Home Articles Posted by Izy Berry (Page 96)
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Top ways to give back
With the busy stressful lives we lead, it’s very easy to get stuck in our own little world with our own problems, not paying attention to the bigger picture. One of the best ways to get you out of a self-pity rut is to learn and appreciate what you have, compared to others in this world who are suffering and start giving back. The easiest way to do this is by donating money to charities like Unicef, where every donation makes a difference, big or small. Here are some other top ways to give back.
1. Start with giving back at home
Sometimes it’s good to look in your own backyard if you want to start giving back. Go and volunteer at your local homeless shelter or even buy the next homeless person you see some lunch. Your local animal shelter will always be in need of volunteers, or simple donations like old towels and sheets.
2. Run your own charity event
If you have a particular charity in mind, or cause then it’s very easy to raise funds by running your own charity event. This can be as simple as running a bake sale at work, or doing a charity funded sports event. Get creative with ways to raise money. I’ve seen everything from music gigs, cocktail parties, clothes swaps, art shows, yoga classes, dinner parties as ways to raise funds.
3. Volunteer overseas
When heading overseas it can be about something more then just having a nice holiday. There are so many great organisations and charities out there that you can go and volunteer through. I was lucky enough to spend some time in Cambodia volunteering for a local organization called NFO. I taught English to young school children that wouldn’t have had the opportunity to get an education had it not been for this organisation. Teaching isn’t the only thing you can do overseas, so look into the different organisations and find a cause dear to your heart. Perhaps it’s with the animals in Africa or working with refugees.
4. Do something nice for your neighbours
Sometimes giving back is just about doing something nice for someone just because, and expecting nothing in return. When was the last time you spoke to your neighbours, let alone made them a cake or took their rubbish out. We are so disconnected and disengaged from our community these days where no one even looks at each other in the eyes, let alone says hello. So maybe next time you are doing some baking, take some over to your neighbours and say hello. You’ll be surprised at the warm fuzzies you get from giving back, just because.
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Why I’m Quitting Social Media for 12 Days + I’m in Burma
After 2.5 months on the road, things feel different to how they first did when I started traveling some four years ago. That’s to be expected, of course, but it’s not necessarily a good different. I can’t really remember the last day I went out, without my iPhone, and just got lost. Taking photos was my biggest passion and it’s pretty hard to do if you’re too busy scrolling Facebook to notice what’s going on around you.
While I love being so easily connected to friends and family, I think our ultra-connected lifestyle isn’t that healthy. We’re so busy catching up on things elsewhere, that we’re not present.
So when my friend Stacey, another travel blogger at OneTravelsFar, and I decided to go to Burma we decided we’d give up social media. The thought of 12 days without Facebook made me anxious; what would I do in those boring lulls of travel if I could not pointlessly scroll through my Facebook feed?
I’d be present. Looking around, noticing the small details that make the world beautiful, instead of starring at pixels on a screen.
So, it has been decided. 12 days without Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. If you see anything on my Facebook or Twitter, it will be posted by my lovely assistant, Kristia!
I’m gifting myself 12 days of letting myself really fall in love with Burma.
While I appreciate that Facebook is an amazing tool for keeping in touch, especially as someone who has no fixed address, I do find aspects of it sad. It is changing our culture and how we interact with people. It’s a synthetic representation of our lives.
When was the last time you went a restaurant and didn’t see half of the customers glued to their phone? I can’t remember a time in the past few years that this hasn’t been true, except in some of the third world countries I’ve visited.
I want to fill the time I’d otherwise fritter away on social media soaking up as much as possible. Being present. Breathing it all in.
One of my goals of this trip was to be able to answer the question to “Where’s your favourite place?” with wherever I currently was. That’s all you have. The places in your memories are moments long gone. All you have is now.
Well after two days in Burma, I can honestly answer that question with: right here, right now.
There’s a special charm to Yangon that has me hypnotised. A curiosity about the outside world that is delicately balanced with a strong sense of preservation.
ALL of my interactions with each and every single person I’ve met in Burma, thus far, have been extremely pleasent. From a waiter in a restaurant who handed me back 20 cents because I’d overpaid due to my failing math skills, to the guy in the telephone shop that gave my blue eyes the “thumbs up” because he couldn’t express in words how much he liked them.
