Temples, Temples, Temples….and some Impressive Architecture

You don’t have to go overboard, but there is a lot to see. In a city of 2.5 million people, Taipei is home to nearly as many must-see religious sites! However, for an early morning start with a spiritual slant, head to 2-28 Peace Park where you can observe the locals practicing their daily tai-chi, relax and feel the calm of this morning ritual infuse your soul. Of course, you should also feel free to join them in their early morning contemplation if you think you have the discipline!

To being your temple trek the place to start is the Longshan Temple, built in 1738 it is always abuzz with visitors and worshippers alike. No matter the time of day, or day of the week, this temple always seems to attract a crowd, and no wonder; take the smell of incense combined with the musical chanting of the monks and one can’t help but be inspired. Like most temples in Taiwan this temple worships deities from Buddhist, Taoist and other folk religions, and makes for an interesting change from our churches of the West.

If its an incredible piece of architecture which you can´t resist, then come and enjoy the Chinese-style Confucius Temple. Modeled on the temple in Confucius’ home town, this site dates back to 1928. Each year a huge, costumed , music-filled celebration is held there on Confucius’ birthday and to make sure you don´t miss it this year get there before the  28^th September. It´s a night to remember!

Additionally, a trip to Taipei 101 should be a must on your architectural ”to-see” list. At 508 meters, once the world’s tallest building, this skyscraper offers phenomenal panoramic views. And for all thrill-seekers it should be noted that Taipei 101 holds the record for the fastest elevator in the world, taking only 40 short seconds to get from the ground floor to the 89^th floor observation deck.

The Night Markets

Although there are nearly as many wonderful night markets in Taipei as there are wonderful temples, it is the Shilin Night Market which is by far the most famous. This is for good reason; while lined with rows of shopping stalls, carnival games and more, the real treat is the mouth-watering array of food that´s available. Some grilled squid on a stick? Or perhaps some stir-fried intestines may be more tempting? No matter your choice, it has to be said that no visit is complete without sampling the famous stinky tofu.

Snake Alley, once a popular destination, is certainly not for the weak-hearted. Today it is generally only frequented by visitors interested in Taipei’s darker past, a place where snake handlers show off their somewhat sinister but impressive skills to tourists, and end the spectacle with offers of snake-meat soups or stir-fries.

Working Hard  on the Caoling (Tsaoling) Historic Trail

If you’re craving a little more nature than city then there´s an awesome one-day hike about of an hour north of Taipei that I highly recommend. It’s wonderfully easy to catch a train to Fulong where you can begin the Caoling (Tsaoling) Historic Trail, which is 16 km long and depending on how much “stopping-to-gaze-at-the-scenery” you want to do, should take between five and eight hours to complete.

The best part of the trail is the recent add-on called the Taoyuan Valley Trail. If you aren´t planning on slogging through the entire 16km hike this section is only 4.5 km long and is certainly the most beautiful part. Elevated on grassy bluffs high above the ocean you are surrounded by the Pacific on one side and Taiwan’s mountainous lanscape on the other, while wild buffalo graze all around you. It is truly idyllic!

Hot Springs Resorts

When you´re feeling the need to relax make sure to head to the little aboriginal town of Wulai, whose name literally translates into the tribe’s name for “hot springs.” It´s only a forty minute drive from the city, and given that this little place is known for having some of the best hot-spring resorts in Taiwan I´d say its worth the trip.

If you´re craving even more intense pampering you can head to one of the top-notch resorts in the town, or should I say…in the jungle! The lush tropical ecosystem surrounding Wulai is an impressive setting and the resorts there offer a variety of hot and cold, indoor and outdoor baths where you can relax and let someone else meet your every need.

While in Wulai take a chance to enjoy some aboriginal cuisine from the area. Wild boar is a good choice, and the steamed rice in a bamboo shoot is natural and delicious. During my stay in Wulai I was lucky enough to have an native tribe member as my cab driver(!), and despite the language barrier his main sentiment, “Taiwan beautiful”, was one with which I couldn´t help but agree.

When to go to Taiwan

It has to be sais that the best time to visit Taiwan is either before or after monsoon season. Heavy rains fall in the summer, and starting in September the weather clears up for an impressive fall season all the way through to November. take advantage of this reasonable time frame and go see a little piece of paradise while its dry!

