Home Articles Posted by Izy Berry (Page 105)
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Best Places for Road Tripping Overseas
There are some places you can visit easily without a car and you wouldn’t be missing out at all, you’d probably be saving yourself some heartache. Busy cities, with well built metro systems and public transport connecting them are perfect examples. I personally would hate to drive a car in the bicycle dominant streets of Amsterdam, Singapore, Hong Kong… actually most Asian cities I’d rather avoid driving. There are, however, some places where a road trip is almost a right of passage. Driving down some of the famous roads in America, enjoying the outback in Australia and the Ultimate European Adventure – there’s a lot of great road trips to be had.
Australia is really big and often people visit and don’t appreciate the size and scale of this country. Because of Australia’s size, you have to be realistic about how much you’ll visit and within what kind of time frame. Many long term visitors to Australia take on a working holiday visa and then dedicate a portion of their one year or two year visa to traveling around this interesting country. Australia is lined with some gorgeous beaches right around the coast and the middle of the country is desert with a landscape unlike anywhere else. There are a few decent sized cities dotted near the coast, namely Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth. Each of them have their own style and scene. If you want to buy an affordable car for your stay in Sydney, there are lots of options available, including John Hughes which have a great selection of cars to suit all budgets.
Road Trips in America:
One day I’d love to hire a camper van or a van and drive across America, from coast to coast. Stopping in small towns along the way and getting a taste of “real America”. On my only trip to America, I barely scraped the surface. I only visited Los Angeles, San Diego and Palm Springs. Needless to say I feel like there are so many places I still need to visit. The great thing about traveling America is that there’s so much to see, that you can make your trip as short or as long as you want. I’d love to go down the coast from San Fran all the way down to San Diego and then go across to New York.
If I could plan my ultimate European road trip, I’d start off in Prague and make way to Istanbul, by car. I actually covered this route by way of public transport last year, after I finished living in Spain. I think traveling by car would be a bit more fun as you could customise where you stop along the way. I’d head straight to Salzburg, Austria before making my way to Vienna to indulge in some incredible museums. Then I’d stop off in Budapest, which is just right around the corner and drink some delicious wine while admiring the beautiful buildings. Last time I went to Zagreb and then made a quick bolt to Sofia, Bulgaria and straight to Istanbul as I was running out of time. However, if I was driving I’d visit Slovenia and drive right down the coast of Croatia, into Montenegro, Albania, and round through Greece before finally heading into Turkey. One of the best things about road tripping in Europe is that you can work to your own schedule, which is a lot harder when you have to book flights or bus tickets in advance.
Road tripping is such a fun way to see a country. I can’t wait to plan some smaller trips when I’m in Europe next year. Let me know where your favourite road trip has been in the comments below:
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Top Tips for Car Hire Overseas
Hiring a car overseas is a great way to get around, it gives you a special kind of freedom and independence. Not only do you get the luxury of being able to plan your trip entirely around you, you have something that will easily carry your stuff from place to place. If you’re like me, and travel with a bunch of camera gear and laptops that are quite heavy, then this will be a saving grace. When I was in France a couple of years ago, we hired a car and were able to easily customise our trip around, it was a lot of fun. We stopped in small seaport towns on the way to Honfleur and it made the trip so much more special being able to be spontaneous. Here are a few tips for car hire overseas:
Photo Credit: Michael Zimmer
1) If You’re Visiting NZ or Australia, Buy Instead
New Zealand and Australia offer quite open working holiday visas, for 1-2 years depending on your circumstances. Lots of people flock here and spend an entire year working and a few months on the end of the trip traveling around. Car hire in New Zealand and Australia is really expensive, especially compared to the cost of buying a cheap, old Japanese car. It’s quite easy to sell these cars on. If you arrive in either country a bit short on cash, you could look at buying a car with a car loan. There are lots of companies that offer this service, such as YesLoans. That way instead of just wasting money on rentals, you actually have something you can on sell when you’re ready to leave.