There are really few places in the world where I can honestly say that I have been so warmly embraced by a culture while being given enough privacy and space to soak it in all my own pace. The people are warm, kind, and there’s no hustling, no haggling and no being blatantly ripped off.
The drive from the airport to Yangon city center was interesting, you could see that buildings were popping up in every direction. There are lots of signs in English. Things are changing, and perhaps faster and more dramatically than anywhere else in this region.
If you can visit Burma, based on my two days here so far, go as soon as possible. There’s something special about this place…
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What Makes an Airline Special?
As someone who flies extensively, choosing the right airline for my next adventure is really important. Although originally price was my main deciding factor in what I would choose, now I look for a balance between price and comfort. After sampling many different airlines, I’ve noticed a few things that make an airline special: from the
little comforts during the flight, to the overall tone of the staff. The most important thing, though, is that the staff appreciate that the passengers are the driving force behind everything; without the passengers there would be no flights!
KLM are just celebrating their 95th year of serving their passengers. From their first flight in 1919, things have evolved dramatically in terms of technology, comfort and reach. In more recent years KLM has dabbled with trans-atmospheric flight which is something I am personally excited about seeing becoming more available to the masses in the coming years. To celebrate the role passengers have had in this exciting milestone, KLM have created a short video containing many of their company’s personal highlights over their 95 years of service. It’s a short video that’s definitely worth a watch, check it out below:
What do you look for in an airline? Do you have a particular favourite?
Disclaimer: This post was brought to you by KLM!
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Rama Candidasa Resort and Spa Review
I had visited Bali a few times before this trip and had barely ventured past Kuta & Ubud. On this trip to Bali I was determined to see more of the island and noticed many people talking about Candidasa, as if it was the way Bali used to be. So we decided that a trip to Candidasa was a must and I was NOT disappointed.
Rama Candidasa Resort and Spa Review
The Location:
You are right on the edge of the beach! Although, I am a little cautious to say beach as the actual part of the beach lining the property is not your traditional beach. However, there is a wonderful man-made beach area with sun loungers and beautiful pagoda style day beds, which I spent a little too long on. You are some walk from the main town centre, but to be honest in the few days we were here we didn’t leave the resort except to go to the Minimart across the road for ice cream – I’m not kidding! Candidasa town center is actually quite nice, small but there’s a few great restaurants, shops and massage places. Candidasa itself is like Ubud meets Seminyak – you have the beach nearby and then you have the rice paddies and mountains only moments away. It is a truly stunning location and easily one of my favourite in all of Bali.
The Facilities:
The pool – oh my god. This is officially the cleanest, clearest pool I have seen in my entire life. It is stunning. Absolutely stunning. I really have no idea how the pool could be so clean, but it is. It’s beautiful. Onsite there is a large restaurant that serves a variety of international options, so you never really have to leave – if you don’t want to. During our stay we had the pleasure of experiencing the spa, which is easily one of the most luxurious spas that I’ve visited in ALL of Asia. I could have spent days inside the spa. We opted for a full body Balinese style massage and were not disappointed. While the massage technique itself was wonderful, the beautiful spa made all the difference.
There’s also a beautiful Zen Garden where we did a private yoga session. It was very refreshing to take a Balinese approach to yoga, as it’s very different to how we practice in New Zealand. No matter your fitness level, I think you would really benefit from this practice and I thoroughly enjoyed our teacher.
Unfortunately I was unable to dive during my stay, but Ben did his first dive here and considered it one of the most incredible experiences of his life. He had a private, one-on-one experience with the teacher who spent a lot of time ensuring he was comfortable and confident before going into the water. Afterwards he was extremely euphoric and has since been inspired to do his Divemaster. The diving in Candidasa is WORLD CLASS and it’s very easy to book everything through Rama Candidasa.
The Room:
We stayed in a Junior Suite which we really enjoyed as there was a smile kitchenette style area, giant bed, a TV, desk, and a stunning bathroom and shower. The room was very luxurious and we both felt extremely relaxed during our stay, with Ben commenting that this was his property of our trip so far. There was also a cute, small porch area out front with a day bed that was perfect for laying on while reading my Kindle and hearing the waves crashed. Just talking about it makes me miss it!