Go to AgoVita Travel

Written by: Robyn

Edited by: Megan

Cruising

I’m not talking about a big cruise liner trudging down the Mediterranean, but of a trip on a different scale. Did you ever wonder what sailing through central Europe would be like? Well, when you hop on board one of the small ships run by Avalon Waterways you’ll soon find out. Avalon Waterways is bringing a new twist to European cruising and it’s a trend that’s catching on fast. With your accommodation and meals included it’s a great deal, a bargain! Plus, you have knowledgeable staff members on hand to help you plan all your sightseeing activities for stop-overs. This new way of traveling by river cruiser truly has it all.

The waterways that the Avalon ships cruise down literally run though the heart of Europe. Docking at medieval town squares and charming villages you are guaranteed to get the most out of your river cruising vacation.

On-Board

On-board the ship there is always something exciting or different to do. Avalon Waterways has worked really hard to provide numerous activities toi keep you entertained while at sea, ranging from concerts to classy wine-tasting evenings. The fact that the ships are so small means that you will automatically feel that wonderful travel connection with your fellow passengers and the travel buddy opportunities are endless! Another huge benefit of river cruising is the amazing view you are able to get of the surroundings. Sailing on a river you are especially close to gorgeous scenery, the incredible landscapes will take your breath away as you travel through                                                                                                           fascinating cities and charming villages.

Not only has Avalon Waterways incorporated state of the art technology into their ships but their attention to detail and design is impeccable. Avalon offers the largest state rooms on the European waterways and the amazing views from their floor to ceiling windows or their beautiful French balconies are second-to-none.

Where Can We Go?

While over the years new ships have been added with destinations all through Europe, China and Egypt, I would suggest taking the spectacular Danube River Cruise. This is the second longest river in Europe and it flows though or along the boarders of ten different countries in Europe – Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine and Moldova. How amazing! And with Avalon Waterways you get to see all of this and more as you discover the subtle and not so subtle differences in cultures and landscapes; this journey along borders is a fascinating, beautiful discovery.

From one week to one month there are plenty of cruise options to choose from although it has to be said that the longer cruises do get a bit pricey. If you’re looking for a one week get-away then a five to seven day cruise would be perfect for you.

When Can We Go?

While the fall has always been a beautiful time to visit Europe, I suggest planning something for the holiday seasons. Avalon offers special Christmas cruises in which you visit the famous Christmas markets of Europe from Vienna to Prague and all the little towns in-between. This magical trip will inspire many more to come and you are sure to never forget the look of snowy, glimmering market stalls and the taste of mulled wine and cinnamon. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of Christmas time in Europe.

The Next Step

Avalon Waterways has an amazing website that is user friendly and can answer all your booking questions. Go to http://www.avalonwaterways.com/ for more information.

Happy cruising!

Go to AgoVita Travel

Written by: Robyn

Plan your Travel Well!

Before you even start packing for your trip you can save hundreds of dollars simply by planning wisely. To begin with, chalk out your dates and then start by looking for the best airline deals; allow yourself to be slightly flexible on the dates and you´re in with a chance of cutting your costs significantly. It may be a good idea to sign up to newsletters from websites such as TravelAdvisor to get the most updated deals and discounts. It goes without saying that booking your tickets at least a month in advance will let you get the best possible rates while a willingness to travel with low budget airlines makes trips as cheap as chips!

It might be an idea to have a look for package deals which include travel as well as accommodation, but don´t compromise on quality for the sake of a low price. make sure your package  is flexible and can be personalized to some degree – the best ones will usually cover a wide range of budgets and will offer more than one option that fits what you´re looking for.

There are times when it´s prudent to consider hiring a travel agent to keep an eye out for the best deals for you, and be sure to note that customers don´t pay travel agents for any of their services unless you choose to make an actual booking with that agent, so be smart and use the services open to you! And don´t worry about feeling too bad for the travel agents, they´re paid commission by every respective airline, hotel and resort they ever book through!

Accommodation

It is important to be a little flexible in your choice of accommodation if you are indeed planning on keeping your travel costs low. Be willing to negotite with yourself in terms of your choice of of accommodation; for instance, if you would usually stay in a 3*** hotel then opt for a 2** hotel instead, or book into a hostel and enjoy the friendly, inetrnational atmosphere that is sure to prevail. You may be genuinely surprised by the amount of money you end up saving by following this simple rule.

Alternatively you could consider staying at a vacation rental instead of staying at a resort. Not only will you spend less on your accommodation but it´s easy to find a rental with its own kitchen or kitchenette, helping you make significant savings on your eating expenses as well as giving you the option of a cosy night in with some home-made food! Of course, we all know that when traveling most people like to try out the local cuisine, or in the case that one has had quite enough of snails or seafood the preffered option may be to hunt down some of your more native food. In either case it is still nice to have your own kitchen so that you can take care of breakfast on your own, and buying groceries locally gives you the chance to experiment with some native ingredients while still eating out at other mealtimes. Choose local farmer’s market over supermarkets to find fresh, cheap and delicious produce!

