August 18, 2012

5 Reasons Why You Should Embrace Off-Season Travel

by Lindsay Shapka in Travel, Travel Tips, Adventure

off-season or shoulder season travel tips

I am constantly asked for advice on when the best time to travel is and my answer is always the same — the shoulder or off-season.

This tends to fall outside of the summer months and in between holidays, when the weather is colder, the days a bit shorter, and there are no popular festivals filling the streets. While you may have to wear a few extra layers while exploring, traveling during this time of year has A LOT of benefits.

1. You Look Less Like A Tourist

There is nothing that screams ‘tourist’ more than runners, shorts, a brightly coloured T-shirt, and a sunburn.

Not only that, if you are from a dry country and are touring somewhere humid in the middle of summer, you are sure to be sweating as you sit in a crowded subway or walk down sunny streets. (Trust me, I’ve experienced it).

If you are travelling in the off-season, you will more likely be wearing clothing that helps you blend better with the locals and will be more comfortable in the cooler climate.

2. Locals Are More Patient

If you live anywhere that is considered a ‘tourist destination’, you know how annoying large, loud groups who don’t look where they are walking and force you to wait in line for a coffee can be.

In the off-season, having had a break from the onslaught of travellers, the waiter in the cafe will be more patient while you struggle to order a coffee in his native tongue, and shop owners are sure to be kinder.

3. Scam Artists and Pick-Pockets are on Vacation

Scam artists go where the business is, and in the off-season, the people trying to charge you $20 for a walking tour to nowhere or $30 for a plastic statue of Michelangelo’s David are nowhere to be found.

Without a crowd to hide what they are doing, pick-pockets are also sure to keep their distance.

4. Costs are Significantly Lower

Not only will your accommodation be almost cut in half, the price of meals, admission, taxis, souvenirs, tours — pretty much EVERYTHING — will be cheap, cheap, cheap!

I stayed at a resort on the beach in the Algarve last November for 30% of what it would cost during the peak season. It was still warm enough to suntan during the day and it was lovely to have my pick of spots on the beach!

5. Attractions Are People-Free and Relaxing

Imagine standing in front of the Mona Lisa completely alone, taking a photo of the Colosseum without a single person in it, or walking into a temple at Angkor that not a soul is in but you.

All of these things are possible (I promise, I have the photos and experiences to prove it!) if you embrace off-season travel!

Pin Me!

Read More Travel Tips

Travel & Adventure Blog Feed

July 17, 2012

Must-Visit Destination: The Enchanting City of Cortona in Italy

by Lindsay Shapka in Destinations, Travel, Travel Tips, Adventure

THE STATS:

Location — If you look at a map of Italy, Cortona is pretty much smack-dab in the middle. It is located between Rome and Florence, in the province of Arezzo, set on the side of one of the Tuscan hills covered in olive groves.

Population —The city is surrounded by high, stone walls and so its expansion is limited. There are currently around 23,000 people.

Cortona's Claim To Fame — American author Frances Mayes moved to Cortona, found love, and wrote a book called Under The Tuscan Sun. This book was turned into a movie of the same name which was filmed in the town. Cortona’s opera house made an appearance in the movie Life Is Beautiful and, on a more historical note, it is one of the few cities bypassed by Alexander The Great who apparently marched right by on his journey to conquer the known world.

Orientation — Because the city is built into a hill, it has only one level street, Via Nazionale or Main Street, located near Piazzale Garibaldi — the main gate. As I mentioned before, an ancient stone wall (going back to the time of the Etruscans) encircles the entire city and there are only a few exits or entrances. Most of the hotels, restaurants and cafes are located near, or just off, the Main Street. At the top of the hill is a huge cathedral and the old historical fort. You can walk around the entire city in about an hour.

Getting Around — There is no need to do anything but walk within the city walls. Most of the roads are very steep and made of uneven cobblestones, so make sure you are wearing comfortable footwear (leave the heels at home ladies).

Getting There And Away — The Florence-Rome train line does not stop in Cortona, but in Camucia located at the bottom of the hill; the stop is called Camucia-Cortona. It is close enough to both of the big cities that you can easily visit Cortona as a day trip (but I recommend staying at least one night). Buses, running every half hour, will take you up to Cortona’s main gate, BUT if you are up for it, a 20-30 minute walk through olive groves and past stone farmhouses is also an option.

Where To Stay — Ostello San Marco is the main hostel is the city and is located in an old monastery which means that it has huge, clean rooms. Their website is pretty rough, but it's where I stayed and is a fantastic hostel. There are a few small hotels and B&Bs as well.