2) Be Careful of Toll Roads
When we were in France, we didn’t realise how many toll roads there would be and how expensive they would run. I believe on our trip we spent around 30 euros on tolls. That really adds to the price. Many navigating systems will allow you the option of skipping toll roads and taking the more scenic route. If you’ve got some spare time, we suggest it although you’ll wind up spending a little more on petrol.
Photo Credit: David DeHetre
3) Be Aware of Hidden Costs
Read the fine print properly. Often there are numerous extra charges that are added into the rental fee which really bumps the price up. Our car hire in France had a lot of additional fees that we weren’t expecting that pushed the price up. There was also a pretty hefty deposit taken from our credit card which was well above our standard credit card limit so we actually had to put money onto our credit card to cover it. These are all things to be aware of before you arrive at the car hire place, so you’re properly prepared.
4) Check the Car Thoroughly
It’s important to check that everything on the car works properly, because when you return it you will be responsible for anything that isn’t working properly. Check the mirrors, window wipers, indicators and look for any bumps or scratches on the car surface. Record everything and if possible show the car hire person so that you can make sure they are aware of what was there before you actually took possession of the car. Repair bills can be quite hefty, so take a few minutes to thoroughly inspect the car before you drive off.
Thankfully nothing went too badly with our car hire in France. We were a bit shocked by the additional fees and giant deposit that they took, but all in all it was a hassle free process. Car hire can turn a trip into a real adventure, but can be a serious nightmare if you don’t spend a little time planning and checking it over.
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Five Things to do in Dubai
Often thought of as the jewel of the Middle East, Dubai has a lot to offer the traveler. From man made islands through to impressive malls that offer a few days worth of entertainment alongside shopping, there’s ample things to do in Dubai. Once you’ve booked your trip (Thomas Cook offer excellent packages) you’ll need to figure out how you’ll spend your time. Here are my personal tips for your trip to Dubai. I visited a few years ago on a stop over and wish I had more time to explore.
Photo Credit: “Dubai”
Visit the Desert:
It might be a strange tip to suggest getting straight out of Dubai after arriving, but so many visitors to Dubai don’t leave the city and miss out on exploring the stunning landscapes. You can choose to do a tour that lasts a few days and includes camping under the stars. If you’re short on time you can arrange for a long day trip that will give you a bit of insight into what beautiful landscapes surround this giant city.
Admire Burj Khalifa:
The tallest building in the world and it is incredibly impressive. You’ll look up, and up, and up. You can take the fastest lift in the world right up to the viewing platform, but prepared to be greeted by an impressive view. Bring a camera along and, if you can, choose to go at sunset. That way you’ll get to enjoy the view of both the day and night. It’s much easier to pre-book tickets online.
Photo Credit: “Dubai Marina”
Go Skiing:
It seems impossible to suggest a ski holiday in Dubai, the land of the deserts and warm weather. You’ll find this ski field in the Mall of the Emirates, which is located at the Marina end of the city. Be aware it might be a little shock to your system going from 50 degrees to the skifield which hovers around freezing. You can choose to take lessons with instructors, or just carve up the slopes by yourself. Clothing and equipment is available for hire, so don’t worry about bringing anything along.
Take a Boat:
Want some contrast to the sleek high rise buildings? Why not take a private boat ride around Dubai Creek. This is one of the oldest areas in Dubai and has so much charm. On the other side of the creek your senses will be teased with the smell of spices, coming out from the souk. If you’re on a budget, you can take a public boat across for only a dirham.
Dubai has a lot to offer the traveller, whether you’re on a budget or looking to splash out. Make sure your tick off these activities to ensure you have a wonderful trip in Dubai.
