and intermediate skiers. The world-class facilities and affordable accomodation are reasons good enough to make it the number choice for budget skiers in Europe.

Photo from Les Arcs

4. Sierra Nevada, Spain

This is the most southerly ski station in the whole of Europe but due to its elevated height, thick layers of snow are always guaranteed. With top-notch facilities and relatively cheap day passes, Sierra Nevada is one of the most popular stations in Spain. If accommodation within the station is beyond your budget, you can always head to Granada city center, just 45 minutes away for budget hostels.

Photo by Roarous

5. Ski Park Eland, Slovakia

Still an undiscovered ski destination, Slovakia is slowly pulling in the crowd, so get here before everyone else does. The ski station is brand new and has gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape. Comprising of 3 slopes and 3 lifts, there is only one hotel in the station. Day passes are only a fraction of usual West European prices. Accommodation and other daily expenses are also much cheaper than in standard ski destinations.

Photo from Hotel Eland

6. Borovets, Bulgaria

Huddled within the Borovets col and the Mousala ridge, the alpine station has 45 kilometers of pistes suitable for skiers of all levels. As a regular host of winter sports competition, its slopes are kept in pristine conditions and the facilities are plentiful. Its proximity (72 kilometers) to the country’s capital Sofia, makes it an extremely popular choice among the locals. Besides skiing, you can strap on ski shoes, go snowboarding or ride ski-doos to keep yourself entertained.

Photo from Things to do in Bulgaria

7. Semenic, Romania

In the Banatului Mountains, the Semenic sets the golden standards. Climate here is milder thanks to its location, so expect clear skies and thick snow. There are three ski slopes here, one for each category of skiers.The name of the station comes from the semenic flower that grows in the mountains – a rare flower only found here. You can get excellent deals here as well, with the cheapest hotel in town – Hotel Dusan si fiul I – for 40euros/room a night.

Photo from drumliber

————————————————————————————————————————————–——————–

6 of the Most Unusual Honeymoon Destinations

admin — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 06:12:35 PDT

Hidden coves, a far-flung location, undiscovered deserted isles and unparalleled beauty – these are what most people look for in a honeymoon destination. The world is huge and there are tons of these secret corners around, if you know where to look. Forget Cancun, Maui and Venice, I’ve come up with these 6 uncommon honeymoon destinations that are loaded with cozy resorts, private bays and incredible natural beauty. At least we know where we’ll be honeymooning.

1. Seychelles

In this exotic Indian Ocean archipelago, expect turquoise waters similar to that of the Caribbean Islands, without the flashy resorts and tourists. With over 100 islands, couples can go island-hopping one day, forest-trekking through its lush foliage the next or scuba diving in its deep waters. This is definitely our top choice for a perfect blend of relaxation and wildlife-watching.

Flickr Photo by J.Ballester

2. Suriname

A country not many has heard of, Suriname is a slice of South America that is yet to be discovered by travelers. Perhaps that’s what made this country an attractive honeymooning destination. As the only Dutch-speaking country besides Holland, Suriname is blessed with a bizarre mix of cultural traditions and colonial architecture. Thanks to a tropical climate, dense inland forests, this is the best spot for adventure travelers seeking something different.

Flickr Photo by Daveness_98

3. La Réunion

This French island located in the Indian Ocean is sprinkled with tropical rainforest, active volcanoes and endless greenery. The island might be popular among French tourists, but it is still undiscovered by tourists from the rest of the world. Again for outdoor lovers who are into hiking, trekking and adventure travel, this might just be your paradise.

Flickr Photo by Cyril Abad

4. Tunisia

In contrast with its limelight-grabbing neighbor, Morocco, Tunisia is not as well-known but has equally impressive Arabic souks, Muslim mosques and natural landscapes on offer. Get off the tourist trail and search for a calmer world here instead – honeymooners might like to get lost in the blue-and-white beach town of Sidi Bou Said (the Santorini of Tunisia) or relax on the Tunis Bay in the capital.

