Home Articles Posted by Izy Berry (Page 106)
,
Creating a Home Away From Home
Photo: “Relaxing in the Mountains with Gabi” by: The Simien Mountains Guide on Flickr
One of the most challenging things about long term travel, or moving overseas, is making a new place feel like home. When you’re constantly packing your bag and moving from place to place it can be a real struggle. Often you’re dealing with a new language, new culture, new food, new climate, new public transport and the list goes on. It can be really, really exciting, but equally overwhelming. One downside to reading travel blogs, is that often you’re given only the happy side of things – the cheesy photos, the reviews of all the great things that bloggers did and so on. Sometimes being an expat or traveler is hard, but there are little things you can do to make things feel a bit easier. Here are the ways I like to create a home away from home:
Photo: “Shopping at IKEA” by: John and Bente Bunæs on Flickr
1) Shopping
Head into a shop and find a few photo frames to fill up your walls with photos of friends and family from home. When I was living in Spain as an au pair, I missed the birth of my nephew. It was really hard, but I knew it was the right choice for me. Keeping photos of your friends and family around your new home will really make it feel more homely. Buying a few nice pieces of furniture also goes a long way to making a new home feel like home. Find somewhere that offers comfortable furniture, and treat yourself to a few pieces. Shops such as Nick Scali offer beautiful furniture that can transform a house into a home.
2) Find a Job
If you’re not lucky enough to have already landed a job before you go, finding a job overseas is a great way to get things feeling a bit more like home. You’ll meet a bunch of new people, start earning some money (for more travel) and it will give you a bit of a schedule as well. Look locally for job search websites and start the search before you arrive in the country, it’ll make the whole process a lot less stressful. Technology has made this easier than ever before, as you can
3.) Meet Some New People
When I lived in the Czech Republic, I used Couchsurfing in order to find people my age who might be interested in meeting up. When I was an au pair in Spain, I used Facebook groups for meet ups to get to know other people living in Madrid. The tricky part is meeting the first few people, once you have a couple of new friends in your city then things will snowball and before you know it, you’ll have a bustling social group.
Photo: Cafe colours by: Andrew Davis on Flickr
4) Find a Local Cafe
Find a local cafe that you love and go there often enough for the staff to start to recognise you. Bonus points if they learn your name. Having your own favourite places in a new city is a great way to feel more at home and like you’ve found your own groove. You might even meet other regulars at this cafe that you can hang out with.
5) Relax
One of the biggest problems I think people face when moving overseas (and I’m guilty of it too) is expecting everything to fall into place. Things take time, especially when you move somewhere new. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself and enjoy slowly falling in love with your new city.
These are my tips for settling into your new home. Do you have any tips that are helpful?
,
Zip lining in Angkor Kingdom
I’ve visited Cambodia on numerous occasions – to see Angkor Wat, to volunteer in an orphanage (again, numerous times) and to enjoy the madness that is Phnom Penh. On this recent trip, I decided to do something a little different and went zip lining in Cambodia.
I’m going to be bold and say outright that it was one of the best things I’ve ever done.
I know others find themselves doing extreme sports such as jumping out of planes, bungy jumping and cliff diving, but for me this was pretty extreme. My fear of heights usually prevents me from doing such activities, but I’d heard great things about zip lining so decided to give it a go.
My sister, a friend of mine and myself all booked into the same zip lining session with Flight of the Gibbon in Angkor. We were warmly welcomed and promptly fitted with a harness, so we could head out and get started. Unfortunately for us, the weather was a bit drizzly and at times outright poured, but we still had an amazing time.
After a thorough safety briefing, we were put to work on a low height zip lining platform. I did pretty well, managed the two foot landing and felt an instant level of confidence in myself and the course – that was until we all finished and walked up a number of stairs to get to the next platform, which felt infinitely higher.
My heart was racing, thick with adrenalin. I was a little freaked.
After each zip line, my confidence grew and I became more comfortable with the entire process. The crew were very meticulous with the safety, which helped me to feel secure. We were always clipped to a safety line, at each step of the way.
