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The Smarter Way to Travel™

Author Archives: Vincent I. Porter

  1. Everything You Need to Know Before You Visit Cuba

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    To most of the world, Cuba is a mystery. It is one of the last remaining communist states in the world and this alone ignites the curiosity of foreigners. Getting to Cuba is easy. You book a flight, sort out your visa and head off. But, once you are there, things aren’t quite so simple. Cuba has come a long way over the past decade or so, but there are still lots of elements to the country that remain in the past.

    If you are planning a vacation Cuba then make sure you know what to expect when you get there. Here is everything you need to know before you travel to Cuba.

    There are Two Currencies

    There are two different currencies in Cuba: the local peso and the convertible peso. Generally, the local peso is used by Cubans and the convertible peso is used by foreigners. However, using the local peso makes everything a lot cheaper. Food and drinks can usually be paid for with local pesos, and this will make them cheaper than if you paid with convertible pesos. You will still need to use convertible pesos to pay for bigger expenses, such as accommodation and transport. You can exchange your convertible pesos for local pesos in a cadeca, which are found in most towns and cities.

    Most Places Do Not Have WiFi

    If you are expecting to Google things to do in Cuba while you’re there or catch up with friends on Skype, think again. WiFi is hard to find and very few accommodations and restaurants have it. Where you can find WiFi, however, is in the park. This might seem odd, but it’s the truth. You can purchase WiFi cards for around 2-3 convertible pesos. This gives you one hour of WiFi time. You will then need to go to a park with WiFi to log on. It is easy to spot a park with WiFi as it will be full of people staring at their phones.

    There Are No Hostels

    The accommodation situation in Cuba is a little different to what you might be used to in other parts of the world. Backpacker hostels are virtually non-existent. What you have instead are homestays – where you will stay in the spare room of someone’s house. It’s not particularly glamorous, but it is more comfortable than you might imagine. You will be able to tell which houses are homestays by the little symbol of an anchor on the front door.

    There Are Special Tourists Buses

    There are buses that operate specifically for tourists. The company is called Viazul and it services all of the main tourist destinations in the country. Tickets are not expensive, but they are also not as cheap as you might expect, especially if you have ever taken a bus in nearby Mexico. But, they are comfortable and air conditioned, so you get your money’s worth.

    Don’t Have High Hopes for the Food

    Even the least picky of eaters will find Cuban food challenging. Fresh vegetables are hard to come by and your diet will likely consist of oven pizzas, ham and cheese sandwiches and chunks of pork with rice and beans. That’s about it. The food is far from inspiring but the $1 mojitos and piña coladas made with Cuban rum make up for it.

  2. Explore Toronto, off the beaten path

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    Toronto is Canada’s largest and one of the most well-known cities. Many tourists flock to the city year-round to explore the urban jungle, or as a starting block for adventures further afield. There’s a little something for everyone in the city and some well known, and well-visited attractions that feature on most tourist’s lists.

    This article takes a look at some of the lesser-known attractions of the city and shows places that will give you the full 416 experience without the crowds.

    Gerrard India Bazaar

    Toronto’s rich and diverse culture is truly on display in the over 125 South-Asian shops and restaurants found in this area of the city, open year-round. Festivals also take place at various times of the year highlighting and showcasing South-Asian culture and traditions.

    Casa Loma

    Located just outside of the downtown core, Casa Loma is Toronto’s very own castle. Popular with locals and tourists alike, this attraction perhaps isn’t so much off the beaten path, but it’s a fun outing for all. Will you find the secret staircases?

    Riverdale Park

    For one of the best views of the city’s skyline, don’t spend your time waiting in line to board the ferry to Centre Island, Take the TTC subway to Broadview Station and head south to Riverdale Park. Located just east of the city’s downtown core, the park offers a prime viewing location as well as great public amenities and recreation areas. Bonus: when you’re done enjoying the outdoors, Greek Town is just a few blocks away!

    Graffiti alley

    If there’s one thing you won’t see much of in Toronto, it’s Graffiti. The city spends a lot of money each year combating the art, much to the delight of some but the dismay of others. One place where you will be able to find graffiti, however, is Toronto’s Graffiti Alley. Nestled between Queen and Richmond Streets just off Spadina Ave. Graffiti Alley is the place to go for some Instagram-worthy street-art.