Flickr Photo by Macourig Paolo

5. The Philippines

A nation made up of over 7,000 islands stretching from northern Borneo to the south of China, the Philippines is often overlooked by travelers. Instead of Thailand, head out to the remotest Filipino islands and get the most out of the private setting, gorgeous backdrop and rich culture. Islands such as Palawan, Puerto Galera and Boracay are teeming with gorgeous sandy beaches and emerald green mountains. Expect to find Bora Bora-style water bungalows here, at half the price.

6. Palau, Micronesia

Another far-flung nation in the Pacific Ocean, Palau is as exotic as it can get. Rare orchids, plants and vines embellish the island’s lush jungle interiors. Palau is considered one of the world’s best dive locations with pristine coral reefs and proliferate marine life. It is also home to the Rock Islands, a unique phenomena of 485 jutting limestone islets. Its jellyfish lake offers an extraordinary experience like no other.

Flickr Photo by Caranx latus

Flickr Photo by PacificKlaus

——————————————————————————————————————————————-—————————-

Photoblog: The Colorful Labyrinth of Marrakesh

admin — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:05:33 PDT

Anyone who’s been to Morocco knows of its blinding colors and senses-assaulting smells. The Djemma el Fna souk in Marrakesh in particular, erupts with vibrant energy, chaotic beauty and characteristic fervor. In the day, get lost amidst its labyrinth-like market, picking out jewels and carpets. By night, the open-air food market roars alive with aromatic snails and sizzling goat head – perfect for the adventurous foodies.

During a recent road trip that brought us from Southern Spain through Northern Morocco into the heart of Marrakesh, we revisited the charismatic city, reacquainting with it through its alleys, mosques and palm tree deserts. Here’s a pictorial tour of Marrakesh through our eyes, hope you’ll feel its beauty as well.

The night lights of Djemma el Fna radiate brightly in contrast with the gentle glow from the mosques in its surrounding. For an excellent view of the souk from above, head up to one of the many rooftop terraces that line the square.

Multi-colored spices piled up in heaps are sold all over the market.

Food is a particular draw in the outdoor food market for Djemma el Fna. Here, a vendor stirs his pot of snails while the aroma pulls in the crowd, including us.

Snails up-close – a bowl like this for US$2 is an excellent appetizer

Brightly colored meat skewers and sausages on display as vendors prepare their charcoal grill.

Barbequed meat skewers sizzling from the fire, sprinkled with spicy chilli.

Goat heads stewed in herb gravy – a must-try for dare-devils.

As sunshine seeps through the rooftop, the souk is slowly waking up in the early hours, preparing for a busy day of bargaining.

A Berber dressed in traditional costumes roam the plaza.

Where to Stay:

Accommodation in Morocco is generally cheap and of high quality, charmingly decorated in Arabic colors and textile. Ranging from youth hostels to luxury hotels, accommodation options are aplenty and easy to find. Riads are traditional houses converted to exotic guesthouses. These days, you can find plenty of them at affordable prices. Hotels in Marrakesh are scattered all over the city – the most accessible ones are those around Djemma el Fna.

—————————————————————————————————————————————-—————————–

My photoblog series feature the best images taken by myself and my partner, Alberto Molero. Check out other posts in the same series for more of our photography around the world.

—————————————————————————————————————————————-—————————–

Related Posts:

Your Wildest Adventure: Driving Lessons from a Rhinoceros

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 03:42:43 PST

‘Your Wildest Adventure’ is a series featuring the most thrilling experiences from travel writers jaunting around the world. This week’s edition is an amusing yet harrowing story from Migration Mark who blogs over at Migrationology. He’s lived in America, Africa and Asia, documenting about his unplanned migration around the world.

Learning To Drive From a Gnarly Rhinoceros

“Gooooooo!” was exuberantly shouted as the the Suzuki revved to 8000 RPM’s and then hopped into a dramatic acceleration. A monstrous African White Rhinoceros at full momentous speed was moments from puncturing our dainty vehicle and overturning us in what the news would label an “animal freak attack.”

In Nairobi, the capital of Kenya in East Africa, there are no automatic vehicles. When we moved there, my father had the privilege of tutoring my mother and later myself and sister on operating a manual transmission vehicle.

