RSSJul|28|2008
Bangkok On A Shoestring Budget
Posted by Noemi as Asia, Backpacking & Budget, Cities, Destinations, Tips
A friend of mine is taking her family to Bangkok at the end of this week. As she has never been there (and I have), we had a long discussion on what they could do there without burning too big a hole in their pockets. Here are some things that we talked about.
Accommodations
Bangkok is rife with hotels and hostels for all kinds of budgets. Since we are looking for cheap but decent accommodations, the best place to stay would be around the Khao San area. This road is arguably the best road in the world. Though some may think that it is not the perfect place for families, I think that during the day, the road is just fine for kids. There is also a proliferation of cheap accommodation around the area. Another …
Jul|26|2008
Tourists May Get To See Iraq Soon
Posted by Noemi as Adventure, Asia
It used to be that Iraq was definitely NOT part of people’s travel plans. It is a pity because Iraq, like many countries in the Middle East, has a lot to offer in terms of tourism. It is thus good news that pretty soon, maybe, most people from all over the world may be able to visit Iraq and experience its wonders for themselves.
The Associated Press recently published an article detailing how the government is looking to tourism to give the country’s economy a boost:
Iraq’s government is beginning to promote tourism. It will be a tough sell — and even if officials can grab the attention of the adventuresome, Iraq’s tourism facilities are shabby.
The opening of a new airport Sunday in the southern city of Najaf is expected to help boost the number of religious pilgrims, …
Jul|24|2008
Traveling With Your Pet (Part 2)
Posted by Noemi as Air Travel, Tips
In the last post, we took a look at some things that you should consider if you are going to travel with your pet. Here are some more tips to help your trip more comfortable for everyone involved.
Don’t forget a tag or collar.
This should be the first thing that you do for your pet once you are sure that you will be taking him or her on your trip. Though you may have a carrier for your pet and you have no plans of letting him or her out, you never know what might happen. In case your pet gets out or gets lost somehow, having an identification tag or collar will make it easier for you to retrieve him or her.
Avoid connecting flights.
If you are flying to a far destination, you might have to get connecting …
Jul|19|2008
Traveling With Your Pet
Posted by Noemi as Air Travel, Tips
For those of you who have pets, what do you do when you travel? I know some friends who leave their pets with friends or neighbors. There are people who cannot bear even the thought of leaving their beloved pets at home, though. If you are one of them, you might want to read the following tips that can help you enjoy your trip better together with your pet – or pets for that matter.
Don’t sedate your pet without express permission from your vet.
Some pets do not like flying and I don’t blame them! What some pet owners do is to sedate them so that they wouldn’t suffer through the flight. However, the combination of medication and high altitudes may not bode well for your pet. So before you decide to go this …
Jul|18|2008
Unique Vacations (Last Installment)
Posted by Noemi as Adventure, Around The World
I was planning on writing about something else for this post but when I read the article on unique vacations over at Ottawa Citizen again, I knew that I had to write one more post about some of the most unique places you can visit for a vacation. Here goes.
Cockroach Races — Brisbane, Australia
Each Australia Day, Brisbane’s Story Bridge Hotel encourages visitors to “BYO Roach” for its creepy-crawly cockroach races.
“The bagpipers led the sponsor girls onto the racing surface (a bit like a boxing bout) along with the cockroaches, where the MC read the contestants’ names to the crowd. The names were very creative and can’t be repeated here.”
I don’t know if a lot of people would be attracted to this idea – especially those from the West who may have an adverse reaction to these critters. Personally, …
Jul|16|2008
More Unique Vacations
Posted by Noemi as Adventure, Around The World, Destinations, Food and Drink
If you thought the first two places I mentioned in the previous post are strange, then think again! Here are several more unique places to visit for your vacation. (Thanks again to the Ottawa Citizen).
Cabbages and Condoms Restaurant — Bangkok, Thailand
The restaurant’s name raises eyebrows, but it’s all for a good cause.
“Don’t be misled by the restaurant’s odd name or put off by the array of contraceptive devices for sale. This very popular place raises funds for the Population & Community Development Association, the country’s family-planning program. The complex is a restaurant, bar, Internet cafe, massage shop, and gift shop all rolled into one. All diners get a condom with coffee, instead of an after-dinner mint.”
I have actually eaten at this restaurant and it is quite beautiful I have to say. They have great Thai food and …
Jul|10|2008
Unique Vacations
Posted by Noemi as Adventure, Around The World, Destinations, Festivals, Food and Drink
Are you tired of the “regular” vacations that you always have? Don’t get me wrong, I really love going to beach and become a normal beach bum for a week. I’d also love to go to the mountains and relax like any other person. Sometimes, though, I get this hankering to do something weird. Aside from the experience itself, you get to have unique stories to tell your friends. I read this article at the Ottawa Citizen which details some of the most unique vacations that you can have. Let’s take a look at them.
The Great Whipped Cream Battle — Olomouc, Czech Republic
Fluff flies during this highlight of Olomouc’s week-long city festival. “Volunteers are divided into opposing teams and asked to arm themselves with trays of cream. There’s a countdown and then …
Jul|08|2008
More On Staying Happy While Traveling
Posted by Noemi as Adventure, Tips
As I said before, happiness could very well be a state of mind. If this is the case, then most everyone could remain happy even if they face some difficulties as they travel to and from their vacation destination. Here are some more tips on how to condition yourself and stay cool during your summer trip.
Bring along a huge bag of humor.
For those who are naturally easy going and have a sense of humor, this should not be a problem. But what about those of us who are, let us say, a bit on the uptight side? Well, there is nothing to do but gather up every teeny bit of “humor cells” in our bodies and put them in a bag. Lug this bag along on your trip and you’ll find that your trip will …
Jul|06|2008
How To Stay Happy While Traveling
Posted by Noemi as Air Travel, Tips, Transport
Vacations are supposed to be stress relievers. We are supposed to be relaxed and to be happy while on vacation. And what better place to start than when you leave home? Unfortunately, this might not be as easy as we want it to be. What with all the change in air travel and the ever increasing prices, we just might be in for more stress than we bargained for! Then again, I am a firm believer in happiness and contentment being largely a state of mind. So here are some tips on how to be a happier traveler this summer.
Prepare yourself and create a positive mindset.
This is the key to being a happy go lucky traveler. Even before you leave the house, make sure to set your mind that you will be a happy …
Jul|02|2008
Travel Skoot Your Way
Posted by Noemi as Tips
I have always been a fan of online maps ever since they came out. I think that the best – and many would agree, I suppose – of these maps would be Google Maps. If it’s 3D that you’re after, I would have to say Google Earth, though. However, Google Maps is sometimes more intuitive and easier to use. It really comes in handy when you are in an unfamiliar area and you want to get your bearings. Trust me, we have used this so many times that I can’t even count.
Anyhow, a reader brought a Google Maps mashup to our attention. Dubbed Travel Skoot, this mashup allows users to create their own itineraries. For example, if you are planning on visiting a specific city and you have come up with a plan …