Book this hotel if.. you want a HOLIDAY. You want to feel relaxed and refreshed without feeling bored. The pool is gorgeous. There’s ample activities onsite so that you’re never bored, from Scuba Diving through to bike tours, and of course the fabulous spa. I had a wonderful visit and look forward to my next time at Rama Candidasa Resort and Spa Review
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Foods I Miss When Travelling
Traveling is one of the best experiences you can give yourself and while you know you’ll miss and friends and family on the road, you might be surprised by how much you miss different foods from home. It can be really hard to find certain products around the world and after eating fried rice for a few weeks, you’ll definitely start to have cravings. Because New Zealand foods are not very famous, it can be very challenging to find a pavlova or pineapple lumps when I’m off exploring.
There are some women foods and recipe you can use to recreate some of your favourite meals when you’re traveling. For the things I miss most on the road, please read on:
New Zealand Fish and Chips
Being surrounded by ocean it’s no surprise New Zealand does a pretty good (well darn excellent) meal of Fish and Chips. I know you can get these in other countries like Australia and the United Kingdom but in my humble opinion New Zealand does it best. The fish is fresh caught and the chips are super chunky. Plus nothing beats getting to sit down and enjoy them on a stunning New Zealand beach.
Tip Top Scoop Ice Cream Cones
This is my pure childhood summer summed up in one yummy treat. Every New Zealand beach town has a little local store that sells these amazing ice cream cones, which generally come the size of your head. Nothing quite beats the New Zealand famous hokey pokey ice cream flavour too.
Pineapple Lumps
These would have to be some of the most shipped lollies from New Zealand to all the expat kiwis living overseas. You can’t receive a care package from home without having a couple of bags of Pineapple Lumps in there.
Squiggle Top Chocolate Biscuits
These are only the best chocolate biscuits around. They have a vanilla biscuit base, with a hokey pokey crunchy middle, coated in chocolate. Yes these were definitely a child hood favourite of mine.
Burger Rings
These bright orange delights definitely aren’t good for you but man are they tasty. These are a New Zealand famous crispy snack that will be on every BBQ table in the summer.
Marmite
The British have their own version and the Aussie’s have vegemite, but NZ marmite is the best. You can’t have a New Zealand breakfast without a bit of marmite on toast, plus it’s the best thing to eat after a bout of travel sickness.
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Tips for Visiting Nusa Lembongan
This was my first trip to Nusa Lembongan and I ended up way longer on the island that I expected as the ferries were cancelled to the Gilli islands for a few days and it was a great base for catching up on work. I would definitely visit again and it provides a really nice contrast to Bali both in terms of size, but also in how it feels.
How Long to Spend in Nusa Lembongan?
I would say a few days is enough, 3-4 would probably be ideal. You could spend a little more, especially if you’re doing a diving course, some snorkeling or surfing. The great thing about Nusa Lembongan over the Gilli Islands is that you can surf. I went water kayaking while I was there which was really interesting as I have a fear of water, but I had a lot of fun.
How to get to Nusa Lembongan?
You can take ferries from Sanur a few times a day. There are a few companies and the price they advertise, even on the tickets, is always a lot more than you should pay. Negotiate and try the walk away approach for a better deal. Some ferries go direct from Nusa L. to Gilli T. For those of you who are terrified of boats, like I am, Nusa L might be a better choice for you as the waters are a lot less choppy than the Gilli Islands.
What to do in Nusa Lembongan?
It’s a pretty chilled out island. Most people go there for the diving and where I stayed, The Secret Garden Bungalows, had a great diving program on Nusa Lembongan. There’s the water sports mentioned above, but the highlight of my trip there was renting a scooter. We headed to the smaller sister island, Nusa Ceningan and explored. We spent the majority of the time confused but checked out some highlights including the beautiful beaches and the Blue Lagoon. The suspension bridge connecting the two islands is really something special and worth a visit in itself. I have no photos, as I was absolutely terrified crossing it – so much so, that I walked across.
I also really liked Dream Beach, which had a nice Warung over looking the Bay. It would be easy to spend a few lazy hours here, on a sunny day.
The island is a lot more laid back than the Gillis and even Bali itself, which is perfect if you want to break away from the standard tourist route. I felt that there weren’t a lot of tourists when we were there and that the locals were really friendly. It is a beautiful island and while the beaches are not quite up to the standard of the Gillis, I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and would love to head back.
