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Seven Secrets for Successful Travel |
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Written by Karen Bryan
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Feb 07, 2005 at 03:46 PM |
One: Do not try to see and do too much.
You may end up actually seeing very little. I think it is better to see more of fewer countries/regions and see them properly. You may not want to stay in one location for your whole trip. However if you choose carefully it may be possible to do several day trips from one central location. If you do decide to tour, consider spending at least two nights in some of your destinations. It can be quite tiring being on the move every day, packing and unpacking.
Two: Decide on mode of transport.
Driving will give you more flexibility but can be daunting at times and is not recommended if you mainly wish to visit cities. You may decide to take your own car if you live in Europe. If you fly you can hire a car. Beware of extra charges for additional drivers, insurance excesses, airport charges, out of hours charges etc. I always book a hire car through a UK company, with no excess.
If you use a budget airline try to only book direct flights. If you book a two let journey, the budget airlines will not assist you, as they only operate a point to point service. Public transport is pretty good in most of Europe. There are also several budget airlines you can use between countries e.g. Ryanair and Easyjet.
Three: Be aware of security of possessions.
Use a money belt, hotel safe etc. Do not have all your money/cards in one purse or wallet. If you lose it you are in trouble. This happened to me when I was in Milan: I was travelling alone and was left penniless. My credit card company did transfer funds to me but it took 24 hours! I had to borrow 10 euros from the hotel receptionist. Make sure you have travel insurance and if there is an incident get a written report from the local police station, to enable you to make a claim.
Four: Try to learn at least a few words of the language.
This will be greatly appreciated. My French is what you might describe as school girl (that was 25 years ago) but I do try when in France. Often I receive the reply in English but at least I tried. I always apologise if I cannot speak the language. I don't assume that the person I am talking to should speak English, I ask in their language if they speak English. As I do have a Scottish accent, I try to speak more slowly and clearly than usual, certainly not raising my voice.
Five: Don't be too structured.
You should allow some time just to wander around, enjoy a leisurely lunch. You do have to plan an itinerary, or you can just waste a lot of time, but it doesn't have to be written in stone! Allow yourself the opportunity to be spontaneous.
Six: Don't just stick to tourist traps.
Try to visit some authentic local restaurants, markets, villages, etc. where you will meet local people, rather than just other tourists. Surely part of the reason for going abroad it to experience at least a little of the local flavour, not just spend all your time with other tourists.
Seven: Book your accommodation in advance.
This may mean that you miss out on a charming establishment you come across in your travels, (you could always stay there on your another trip). However it will mean that you don't waste precious time going from hotel to hotel trying to find a room, having to arrive early enough at your next destination to look for accommodation. I am not even convinced that you save money by last minute searches.
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Last Updated ( Dec 21, 2006 at 11:29 PM )
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Borneo - Exotic Island Paradise |
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Written by Walter Rajah
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Feb 07, 2005 at 10:58 AM |
SABAH is Malaysia's premier nature adventure destination situated in the northern tip of Borneo Island, the third largest island in the world. Sabah is popular for its wildlife conservation attractions, rain forest, surrounding nature and islands, beach resorts, tropical white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and its warm and friendly people. If you are thinking of visiting Borneo, these places of interest and activities will whet your appetite!
Mount Kinabalu
Let me begin with my favorite place and definitely not to be missed if you are visiting Borneo, Mt. Kinabalu (4,093m). It is the summit of Borneo and the tallest mountain in South East Asia. This mountain is sacred to the locals. Thousands from around the world have trekked to its peak. At the feet of this mountain is Kinabalu National Park, a botanical paradise where rare plants are found: rare orchids, nepenthes pitcher plants and the rafflesia, the largest flower in the world.
Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre
If you haven’t heard yet, the most popular native of Borneo is the Orang Utan. The world-famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre enables visitors to come in close contact with these amazing animals. This sanctuary allows visitors to witness an exciting conservation programme in action. Set in 43 square km of beautiful rainforest, the sanctuary helps once captive Orang Utans learn to fend for themselves in the wild. Watch how these orphaned Orang Utans being taught to climb, and then go to a platform where you can witness them coming in from within the forest for their daily meals of milk and bananas.