Nairobi’s unpleasant traffic, lack of rules, zero lines, crater holes, negative regulations, and fundamental drivers don’t exactly cater to learning. However, Nairobi National Park, located on the outskirts of the city, offers a much more user-friendly (maybe not animal-friendly) environment for student driving.

We jerked around in our seat belts as the Suzuki jumped and revved from neutral to first and then to a stall on the dirt roads of the park. This process was repeated numerous times as such is the learning curve.

Frightened pulsating impalas, awkward giraffes, muscular wart hogs, shaking zebras, and robust cape buffalos were fluttering around us. In the back seat of the Suzuki, I spotted a rhinoceros across a small ravine about 50 meters away. My mother quickly pumped the breaks and we took turns gazing at the beautiful rhino with binoculars.

The ravine stretched about 50 meters across, and obviously we were checking out the rhino on the opposite side, while neglecting the presence of a drop-off ditch in our immediate surrounding. Within minutes after peering across the ravine, a beasty, territorial, rhino emerged from invisibility – angry and with full intent on charging towards our pitiful SUV.

My heart sank and reality turned slow-motion as I peered into his devilish eyes in between his sharp horn of a trophy and I acknowledged his leather skin vibrating on his stocky frame. He easily weighed as much as our vehicle and could effortlessly toy with us. The massive rhino face got closer to our worthless metal structure on wheels, until I swear I could have reached out the window and patted his coarse cheek.

That’s when the 8000 RPM’s of Suzuki force hurled me back into my seat, and luckily offset the straight charging line of the rhino, moments before striking catastrophe (rhinos apparently have trouble making turns of direction at full speed). The narrow escape of a rhino freak attack was an adrenaline thrill ride.

There is no more efficient way to learn how to drive a stick than to be forced drive full throttle by a gnarly 1.5 ton beast.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Mark Wiens (Migration Mark ) is a world wanderer, an adventure enthusiast, a cultural connector, a skilled spicy food connoisseur, a relaxing erudite, and a buffet finisher. On Migrationology, he writes about spontaneous observations from an unplanned migration of world travel.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Related Posts:

10 of the Safest Destinations to Visit

admin — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 08:37:00 PST

While I’m out and about exploring my new city Seville, Bryant from Gustey.com is filling in as a guest blogger, rounding up 10 of the safest cities to travel.

Some travelers still have qualms about traveling to certain destinations. For some, it is a priority to know that the country you’re in is safe or that the honeymoon you have always wanted is in a location with a good track record. With the help of CNN and MSNBC I have picked 10 of what I deem the safest cities in the world to visit. The factors going into these choices are natural disasters, social unrest, terrorism, and crime.

1. The Dutch ABC Islands

The Caribbean Islands have a reputation that can be shaky at times. There have been violent crimes and political unrest in Aruba, but the other islands in the group are doing well in terms of security and stability. Crime rates on the ABC Islands are comparatively low. There is no political unrest (as far as we know) and they are away from the usual hurricane route. They get a top vote for a heavenly combination of security and natural beauty.

2. New Zealand

All in all New Zealand is one of the safest places in the world. No one really knows why. It might be due to its size and population, or maybe its isolated distance from the rest of the world that the country is generally peaceful, calm and stable. With organized cities and tranquil rural settings, New Zealand definitely makes for an excellent security hub for travelers.

Flickr photo by kiwinz

3. Ulster, Ireland

The Irish have always gotten a bad wrap for being fighters, drinkers, and the early mafia. Their gruff reputation should be overlooked when looking at Ulster as a travel destination. The Emerald Isle was just voted by the WHO as the least violent country in Europe. So don’t judge a clover by its leaves or Ulster might have to arm wrestle you for it.

4. Cyprus

Cyprus is another place that has had its poor reputations. This reputation has since been bunkified. With its booming economy and Orthodox churches at the center of its culture, Cyprus makes the list, and has evolved into a haven for travelers. This Eurasian island located in the East Mediterranean packs both the laid-back beachfront lifestyle and a low cost of living into one treasure trove.