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Secret Garden Bungalows Review
If you’re heading to Nusa Lembongan, there’s really no where better to stay than Secret Garden Bungalows. This budget-friendly accommodation offers so much that it’s a wonderful place to stay, no matter your reason for visiting this bite-sized island.
Secret Garden Bungalows Nusa Lembongan Review
The Location
Moments walk from the beach, the Secret Garden does really feel like a hidden tropical oasis. The garden itself is beautiful and perfectly placed near a number of great cafes including Tigerlillys and Bali Eco Cafe (if you need fast internet, Bali Eco Cafe is my top choice). Most things are walkable on the island, but if you want to do some decent exploring you should rent a scooter. I wouldn’t ride a scooter in most parts of Asia, firstly because of the traffic and secondly because police often ask for bribes. We had no problems on Nusa Lembongan and even met some tourists who let their children ride scooters around.
The Facilities
While the bungalows themselves are pretty basic, they have everything you need including a fan which is essential. There’s an outdoor style bathroom, and our room had some string to hang washing which was perfect. The thing I loved most about Secret Garden Bungalows was their pool and the loungers around the pool. For the price point, this is pretty rare in Asia and was really appreciated. There’s also the Yoga Shack, where you can do yoga (for a fee) and diving courses are offered onsite. Don’t make the same mistake we made: book in advance! During our stay, both the room and diving course were extremely booked up. When we decided to extend our stay, we were absolutely gutted that we had to move accommodation.
The Social Element
Another thing that I loved about staying here is that there was a really chilled out vibe. The staff were exceptionally friendly and happy to help answer any questions, and the other travelers were quite relaxed too. It was quite easy to meet people, but also possible to have quite a private holiday. Whatever you want – I love that balance.
Book here if… you want a fun holiday, to be comfortable without flashy and want to be close to everything you’ll need. The main thing you need to know is Secret Garden Bungalows really does offer exceptional value and Nuse Lembongan is a beautiful island that I would certainly visit again.
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Best Things to do in Sexy Seminyak
It sounds a little funny to describe somewhere in Bali as sexy, but the truth is there’s something special about Seminyak. It’s got a cool vibe that’s hard to ignore. With little boutique shops lining the streets, high end cafes and restaurants… it feels like a fusion between Europe and Bali. Often regarded as one of the more ‘upper class’ areas of Bali, Seminyak is a must visit destination if you like shopping and to be pampered – all while being moments away from the beach.
1) Hit the Spa
You’ll be spoiled for choices in terms of the calibre and number of spas in Seminyak. From getting your hair done, to fancy nail bars, you’re literally spoiled for choice. During my stay in Seminyak I decided to have a full body treatment: a body scrub, facial and massage. The treatment itself went on for 2.5 hours and was very reasonably priced. I was staying at Sun Island Boutique Villas in Seminyak and just decided to use their spa. It was the best spa in Seminyak and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience!
2) Go Shopping
Depending on the style of clothing you like Seminyak might be your shopping haven or hell. For chic or casual clothing you’ll find a number of boutiques lining the streets. It’s a great place to wander around and just see what takes your fancy. Bare in mind that some of the stores can host Western prices, so if you’re here to shop make sure your credit card is fully loaded. Buddha Wear is a famous brand that’s worth checking out – I really liked it.
3) People Watch
Such a diverse range of people come to Seminyak, it can be a lot of fun to sit in a nice cafe and watch the crowds dribble past. From young beach bums to older, sophisticated travellers, almost every type of traveller winds up here.
4) Visit the Beach
Most places in Bali (except central Bali) are never too far away from the beach and that’s part of the reason I love this little island. There are some really nice beaches in Seminyak. This is also a fabulous place to watch the sunset. The best day is Sunday as most people have the day off and the beach is really busy. You can grab some grabs along the beach, rent surf boards or just admire the beautiful ocean.
5) Surfing
This is a fabulous place to learn to surf, it is great for beginners. While there are more popular parts of Bali for the more advanced surfers, Seminyak is a great place to be introduced to this sport or to practice if you’re rusty. It’s easy to rent a board for around $5 per hour, and don’t forget to negotiate daily rates.