The scenery was stunning, during all my travels I’ve never been so high in the tree tops which such sweeping views. It was both a blessing and a curse that it was rainy season. The trees were lush, but the rain made things feel a little scarier, despite there being nothing to worry about.
I must admit it was quite terrifying walking up stairs some 30 meters in the sky, while they were drenched with water – but it was all worth it. Nothing I’ve done before compares to the feeling of flying through the gorgeous rainforest, feet dangling below while enjoying panoramic views.
My favourite zip line was the “honey moon” zip line where my sister and I got to zip line parallel together. We had our own zip line and linked arms around each other and were able to share the zip lining experience, which was a lot of fun. We giggled the whole way across and it was really special being able to share such a unique experience with my sister.
The whole course took about two hours, and was one of the highlights the trip. After we’d finished flying through the sky, we were gently descended to the ground via an abseil. As we walked back to the centre, we were shown the local gibbons and a variety of local creepy crawlies including a banana spider, which are absolutely terrifying.
All in all, the experience was very memorable and I will definitely be re-visiting the Flight of the Gibbon in Cambodia.
The only thing that was a little issue was that because the Flight of the Gibbons is so new in Cambodia, very few tuk tuk drivers know where the meeting point is. I’d suggest pre-arranging transport and using the phone number of the Flight of the Gibbon to get your tuk tuk driver to call and find out directions. We ended up being about 45 mins late to our session because we got quite lost. Thankfully the staff were very accommodating and we didn’t miss out on any of the fun.
Have you ever been zip lining? If so, where did you go? I’d love to hear about what experiences are like in different places.
,
Lanzarote by Night: Disco and Dance until Dawn
The wonderful island of Lanzarote is one of the most popular destinations in the Canary Islands and there are plenty of venues there where you can party the night away once the sun has gone down.
Cultural Differences
As a starting point, it is worth pointing out that in Lanzarote and many other parts of Spain, there is a fundamental difference to the meaning of a night club compared to the UK. In Lanzarote a Discoteca is where you go for music and a party atmosphere whereas a Night Club is generally the term used to describe a brothel, which is an altogether different type of party you will be getting involved with if you do not distinguish between the two when you are on the island.
Puerto del Carmen at Night by: Ted Dale
Nightlife
You can get a comprehensive list of the main places to stay and general information about Lanzarote by taking a look at Lanzarote Information, where there are details about the places to see and venues to visit during your stay.
Nightlife is not as noisy and outlandish as it is on neighbouring Tenerife but there is still a big choice of entertainment to suit most tastes. And if you do a bit of research before booking your accommodation using a site such as Housetrip, you should be able to find a suitable place to stay that is convenient for the nightlife you are looking for.
Lanzarote night by: Arnau Ramos Oviedo
Puerto del Carmen
If you are looking for the busiest nightlife on the island then Puerto del Carmen is the place to go. There is a good choice of live music and disco bars which are mainly spread around the area known as Centro Atlantico on the Avenida de las Playas which the main strip, located close to the harbour in the Old Town.
The well-known tour operator club 18-30 has just arrived in Puerto del Carmen, which will surely ensure that the area continues to be regarded as the liveliest spot on the island.
Playa Blanca
Near to Playa Dorada in the Playa Blanca area, you will find Centro Comercial Papagayo and also the Centro Comercial Punto Limones which are probably the liveliest places in the area but if you are looking to join the post-restaurant crowd for a more sophisticated atmosphere and a cocktail, then the Marina Rubicon is the place to be.
By: Thomas Willemsen
Costa Teguise
The majority of clubs and bars are situated on the Avenida de Jabillo and if you are looking for a lively Irish bar or want to find a good restaurant to eat at then Pueblo Marinero is the most popular destination to satisfy your wishes.
These are some of the most vibrant and lively areas on the island of Lanzarote but if you are looking for something that is a bit off the usual tourist path then you might want to consider visiting places such as Arrecife, Calle Jose Antonio or perhaps the Playa del Reducto.