What To Do — Though Cortona is small and not full of the usual attractions, what makes this place so special is the atmosphere. It has the feel, smells, and look of another time — everything that you imagine the idealized ‘Tuscany’ to be can be found within the city walls.

There are incredible views of the valley from multiple locations, bakeries full of treats, wine bars bursting with local flavours, and family-run restaurants full of melt-in-your-mouth dishes. There are also stunning examples of Renaissance architecture, churches with beautiful sculpture, and the Museo Diocesano has some incredible pieces (notable is a masterpiece by Fra Angelico).

A hike up to the 16th century Fortezza, originally built for the Medici family, is definitely worth the sweat, as it offers stunning views and a unique look at the interior of the fortified walls of the city.

How I Found It — My University had a campus located in Cortona, so in 2004, I was lucky to spend almost 4 months living in the city. While there, I studied art history, history, and classics from people who lived or worked in the area.

I went for morning jogs past Frances Mayes’ home, drank Tuscan wine daily, and became a regular at Bar Sport, my favourite cappuccino spot, where I learned the art of drinking coffee in Italy.

It is — without a doubt — one of the most magical places that I have ever been, and well worth the hike up the hill to visit it!

How To Survive A Full Moon Party On Ko Pha Ngan In Thailand

by Lindsay Shapka in Travel, Travel Tips, Travel Adventures

How to survive a full moon party in Thailand

According to local legend, the first Full Moon Party, at Hat Rin beach on Ko Pha Ngan, took place in either 1987 or 1988 (ironically, no one can remember), and was meant to be someone’s birthday celebration. The party was so amazing that the group decided to meet up again for the next full moon, and so began a tradition that has turned into one of the largest monthly parties in the world. Anywhere from 3,000 to 30,000 people turn up to dance, drink, and party the night away, all with the goal of living to tell the tale.

Surviving a Full Moon Party is no easy feat, and I’m not just saying that to scare you, the incidence of death and serious injury at these parties rises every month. Here are some tips to help you make it through the night:

1. Show Up a Few Days Early

If you are planning on staying in Hat Rin, you will need to show up at least 3 days (even that is cutting it close) in advance to ensure that you can get a place to stay.

If you don’t find an available room, hotels at nearby beaches will have boats that will shuttle you to the party and home again once the sun rises.

TIP: If you do stay in Hat Rin make sure that you lock up any valuables in the hotel safe as break-ins during the chaotic party are frequent.

2. Bare Feet are Your Friends

The 10+ most intense party zones (usually distinguished by different music blaring from MASSIVE speakers) are all on the beach.

Shoes+Sand=No Fun

In your intoxicated party state, you will inevitably kick-off your shoes and lose them. I guarantee it. Leave them in your room.

3. Do Not Use a Purse/Bag or Exterior Pockets

Crowds of drunken tourists rubbing up against each other on a dance-floor are a pick-pocket's dream. Anything that you leave in an unsecured pocket, or set down for a minute so you can dance, is likely to disappear.

Ladies, I suggest using your bra or bathing suit as a wallet, boys try to use interior pockets or ones with zippers, buttons, or snaps. No one will ask for ID, so all you really need to have with you is some cash, your room key, and (if you are especially ambitious) your camera or phone.

4. Don’t Play With Fire

I know that this should go without saying, but it was remarkable to see how many people had limbs wrapped in white bandages the day after the Full Moon Party I attended.

Fire dancers seem more than willing to let drunken tourists ‘try out’ their trade, and a giant skipping rope dripping with flames is available for insane party-goers to try out. (I am pretty sure these fire ‘games’ are the local’s way of getting back at us for filling their beaches and nights with debauchery and chaos.)

5. Say No To Drugs

To many, Thailand is know as the land of ‘mushroom shakes’ and Bob Marley inspired bars… aka, if you want them, drugs are readily available.

But, the laws against drugs in Thailand are extreme and if you are caught with them in your possession, you WILL end up in jail (think Brokedown Palace).

Police have a presence at these parties, but there are even more officers in plain clothes mixing in with party-goers, waiting to catch you in the act.

Use at your own risk.

Read More Travel Tips

Travel & Adventure Blog Feed

June 8, 2012

How To Cross The Street In Southeast Asia

by Lindsay Shapka in Travel Tips, Travel Adventures, Adventure, Travel

What’s scarier than a stampede of wild horses running towards you?

If you guessed trying to cross the street in Southeast (SE) Asia, you would be correct!