Danum Valley Rain Forest
If nature is close to your heart, then this next destination I am going to introduce you is a must visit, Danum Valley. Danum Valley is nestled deep in the rain forest of Borneo where nature is at its most pristine. As you travel deeper and deeper into the jungle, you will suddenly come across a magical paradise of the Borneo Rainforest Lodge (BRL), erected overlooking the magnificent setting of the Segama River and flanked by tall hill ranges. BRL is an impressive resort, designed by naturalists and built on stilts using traditional timber materials, and has the comfort of a 3-Star Hotel. I totally recommend Danum Valley to those who yearn to see wildlife in a primeval Borneo rainforest - the rare Sumatran rhino, proboscis monkeys, Orang Utan, elephants and over 275 species of birds.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Island Park
When you think you have enough of sightseeing and you want to take a day’s break idling around to charge your energy, then I suggest you take a 30-minute boat trip to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. The park is made up of five beautiful islands and is a well-known sanctuary where peace and tranquility prevails. The tropical white sandy beaches are ideal for relaxing and tanning. The crystal clear water is fantastic if you fancy snorkeling or watching the sea lives and corals. The park is also a great spot for a BBQ picnic under the long hours of golden sunshine. Other activities include windsurfing, fishing, parasailing, kayaking and bird watching.
Golfing Holidays
If golf is your sport, then try the numerous high quality golf courses in Sabah. One of the courses as described by its designer - “I had to create a masterpiece by combining the natural splendor of the mountains and the seas, with ingenious architecture, and create a first class championship course to provide an enjoyable, yet challenging game for top professional golfers and amateurs alike" - Graham Marsh. Enough words said for the quality of golf courses here.
White-Water Rafting
For the true adventure seeker looking for an adrenaline-pumping activity, Sabah offers some of the most exhilarating thrills in the world. My scariest experience, only because I am not a good swimmer, is white-water rafting down the Padas River (a grade-3 river). Whilst trying to negotiate the rapids along this raging river for a distance of about 5 kilometers, do enjoy the breathtaking view that the surrounding rain forest does offer. However, be warned, don’t take your eyes off the rapids and waves too long!
Scuba Diving
Off the North Eastern coast of Borneo lies a tiny jewel of an island, Sipadan, with a marine ecosystem so perfect and unique that it is world renowned as one of the best dive spots in the world. Sipadan Island rises as a pristine Coral Sea mount, 650 meters from the floor of the Sulawesi Sea. This pinnacle off the eastern coast of Borneo is an oceanic magnet for marine life. As soon as you enter the crystal clear waters of Sipadan Island, you’ll understand why you have endured a journey that has taken you halfway around the world. As you begin to descend into this tropical water, you'll also understand why the World Wildlife Fund says, "No other spot on the planet has more marine life than this island."
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Last Updated ( Dec 22, 2006 at 12:35 AM )
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Your Hawaii Vacation – Five Islands, Infinite Variety |
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Written by Lori Wilkerson
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Feb 04, 2005 at 12:45 PM |
Hawaiian vacation packages give you more flexibility than any other type of tropical beach vacation around. With five islands to choose from, each with its own distinct personality and amenities, you can plan a Hawaiian vacation that suits you perfectly no matter what you’re looking for.
And with no worries about passports, exchange rates or import taxes on souvenirs, it’s a surprisingly cheap way to get to experience the tropics without ever leaving the country.
There are several ways to afford Hawaii on a budget so that you can enjoy anything from a few days to a month or two in paradise. If you’re looking for the ease of staying in a hotel, look into several levels of accommodations. Hawaii has everything from the most luxurious five-star resorts to relatively cheap hotels that offer the basics of a good, clean, air conditioned room and adjacent restaurant and everything in between.
It’s entirely up to you how you want to travel – if you’re only interested in using your hotel as a base for sleeping, you can find some great deals on chain hotels that are safe and consistent that offer great packages. If you prefer a bit of pampering, look into some of the finer resorts’ special deals for couples, families and themed trips that can save you money, especially when bundled with activities like day sailing excursions and fishing trips.
For beach vacations in Hawaii, you should also consider condo rentals. For families traveling together, these are a great money-saving option, especially if you have a large family. You can get great deals on condos when you rent with an eye toward using roll-away beds or fold-out couches for the kids and prepare some of your meals yourself. If you plan on spending a lot of time soaking up the sun, a beach-front condo is an excellent choice.