Wherever you decide to stay in Lanzarote, you should be able to find a good choice of places where you can party the night away if you want to.
Jessica Watts is a self-proclaimed traveller and party animal. She enjoys searching out the best night life, and then sharing what she finds with others on the Web.
,
24 Hours in New York
New York truly is ‘the city that never sleeps’, so with 24 hours to spare you’ll have a wealth of options to fill your time. Here’s how to make the most out of your 24 hours in The Big Apple.
Photo by: Patrick Nouhailler on Flickr
Getting There
With three main airports serving New York, John F. Kennedy, La Guardia and Newark, you can get a flight there from most UK airports, and they may cost less then you’ll expect! To get the most savings when booking your flights try using a comparison website such as Momondo.com and see how much you can save. Don’t just look for your closest airport to fly from, as you may get a better bargain flying from an airport that’s slightly further away. Getting from the airports to New York City is easy, you have the choice of taxi, shuttle bus, train, subway, hire car or bus, depending on your needs and budget.
Accommodation
If you’re looking for central accommodation for your trip to New York, the choice could be mind-boggling. From 5-star hotels, to backpacker hostels, and even a library hotel, New York has something to offer for every taste and budget.
Photo by: Jeremy Keith on Flickr
Eat and Drink
There are countless restaurants, cafes and specialties to be experienced when eating and drinking in New York, so you’ll have no problems finding the perfect location or dish. Make sure you try a New York bagel, a Reuben sandwich, a hotdog or pastrami on rye to experience New York at its best.
For film and TV buffs there are many places where you can go and relive the adventures of your favourite on-screen characters. The exterior of Tom’s Restaurant will be recognizable to Seinfeld fans as the diner, and if you want to recreate Meg Ryan’s ‘happiness’ from When Harry Met Sally then you must visit the famous Katz’s Deli where the scene was filmed. If you fancy re-creating John Travolta’s famous Saturday Night Fever strut, then Lenny’s Pizza on 86th Street is the place to go.
See the Sights
To acclimatize yourself with New York, take a Big Apple Greeter Tour, where a native New Yorker shows you around their New York; trip locations and lengths can be tailored for your individual needs. For views around New York including The Statue of Liberty, take the free Staten Island Ferry, it sails all day long so you’ll have no problem fitting it into your day.
For your evening in New York the options are endless; go disco bowling at Bowlmor Lanes, catch a show on Broadway or just spend the evening bar-hopping and enjoying the local New York ambiance.
,
Keep Your Money Safe While You’re Abroad
It’s common sense to keep your credit cards and the rest of the contents of your wallet in a safe place while you’re overseas, but other tricks might require you to have your wits about you a little more. Scammers operate everywhere, but make sure you don’t let your relaxed holiday mood allow you to come unstuck by any of these cons:
Photo by: epSos.de on Flickr
A Fake Call from the Front Desk
If you happen to be woken up in the night by a call claiming to be from the front desk be careful before disclosing any information. Tricksters will typically claim they need to verify your credit card details due to a computer glitch or similar problem and will hope the strange circumstances will lead you to handing these over. Chances are the caller doesn’t work at the hotel at all and is hoping to run a bill using your plastic before you get out of bed in the morning. Remember to never give out your details over the telephone unless you’re absolutely certain of who you’re dealing with.
ATM Skimmers
If you’ve made a successful credit card application prior to your break then you might be best avoiding using ATM’s completely while you’re abroad. For one thing many lenders will charge you withdrawing cash and secondly if you’re unfamiliar with the country’s cash points you could more easily fall foul of a skimming device. This is attached to the machine and will steal your card data, leaving you open to fraud.
Photo by: nist6dh on Flickr
Unexpected Fees
When factoring the cost of a holiday, you’ll probably have a rough idea of how much you have to spare while at the destination. But if you set off unprepared you might find yourself paying a number of small fees that you hadn’t counted on. These could come from the airline, the travel company or the hotel, so always ask and check the small print to find out if the price you’ve paid covers everything you expect it to.