Welcome to the land where crosswalks don’t exist, street-lights and stop signs (if there are any) are just a suggestion, and painted lines deleanating lanes are simply interesting road art.

If you are determined to stick to your western world-view that ‘as a pedestrian you have the right of way’, be prepared to become a western-style pancake. That rule means nothing on the mean (ok, they really aren’t mean, it just sounds cool) streets of SE Asia.

Here are a few suggestions on how to survive the traffic-choked streets:

Your first option is to just never cross the street, however, this will severely limit your experience and I do not reccommend this option at all.

Another option is to avoid walking and simply become a part of the problem by only taking cabs wherever you go. However, if you are on a budget or even remotely adventurous, this option will not work for you either.

The third option (and THE ONE I THINK YOU SHOULD PICK… no pressure) is to follow these simple steps:

Decide that you are going to cross the street.
Take a deep breath.
Step into traffic, look ahead, and begin walking at a steady pace in a STRAIGHT LINE.
Even if it seems like you are about to be hit, DO NOT SLOW DOWN OR SPEED UP.
Continue walking until you reach the other side.
Step up onto the curb.
Start breathing again.

Why will this work you ask?

So used to dodging other cars, scooters, tuk-tuks, and elephants (yes, elephants), drivers in Southeast Asia tend to be extremely alert and defensive. As long as you stay at a steady pace and walk in a straight line, dodging you is a breeze.

Good luck!

How to cross the street in Southeast Asia

Read More Travel Tips

Travel & Adventure Blog Feed

June 1, 2012

Nervous Flyer? These Tips Are For You!

by Lindsay Shapka in Travel, Travel Tips, Adventure

For many travellers it is not the strange food, language barrier, or cultural differences that are the most daunting when embarking on a new adventure, it is the flight that it takes to get there.

Having traveled with a few extremely nervous flyers (a friend of mine spent our 10 hour flight grabbing my arm every time the plane hit turbulence), I understand that this is a legitimate fear that sadly, prevents many from taking the trips that they long too.

If you have a fear of flying (or know someone who does), there should be something on this list that can help you out!

1. Get Comfortable

The more comfortable you are, the more relaxed you will be. Most airlines don’t supply blankets and pillows anymore, so bring your own — inflatable neck pillows are the easiest to pack — and make sure to bring some socks to keep your toes warm and cosy as well.

2. Stay Distracted

Bring entertaining books and magazines on board (trashy ones are the best for easy distraction). Music is also a great distraction so make sure you have all your fave songs downloaded and ready (also helpful if the in-flight entertainment system stops working).

Just remember that if you have ear-bud headphones you will be able to keep them on during take-off and landing, headphones that cover your ears will have to be removed.

3. Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol

These beverages run the risk of making you feel jumpy and irrational and will also force you to use the ‘facilities’ more often which will make your flight (and the flight for the person sitting next to you) very uncomfortable. I know it's tempting just to get drunk to hide your fear, but this could backfire — trust me.

4. Pack Gum, Water (bottle) and Snacks

I know that I get incredibly irritated when hungry, and many flights no longer serve food or charge astronomical prices for it so, make sure you bring some snacks.

Flights also tend to be very dry, so having water (you can purchase a bottle in the airport once you pass through security) with you will help avoid the dry mouth that can come with nerves.

Gum will help you pop your ears, preventing pressure build up, as the cabin equalizes.

5. Drugs, Drugs, Drugs…

Doctors can prescribe medication to help you sleep if you are a REALLY nervous flyer, but over the counter medication like Gravol and even Motrin can often help you sleep or relax.

6. Keep Your Eye on the Flight Attendants

There are some mechanical noises, chimes, and bouts of turbulence that may sound or feel scary but are completely normal. My trick in moments that make me nervous is to watch and see how the flight attendants are reacting. If they seem calm then I calm down.

7. Tell the Flight Attendants How You Feel

Sometimes the best way to calm your nerves is to admit to someone that you are in fact nervous. Flight Attendants are VERY familiar with nervous flyers and if you tell them how you feel they will usually go out of their way to ensure that you are comfortable.

8. Embrace the Idea That There is Really Nothing You Can Do

The reality is that anything that could happen is out of your control. According to my sister, a frequent traveller, "you are already in the air and if something is going to go wrong, there is absolutely nothing that you can do about it — there is no point worrying, so just sit back and enjoy the ride."

I know that this is easier said than done, but if you can embrace the idea, it could save you a lot of worry.