5. Switzerland

Switzerland it is one of the richest countries in the world – divided into three main linguistic and cultural regions. Famed for the Alps, chocolate and high standard of living, Switzerland is often on the dream list of those chasing after the high life. Whether you’re here for a winter break or a new permanent home, the security will definitely make you feel at ease.

Flickr photo by Juan Rubiano

6. Singapore

Singapore makes a clean and safe destination thanks to its extremely low crime rate and stringent law. Its track record is impeccable since the ruling of first Prime Minister. Singapore is a place worth visiting not just for its safety but also its myriad of mixed ethnics and traditional heritage. With such diversity, there is much to explore and learn in the economic hub of Asia.

7. Seattle, USA

Seattle is a tourist-friendly city, with well-equipped hostels, gorgeous scenery, and some of the best outdoor recreations in the country. A city that takes good care of its bike paths and recreational facilities deserves a nod for the world’s safest cities. In every corner there is a café or pub for visitors to hang loose and unwind.

Flickr photo by Bala

8. Luxembourg

The crime rate in Luxembourg is one of the lowest when compared to other European countries. Typical crimes are petty theft or infrequent break-ins. It has topped the list of world’s safest cities for years and deserves a visit for the traveling perks and well-developed infrastructure.

9. Helsinki, Finland

For a capital city, Helsinki is voted by many as the safest city in the world. It has a large enough population to warrant areas to steer clear of especially at night, but generally speaking, it is a safe city for travelers. There is an unlimited array of fun activities to do, outdoor exploring, and overnight trips. Often a city overlooked by most travelers, Helsinki definitely deserves to be in the limelight.

Flickr photo by Taiva Salla

10. Tokyo, Japan

Ranked 35^th on the Mercer stats for safest cities, Tokyo ranks top in the list of safe Asian cities to visit. Much like Seattle in its urban influence, the city has a powerful economy and commercial strength. Its population is huge, its area expansive, but it still remains a secure society.

——————————————————————————————————————————————-

Bryant writes for Gustey.com about low cost travel insurance and traveling abroad. Currently a travel group visiting Patagonia with Gustey had their short term travel insurance cut short and had to return home before the anticipated departure date.

——————————————————————————————————————————————-

Culture: Street Performers in Madrid

admin — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 04:50:11 PST

Buskers rule in Europe, especially in Madrid where artists, musicians and hippies take to the streets. Take a stroll around downtown Madrid on a Sunday and you’ll see the vibrant busking scene come alive. During a recent weekend stay in Madrid, we relived those days spent wandering through its labyrinth-like downtown while living in the metropolis. Instead of empty streets typical of a Sunday, we were treated to magic-performing artists and Moroccan Sufi music on the streets. Here’s a look at buskers’ favourite stomping grounds in Madrid:

Plaza Mayor

Start your trail at Plaza Mayor, the main square in Madrid where both tourists and locals flock to for good food and latest happenings. A tourist playground as always attracts buskers like magnet. Expect to find the usual suspects – solo violinists crooning the outdoor diners and buskers disguised in ancient costumes. You might be surprised by the innovative ones though: an old Chinese men playing the traditional instrument of er-hu and groups of Moroccans tapping on typical Arabic drums.

La Latina

Continue on to the next barrio (district) of La Latina, just a short walk from Plaza Mayor. This hip district is chaotic and characteristic in the day, but transforms to a pumping tapas hub by night. On a Sunday, you won’t be disappointed by the amount of energy present here. We stumbled across a Chinese man clad in a bullfighter’s glittery costume, armed with a bandera and a fake bull – undoubtedly he got plenty of laughs and cheers from the crowd.

El Rastro

One of Europe’s biggest antique/flea market, El Rastro is only opened on Sundays in La Latina. Thousands of made-shift tents line the streets selling things from centuries-old coins to hip ethnic wear. In between the crowd and vendors, you’ll find interesting buskers strutting their stuff. We found a hippy playing a diggeridoo, impressing the crowd with his stamina and talent. There were plenty of trumpet-blowing musicians and flamenco singers on the streets.