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Getting Around While Traveling
There’s so many different ways to get around while traveling and there are lots of pros and cons to both. From train rides throughout the Czech Republic, sleeper trains in Vietnam right through to walking rickshaws in India, I’ve sampled the lot. The transport you will use will depend heavily on where you are and how long you’ll be there. Here are some tips I’ve learned from a few years on the road:
Photo Credit: “Just Drive”
1) Driving is Best in Australia and New Zealand
As someone who was born in Australia and spend most of her time living in New Zealand, I consider myself a semi-expert on both of these countries. I can honestly say that the best way to travel either of them is by car. While cities in Australia (not in New Zealand) have excellent public transport, getting between the cities can be a nightmare, unless you want to fly everywhere. Hiring or buying a car, depending on how long you’ll be there, is the best way to see everything and it allows you a unique level of freedom. If you’re planning to stay for a while in Australia or New Zealand but don’t have the spare cash to buy a car, there are a number of Auto Finance companies that might be able to help you out, such as Westralian Auto Finance. Many visitors to NZ and Aus buy cars, use them for the duration of their trip and sell them off. Japanese cars especially are quite affordable in both countries.
2) Trains are Almost Always More Comfortable
I once spent 36 hours on a bus from Vang Vieng in Laos, across the Vietnamese border to Hanoi. It was painful, I had food poisoning and there was no toilet on board. Thankfully, I’m almost Vietnamese sized so I managed to get some sleep, but it’s kinda gross sitting in a bed you’ve been laying in for hours and hours on end. It was a cheap and efficient way to get between the destinations and I had a bunch of friends with me which made it a little more fun. I’ve learned, as a general rule, that trains are always more comfortable than buses. This proves true for day trips, as you can wander around and rest your legs. There’s often someone selling snacks and drinks, while some trains even have meal services. There’s always a bathroom on a train and while some of them are in horrible condition, other’s aren’t so bad. If you get the choice between train and bus and there isn’t a huge price difference, go with the train. You’ll also get significantly better views out the window, too.
Photo Credit: “Train Ride”
3) Lock Up Your Stuff
The number of people I’ve met along the way who have had stuff stolen while they were on buses, planes or trains is outrageous. It happens, I wish it didn’t but it does so you need to be aware of that. When I’m sleeping on a sleeper bus or train I will put my laptop (probably my most valuable item) in it’s case under my pillow. Yes, that might seem a bit over the top but it’s not been stolen yet. My other valuables are kept in a small backpack that I keep near me. My passport, money and phone also go under my pillow too. When I’m on buses I’ll lock up the two zips on my bag. I understand if someone’s really keen to take something, that probably wont stop them but it might deter them.
These are my tips for getting around when traveling and keeping all your stuff in tow. If you have any tips or comments you’d like to share, please feel free to do so in the comments below:
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Tips for Saving Money While Traveling
It seems almost impossible, right? To save money while on the road. But there are lots of things you can do to keep the costs down so you can keep the travel flowing. My last trip to Asia with my sister was the only trip where I wasn’t on a strict budget as I was still working overseas. But all the rest of my trips have been taken with a finite amount of money and saving a few hundred dollars here and there meant I could travel further. Along the way, I developed a bunch of tips that made it a lot easier to save money while traveling.
Photo Credit: “Saving”
1) Be Smart With Your Money
This will matter more for those who are planning long term travel, rather than two week jaunts. Being smart with your money in terms of spending is important, but also how you save or hold it. I know of a few long term travellers who have invested money with fund management teams, such as Goodman Australia, and are making money while they’re away… considerable amounts of money too. This is a great option if you’re planning on hitting the year for or two and have a bit of capital you’d like to turn into an investment.
2) Couchsurf
I’ve already written a post on how much I enjoy Couchsurfing, it’s really great. Of course you need to do your research properly and make sure the people you’re intending to stay with are people you think you’d like to be friends with. As per the Couchsurfing rules, people are supposed to host you for free and it’s up to you whether you’d like to gift them something small in return. This is a great way to meet people and to keep your travel costs down.
Photo Credit: Scrambled Eggs by cookingclassy.com
3) Fly Low Cost
Lots of people complain about low cost carriers – they’re late, the seats are too small, and so on. I have flown extensively and like other people, I prefer decent airlines. More than anything, though, I prefer a few extra dollars in my bank account. I frequently fly low cost carriers in a bid to save money and extend my travels. My sister and I flew long haul to Asia on Air Asia and while she found the flight pretty painful, for us both it was worth the savings.