Hawaii is considered by many people to be one of the most beautiful places on earth. This cluster of islands is completely surrounded by turquoise waters and has islands ranging in size from only a few miles across to over 250 miles wide, each with beaches from rocky coral coves to soft, white sand beaches depending upon location. There are sheer mountain cliffs with roaring waterfalls and undulating, semitropical rainforests. The difficult part of planning a Hawaiian vacation isn’t finding cheap deals – there are plenty of great packages out there – it’s deciding which package to go with!
Maui – Paradise on the Beach
The second largest island in the chain, Maui is also home to the most fabulous beaches in the world. If your Hawaii vacation includes lounging surf-side or walking on powdery sand with salt-water tickling your toes, then Maui is the best choice for relaxing and soaking up the sun.
It’s also home to Napili Bay and Big Beach, both wide swathes of family-friendly beaches with plenty of opportunities for boogie-boarding and body surfing.
Snorkeling opportunities abound for visitors at Molokini, a tiny island off the coast that’s surrounded by tropical fish and fascinating sea creatures. You can also go dolphin spotting and whale watching on one of the many chartered catamarans or glass bottom boats.
Kauai – The Emerald Isle of the Pacific
Kauai is often referred to as the Garden Isle or the Green Island because of the incredibly lush flora on this small island. The North Shore in particular is a fabulous wealth of natural beauty, with incredible waterfalls and tropical foliage everywhere.
Kauai is an island suited to those looking for kicking back in natural surroundings. The accommodations are pleasing and casual, but there are no casinos and little night life here. If you want to go horseback riding, hiking or follow some of the most beautiful nature trails you’ll ever see, though, this is the island you’ll want to stay on. Waimea Canyon is a hiker’s dream, with incredible views and challenging climbs leading to a curve of gorgeous beach.
Oahu – History’s Home
Oahu is home of the largest cities in Hawaii, including Waikiki and Honolulu, so if you’d enjoy some nightlife and culture, don’t miss this island. Museums, theaters and plenty of restaurants and clubs. The shopping is great and you’ll find the latest fashions next to local arts and crafts in boutiques around the island.
Oahu’s also awash in history, home to Pearl Harbor and the site of the U.S.S. Arizona as well as a variety of other historical sites, including the Missouri and Diamond Head Crater. Want to learn more about Polynesian customs? Attend one of the many luaus and experience Samoan dancers, the hula (traditional dance of Hawaii), a re-enactment of a royal Hawaiian procession and a pig roast.
Molokai – The Forbidden Island
The story behind Molokai is a grim one, but the island itself is an unspoiled gem. Called the forbidden island by natives because of Father Damien’s leper colony in the previous century, Molokai has few hotels and fewer residents. In fact, it’s so small there isn’t a street light anywhere on the island!
Molokai is a place to go fishing, take long walks on seclude beaches and relax…It’s the closest thing you can get to your own deserted island, but with all the amenities still in place.
The Big Island
The big island of Hawaii has just about everything imaginable you could ask for in a vacation. In fact, depending on the time of year your vacation could encompass a visit to the beach on one end of the island and, if you trek of one of the dormant volcanic mountains at the other end, an invigorating afternoon of snowboarding on snow-dusted slopes!
Volcanoes National Park has one of the world’s largest rings of natural volcanoes both dormant and active and you will often see spectacular lava flows that demonstrate the full power of nature’s potentially destructive forces.
On the Kona side of the island, visit Hawaii’s famous coffee plantations and horse and cattle ranches. On the Hilo side, take in the beauty of orchid-filled rainforests and majestic waterfalls. And of course, the big island has plenty of nightlife and shopping!
With so many great Hawaii vacation package deals to choose from, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect trip to paradise!
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Last Updated ( Dec 22, 2006 at 12:32 AM )
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Istanbul, Turkey - Where Two Continents Meet |
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Written by Lori Guretzki
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Feb 03, 2005 at 11:18 PM |
Istanbul, situated along the shores of the Bosphorus Strait, is the only city in the world bridging two continents, Europe and Asia; it is as old as civilization itself and as modern as carrying cell phones.
My husband and I were very excited about vacationing in Istanbul. We flew with Lufthansa Airlines from Vancouver, B.C., stopping in Frankfurt, Germany to change planes and approximately 15 hours later, we were there.
The entrance requirement for Turkey was a Passport with an expiry date one month past our exit date, and a Visitor’s Visa. The Visa can be purchased at the Ataturk Airport upon arriving in Istanbul. The cost is $45.00 U.S. per person.