Retiro Park

Once the energy overwhelms you, it’s time to head out to a quieter slice of Madrid.The Retiro Park slightly out of the city center promises some quiet time to yourself and nature. Pretty pine trees spread through out the park, while leisure strollers and amorous lovers let down their hair on the park’s green lands.

Buskers here tend to be more low-key, with some playing the accordion and others performing puppet shows for the young ones. Those looking for accommodation might prefer to find a hotel near Retiro Park to get away from the city’s bustling center.

Wherever you are in Madrid, just look deeper and you’ll find street performers at every corner. They might not have made it to the stage, but this kind of art – lives forever.

——————————————————————————————————————————————-————————–

I’m the new Madrid local expert for PlanetEye Traveler, so look out for my tips and articles on the best restaurants, tapas bar, hotels and every oddball activity in the Spanish capital.

——————————————————————————————————————————————-————————–

Photoblog: Best Places for a View in Granada, Spain

admin — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:23:59 PST

My second home, Granada, is a city poised on undulating slopes with Moorish towers and Catholic spires poking through its skyline, with the white mountain range of Sierra Nevada looming in the background.Because of its hilly terrain, there is a plethora of panoramic spots to take in a bird’s eye view of the city. Over the weekend, I played host to some Singaporean friends who came to visit. Seeing the city from above is definitely the highlight for visitors who travel to Granada, and here are some of the best spots:

Mirador de San Nicolas

Sitting on the top of the old quarters – Albayzin – the lookout point offers what is considered the best view in the region. Besides an unobstructed vista of the Alhambra and the sprawling city below it, the Mirador is a playground for bohemian hippies and flamenco guitarists.

Huerta de Juan Ranas

Located right below the Mirador de San Nicolas, this atmospheric bar offers the exact view in a chillout surrounding. Budget travelers might prefer to forgo this bar, but travelers looking to spoil themselves might like soaking in the sun here and reveling in the Mediterranean spirit.

The Alhambra

This ancient Moorish palace put Granada on the world map - travelers who visit Granada without exploring the Alhambra is like going to Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. Again, built on a steep hilltop, the Alhambra provides stunning panoramas of the Albayzin area. Expect to see endless hills of white architecture with pine trees and brown roofs poking out randomly.

Alhambra Hotel Palace

A luxury hotel designed to imitate the Alhambra back in its heydays – upon entering its doorway, you’ll naturally feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the ancient days when Arabic kings ruled Granada. The lobby is a lavish Arabic hallway, all decked out in golden furnishing. The best way: an outdoor cafe that opens up to an eye-glaring view of the city below its feet. Come here for sunset – you’re sure to be mesmerized.

Mirador de San Cristobal

Another lookout point from the other end of the city, the Mirador de San Cristobal is harder to get to and thus quieter and calmer. From here, you’ll get to see the old walls that used to enclose the city forming a fortress. Night view is the best here, as you see the city glowing in gold, with the Alhambra brighter than ever.

Llano de la Perdiz

Llano literally means plateau, but this plateau stands high above the valley, overlooking the outskirts of Granada. This secret spot is a local favourite’s haunt, especially in summer where outdoors enthusiasts hike and cycle here. Unlike the other lookout points, this is only accessible by car, on a dirt road and it looks out to the valley that surrounds Granada.

Where to Stay

Accommodation in Granada is affordable and good; the best options for budget travelers would be youth hostels in the city center. These are often located in traditional Andalusian houses, with typical patios and fountains. Cheap hotels in Granada usually cost up to 50euros a room, while luxury hotels like the Alhambra Palace Hotel can go up to 400euros for a suite.

——————————————————————————————————————————————-————————–

Budget Travel: 8 Penny-Saving Tips

admin — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 03:01:16 PST

“How do you manage to travel all the time?” Friends often ask, puzzled by my packed travel schedule. What they don’t know is the side of me before a trip: scrimping on every penny I make and staying home instead of out partying. I’m a travel writer – life’s not as glamorous as you think, and my pay check’s not as loaded as a blue-collared executive. So before or during a trip, I tend to be extra careful with my money – I’m no expert; I’m merely sharing some of my own practices with those interested in travelling more and spending less. Hope they’re useful!