Seminyak has it all – with the glitz and glamour of somewhere else. It is the most polished part of Bali I’ve visited and a great place to relax and be pampered.
Have you been to Seminyak before? What did you like?
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The Great Road Trip Adventure: Why France Can Rival America
When we think of road trips, most of us think of America, and rightly so. America is a hotbed of great motoring destinations, and Route 66 is the most famous driving road in the world. This is all well and good, but what if we require something a little closer to home that provides all the driving joy of America with greater proximity to the home comforts we’re used to. The answer is France, and here’s why.
From the rugged coastline of Brittany to the peaks of the Alps, it is hard to argue that France doesn’t contain something for everyone. In fact, the only problem that you’ll have when you’re in France is deciding exactly where you’d like to visit. So, if you’ve only got time to visit one of the country’s regions, which one should you opt for?
South of France: A Trip Along the Coast
Starting at Montpellier gives you a wealth of options, and here you can either stick to the coast or head through Provence, whichever is best for you. Either way, you can finish in Nice.
If you choose to stick to the coast then there are some great sights that anyone would enjoy. From the chic and glamorous St. Tropez and Cannes to small towns and villages such as Cassis, there’s something for everyone
Southwest: Booze and Beaches
It’s hard to think about Bordeaux in France without thinking about wine. It may even be that you’re visiting France for this very reason (as long as you’re not the one that’s driving, of course.) To incorporate everything that’s great about France’s wine and beaches, the Toulouse-Bordeaux-Biarritz triangle is perfect. Stay within it and you can’t go far wrong. The opportunities are endless. From pilgrimage spots to the Spanish border to Europe’s longest beach, this route has something for everyone.
The N85: Napoleon’s Route Road Trip
Taking you all the way from the Alps to the French Riviera, Napoleon’s route road trip is a set route unlike our other two suggestions. The way is paved for you by large golden eagle markers that show you the route right across France. It might be epic, and it might take a considerable length of time, but it ensures that you get to take in everything that’s great about France. If you want more information on this route, check out this blog post which explains how the route got its name.
Here are just three of the great routes that you can take in France. Hopefully this has sufficiently whetted your appetite and galvanised you into making France your next road trip destination.
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Essential Things to do in Manchester
Manchester, believe it or not isn’t just a football team. After travelling there recently I soon discovered Manchester has quite a few things on offer. Here are my top things to do whilst visiting there. If you’re trying to figure out the best way to get to this lively city, why not consider Flybe? Here are the best things to keep you entertained in Manchester:
1. Head up to Cloud 23 and enjoy the view. You can’t go to Manchester without checking out this beautiful restaurant and bar. Located in the Beetham Tower which is the tallest tower in Manchester, Cloud 23 offers floor to ceiling views across the city. Not only that it has some great service, food and cocktails too.
2. Soak in a bit of history and visit the Manchester Cathedral. Located behind one of Manchester’s busy shopping districts this stunning Cathedral dates back to 1215 and offers beautiful stain glass windows and ancient architecture.
3. Shop up a storm at Lowry outlet mall. This outlet mall has something for everyone and has great discounts of up to 60%. If you find you get sick and tired of shopping then there is also has you cant watch a movie at the 8 screen cinema located in the mall.
4. Have a night out on the town. Manchester is known for it’s heaving nightlife, so if clubbing is your thing hit the town and enjoy the crazy nightlife this city has to offer. Or even the local pubs are known to get a little wild. Fifth Ave pub is known for having $1 drink nights whilst playing all old English bands from the North, and is well worth a visit.
5. Take an afternoon stroll through the city. You can enjoy an afternoon walking through the Piccadilly gardens and explore the many local pubs throughout the city. Stop in at the beautiful Manchester Library or Town Hall to view some local sites.
6. Go to a football match and scream your heart out. You really can’t go to Manchester without experiencing a live match from one of their famous football teams. You can pick from either Manchester United or Manchester City. Either one be prepared to be surrounded by louds screams and some of the most passionate football fans you will ever come across. Oh and football is soccer in Britain, in case you were confusing it with the other sport.
7. Visit Old Trafford Museum and take a Stadium Tour. If going to a football match with the intense football crowd is too much, then you can visit the famous home to Manchester United at Old Trafford Museum and also take a stadium tour. If you are lucky you may even get a glimpse of the Manchester United team in training.