When you do eat out, try to avoid the A-list restaurants that are usually featured in travel guides. Most of these guides will also provide lists of quality local eateries along with the estimated cost of a two-person meal, which will provide you with an idea of how expensive a restaurant is. Using these guides is an excellent way to find the most atmospheric and best priced places to eat or drink, and its wise to remeber that if a place is packed with locals then it´s uaually a pretty sure indicator not only of quality and fair pricing, but also that you´ve found somewhere you can really experience the local spirit and culture!

Shop Wisely

There´s no doubt that most people enjoy shopping for local and traditional specialties in the places they visit. However, its always worth ensuring that it is these local curios you´re buying and not some high-priced version at a boutique. On the other hand, if you buy from street sellers or markets you should be realistic about how long you expect these items to last! But then again I´d say that´s all part of the charm, as long as you know how to haggle!

Transportation

Depending on where you are traveling to, there may be a number of different travel options available to you. Sometimes an air conditioned cab is the height of luxury, especially when you can feel lovely rivulets of sweat running down your back, but when travelling on a budget this is one luxury that is certain to drain your resources! On the other hand local buses or other forms of local transport will get to your destination just as quickly, if not quite so coolly! Cheap transportation makes a big difference when you are trying to save during your travels.

Sometimes, when you´re spending a lot of your time traveling from place to place bus journeys are just too time-comsuming, and at times like these it might be wiser, if a little more expensive, to consider hiring a car!  Some words of warning though: choose your car rental company wisely! National and International brands like Hertz may be available but are likely to be very expensive, so avoid rentals that are available inside airports, instead choosing a local car hire company which is going to be much kinder to your bank balance! These local companies are usually slightly further away form the airport but often shuttle their customers to and from the terminal, which makes them just as convenient.

Following these tips could save you hundreds (if not thousands!) of dollars, pounds or euros on your next trip. Just make your plan and then stick to it, but remember, saving on the little things is wise because it enables you to be extravagant with the bigger things…so go enjoy!

Edited by: Megan

So, what is Green Travel?   

“Green-travel” has become a buzzword in the travel industry and amongst environmentally conscious people. It is known by many different names; “responsible travel”, “eco-travel” and “sustainable tourism” are but a few. While the meanings of these terms may differ by degrees, they essentially infer that you make the effort to protect and preserve the natural environment you are visiting, to embrace it as it is rather than trying to adapt it to your own requirements or expectations. “Green” travel encompasses environment-friendly voyages, accommodation and activities, but on a broader scale it speaks to respecting native cultures and traditions and contributing to the local community.

Why is there a need for Green Travel?

The very size of the travel industry demands that green travel be practiced by travelers. Considering that more than a billion people travel from city to city, country to country, jetting from one side of the globe to the other every year, the impact they have on the natural and cultural environment of their destination is obviously one of importance. The sheer volume of people traveling creates huge potential for damage to numerous natural resources and to the environment at large. For this reason alone “green” travel is crucial in ensuring that the negative impact on environmental resources is limited while simultaneously paving the way for more positive-impact travel in the future.

Essential to keep in mind when visiting those places which you see as holiday destinations is that, despite not looking quite like your native land, they are in fact home to hundreds, thousands of people. By traveling green, you are consciously ensuring that pollution is minimized, natural resources are left unharmed and cultural antiquities are left as they were found; as treasures of  that particular country. The added bonus, of course, is that by traveling green, you do your bit to ensure that the places you love remain breathtaking, fascinating and  pristine for years to come.

Green Travel and Expense

Alongside all the other myths that abound on the topic of “green” travel exists the notion that green travel implies extra expenditure. While this may be true in some cases; for instance, airlines making efforts to offset their carbon emissions will tend to charge their customers fractionally more, a negligible cost ranging from $10 to $40, generally you will find that most other  environmentally friendly options offer a wide range of prices. Basically when it comes down to it, no matter your budget, you  will be able to find eco-friendly alternatives that offer just the same value for money as those that are not so eco-friendly. And if you really want to get into the “green”  way you could even consider the option of cycling or walking, instead of renting that cab! Not only are you protecting the environment, you’re keeping some cash in the pockets of those new hemp trousers!

Some tips to help you travel green: here’s hoping you find it a lot easier than you previously thought!