Statistics from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau recently suggested that more than 1,000 different holiday scams were used last year on British holidaymaker. With that in mind, always think twice before handing over your credit card details and remember that if an offer seems too good to be true, chances are it is.
,
Exploring London on a Budget
London’s not cheap, but it’s not as expensive as I thought it was going to be. I’ve been there twice, but only because my flights flew in and out of London. On both trips, I thoroughly enjoyed my time in London and wondered why I hadn’t bothered to make a little more time to explore. There are lots of things you can do in London to minimize the costs and stretch your budget a little further. Here are my top tips for exploring London on a Budget.
Photo Credit: London Terrace by Richard Gould on Flickr
1) Consider Staying in Apartments
Choosing Short Stay Apartments London allows you to stay in comfortable accommodation, at the fraction of the price that you’d pay for a hotel in London. It’s great if you’re traveling with a few friends or a family, as you get a lot more space to relax in. Most apartments come with fully equipped kitchens, so you can make some meals at home to keep costs down. Apartments allow you to have all of the home comforts you’re used to, without spending a fortune.
Photo Credit: Borough Market, London SE1 by Paul Wilkinson on Flickr
2) Eat at the Markets
Choosing to have dinner at the markets, instead of a restaurant, is a great way to enjoy some of the local flavour without spending a ton on food. There are many different food markets in London that are prized for offering some delicious meals, check out: Borough Market, Partridges Food Market and Leadenhall Market.
Photo Credit: London Underground Oyster Card by London Chow on Flickr
3) Get an Oyster Card
Most Londoners don’t bother owning a car because parking is just too expensive in London and there are numerous tolls when you want to drive into the city centre. As a consequence of this, London has one of the best metro systems in the world, which is perfect when you’re visiting for a few days. You can buy an Oyster card, preload it with money and take advantage of the relatively cheap metro system. Once you leave London, you can get a partial refund for any money you loaded onto your Oyster card.
Photo Credit: London British Museum by Martin Pettitt on Flickr
4) Check out the Museums
One of the best things London has to offer are its museums. Many of them are surprisingly free, making them the perfect place to visit for the budget conscious traveler. As London tends to have inconsistent, unpredictable and frequently dreary weather, escaping into a museum is a great way to pass a day while soaking in some serious culture. Most popular free or cheap museums include the Bank of England Museum, the British Museum, the Imperial War Museum and the Museum of London.
London is relatively pricey, but you can still really enjoy London even if you’re on a budget. Once you’ve found a great value at short let London you can start researching what you’ll do in this city. Have you ever visited London? What are you favourite low cost things to do there?
,
Getting a Good Night’s Sleep on the Road
Photo by: Filippo Caputo on Flickr
One of the biggest struggles of a budget traveler, can be getting a good night sleep on the road. I’ve sleep in hundreds of different places, in as many cities, across the world. I’ve slept in luxury hotels with a plush pillow menu, right through to budget backpackers that have outdoor toilets and rooms without locks, with mattresses that felt like they were made of wood, covered in a weird latex material. Getting some beauty rest is one of the most important things when traveling, so you can recharge your batteries and make the most of your time in any one place. But sometimes, this is a challenge and over the past few years I’ve learned a few tips and tricks that make this easier.
1) Buy a Travel Pillow
There’s nothing worse than waking up when you’re asleep on a bus or plane, with your neck craned on some weird angle and pains tingling all over. Whether you choose to buy a neck pillow with beads in it, or a more simple one that you blow up – it’ll be a lifesaver if you’re planning to take any long flights or buses. My neck pillow has also come in handy in hostels that provide something that resembles a pillow but really provides zero comfort.
- Photo by: Miko Design on Flickr
2) Invest in Ear Plugs
Last night I was staying in a dorm in Siem Reap, all in all it was a nice hostel. I climbed into bed around midnight and prepared myself for some much needed sleep. At 2:30 I was woken to some of my roommates returning to their room, only to be woken again at 7am when their alarm when off like a siren and woke me up. Some ear plugs would have saved me the trouble and allowed me to get a decent sleep.
