Posts by : Izy Berry

Photo credit: Out the airplane window by tudydamian on Flickr

You have to be rich to travel the world.

This is one of the most pervasive myths about travel, and it’s also patently untrue. While billionaires certainly have no issue chartering a private jet for vacation, it doesn’t take a goldmine to see a few gorgeous destinations. From credit card companies that offer piles of welcome miles to flash-sale sites providing incredibly deep discounts on everything from airfare to vacation packages, you’ll discover a wealth of low-cost options if you just take the time to look.

You can’t go anywhere unless you speak the language.

Though it’s convenient to speak the local language, it’s by no means required. What is required, however, is a basic understanding of respectful phrases. Please, thank you and hello will go a long way in earning you respect with the community.

Conversely, nearly everyone in major cities speaks English.

Some foreign cities are home to an astonishing number of English speakers, but you simply can’t count on it. Never go anywhere with the assumption that you’ll be understood; learn a few basic phrases, and get used to gesturing.

Photo Credit: Airplane cabin by ta on Flickr

First class is the only comfortable way to fly.

It’s definitely more comfortable than economy, but comfort isn’t measured in seat inches alone. Ease of booking and friendliness of service go quite a long way in making your flight enjoyable, especially if you’re traveling on a budget. Plus, many major airlines offer a slightly souped-up version of economy that offers more space for only a few extra dollars.

Weekend trips always cost more than mid-week jaunts.

This depends entirely on where you’re going, when you book your trip and which agency you use. While weekends tend to be more expensive on the surface, you’ll find an array of weekend-getaway deals on sites like Travelzoo, Airfare Watchdog and Jetsetter. What’s more, prices can vary by the hour, so it pays to check rates often.

If you convert your money before you leave, you’ll save loads of cash.

We’re not sure where this started, but too many first-time travelers make this mistake. It may seem more convenient to exchange your currency at home, but the rates are astronomical. Convert only what you need as soon as you land, and then use local ATMs to grab cash for the rest of your trip. Trust us: You could save hundreds of dollars.

Photo Credit: Foreign currency and coins by bradipo on Flickr

Trip insurance isn’t really necessary.

Like any other type of insurance in any other country, travel insurance in Canada protects you against a series of unexpected situations. Never leave home without it; though it seems like an added expense, it’ll pay off should you run into trouble.

You have to book months ahead to score the hottest deals.

While this may have been true in the past, the bevy of modern travel agencies and websites have made it possible to track down a deal at virtually any time before your trip. Last-minute offers are especially alluring; by snatching up a special just a few weeks before departure, you could get access to some of the best discounts on the market.

Photo Credit: Mauritius by Mohammed Alnaser on Flickr

Mauritius, a name that happily rolls off the tongue, is an island paradise in the Indian Ocean close to the Tropic of Capricorn. With a sub-tropical climate Mauritius enjoys good weather almost all of the year, a note worthy feature of life here. In the summer months (November to April) the mean average temperature is 25C, and in the winter months (June to September) it is 20C, so the paradise is often popular with sunbathers and swimmers. In terms of air quality it has been rated second in the world and so can boast a luxurious place to relax, especially juxtaposing against the grind of relentless city life.

The luxurious island is famous for its 93 miles of white sandy beaches, lagoon and coral reef (worlds third largest). Mauritius also has wonderfully scenic mountainous habitats away from the coast, that can provide hiking distractions away from the beach.

With a widely diverse environment for its size, Mauritius is not just about the beaches and coast, it is also home to some of the world’s rarest plants and animals with conservation high on the local agenda since the 1980’s. The island has also set up nature reserves on nearby inhabited islands.

Photo Credit: Black River Gorges National Park by oldandsolo on Flickr

Visits to the Pamplemousse Botanical Gardens and the Black River Gorges National Park are high on most visitors list of places to visit, with snorkeling and sailing in the coastal waters obvious choices for the more active among us.

Not surprisingly perhaps, Mauritius is a destination of choice for those UK visitors looking to make a special and memorable trip, with direct flights available from London to the islands airport near its capital city, Port Louis. Trailfinders.com create tailor-made holidays so you can enjoy the parks and coastline at your leisure.