Green Transportation

To begin with, it is important to know that air travel has the most damaging impact on the environment. When fuel is burned at such great heights, where the air is thinner, it tends to do a lot more harm. If possible, do not travel by air at all! You may want to consider destinations that can be reached by train or by road, and there are so many wonderful cross-continent train journeys that it would be a shame to miss out on any of them! If you must travel by air, do some online research and you’ll find that there are, in fact, many airlines making the effort to reduce their carbon emissions. Consider booking tickets with these airlines, despite the marginally higher cost.

As far as ground transportation is concerned, the most scenic mode, as mentioned, is indeed the train. If you cannot reach your destination by train, try using public transport, as scary as this may seem in a foreign country. Buses, for instance, will run from one place to another irrespective of the number of passengers, and have the potential to provide new friends along with interesting and anecdotal experiences along the way! You avoid adding to carbon emissions if you chose to travel by bus rather than renting a car, but with some exceptional driving routes around the world pick and choose your modes of transport depending on destination! It has to be said that among others, rickshaws, tuk-tuks and segways are all worth a try!!

Green Accommodation

 Its easy to find “green” accommodation online for pretty much any destination, although it is wise to ask a few pointed questions before making your reservation in order to ensure that the facility is indeed green, and not just promoting itself as such to appeal to a wider market. It’s good practice to switch off lights and fans in unused rooms and not run showers for too long in “green” establishments, on pain of getting a good telling off from fellow guests! However, even in a conventional hotel or hostel it isn’t difficult to make an effort to do those same things. 

Green Shopping

For good reason most of us like to collect souvenirs from the places we visit. We use them to decorate our houses, illustrate where we have been and to give as gifts to friends. However, it isn’t too difficult to ensure that even the souvenirs you collect are eco-friendly and are in keeping with those wonderful intentions you had to protect and preserve native environments and cultures! Look for locally produced artisan crafts, not only will they be cheaper, they are likely to be more authentic! Buying souvenirs from markets or small craft stores, rather than from fancy boutiques where items are often mass manufactured without regard for the environment, increases the likelihood that you are respecting the actual culture and people of the country. Of course, it goes without saying that buying items such as tusks or skins which come from endangered animals, or from heavily hunted animals, is a huge no-no! But you already knew that I’m sure! 

So, now its time for you to jet, hike, walk or hitch off into the sunset with a new appreciation for the greener things in life! Enjoy!

Go to AgoVita Travel

Written by: Shue

Edited by: Megan

Start out in your base: Santiago. Tucked away in a corner of the ever-trendy and artistic barrio Bellavista where antique homes, street performers, and restaurants/clubs pulsating with music after dark are all equally common, you’ll find La Chascona. The home shares its name with Neruda’s longtime lover (and eventually third and final wife), Matilde Urrutia, whom he nicknamed a Quechua word for a woman with wildly unkempt of disheveled hair. The place was conceived of as a clandestine love nest for the pair while Pablo was still with Delia del Carril—in fact, he discretely kept Matilde cloistered there for an full year before officially leaving Delia and moving into La Chascona, himself. The home is permeated by a sense of connection between the two down to the last details: even the iron bars across the windows spell out the letters “P” and “M.” Befitting a lover’s hideaway are the secret passageway, tiny spiral staircase, and bedroom stowed away in the top of a tower that all contribute to the romantic charm of this home. It also played an important role in the last chapter of Pablo’s life. Immediately following his death, La Chascona was raided and vandalized by the military and then flooded. Nevertheless, it was the site of his wake; and mourners marched from La Chascona to the cemetery where Neruda’s body was originally interred. Pinochet’s coup d’etat had succeeded only days before, and he had explicitly forbidden public morning for Neruda. Deliberately violating curfew and marching from La Chascona to the cemetery, thousands of Chileans participated in what was essentially the first public protest against the new regime.  

Next, venture out to Valparaíso for a visit to La Sebastiana. The Fundación Pablo Neruda describes this unusual home as a testimony to Neruda’s “unrepentant quest for personal ornamentation,” and that accurately sums up the arrangement of the rooms and their furnishings on the four floors of this incredibly narrow building. Brightly-colored walls of magenta and yellow mingle with gilded angel carvings adorning the sides of an entryway, stained glass, custom-designed mosaics, and a bathroom tiled in key lime green, vibrant blue, and white squares. Situated on top of a hill and designed roughly in the shape of a tugboat (complete with porthole windows) pointed out to sea, this was a place of rest and repose for Neruda when he had tired of Santiago. He bought the house with his friends who lived on the first two levels while he inhabited the top two. Although he complained of having bought “nothing but stairs and terraces,” the arrangement worked well and provided him with a beautiful panoramic view out over Valparaíso and the bay—and plenty of opportunity to spy on his neighbors with a telescope. He was also able to install the famous “jar of smoke” fireplace he designed here.