We were met at the airport by the Bell Hop from The Hotel Zurich, the hotel we had booked over the Internet. We became friends with the hotel’s general manager, Mr. Turan islam, exchanging e-mail messages until we had agreed to $50.00 U.S. per night. The rate included a full breakfast daily, all the services in the hotel and transportation from the airport to the hotel. The Bell Hop had arrived in a taxi to pick us up.
Riding along in the back of the taxi, we were somewhat apprehensive as to what we should expect next, we were at the mercy of the Turks. We couldn’t speak the language and we weren’t familiar with the currency or their customs. Well, we didn’t need to worry; we were greeted with the very best in hospitality. A fruit bowl, a bottle of wine, an ample supply of bottled water and juice, and a hand written note from the general manager were all waiting for us upon arrival.
We were delighted with our room. We were on the 6th floor, a large room with huge windows that allowed us an unobstructed view of the Sea of Marmara and a large modern bathroom; hand soap, face cloths and tissues were not included. We were only steps from the hotel’s pool, exercise room and the stairway to the Dining Room.
I was relieved to see that female tourists were not expected to cover their heads with the traditional scarf called basortusu, or wear the traditional long baggy trousers called salvar.
Finding our way around Istanbul was easy (a map helps if you remember to take one); transportation by taxi, bus or Tram was efficient and inexpensive and a life saver in the heat. Tickets for the Tram could be purchased at the kiosks located on street corners everywhere adjacent to the Tram stops. Istanbul’s only train travelled only around the outside of the city. It was clean but old and slow. We rode the train once and met an English speaking doctor who was born in Toronto and has lived and worked in Istanbul for the last ten years.
We found ourselves lost many times so we would ask anyone on the street for directions; with a little sign language we always got the information we needed. I would recommend that upon venturing out, you take the card from your room with the hotel’s name and address on it.
Public washrooms were not plentiful. When we did find one, a Turkish gentleman would be sitting outside the doorway for the equivalent of 25 cents he would give me two squares of toilet paper, that resembled sand paper. A good idea is to carry your own tissue.
I can’t say enough about shopping in Istanbul. The Grand Covered Bazaar has over 4000 shops, selling everything from Turkish rugs to leather goods, beautifully embroidered linens and fine jewelry. It was not unusual to see a shop selling tourist trinkets located next to a shop selling fine silk fabrics. We wondered for hours up and down the many lanes and alleyways and still didn’t see it all.
When we tired of shopping in the Bazaar, there were shops, boutiques and kiosks leading to the Bazaar and down every street. This was a shopper’s paradise. It was rare to see women working in the shops though; men dominate the market place even in shops where only women’s undergarments were sold.
The Turks are masters at bargaining so be prepared. Don’t pay the price marked on the item or you will have insulted the shopkeeper. If we left home thinking the last thing we needed was a Turkish rug, think again. We would be invited into a shop, offered a cup of sweet apple tea, or black coffee served in a cute little demitasse cup, and the bargaining would begin. Don’t be surprised if you go home with a rug, we did.
Also worth visiting was the Spice Market. Before entering the huge partially covered areas, the smell of cinnamon, mint and thyme greeted us at the door. Upon entering, I was hypnotized by the beautiful brilliant reds, oranges and yellows of every spice and herb imaginable. They were displayed in large jute sacks neatly stacked on the floor at the entrance to each little shop or in glass containers on shelves that lined the walls of the shops. The aroma of coffee beans, bulk tea and fresh baked goods made our mouths water. Be sure to purchase Saffron and pure Vanilla while you are there, the prices were reasonable and makes for wonderful gifts for family and friends back home.
There are many tours available in Istanbul and they offer English speaking guides. She Tours picked us up at our hotel and brought us back at no extra cost. The first stop on our tour was the beautiful Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asiatic shore of the Bosphorus Strait. It was the summer residence of the Ottoman Sultans, built in 1865 and is now a Museum for the public. As we entered the Palace, we were given plastic boots to cover our shoes, our purses were searched and we went through a metal detector before starting our tour. Continuing on, we crossed The Bosphorus Toll Bridge linking Europe and Asia and then stopped at Camlica Hill, the highest point in Istanbul. The view of the city was breathtaking. This tour lasted five hours, cost $30.00 U.S. each and was well worth the money. She Tours offer many tours, one to fit every interest and time schedule. The larger hotels are happy to arrange the tours for you.