4) Skip Breakfast
Lots of people might think I’m crazy for saying this, but I routinely skip breakfast, even when traveling. It’s called “Intermittent fasting” and basically operates under the thought that eating within a smaller window of time prevents overeating. If you are eating out for most meals while traveling, chances are you’re eating considerably larger portions than when at home as well as foods that are probably higher calorie. Skipping breakfast (or if that is too much for you, having a small, simple breakfast) is a great way to save money and to keep your waistline in check.
These are my tips for saving money while traveling. Let me know if you have any other tips in the comments below.
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Foreign Bodies, Common Ground Exhibition in Regents Park 2014
The human body is one of the most interesting things and it is very complicated in how it operates. As technology and resources improve, our understanding of the human body and treatment we can provide when things aren’t working properly increases. If you’re living in London or planning a trip there soon, this is one event you simply need to add Foreign Bodies, Common Ground exhibition to your list of things to do here. It’s taking place between the 14th of November right through to the 10th of February, 2014. If you’re looking for some accommodation nearby, I have heard great things about Holiday Inn London Regent’s Park.
So what’s it all about?
This collection is a unique exploration into health across the globe and how it varies from country to country. It is a comprehensive collection including a number of media, such as photography, sculpture, film, performance and paintings that were made during residences in Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam and the UK. The programs were funded by the Wellcome Trust and has resulted in a very moving collection of pieces.
Cultural context has a significant impact on health in varying cities and countries and this exhibition really showcases the differences. From the spread of diseases from animals to people, to the continued HIV epidemic in Africa, this is a wonderful insight into the reality of global health.
As someone who studied Science at University, this exhibition is very exciting to me. Many people fall into the mindset that holidays and travel should be purely for relaxation and light hearted fun. While I agree that is important, some of my most moving experiences overseas have happened in educational buildings. I saw both The Human Body Exhibition in Prague, and the War Remnants museum in Ho Chi Ming city, which both left me speechless, although for different reasons.
If you’re heading to London or living there now, make sure you set aside a little time to browse this interesting collection. Foreign Bodies, Common Ground is on show at Wellcome Collection, see their site for more information on opening hours and location.
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Tips for Financing Your Trip
Often people will ask me how I afforded to travel for so long, many people believe that travel has to be expensive, but the truth for me is that traveling is actually cheaper than living at home. When you factor in expenses like rent, power, food, insurance payments and so forth, living at home is actually quite pricey. I work for myself and all I need is a working Internet connection and I can run my business anywhere in the world. I know not everyone is as “lucky” as me, but I didn’t start out like this. I had a traditional job, worked for a while, saved and worked along my travels. How effectively you finance your trip will make a big difference as to how long you can be away and what kind of trip will have. Here are some tips so that you can have your dream holiday:
Photo: 401(K) 2012
1) Start Saving… Yesterday
Saving is one of the best ways to ensure you have enough funds for your trip. If you’re planning a trip a bit in advance, you can even look at setting some investment packages so that your savings grow while you’re planning your trip. If you invest wisely, you can end up with surplus cash ensuring you can have your dream holiday. There are lots of options available, but look into Scottish Friendly’s My Choice ISA for a good introduction.
2) Stop Drinking
Sorry if you’re a lover of beer, wine or spirits, but the truth is these things eat a big hole in your wallet. If there’s no hope of you curbing your weekend drinking, at least try to drink at home or buy your own spirits to save serious cash. Drinking in the bar on the weekends is an easy way to spend a few hundred dollars – in a night. Imagine sipping your favourite beverage on a beautiful beach in Thailand for 1/10th the price.