Save the best for last. A relatively short bus ride brings you to Isla Negra—formerly a fishing cove in the middle of nowhere and still a small town depending mainly on the sea and the tourism Neruda’s house brings its way. This home is as noted for its dramatic location—amidst a mass of large rocks beaten daily by high, crashing waves—as for its creative construction and eclectic contents.  It was here Neruda found the peace and quiet he needed to work on his epic poem, Canto General, and where he lived on and off between periods of travel and exile from 1939 right up until his death in 1973. During his tours as a diplomat, Neruda compulsively amassed an unorthodox collection of ships’ figureheads, exotic masks, rare specimens of butterflies and other insects, and brightly colored glass bottles of all shapes and sizes from the flea markets of Paris. Most of these were eventually brought back to Isla Negra which currently houses over two thousand objets d’art. The most remarkable feature of this collection is that although it should make the home feel cluttered, it doesn’t: in fact the space somehow manages to maintain a sense of simplicity and beauty. Neruda loved the safe haven he created out of this former ship captain’s home and returned to time and again over the decades. He included several mentions of Isla Negra in his poetry; and although originally buried in a cemetery in Santiago, Neruda’s body was eventually transferred (in accordance with his expressed wishes) to the grounds of Isla Negra where it now rests beside Matilde Urrutia.

Where to spend your downtime: Try to book a room at the perennially popular Casa Moro Bed and Breakfast Santiago. This boutique hotel is actually a small, renovated home originally built in 1942 with only four bedrooms (all en-suite) available. Casa Moro is lovingly maintained with warmth and an artistic attention to detail by Walter Gomez and Marcelo Villagran who will go out of their way to make you feel at home. Centrally located just two blocks from La Moneda and equally close to two metro stations, this bed and breakfast allows you easy access to all of Santiago. Hospitality is a well-cultivated art form here, as is cooking: for only about $30, Marcello will make you a very memorable dinner of Chilean fusion cuisine. Since prices are in pesos, the costs of staying vary but are usually around $70 per single, $90 per double.

Corte Suprema 177; (56) 02 696 9499; http://www.bed-and-breakfast-santiago.cl/

While visiting the DMZ (Demilitarized War Zone) might sound a little scary, I’m here to tell you that I’ve been there and the tours are extremely professional and you’ll walk away like you just had an out of body experience. Most companies offer either a half day or full day tour and so let’s look more closely at what might be right for you.

The First Step

I’m going to state the obvious. You want to fly into South Korea. Let’s not be confused as to who our friends are. South Korea is an extremely tourist friendly country and also has the world’s best airport! Be sure to fly into Seoul and you can make DMZ arrangements from there.

Make Sure You Have

You must have your passport on you at all times. Also, cameras are allowed but there will be restrictions on what pictures you can and cannot take. A dress-code is strictly enforced and you can check with the tour company about their specific regulations.

For the Non-Tour Group People

Yes, it’s totally possible to do the DMZ on your own, but I don’t recommend it. The tours are nicely put together and without a tour it’s too much of a hassle to get around. With that said, I can tell you that if you’re looking to attempt the DMZ by yourself the first thing you should do is head to Imjingak. Get a map, and then you’re on your own!

Now, Let’s Book a Tour

Tours can be booked online ahead of time, or at various hotels once you get to Seoul. For example, I live in South Korea and yet I booked a tour with a travel agency located in Lotte Hotel in Seoul. They don’t mind if you’re not a guest, they just want to fill up their tours! There are multiple tour websites online, but the one I used is http://www.tourdmz.com/english/main.php. 

Like I previously stated, you will have to choose from either a half day, or a full day tour. Tours originate in Seoul and generally leave at 8:00 AM and arrive at the DMZ around 9:00 AM. Let’s take a look at the half day tours first.

The Village of Panmunjeon

Famous for the signing of the Armistice Agreement in 1953, Panmunjeon is designated as the JSA or Joint Security Area for both Koreas. This means that this area is outside of administrative control for either North or South Korea.

You want a tour that takes you to Panmunjeon. Commonly referred to in the media as “Truce Village” this is the only area within the JSA where soldiers from both sides stand face to face. You definitely want to see this. Amazingly enough you are even allowed to take pictures of the soldiers, although it is for a very limited time and with strict surveillance of course.

Typical tours will start out at Camp Bonifas where you will watch a brief slideshow and then be asked to sign a document acknowledging that you are entering a hostile environment. This is serious stuff. Other places within the JSA will include the Freedom House which was built in 1998 and is where current talks between the two countries are held.