Photo Credit: Mauritius Beach by patrickcadona on Flickr

Don’t be fooled into thinking the tropical island is all beaches and coast, it has its own history and culture. First discovered in 1507 the island is now independent, since 1968, both British and French are widely spoken, including in Parliament, by the multi-lingual Mauritians. With a constitution based on the UK model, but with a president as a head of state rather than a monarch, Mauritius ranks highly for democracy and political freedom for its 1.25m inhabitants. By sightseeing the highlights the city has to offer, you can get to known the place better and be introduced to something more than a beach destination, but to a country that has its inhabitants as top priority.

However, if you can’t be torn away from the beach it has plenty to offer, at just a sandcastle away. From swimming with dolphins to the tropical beach gardens of Sugar Beach there is something for everyone.

I come from a country that has very strict declaration laws. New Zealand is geographically isolated, which means that it is protected from a lot of the cross contamination that happens between neighbouring countries that share a land boarder. As a consequence of this, we have to be really strict with what we let into the country. Traveling between New Zealand and Australia I became very familiar with long customs arrival cards that are double sided and ask you details of where you’ve been recently, what you’ve been up to and a long list of questions about what you are carrying. When I bought my bike back from Cambodia, it was promptly taken off me and sprayed for a good half an hour. You’re not allowed to bring wooden souvenirs into the country. 

When I first traveled to Hong Kong I tried to declare my fruit that I’d brought with me, as in New Zealand arriving with overseas fruit is a criminal offence. I walked over to the security guard, palms a little sweaty feeling anxious that I might be met with a hefty fine.  The airport security guard in Hong Kong, with his intimidating gun, quickly prompted me “You have any drugs?”
“no”
“lots of money?”
“no”
“any guns?”
“no”
“well then byebye”

New Zealand is crazy strict with what we have to declare and it’s become kind of a point of difference for me between New Zealand and other countries. When I saw this informative picture, I thought it was really fascinating the odd things people try to get away with. I mean, four crocodiles… really? 

Check it out and let me know what you think in the comments below

Anything To Declare? An infographic by the team at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk

It’s no surprise that I love photography, it was in fact one of the reasons I first started my blog; as a platform to show off my photography. When you combine photography or art with travel, it becomes an addictive pairing. My apartment is literally plastered in photos I’ve taken along my travels and pieces of artwork I’ve bought along the way. A painting from Indonesia and a little tile from Portugal are just some of the pieces of art I’ve brought home with me. Because I’ve spent so long overseas, taking photos and negotiating prices on artwork, I have a bit of advice I can offer. So if you want to learn how to acquire art paintings and photography, read on: 

Photo Credit: ” I Found The Silence” by Martin Stranka on Saatchi Online

1) Learn to Haggle

Unless the price is marked in stone, then there’s probably some flexibility on it. As someone who comes from a country where price tags are as they are, and there’s no room to move, it was quite hard getting used to the process of haggling. The truth is, in a lot of third world countries, especially Asian countries, the first price they give you is an inflated version so they can move it down to reel you in. If you are concerned you’re being over charged, just try walking away… if they wont lower the price, you’re probably pretty close to their bottom dollar. 

2) If You Love it Don’t Leave it

I once saw a painting in Paris that was quite expensive, that I really, really wanted. I had the spare money, but a few weeks left of my trip so I decided not to buy it. I still think of it often and wound up coming home with spare cash that could have easily paid for it. If you find a piece that you really adore and even if it’s a little outside of your budget, consider how much it will cost you to get back there to purchase the painting or piece of art… if it’s still even there. 

Photo Credit: “Cluster” by Benjamin Garcia on Saatchi Online

3) Create Your Own Art

Most of us couldn’t recreate some of the wonderful buildings we see on canvas, but each person can have their own unique approach to photography. Taking photos of your trip and getting them mounted on canvas is a very special way of displaying your own art work in your home. Another special way to mark your overseas adventures and artistic pursuits is by creating a photo book that you can leave on your coffee table to share with guests. 

4) Buy Art Online

Because of the Internet, you can now easily browse for art for your home from the comfort of your bedroom. The benefit of this is that there is a substantially large range of art available to you, so you can definitely find that perfect piece that will suit your home perfectly. 