1. Stay Home, Spend Less

Before a major trip, I usually sacrifice party-time and instead, cook at home to save some pennies. For me, foregoing a night out with the girlfriends means saving at least $30 in just a weekend, which adds up to $120 a month (equivalent to one-week expenditure in South America!) There’s always plenty of free things to do on a weekend – take a stroll in the park or go out on a hike in the countryside – usually healthier than boozing.

2. Move in with your parents

It’s the fastest (but might not be the easiest) way of cutting down on your monthly expenditure. Renting your own place means approximately $500 off your earnings each month, pack up your bags and move back to your parent’s place and convert that into an extra month of travel in Guatemala. For the couples out there, find a cheap place to stay – who cares if it has a tv, private bathroom or even good location – you’ll cut down a big chunk of your spending.

3. Go where your dollar lasts

Instead of traveling around Europe, where your dollar isn’t going to go as far, travel to Eastern Europe, South East Asia or South America, where you can galavant for a fraction of the cost. Or if you’re planning a trip to Central America, spend more time in Panama instead of Costa Rica where prices are much higher. In Asia, take your time finding your way around Indonesia or Thailand where cost of living is lower than and then say, Singapore and Japan.

Photo by kiki99

4. Travel at off-peak period

A red-eye flight is going to be cheaper than one that leaves at a more convenient time. If you are flexible with your dates, try to fly on weekdays and non-public holidays. Summer travel tends to be the peak season, so if work doesn’t come in the way, travel when everyone else is not.

5. Scour for travel deals

Budget airlines have definitely changed the way we travel these days, a Ryanair flight can costs as low as 5GBP if you’re luck enough to snap it. Make sure to check out every airline and last-minute travel deal when booking your trip. Online travel coupons are also getting more popular, offering generous discounts off vacation packages or airfares. These websites provide discounts that you can use when reserving your flights or coupons such as the AT&T DSL promotion code that allow you to change your AT&T roaming service when traveling, to enjoy savings off your travel budget.

6. Make friends with the locals

There are thousands of social media sites in today’s world – twitter, facebook etc. Give a shoutout when you’re visiting a particular destination to get the lowdown on what’s good and what’s not. The locals will know the best value places to eat, the fastest and cheapest ways to travel, and at times extend their hospitality by showing you around. At the end of your travel, you get a good understanding of the place you’ve just visited and you’ve just earned yourself a new friend.

7. Couch Surfing

A brilliant concept that brings travelers from around the world together, exchanging culture and experiences, and a free place to stay. The uninhibited can just sign up for free, do a search for locals living in your destination, write them an email and if they say yes, voila! – you have a free night’s stay on their couch! I personally adore couchsurfing, having done it a couple of times and always having an excellent experience.

8. Cook your own food while traveling

Although trying a country’s food is a large part of traveling (and often is one of the most important for me), eating out takes up your travel budget. Instead, visit the local food market (which can sometimes turn out to be an awesome experience) and try out whipping up some local dishes in your hostel. Or are you tempted to splurge on that gorgeous restaurant poised above the city center? Try to find a quiet spot right next to it, and bring a picnic with you to enjoy the same views for a fraction of the price.

A hostel kitchen – Photo by Alana Jonez

——————————————————————————————————————————————-————————-

10 Unique Transport Modes Around the World

admin — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 05:14:59 PST

Sailing on an ancient junk boat in Vietnam, riding a rickshaw in Japan or seeing the pyramids on camels – there are thousands of strange and oddly intriguing forms of transportation around the world. Inspired by my hero Charley Boorman who travelled from Ireland to Sydney using 112 modes of transport on TV series ‘By Any Means’, I’m piecing a post together on the 10 most unique transportation means.

1. Bamboo Train, Cambodia

Between Battambang and Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, you’ll find this interesting train, cobbled together with a wooden frame, bamboo planking, an upright engine and reused military tank wheels. As basic it looks, it can haul passengers and cargo from one city to the next. Known as ‘norry’ in Khmer, it uses the spur lines, which means when a real train comes puffing, get ready to jump off your ride!