Read More Travel Tips

Travel & Adventure Blog Feed

May 11, 2012

Which Pack To Pack? Your guide to picking the perfect bag for your next trip

by Lindsay Shapka in Travel Tips, Travel, Adventure

Unless you want to end up with the wheels of your suitcase broken from rolling over uneven cobblestones, or a sweat stained t-shirt in the fancy lobby of your five-star hotel, you will have to put some thought into one of the most important decisions a traveller can make.

Which pack to pack?

The type of bag you use while travelling is determined largely by the type of vacation or trip you are planning.

There are four main bags to consider:

1. The Large Suitcase

This bag is usually a monster and best used for shorter trips where you will be staying in one place. A large suitcase limits your mobility, so choose this bag if you are stying in a hotel, using cars to get to and from the airport, and not required to roll it over uneven ground.

Cobblestones and unpaved roads will wreak havoc on the wheels of these weighty pieces of luggage, and you will be sweating bullets if you are pulling them on and off of trains or busses.

2. The Carry On Suitcase

These smaller suitcases are perfect for weekends, business trips, quick getaways, or longer trips if you are a light packer. Though they are more mobile than a large suitcase, I don’t recommend them for longer budget-style travel (like backpacking trips through Europe for example) because they are bulky and require the use of your hands to carry them.

3. The Large Backpack

A typical first-time backpacker mistake (and one that I have made) is buying the biggest backpack you can find, thinking that the more space you have the more you can take with you. The problem is that all that stuff has weight, and that weight will be sitting directly on your body. Walking more than five minutes, through crowded streets, to get from your hostel to the train station will have you cursing the extra shoes and clothing on your back that you thought you couldn’t live without.

Larger packs do have their place however. I have used a large backpack to carry my things to a country that I was planning on living in for awhile, and then only filled it half to three quarters full when I did some quicker travelling after.

4. The Carry On Sized or Medium Sized Backpack

This bag is perfect for weekend jaunts to places where you want maximum mobility and your hands free at all times. It is also perfect for travellers who are travelling longer term with a light wardrobe — budget travellers on hostel-style trips, I'm looking at you.

If you choose to use only carry on luggage, make sure to check the size of the liquids that you are allowed to carry on or be prepared to purchase things like contact solution and toothpaste in the country you are visiting.

The key to buying a functional backpack, no matter what the size, is accessibility. Look for a bag that has side zippers or can unzip all the way, so that you can access the entire main pocket. You will inevitably have to pull EVERYTHING out in order to find what you need if you bag can only be accessed from the top.

In summary:

Large Suitcase: All inclusive/resort/hotel/single destination type vacations
Small Suitcase: Weekend getaways/business/shorter jaunts
Large Backpack: Long term stays (teaching abroad for example) with plans to travel after/hiking trips
Small Backpacks: Shorter, hands free travel/Longer travel if you are a light packer

Read More Travel Tips

Travel & Adventure Blog Feed

April 27, 2012

Travel Tips: Your Guide To Safely Drinking (Or Not Drinking) The Water When You Travel

by Lindsay Shapka in Travel Tips, Travel, Adventure

According to water.org, 3.575 million people die each year from water related diseases.

For those of us who are lucky enough to call countries that have fresh, clean drinking water home, it is important to remember that the majority of the places we will travel to are not so lucky.

It's easy to forget the brushing your teeth, having a shower, or needing to wet a dry throat in the middle of the night that the water might not be safe to drink.

Guide to safely drinking the water when you travel

Here are a few things to keep your tummy safe on your next trip:

NEVER drink tap water unless you are 100% sure that it is safe (so basically never).
Bottled water is usually ok, but make sure you check the seal carefully before you buy. I have heard of scams where shop owners will refill old bottles with tap water and then put them back on the shelves.
Pack iodine tablets. They are lightweight, don’t take up much room and will be lifesavers if you ever find yourself with no access to clean water.
If your trip is going to involve isolation (example: mountains in Tibet or the Gobi Desert), I recommend picking up an actual water filter and/or purifier. Many of them are now made to easily connect to a water bottle and come with small hand pumps.
Boiling water is still the best way to purify it. You can purchase small electrical coils for this purpose at most outdoor/travel stores.
When eating or drinking in restaurants, avoid ice or fresh juice unless you can confirm that both were made with filtered water. The same goes for tea and soup that may not have been brought to a boil.
Be careful not to swallow any water when brushing your teeth (or just use bottled water) and showering.

When in doubt, end your day of touring with a shot of hard liquor or a beer, and hope that the alcohol will kill any parasite that you swallowed with your water!