3) Read Reviews
When you’re booking into a hostel or hotel, take a minute to read the reviews posted on websites such as TripAdvisor, as others will tend to comment if there was something exceptional or exceptionally bad about the accommodation. It pays to spend a few minutes having a read, so that you can be properly prepared for what lies ahead of you – good and bad.
Photo by: Rebecca Phillips on Flickr
4) Book into a Private Room Sometimes
If you’re moving from dorm to dorm, chances are your sleep will often be broken. If your budget allows, spend a little more once a week or so, to stay in a private room. This will let you catch up on much needed sleep and also to enjoy a little privacy. While there are lots of benefits to staying in a dorm, it can be really tiresome to constantly have to share your own space. Spending a little more for a decent night’s sleep once a week can make a huge different to your energy levels.
These are my tips for sleeping as well as you can when you’re traveling and on the road. Do you have any tips for improving your sleep when overseas? Share them in the comments below:
,
Must Visit UK Events This Autumn/Winter
If you’re a connoisseur of live music, comedy, art festivals or sports events then the UK is your number one travel destination for the remainder of 2013.
So start packing your toothbrush and sorting out those travel arrangements because below we’ve hand-picked out some of the most exciting and spectacular events that Great Britain has to offer over the next few months.
Bestival, Isle of Wight
Bestival is a multi-award winning 4 day music spectacular staged at Newport in the heart of the Isle of Wight. The event has been running since 2004 and attracts more than 60,000+ music lovers every year. The festival caters for a variety of musical tastes from Indie to House and travellers are every year encouraged to attend in fancy dress to add a unique and distinctive flair to the occasion. Tickets are generally priced at around £150 and it’s great fun for all the family.
Birmingham Comedy Festival
Russell Brand, Adam Hills, Bill Bailey and Robin Ince all line-up at Birmingham’s annual comedy extravaganza that runs from October 4th-13th at various venues across the UK’s second city. The festival has been running since 2001 and every year has grown in popularity as more acts and spectators join in the fun. With tickets for some shows starting from as little as £1.50, it’s well worth a day out.
UKIPT London
If you’ve ever had a few games of Texas Hold’em with your friends down the local bar and wondered how you could improve your game, now’s your chance by taking the opportunity to witness the professionals in action at one of Europe’s biggest poker festivals. The FullTilt UKIPT starts in early October and you could even have the chance to participate live at the glamorous Grand Connaught Rooms yourself by qualifying for the event online via the host’s website.
German Market Manchester
Don your Santa’s hat, have a glass of mulled wine and head down to a festive exhibition of food, gifts, crafts and Christmas trees at Manchester’s famous German market this November. With an array of over 300 stores, there’s plenty to keep you and the family entertained as you sample all things wonderful about German culture and cuisine.
,
Tips for Staying Fit on the Road
I’m going to start this post with a confession: I almost always get fat on the road. Well, I wouldn’t say fat, but definitely cuddly. This month long trip with my sister will be different – I’m certain of it. I’ve been gyming a lot during my time at home and I’m not so keen on throwing it away just to indulge in a box of Oreos (or ten). There’s lots of little things you can do when you’re traveling to avoid letting the pounds pack on. At home I’ve been gyming 3-5 times per week, and eating mostly paleo. Transitioning into a life without a gym or a kitchen for a month or more, is always challenging. But on this trip I’m committed to putting Fitness First and working hard to maintain my body as best I can. Here are some tips for staying fit on the road, that anyone can do no matter their fitness level or dietary requirements.
1) Walk Everywhere
Walking is a great way to burn off that piece of baklava or your banana and Nutella roti. I find that when I walk a lot during my travels I tend to discover hidden little secrets I wouldn’t have found otherwise. It also helps you kept fit with minimal effort, while saving you money. If the weather’s good, the distance’s not too far then why not walk there?
2) Say no to Rice / Bread
Depending where in the world your next adventure is, you’ll probably be offered some of the staple high carb foods with your meal. Whether it’s roti in India, rice in Indonesia or bread in Italy – you can skip on all of these low nutritional value and high calorie foods. They’re all cheap, so you’ll often be given a generous serving for a minimal price or even for free. As tempting as it is, just decline them or eat only a little what you are served.