Photo by el Floz

2. Tuktuk, India

These motorized three-wheelers are used all over Asia – originally in Thailand, then spread to Laos, Cambodia, Pakistan and India. Although Bangkok is the pioneer in the tuktuk industry, it’s India where traffic-swerving drivers and chaotic road conditions make it a thrilling ride. Whether you are in Bangalore or New Delhi, hop on for some fun. A tuktuk can usually accommodation two persons and a suitcase.

Photo by nakwoodford

3. Junk Boat, Hongkong

Along Hongkong’s Victoria Harbour, the nation’s signature junk boats float against a backdrop of skyscrapers. These Chinese sailboats date from ancient times, specifically the Han Dynasty. Today, they are converted into sunset boats and booze cruises for tourists and locals seeking a breathe of fresh air. If you’re on holidays in Asia, don’t miss out this traditional junk ride.

Photo by avlxyz

4. Elephant Trekking, Thailand

Before Phuket was developed into a tourist hub, wild elephants used to roam its dense forests and rolling hills. Today, their numbers are dwindling. Instead of lounging by the beach all day, travelers can explore the area inland on elephant tours.

These elephant trekking tours offer a much-needed lift to the tourism industry, and generate the funds to assure the survival of thousands of elephants in a dignified manner. Phuket holidays can encompass fun under the sun and an adventurous way of seeing Asia.

5. Zorb, New Zealand

The zorb is the sport of rolling down a hill inside a giant inflatable ball, cushioned by a thick layer of air. New Zealand first brought us bungee-jumping, white-water raftin, skydiving and now this! There’s a range of rides to choose from – from wet to dry, individual to multi-person or zigzag rides. As the kiwis call it, globe riding sure is an interesting way to find your way round New Zealand.

6. Dog Sleds, Norway

There aren’t many places where you can do this. In Northern Norway, close to the Arctic Circle, you can embark on dog-sledding trips that bring you through gorgeous winter landscapes. Every participant will lead your own team of four or six dogs, and swish across scenic routes. Many trips are organized in the Saltfjellet – Svartisen national park and Jotunheimen National Park, where overnight stays in wooden lodges can be included.

Photo by De Kleine

7. Totora Boat, Peru

On the floating islands of Lake Ttiticaca, the Uros tribes weave their homes and transportation with reeds – or totora in their tribal language – found in the lake. Built to resemble the shape of a dragon, it is said that the boats were used to ward off evil in ancient Inca times. These incredibly light but resistant boats sail out swiftly on the calm lake, making transport for the locals easy and convenient.

8. Chicken Bus, Guatemala

Guatemala’s public buses are nicknamed the ‘Chicken Bus’ for the hectic and tight conditions where passengers are crammed into these old U.S. school buses alongside chicken and goats. For the intrepid travelers seeking a little adventure, it’s quite an interesting way to get under the skin of the country. Some chicken buses are decked out in neon signs or voodoo posters, but all pose the same thrill. Be warned – petty crimes have been reported on these buses.

9. Felucca, Egypt

These traditional Egyptian sailboats have remained, over the centuries, the primary transportation of the Nile River. Its ancient form still graces the river as it has done since the time of the Pharaohs.

These days, both locals and foreigners enjoy a relaxing ride on the felucca, basking under the sun or catching the sunset. Travelers can also take a multi-day felucca ride from Luxor to Aswan and back.

10. Camel back, Jordan

Riding on a camelback through the red-rose deserts of Wadi Rum is one of the highlights of Jordan. Since ancient times, camels have always been the one of the most useful transport tools in the Jordanian history. Travelers can go on a 3-day camel safari trip that includes camping with Bedouins and exploring archaeological sites.

————————————————————————————————————————————–——————–——–

There are many more quirky modes of transport that I’ve missed in this piece, stay tuned for more next week. Meanwhile, share with us your experience below: Have you tried any of these transportations? Are there any other transport mode that you’ve been on?

————————————————————————————————————————————–——————–——–