  3. How to Travel Responsibly

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    With more and more people jetting off to foreign lands every day, there is an urgent need for people to be mindful when they travel. This means doing your bit to minimise the impact you have on the environment and the countries to which you travel. Of course, you do not need to stop travelling altogether, but there are ways to make sure that you travel responsibly. If you are ready to step up your travel game and be the ultimate responsible traveller, here is a list of ways you help the cause.

    Stop Using Plastic

    The hot topic in the environmental world is single use plastic. I’m talking plastic straws, cutlery, bags, even tampon applicators. Anything that is made of plastic and gets thrown away straight after being used. If you can find alternatives, such as paper straws and reusable bags you will make a huge difference. So much of the plastic we use ends up in the sea and is swallowed by our precious marine life. Let’s keep our sea creatures alive by scrapping single use plastic altogether.

    Choose an Eco-Friendly Hotel

    It is becoming increasingly common to find eco-friendly hotels and lodges scattered throughout the world. These accommodations make sure that the way they operate leaves their carbon footprint as small as possible. There are some that even manage to be carbon neutral. Collecting rainwater, using locally sourced produce, and generating power with solar panels are all things you should look for to see whether the hotel is eco-friendly or not.

    Limit Your Flying

    Flying is often unavoidable when it comes to travelling to your vacation destination. However, there are still ways you can fly responsibly. If possible, fly direct as this means you only take one flight as opposed to two or even three. If there is no possibility of a direct flight, you could donate money to a carbon mitigation program afterward to offset your carbon footprint.

    Avoid Animal Cruelty Activities

    You know all those photos of people riding elephants and playing with tigers? Often these projects are scams and rather than the sanctuaries they make out to be, they are little more than torturous prisons. Animals are maltreated to the point of exhaustion or even death just so you can have nice Instagram snaps. Say no to riding elephants or anything that involves direct contact with animals in captivity.

    Buy Local

    There are always opportunities when you travel to buy locally. Not only does this give you fantastic local products, be it food, clothes or souvenirs, but you will be putting money straight into the hands of local people. It is tempting to hand over money to corporations you already know and feel comfortable with, but ask yourself: who needs it more?

    Do Not Give Money to Street Children

    I really cannot stress this enough. Children are hard to say no to and trafficking gangs know this. Too many children have been bought by gangs and forced to work in the streets begging for money. If you give them money, you perpetuate this cycle. If no-one gave money to child beggars, the traffickers would have to change tactics. If you have snacks or juice on you then this is a much better thing to hand over.

  4. How to do Long-Term Travel Like a Pro

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    Long-term travel is one of the greatest things you will ever choose to do with your life. Taking six months or even a year to go and explore some of the world’s most beautiful and exciting places is never a bad decision. The trick is knowing how to do it well.

    There’s no two ways about it, being on the road for a long time can take its toll both mentally and physically. Constantly changing locations and meeting new people can be exhausting – as can living out of a backpack or suitcase. So, here are some tricks to make sure your long-term travel is nothing but happiness and adventure.

    Don’t Be Afraid to Chill Out

    If you are travelling for a long time then you are going to need entire days where you do nothing but watch Netflix in bed. You need to take that time to recharge your batteries and rest. If you don’t do this, you’re going to burn out fast and end up losing your love for travel. It doesn’t matter if it’s a nice day or if everyone else is going to the beach. If you need to take that time, take it. You’ll thank yourself for it.

    Spend a Long Time in Places You Enjoy

    If you get somewhere and think wow, I could live here – do it. Find an apartment or an AirBnB and set up camp in that place for as long as you want. There’s no rule that says you constantly have to be on the go. In fact, spending a few months in one spot gives you a whole different experience. You become a local rather than a tourist and you learn about all of that town’s hidden gems. You also get the chance to unpack your belongings for a bit, which is a nice bonus.

    Don’t Worry About Being Forgotten

    Your friends back home are not going to forget about you so you don’t need to spend your entire vacation texting them. Sometimes it is refreshing to put down your phone and forget about your life back home. Everything is going to be exactly the same when you get back so you don’t need to worry. In fact, the more you text and call your friends back home, the greater your FOMO is going to be. Be in the present and focus on you and your travel.

    Make Lots of Friends

    Quite often, the experiences you have while you travel are made by the people you meet along the way. Most people choose to long-term travel solo but ask any pro and they will tell you that you cannot do it all alone. Make friends whenever you can and share your experiences with them. Not only will you then have people you can hang out with and talk to, but you’ve got people who will look out for you and have your back if need be.