Photo Credit: “Over Under” by Niki Hare on Saatchi Online

These are my favourite tips for collecting art and photography overseas. Have you ever bought anything special overseas? Let us know in the comments below 

Whether you’re heading to Italy for a romantic get away with the love or your life, or heading to Belgium to indulge in some beers with your mates, you’ll want to look and feel great. Organizing what you will take with you on your travels in advance will save you a lot of time and hassle when you’re getting everything ready before you head out the door. Here’s a list of the essential items you should bring along with you if you’re heading to Europe. 

Photo Credit: Abiball by karsten.planz on Flickr

1) A Nice Formal Shirt or Two

Men in Europe dress differently – those those in America, Australia, Canada and even the UK. It is not surprising to see men in suits when frequently restaurants. Younger men will happily wear a dress shirt with a pair of dress, even on the weekends. The standard of dress is simply a bit higher, so prepare yourself and invest in a few great men’s formal shirts to take with you. 

2) A Scarf

Unless it’s the middle of summer, you’ll find most European adorning a scarf if the weather’s a bit chilly. This is both for practical reasons and for fashion. If you want to blend in with the European man, a scarf is essential. 

3) Some Comfortable T-Shirts

T-shirts are essential for those days you want to be casual and comfortable. Avoid T-shirts with slogans and pictures, in Europe plain t-shirts in colours that bring out your natural features such as eyes are most widely respected. 

4) Bring Multiple Pairs of Underwear and Socks

This goes without saying, but bring enough pairs of underwear and socks. There’s nothing worse than being too busy to use laundry facilities and stuck with a few dirty pairs of underwear. Think ahead, bring extras. 

5) Two Pairs of Shoes

One pair of comfortable shoes for walking and exploring the sites, and another for dressing up nicely and going to respectable restaurants. 

Photo credit: Pants by Ted & Dani on Flickr

6) Three Pairs of Pants

While jeans are commonly worn throughout Europe, due to their weight and difficulty drying, we suggest you only bring one pair with you and bring two pairs of slightly lighter pants. Shorts are not that popular in most parts of Western Europe, so we’d suggest bringing only bathing shorts and a pair of lightweight pants as a substitute. 

7) A Warm Jersey or Jumper

Even if you head to Europe in the midst of summer, you’ll certainly be caught out with some unsurprisingly cold weather – even if it’s just on the plane. Taking a warm jersey, jumper or cardigan that is smart casual, this way you can wear it to any occasion. 

If you are brave enough to head to Europe in the middle of winter, you’ll have to add some heavier weather clothes, but this acts as a perfect baseline for Spring, Autumn and Summer. 

What item of clothing do you always take with you when you go traveling? Did we miss anything important from the list? Let us know in the comments below. 

Still feeling confused? Check out these packing tips for some more suggestions on what to take with you. 

Italian is known as the language of love, and so what better place in the world to choose to enjoy a romantic get away, than Italy. There are so many beautiful places in Italy, it can be quite overwhelming trying to narrow down your selections. Whether you’re nipping away for a romantic weekend together, or celebrating a big occasion like a wedding or an anniversary, Italy is a perfect choice. Although Italy is a relatively small country, there’s lots of diversity ensuring that you can find a special trip away. Here are suggestions for romantic holiday ideas in Italy. 

1) Spoil Yourself with a Luxury Hotel
There’s nothing better than checking into a luxurious hotel with your love and enjoying each other fully. Italy is well known for offering a bunch of luxury hotels, but there’s one that stands out as being a class above the rest: Hotel Savoy. Located in Northern Italy, this hotel is a perfect summer or winter time escape. During the winter you can visit the nearby mountains and during the summer you can enjoy golf, biking or hiking. For more information on this lovely resort, please visit their homepage. 

2) Enjoy a Bike Tour Through Tuscany
Tuscany is known as being one of the most beautiful and romantic parts of Italy, so what better way to enjoy it than with a bicycle tour? You can elect to do an afternoon tour, or if you are a little fitter you can tackle a multi day tour. For those of you who are wine lovers, you can do a wine tour by bicycle, enjoying the charm of riding through vineyards while sampling some of the best wine Italy has to offer. 