Perhaps the most interesting part of the tour for me was the tour of the conference room. It just so happens that the Military Demarcation Line has divided this room in half with one side being South Korea and the other North Korea. All day long there is a North Korean and a South Korean soldier standing guard at opposite sides of the room. It’s amazing! You can walk right up to them and you are allowed to take pictures of them too!

The last major point of the Panmunjeon tour is the Bridge of No Return. After the Armistice Agreement was signed this bridge was named after the prisoners of war who chose to go to the North without knowing that they would never be able to return to South Korea again.  

There are Other Things to See

While we’ve talked about a great half day tour so far, there are still so many other things to see. A full day tour will generally offer everything mentioned above, plus a few extras. Let’s talk about what else a full day tour might offer.

The Third Tunnel is a neat piece of history that you can now fully experience yourself. Discovered in 1978 the tunnel was build by the North Koreans who were planning on using it for a surprise attack on Seoul. It runs 1.1 miles into South Korea and sits 240 feet below ground. A trip here will allow you to walk down into a section of the tunnel yourself.

Another interesting point to see is the Dora Observatory. Situated on top of Mount Dora, the Dora Observatory is located on the 38^th parallel and looks over the DMZ. Visitors can catch a rare glimpse into North Korea though high tech binoculars.

Why  Go?

While on our tour we were given strict instructions not to speak or gesture to the guards and to avoid sudden movements or pointing to the other side when we were outside. While these are sort of disturbing guidelines, they were very real and made me appreciate even more the opportunity I had to visit the DMZ. A trip to the DMZ was always on the top of my list upon moving to South Korea and I highly recommend the experience to anyone who is visiting Seoul.

By Robyn Richards for AgoVita Travel

Dress Appropriately

You may be tempted to pack that new little sleeveless dress or those comfortable short shorts that show of your new tan but little do you know that what you’re really doing is setting yourself up for disaster.

You are being watched. Let’s face it, it’s true. Especially if you’re going to a homogenous country, you will stand out. A very important tip to safe traveling is to blend in with the crowd. I can’t emphasize that enough. This is not the time to look overly sexy or to encourage guys hitting on you.

Remember that anything that glimmers or is shiny is bad. Flashy jewelry screams that you are rich and that you will have lots of money on you to rob. Also stay away from costume jewelry. The thieves won’t know the difference and you will still be a target. 

Take care to dress like the women around you. Do a little research before you leave about what is considered acceptable dress in that country. For example, in South Korea it is totally acceptable to wear the shortest shorts imaginable, but to walk around in a tank top and show your shoulders is completely offensive. When traveling alone you need to blend in with the crowd and avoid any unnecessary attention.

Travel Bags, Backpacks and More

Make sure to pick an appropriate looking travel purse. Anything with too many decorations, or a name brand pattern could lead to problems. Again, you want something that will not draw too much attention to yourself. A Gucci bag will scream, “I’m rich!” and your robbing potential just got greater. Keep it simple.

It is important to use a purse that zips. It’s just way too easy for someone to slip a hand in your bag while on a crowded subway and rob you of your wallet or passport. If you find one that has internal zipper compartments then consider it a bonus and use those for your super important stuff.

When backpacking, make sure not to keep important documents in the outside pockets. People brush against you all the time and while in most cases it might be completely innocent, you don’t want to take the chance. An alternative to packing your passport and money in your bag is to use a money belt. These are worn around the waist and under your clothes and have proven to be very safe.

Trust No One

This may seem a little extreme, but for the most part it’s true. Let’s face it; you’re going to stand out as a tourist. I say it’s better to be overly paranoid than to have regrets. You never know if someone who is helping you with directions is really setting you up for a pick pocketing scam or worse.

People make serious money off of naïve tourists, or perhaps just trusting ones. Imagine how vulnerable you are even traveling with friends, so take extra precautions when traveling solo.

The first step in avoiding this scenario is to carry yourself with confidence. Ask for directions before you leave your hotel and look and act like you know what you’re doing. Walk briskly and avoid eye contact. Don’t feel rude when ignoring the hagglers on the street. You are doing it for your own safely and it’s very important.

Who Can Answer Your Questions

If you’re not going to trust anyone, then where can you go to ask all your touristy questions? You’re not going to know everything and there has to be someone that you can trust.

Visitor Centers will be multilingual and will offer advice on attractions, transportation and can even make reservations for you. They can be found at airports, train stations, and even around town. They will provide much needed maps of the area and in turn you will be able to walk around with the confidence we talked about earlier.

Make sure to ask all the questions you can before you leave your hotel. The staff is there to provide you a service, so make sure to use them.