Photo: Stephanie
3) Set Clear Goals
Setting clear saving goals is one of the best ways to motivate yourself and ensure you manage to get away on your trip. At certain saving points, start booking parts of your trip, such as your flight tickets, hotels etc. That way you’re getting things out of the way, but you’re also moving closer to your final goal which is hugely motivating in itself. Setting clear goals both in terms of saving and booking will help make the trip a reality.
These are my favourite tips for quickly financing any travel that I do. To cheapen your trip while you’re away, consider staying in hostels, woofing, becoming an au pair, teaching English overseas or even working in a bar – the options are limitless.
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Benefits of Airport Hotels
Photo Credit: Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel by eGuide Travel
Flying can really take it’s toll on you, and the last thing you want to deal with after 10, 20 or even 30+ hours of transit is navigating your way around a city. When I flew from Calcutta home, VIA Dubai, Bangkok, Sydney and eventually landing in Christchurch I ended up getting an airport hotel in Dubai. It was one of the smartest decisions I ever made, as by the time I landed in Dubai I was a walking zombie that desperately needed a shower and a sleep. There are so many benefits to airport hotels, including:
Allowing you to be close to the airport when you have an early morning flight:
There’s nothing worse than having to get up at 2am to be at the airport by 5am. Often airport hotels are mere minutes from the airport, so you can roll out of bed, into the shower and arrive at the airport promptly. This saves precious time in the morning and ensures you can have the best sleep before a long day of transit.
They are a Sanctuary During Transit:
Many airport hotels have buffet breakfasts, high quality showers, beds and other facilities that allow you to refresh yourself during transit and get comfortable. Flying isn’t the most comfortable thing in the world, but it is a necessary part of travel. Booking into a transit stay at an airport hotel is a great way to refresh yourself and make sure you are comfortable. If you’re traveling with children, it can be a much needed resting spot to get everyone ready for the next stage of the trip.
Photo Credit: My room by David McKelvey
Airport Hotels Have Great Business Facilities:
If you’re traveling for business, it can be tricky to find hotels that offer decent WIFI for good prices, business services and facilities so that you can do your job. Airport hotels are often used by businessmen and women, so cater well to that side of things and usually will be able to meet all of your needs. Because you’ll be closer to the airport when your flight is due, you can spend more time working (or relaxing) before your flight, ensuring a productive trip.
You can get Great Deals on Airport Hotels:
Using sites like AirportHotels.com you can get great deals on airport hotels, saving you time and money. Just because the hotel is convenient and high quality, doesn’t mean it has to break your bank. Through booking in advance, you can save some serious money. Some airlines also have a partnership program with local airport hotels to offer further discounts. Because of their location, airport hotels are usually cheaper than central city hotels and the perfect option if you have a late or early flight.
There are a number of airport hotels around the world, from Gatwick Airport hotels or even Belfast Airport hotels, so the next time you’re traveling, consider all the advantages of using an airport hotel.
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Finding Your Career Focus on The Road
Many people who long term travel have jobs or careers waiting for them at home. I was not one of those people. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science, which I soon realised I probably wasn’t going to use. I had worked in a law firm as an assistant and quickly learned it was not a position I was likely to return to.
I had no idea what I wanted to do.
Many travellers, like me, set off in a bid to explore the world and to find some long term direction. They’re a bit lost, so they solve it by getting really lost in far flung places.
Throughout high school, friends and family told me not to travel until I’d studied, because I’d simply never return to formal education, which of course would ruin my job prospects. While I’ll never regret studying and getting my degree, I still wish I’d listened to my instinct and gone traveling fresh out of school.
There are so many things travel teaches you about yourself and the world that you can’t learn while at home. It shows you the bigger picture and affords you the opportunity to think about your future with that in mind.
Whether you want to go home and start a business with the assistance of equipment finance, or you want to go to university and study your passion, or you want to pursue teaching, travel will allow you to focus a little more on your long term goals.
For me personally, my current “job” evolved through my travels. Originally I worked as an au pair in the Czech Republic and English teacher to fund my travels. I did that for six months and thoroughly enjoyed it, but knew that personally it was not a long term career move for me.