3) Exercise Still
On my first trip to Asia I took a pair of running shoes and shorts and managed one whole run in my four month trip. I was in Chiang Mai, one of the cooler parts of Asia, and found myself completely drenched and exhausted 4 minutes into my run. Look into a body weight circuit that you can do anywhere – made up of things like burpees, press ups, sit ups, lunges and squats. Even though you don’t have the weights that you have when you’re at the gym, you’ll still get some good bang for your buck and feel all the better for it. If you’re into yoga, most countries have yoga retreats plastered around and this can be a great way to keep in shape when you’re on the move.
4) Rent a Bike
I used to love riding a bike when I was a kid, but it was not something that I re-visited until I was 22 and in Amsterdam, the city of bikes. Since then, I’ve become quite smitten with renting a bike in a foreign place and exploring that way. You’re so much closer to the environment – the people, the smells, the sounds, which allows you to get a really good feel for a new place at a much slower pace than if you were in a car. It’s cheaper, too and allows you to get in some decent exercise as well.
5) Don’t go Crazy with Your Eating
Against all odds, you don’t need dessert with every meal. Find a good balance between enjoying the local food and sweets, and actually eating an appropriate amount for your height, weight and activity level. There was a lovely restaurant in Hoi An that sold European style cakes and desserts for a measly $1 a pop. I took great delight in having a compulsory daily dessert (or two) for the week we were in Hoi An. Thankfully I hadn’t bothered to get any clothes tailored, because they probably wouldn’t have managed to fit after that week. Life is all about balance and keeping your eating in check will be the best way for you to stay at a healthy weight when you’re away from home.
6) Avoid Excessive Alcohol Consumption
I’m not really a big drinker, thankfully. I think I’ve left that part of my life behind me. However, it’s not uncommon when you’re backpacking across Europe or making your way around the tourist trail of South East Asia to drink every night. This is the most effective way to require a new wardrobe, as drinking your calories allows them to pack on quickly and with minimal effort. Combine that with the poor decisions, including food decisions, that tend to go hand in hand with drinking, and you’ve found a shortcut to getting a solid pair of love handles. Yes, it’s great not setting an alarm, sleeping in, spending your days lazing around exploring and realizing your biggest struggle of the day is choosing where to eat – but just because you can get drunk every night doesn’t mean you should!
These are my tips for staying fit and looking good on the road. Do you have anything else to you do while on the road to keep fit? Let me know in the comments below!
,
Travel Safety Tips
Coming from New Zealand, one of the safest countries in the world, the rest of the world can seem quite daunting. As my sister and I are preparing for our trip to South East Asia, we were discussing how we’ll keep our money, passports and other valuables safe. I told her that her current handbag probably wasn’t a smart choice as it has a flap that is really easy to open. Any prying hands would easily be able to grab whatever they wanted from her bag in as little as a heart beat. She was confused – this is not something we really have to consider on a daily basis. Over my travels, I’ve learned a lot of travel safety tips that I tend to take for granted, but in relaying them to my sister I’m realizing their importance. Here are my top Travel Safety Tips:
Photo credit: Travel Budget by mynameisharsha on Flickr
1) Get Travel Insurance
This really goes without saying, but get it. I’ve heard stories of people who haven’t bothered to get travel insurance and have found themselves stuck in foreign hospitals, unable to pay the huge medical fee – often for incidents that weren’t their fault – and without insurance coverage they’re unable to afford the medical evacuation fees to get home. Don’t make this mistake. I always choose a local travel insurance provider, such as Southern Cross Travel Insurance, because I know they are reputable and will provide a decent level of coverage. When you’re feeling sick and worried about your own health, the last thing you want to worry about is how you’re going to pay to see the doctor or for whatever you need to get seen to. When I was stabbed in Indonesia I was very grateful I had travel insurance as it paid for the replacement of my backpack that was cut in half, the cost of my doctor visit’s, medication and even the cost of hiring a driver to take me to the nearest town to use the ATM facilities.