By Robyn Richards for AgoVita Travel

To Tour or Not to Tour

As the second oldest town in South Africa, Stellenbosch is considered by most to be the hub of the wine industry. One has the option of visiting multiple vineyards on their own, or booking a tour. While I was there I decided to go with a tour company.

Let’s Be Responsible Tourists – The Eco Friendly Tour

When you think of wine tours you may not automatically think of your Eco Friendly tour options, but I’m here to tell you that you should. Hiking and biking are two very good ways of seeing the local terrain although there are other options too. I have highlighted a few top touring companies below, each having their own unique twist.

The Tours

HBK Eco Tours (Hikes, Bikes, and Kayaks) offer tours that both combine a fantastic day of tasting along with an outdoor activity such as cycling or hiking. The cycling tours range from 12 km to 20 km and vary in difficulty. Each tour has a specific theme when it comes to tasting whether it be focused on wine, brandy or olive tasting estates.  Their website is www.bicyclesafari.com. These tours run about $54.00 USD per person.

Another option is to book a tour with the highly reputable ElainsCape Eco-Tours. Multiple tour options can be found online at www.elainscapeecotours.com. Not only does she offer wine tours, but she also specializes in horticulture and can take you on a tour of the local flora and fauna of Stellenbosch. Ranging from bird watching and flowers to wine delight and more there are plenty of options to choose from with Elain’s tours. Personalized tour requests are also accepted.

Bikes n’ Wine is a company that leads bike tours off the beaten track though Stellenbosch wine country as well as around the Cape. Only a moderate level of fitness is needed as most of the riding happens on flat terrain or downhill. Don’t worry about getting too tipsy off your wine as the guides are there to keep you hydrated and with the physical exertion of biking you will pump that alcohol through your system faster than you know it! Tours start at about $52.00 USD per person and more information can be found at www.bikesnwines.com.

Why Tour the Eco Friendly Way?

Eco Friendly Tours are often confused with “adventure travel” but are instead vastly different. An Eco Tour will allow you to travel, but without doing any potential harm to the environment. It is educational and at the same time responsible not to mention you are supporting the local economy as well. By traveling in an Eco Friendly way you focus on observing native cultures and ecology without disturbing them. 

By Robyn Richards for AgoVita Travel

With a larger population than any other city in the southern hemisphere, São Paulo was bound to produce its own distinctive brands of art and to host some of the world’s most exciting cultural events. In fact, it is home to an internationally-renowned Art Biennale, Fashion Week, and International film festival as well as many museums exhibiting works by major artists of the past and present. If you have any doubt that São Paulo is an important player on the world’s art scene, make Instituto Tomie Ohtake (Avenida Faria Lima 201; http://www.institutotomieohtake.org.br/) your first stop. Not only will the bold architecture stop you in your tracks, but once you step inside, you’re likely to view works by artists and designers ranging from Karim Rashid to Jean Dubuffet.

This is only the beginning of what the city has to offer the art lover. Look for temporary exhibitions in the most unlikely places—and you will find them. A show in the house of Joaquim Franco de Melo (Avenida Paulista, 1919) is an unforgettable experience. This casarão, or “big house” on the city’s main street was built in 1905 and maintains much of its original charm, despite being much the worse for wear and giving way to peeling wallpaper and creaking floorboards. It was a stroke of genius to set up shows here, allowing for a natural juxtaposition of the old and the new in an unusual and unique setting for art, providing much more drama and atmosphere than the average space.

If encountering all of this beauty has worked up your appetite for a purchase, a wide variety of art galleries abound; but a favorite for its atmosphere, playful works, and relative affordability is Galeria Choque Cultural (Rua Joao Moura 997; http://www.choquecultural.com.br/). Head for the white building with a giraffe painted on the front and stretching down across the adjoining sidewalk. Paradoxical though it may sound, this gallery is actually able to pull off being both welcoming and edgy at the same time. In this self-proclaimed “street art gallery,” you’ll experience none of the stark white walls and vaguely condescending attitude you may be used to in other commercial art spaces. Here, the walls are painted with vibrant splashes of orange, green, and yellow forming a background that interacts with the works, instead of just supporting the hooks on which they hang. The artworks, themselves, seem very Banksy-inspired, bursting with energy and (a sometimes dark) humor, representing the responses of young Brazilian artists to their contemporary urban environments. Works of all sizes are available and typically stay within the range of about $30 to $300.