It was here that I started my travel blog and pursued my love of writing in my free time.
So I traveled some more and eventually was an au pair for a few months in Madrid so I could explore Spain, Morocco and move west across Europe to Istanbul, before flying home.
During this time I started some freelance writing, which soon became full-time work. Working for yourself while traveling is really the ultimate lifestyle, because you can find a balance between earning money and then spending it in countries that are much cheaper than your own country.
Now I’m fully self-employed, balancing freelance writing with other online projects. It was never the career I studied for, or worked towards, but it became a reality because of my travels.
So if you find yourself questioning your life or your career choices, I think travel is the perfect solution. If you come home no clearer about your career, well at least you had a great holiday.
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Top 5 Reasons to Get Travel Insurance
Many travellers resent getting travel insurance, as it’s just another cost on the long list of things necessary to get ready for your trip overseas. The simple fact is that travel insurance provides a safety net most of us could not otherwise afford, just in case something goes wrong during our travels. There are a lot of scary stories out there, involving travellers in foreign countries without travel insurance. Many hospitals overseas will shut off treatment if you cannot provide evidence of being able to pay your bills. If your condition is life-threatening, then this is obviously quite serious. Travel insurance can also help with more minor issues, such as the cost of replacing lost luggage or stolen items. There are lots of travel insurance companies to choose from, such as travel insurance direct. Make sure that you choose a company that provides coverage for the following things:
Photo Credit: “BA killing my xmas” by: Gui Seiz on Flickr
1) Travel Problems
Things don’t always run smoothly. Sometimes flights can be cancelled, train lines might be closed – anything can happen on the open road. Having travel insurance can help cover the costs of arranging alternative travel, ensuring you get where you need to be as soon as possible. Covering these costs without insurance can be painfully expensive and can sometimes put a halt to your trip if you don’t have the spare cash for it.
2) Medical Cover
This is perhaps one of the most important reasons to get travel insurance, as your life can literally depend on it. Unexpected overseas medical care can be very expensive, especially if you need surgeries or emergency treatment. Travel is much more comfortable when you have the security of knowing that your healthcare treatment will be covered. You can even get coverage for things such as doctors visits or prescriptions will overseas. I personally find this option very helpful as I’m much more likely to go to the doctor when I’m feeling off if I know it’s not going to cost me a small fortune.
Photo Credit: “Can you spot the difference?” by: jepoirrier on Flickr
3) Cancellation Insurance
This can work in a number of ways. If you have to cancel your trip because of health reasons or personal reasons, then you will be reimbursed a portion, if not all, of your trip’s costs. This can soften the blow of not being able to go on your trip, while ensuring you haven’t poured thousands of dollars down the drain. If anything in your trip is cancelled, e.g. an airline cancels it’s route that you were planning to fly, then your insurance will generally cover the cost of booking a new ticket that meets your requirements. Travel insurance helps you deal with unforeseen instances that could otherwise ruin your trip.
4) Emergency Evacuation
While this is a worst-case scenario situation, imagine being stuck somewhere with no access to medical treatment and not having the money to be able to afford it? Emergency evacuation is very, very expensive and you don’t have to be doing anything extreme to warrant it. Imagine getting hit by a car in Cambodia and needing to be air-lifted to Thailand for adequate medical treatment, only to not be able to afford the bill (which would probably be in the tens or hundreds of thousand dollars). That’s a scary thought. Having travel insurance will ensure you get the medical treatment you need, when you need it.
Photo Credit: “Broken laptop screen” by: bcwood on Flickr
5) Coverage for Your Stuff
If you lose your passport and need an emergency replacement passport, then travel insurance will foot the bill. If an airline loses all your baggage, then there’s usually a clause in your insurance that will help cover the costs of replacement items. While I was overseas, I accidentally broke my laptop screen, had my expensive digital SLR camera smashed and travel insurance footed the bill for all of these.
Some people feel they can’t afford travel insurance, but in my experience you can’t afford NOT to have travel insurance.