2) Minimise The Opportunities
Most cases I’ve heard of friends having bad fortune overseas, could be blamed on the fact they’d set up the opportunities. One of my friends had all of her cards stolen from her wallet on the beach and then was unable to access her money. Thankfully she was traveling with a friend that covered her until she got a replacement card. Another friend had his wallet stolen in Prague and lost his valuable cards. I was attacked in Indonesia because I was traveling by myself in a remote area with a very valuable camera. Do what you can to minimise the opportunities available to someone who might like to take advantage of your carelessness. Don’t take your cards to the beach, carry a small amount of cash and no cards when you go out drinking, don’t go to remote areas with expensive gears alone. Minimise it, then you’ll reduce your risk.
Photo credit: Drinks out in Santiago at Barbazul Tobalaba by sarahstierch on Flickr
3) Don’t get Sucked In
Along the wonderful road of travel, you’ll meet all kinds of people. Young people setting off on their first Overseas Experience, others who have been on the road for months or years at a time. You’ll meet locals who are captivated by your blond hair or your height. You’ll meet people who will welcome you into their homes, or to a wedding. You’ll meet others that will want to scam you for every cent that you have spare. That’s life. Avoid unsafe situations by simply not allowing yourself to get involved. One of my friends was traveling around India and he was quite well travelled. He met two guys who befriended him for a few days and after there was a great bond between them all – they brought up a business proposition. Gem Trading.
All my friend had to do was front some cash, they could get some cost price gems and on sell them for a great profit. Sounds great? Yeah, it was a scam. Thankfully he didn’t get too involved, but as the saying goes “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is”. Be cautious.
4) Use Common Sense
This might seem too obvious, but you’d be surprised by how many people don’t use common sense. Do some research about the places you’re going and find out what’s appropriate or not. Avoid dark alleyways at night time if you’re alone or just a few of you. Don’t rent a scooter to drive in Asia unless you’re already comfortable back home. Don’t take unnecessary risks just because you’re somewhere else with a different area code and language.
5) Trust Your Instincts
Too often we talk ourselves out of worrying. We are the only animals on the planet that routinely ignore our instincts. They’re there for a reason. They might not always be right, but if you have a feeling that someone you met is not worthy of your trust, or dangerous or trying to take advantage of you – don’t talk yourself out of it. Just listen to your gut instinct.
Photo credit: Strangers’ Stories by Alyssa L. Miller on Flickr
6) Don’t Get Too Drunk or Drugged
Yes, drinking while you’re away is fun and if you’re inclined to indulge in some other substances (legal or otherwise) I’m not here to pass judgement, but be clever about it. Educate yourself on the local laws and what the penalties might be for going against them. If you meet a group of people, don’t get completely wasted until you know them well enough to judge whether they’ll look after you. Avoid taking drinks that aren’t prepared in front of you or that aren’t straight from the bottle.
On the same note, bare in mind that, in Asian countries especially, a number of foreign tourists have died from alcoholic drinks that have been contaminated. Drinking is fun and all – but how crappy would it be for your parents to get a call that you’ve been killed because you drank some contaminated alcohol? Sticking to bottled drinks, such as beer, is the safest way to drink in developing countries.
7) Plan Ahead
Taking a little time to plan *some* things in advance will save you a lot of worries and hassle further down the line.
Ray Calver, someone who inspired me to travel, suggests that if you’re arriving at weird times you should prebook your transportation and accommodation to save worry and stress. The last thing you want is to be stranded at the airport at a crazy hour, forced to pay outrageous prices to sleep somewhere.
8) Be Smart With Your Money
Don’t carry too much at once. Don’t take all of your cards out with you every day.
Another great tip is from To Travel Too who suggest it’s a lot safer to withdraw money from the ATM inside of the bank, rather than outside. That way you can avoid using an ATM that has been affected by skimmers. It also allows you an opportunity to put your cash into your wallet without being so visible to the public.
These are some of my key travel safety tips. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