Once you’ve had your fill of graffiti-inspired art, step back out onto the streets of São Paulo with fresh eyes to observe one of the city’s great passions in its original format: urban art on building walls, street corners, garage doors, and fences all over town. Head to districts like Vila Madalena, Pinheiros, and Cambuci for a taste of some of the city’s best graffiti. Artists can be found, spray-can in-hand, covering over old works with their new visions both during day and night. In fact, urban artists here have developed an interesting relationship with the government: some have even received commissions for public artworks. While in the neighborhood of Cambuci, look out for particularly distinctive works (characterized by strong color combinations, playful use of line, and often the accompaniments of dry-witted captions) by Os Gêmeos, The Twins. They are among the city’s best-known urban artists; and although their work can be found throughout São Paulo, Cambuci is their home turf.

However, if you have not planned for your road trip well, this thrilling adventure can quickly turn into a nightmare. If you got lost for a long time, or if did not know that the weather forecast of your destination was heavy rains, it could spoil your entire trip. Similarly, if you have not carried enough supplied that you are going to need on the trip, you will find yourself spending loads of money on buying essential stuff instead of spending it on things and activities you like. That is why it is very important that you carefully plan for your road trip.

Checklist

The first thing to do when you are planning a road trip is to make a checklist of all the things you need to do as well as all the things you will need to carry with you. Don’t forget to write down about all the bills you need to pay and other arrangements you need to make while you are away from the house. You don’t want to come back home from an exciting road trip and find that the electricity to your house has been cut off because you forgot to pay the bill before leaving. If you need a pet sitter or a house sitter, include that in your checklist.

The Vehicle

Depending on the kind of trip you are making, you may have chosen a trailer, a four wheel drive or even a regular car. No matter what car you are going to be driving, take it to the service shop for servicing and maintenance before the trip. If there are any faults with the car, you will find out about them at this time and you can get them fixed. You should also let the mechanic know that you intend to take a long road trip. This will give him the right perspective to ensure that the vehicle is able to make the entire trip without breaking down.

What To Take on a Road Trip

This is one of the most important aspect of planning a road trip. On one hand, you want to make sure that you have everything you are likely to need so that you don’t have to spend too much excess cash. On the other hand, you don’t want to cramp your car with too much excess luggage. So, it is important that you choose what you carry and what you don’t very carefully.

Emergency Supplies

This should always be the first priority when you are undertaking a road trip. Everything else can be bought or arranged for, but if you have a medical emergency of a lonely strip of road in the middle of nowhere, you will have no one to look to help for. First, consider all the existing medical condition of the people going on a road trip. If anyone needs medical supplies to be carried at all times, ensure that they are bought and packed, for instance, insulin for the diabetic, etc. Secondly, you need to have a great first aid kit. You may be faced with any situation, ranging from minor burns and sprained ankles to fractures and deep wounds. Ensure that you have the all the first aid supply to deal with such situations. Finally, ensure that you have a stock of over the counter pills for ailments like indigestion, headache, body ache, etc. These will be very useful in ensuring that you enjoy your trip to the maximum without niggling health issues.

Clothes & Accessories

The clothes you carry on your road trip will depend on the where you are traveling. But, whether it is going to be hot or cold, ensure that you carry very comfortable clothes with you. Remember that you are going to be sitting in a car for long stretches of time and wearing skin tight jeans may be highly uncomfortable. It is also highly advisable that you wear clothes that cover most of your body. That way, your skin won’t feel the abrasive wind if you are traveling with open windows at high speed. Ensure you carry your sunglasses and moisturizer or sun tan lotion as the case may be. Carry a very comfortable pair of footwear that you can wear in the car. Depending on where you are traveling, you may want to pack additional footwear as well for use outside the car. Carry a laundry bag a number of small bags to put your used clothes in.

Music & Camera

No road trip would be as much fun without any music. And the right kind of music will not only enliven the party, it will also create enthusiasm. You want to make sure that you carry your favorite music with you on the road trip to make the most of it. Also, there is another big role that music plays on a road trip. If the driver has been driving for a long time or if it has been a tiring day, the right kind of music in the car can help keep the driver awake and focused on driving. So, ensure that you are not carrying slow, sad ballads with you on the trip. Carry good rousing music that you enjoy listening to.

Photographs have become a great way to share one’s experiences without having to talk or write about them. Nowadays, just posting the album of the pictures you took on the road trip is more than enough to convey your experience. Photographs will not only convey the places you have visited, but also the fun you had on the tip.

GPS: This is an extremely useful tool to have on a road trip and an insurance against getting lost in the wilderness.

Money: It is highly advisable that you use either credit cards or traveler’s checks when you are on the road trip. Carrying wads of cash may not be a very safe or convenient thing to do.

Written by: Shue