3) Indulge in History in Rome
Rome is a beautiful city – drenched in history and dotted with stunning buildings. There’s so much to do and see in this city and while the hoards of crowds are somewhat unromantic, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy romance while indulging in this historic goldmine. From the Trevi fountain to the Colosseum, there’s so much to see and do here, what better way to explore than with your love. 

4) Soak up Sunshine in Sicily
Known for it’s gorgeous beaches and divine food, Sicily has it’s own unique flavour. For those couples who are more at home at the beach, then Sicily is probably your perfect Italian romantic holiday idea. Two popular beaches are Rabbit Beach and Cala Rossa, both with bright blue almost emerald sea and gold sand. When you’re not busy enjoying the stunning beaches, you can make the most of Sicily’s incredible cuisine, including all their tasty sweet treats. 

These are our suggestions for romantic holiday ideas in Italy. Is there anything we’ve missed off this list? 

Traveling to a foreign country is challenging, for so many reasons. You’ve got to deal with the culture shock, the inevitable food poisoning, and figuring your way around a new foreign land. This all sounds bad, but it’s really part of the charm of traveling to different countries. One of the hardest things when preparing for a trip overseas is trying to decide what to wear and what to take with you. You want to be cool or warm enough, comfortable enough to not be limited by what you’re wearing and you don’t want to stand out too much. It can be hard figuring this out when you’ve not visited a place yet. My partner and I are planning our own trip to Asia and he’s been asking what kind of things are necessary for men’s packing lists. I figured there might be others out there wondering the same, so here are my key travel essentials if you’re a man:

Photo Credit: Stack of White Polo Shirts by 2Tales on Flickr

1) A Polo Shirt
Polo shirts are a great choice when traveling anywhere as they’re comfortable, lightweight and tidy enough to wear out to dinner. When you go backpacking, you really don’t have that much room in your suitcase spare, so finding clothes items of clothing that you can wear for a variety of occasions can be a life (and space) saver. I suggest buying at least one men’s polo shirt to take with you. 

2) A Pair of Shorts
Asia gets hot in the summer, and if you’re visiting then you’ll want to be as cool as possible. Shorts are an obvious choice because you can wear them anywhere and they will take up hardly any space in your backpack. I suggest taking another pair of beach shorts/board shorts to wear as well, that way you’ll have a backup pair in case your standard pair of shorts is lost. 

Photo Credit: Socks by bfishadow on Flickr

3) Lots of Pairs of Underwear and Socks
You wont always have access to laundry services everywhere you go and sometimes you want have enough time in one place to be able to get things cleaned in time. That’s why you need to take lots of pairs of socks and underwear. I’d suggest AT LEAST seven of each. The truth is, you’ll lose a few pairs of each during your travels. Maybe the laundry lady will accidentally forget to give you one back, you might unpack your bag and lose a pair of socks. However it happens, you will lose some and unless you are the same size as an Asian man you will find it challenging to find good replacements on the road. 

4) A Pair of Long Pants
Some people refuse to go anywhere in the world without a pair of jeans. While jeans are versatile and are great for dressing up at night if you want to go somewhere nice, they’re quire heavy and take up a lot of space. I would suggest taking jeans if you are traveling to colder places as they do a good job of keeping yourself warm, otherwise I would suggest some kind of tidy capri style pants. It’s important to take at least one pair of pants with you, for those nights that are cold or when you’re in areas where you don’t want your legs to be super exposed.

Photo Credit: Flip Flop by Duru… on Flickr

5) A Warm Jersey
Whenever I go to Asia, I almost always forget to take a warm enough jersey. While most of the days during the summer months are super hot, places like northern Vietnam can get really cold, especially if you’re visiting Ha Long Bay and Sapa. Do yourself a favour and bring a comfortable, warm and lightweight jersey. It will be a lifesaver on long bus trips or cold nights. 

Aside from these key clothing essentials, I suggested taking two pairs of shoes. One sandal/flip flop style shoes and another pair of shoes for trekking or any adventures like that you intend to do. If you fancy a few good nights out in high class bars, then you should also pack a pair of dress shoes, but this is only worthwhile if you think you’ll use them more than a couple of times. 

Those are my key clothing packing tips for men traveling to Asia. Guys, what do you think? Have I missed out anything important?