We didn’t need a tour guide to visit The Museum of Haghia Sophia or “Divine Wisdom” that was built in the 6th century or, The Blue Mosque named for the blue tiles covering its interior walls and built in the 17th century. The Blue Mosque is the only mosque in the world with six minarets and is the most beautiful and grand mosque in Istanbul.
We also visited The Beyazit Mosque the oldest mosque in Istanbul; the entrance fee was $2.00 U.S. per person however we found out later it should have been free admission. This mosque was the only one where we had to remove our shoes, and I was given a scarf to cover my hair. The scarf smelled musty and wasn’t terribly clean.
The Turks are purists in their culinary tastes so food wasn’t smothered in sauces and very little herbs or spices were used in the dishes we tried. The seafood was local and tasted fresh and was usually served with boiled rice; it was very tasty. A favorite meal of the locals was a Kebap; a large roll of mutton or beef cooked slowly on a vertical skewer in front of a heating element. When we ordered a Kebap, we could watch as it was shaved from the roll and served on an open bun. We didn’t need anything with it, it was very tasty all by itself.
The evening meals could be compared to an evening of entertainment. We were wined and dined for hours in air conditioned restaurants or outside on the patios and we would leave full and feeling like we had made new friends.
Breakfast was not a popular meal in Istanbul. If your hotel doesn’t offer it, be prepared, restaurants don’t open for business until late in the morning. We were fortunate to be staying in a hotel that offered a large variety of fresh breakfast items every morning; items like sweet buns, yogurt, cereal, hot soups and scrambled or boiled eggs. Their morning drink was the ever popular Tang orange juice.
The water in Istanbul was safe to drink but not wanting to take chances, we purchased our own bottled water very cheap (5 liters for the equivalent of 90 cents).
Every evening we would watch from our hotel window as vendors pushed their carts up and down the streets, offering stuffed mussels, meatballs made from barley, and pancakes filled with raw meat, as well as other carts loaded with every kind of fresh garden vegetable and locally picked nuts. And, not to be overlooked, Istanbul does have a MacDonald’s Restaurant for those who want to try Turkish hamburgers, french-fries and ice cream.
We never found a Laundromat anywhere in the city. With the use of sign language and lots of laughter, the maid in our hotel understood that we needed to do some laundry. She took it with her and brought it back the next day, ironed and hanging on hangars or folded very neatly. We used the service twice and the cost was $100.00 U.S. I would recommend purchasing clean clothes as you need them; Turkish made clothing was very inexpensive to buy, and fun to shop for.
Istanbul is the largest city in the Republic of Turkey. It has a population of more than nine million people and can have as many as eight million tourists visiting at one time. It’s main religion is Muslim; five times during the day and night, at precise times, we would hear the call to prayer from the various mosques. In the beginning, especially when we were awakened in the night, we would hear wailing echoing through the city, however after a few days and after we knew where the sounds were coming from, we became accustomed to it and actually listened for it.
The currency is the Turkish Lire. There were many banks in Istanbul; the most popular being the Yapi Kredi Bank where we could exchange our money or if the banks were closed, we had no problem using the many ATMs situated around the city.
Tipping was not the norm but just like at home, when we were given good service, we felt they had earned a tip. In our hotel, by the time we were leaving for home, we had trained the staff to accept our tips; they had definitely earned them.
This holiday was an amazing experience. I have barely touched on the many interesting places we visited. It wasn’t necessary to know the history, the language, customs or currency before embarking on this trip to Istanbul. We were made to feel welcome by everyone and the language barrier, only a minor inconvenience. I would be amiss if I didn’t mention that at times there was the odd hint of terrorism but nothing that affected us in any way nor would it stop us from returning to Istanbul.
As we were loading our luggage into the taxi to take us back to the Atutark Airport for our journey home, the staff on duty and the ones not working at The Hotel Zurich that evening came out to bid us a fond farewell and safe trip. Has that ever happened in any other country? I know we have never experienced it, and it was such a wonderful feeling to know we were accepted, respected and considered their friends.
If you are looking for an exotic holiday destination, with friendly, hospitable people, an ideal climate and beautiful scenery or if you want to explore a city filled with Ancient sites and ruins mixed with increasing modernization, or how about just a fabulous shopping holiday well, Istanbul is the destination for you.
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Last Updated ( Dec 22, 2006 at 01:08 AM )
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