    Document it All

    This is a tip every pro will give you when it comes to long-term travel. Document your travels as much as you can. Take photos, write in a diary, start a blog – anything. This might just be the best time of your life and you are going to want to remember it. Even if you’re having a bad day, write it down and talk about how you feel. Be descriptive so that future you can really relive the experience when they read back through it in the future.

  5. Where to Eat Street Food in London

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    There used to be a time when a greasy hotdog in a stale bun was about as gourmet as you could get when it came to street food in the UK. Nowadays, unless that hot dog is gourmet and topped with caramelised onion or home-made green chilli, they will be sitting there until closing time. Tastes have matured exponentially over the past decade and sophisticated millennials have no time for mediocre street food. The London food scene has recognised this change and stalls have been popping up over the capital to cater to this new demand. You’ll find street food from all over the world for every kind of eater. Along with the usual suspects, you’ll find vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and everything else you could want.

    Box Park

    Situated in the heart of Shoreditch, Box Park is one of the coolest spots in the city. Not only does it have an impressive offering of street food, but it also hosts all kinds of arty events. While you chow down on freshly deep-fried halloumi fries you can check out a spoken word event, watch the football, or just catch up with pals. There are drinks available and when the weather is nice, the roof comes off – perfection.

    KERB Camden

    When it comes to selection, there is nowhere in London that can beat KERB in Camden. This place has everything you could possibly want and more. Think Indian naan wraps, Venezuelan arepas, Korean noodles, and Ethiopian stews. The hard bit is choosing what to spend your money on. Once you’ve got your food, sit by the river and enjoy it. Just make sure you have enough room afterwards for Dutch pancakes for dessert.

    Whitecross Market

    Right at the mid-point between the city and Shoreditch, Whitecross Market has a great selection of international food offerings, all situated on one convenient street. This isn’t the biggest market in London but there is still plenty of choice. Mexican burritos, Turkish wraps, Thai curries, and Korean beef bulgogi are just some of the dishes on the menu. If the sun is nice out there is a park just round the corner where you can sit and eat. If you’d rather sit inside, the Two Brewers pub lets diners take their food in there if they buy a drink.

    Spitalfields

    This iconic Shoreditch location is filled with people, all day, every day. The market is covered, meaning it is perfect for every kind of weather, and it consists of a mixture of stalls and established eateries. You’ll find Bleecker Street Burger, Ahi Poke and Poppie’s fish and chips among the permanent restaurant and all kinds of different world cuisines nestled in the myriad of stalls. The range of choices is fantastic and whatever you pick, you can guarantee it’ll be sublime.

    Borough Market

    Borough Market is a slightly more up-market venue, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty here for everyone. In the main market hall you can purchase home-made and artisanal produce – cheese, oysters, cured meats etc. Out the back are the traditional food stands, along with some fantastic fresh juice and dessert places. With a bit of cash to burn, you can make a day out of your trip to Borough Market.

  6. How to Stay Healthy on Vacation

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    It is all too easy to give up your fitness goals the moment you are on vacation and justify it with the old “but I’m on holiday excuse”. You should never stop looking after your body and while you can relax a bit on vacation, you should resist the urge to drop your goals completely. Staying healthy on vacation might seem like an unnecessary burden (you can just burn it all off when you’re home right?) but it is actually a lot easier than you might think.

    We have compiled a list of easy ways you can make sure you don’t let yourself go on vacation. You’ll feel great coming home in even better shape than when you set off.

    Drink Lots of Water

    This one is so simple but also easily overlooked. Most of us spend our vacations in hot countries. We want to get a tan while we sit on the beach and enjoy the sun. The only problem is we often forget to ramp up our water intake to offset this additional heat. If you are going somewhere then you need to make sure you are drinking lots of water all the time. Not only will this keep your skin hydrated and help you tan better, but it will also keep all of your internal systems functioning properly.

    Don’t Go Crazy in Restaurants

    When we are on vacation we eat out a lot more than we usually would at home. Eating in a restaurant is a bit of a treat but when we do it every day we have to be careful not to think of it that way and all ourselves to splurge. Instead, it is a good idea to opt for healthier options on the menu or sharing a meal with someone you’re dining with. If you go for a three course meal every time you eat out on vacation your body will not thank you.

    Walk as Much as You Can

    While keeping an eye on what you eat on vacation is a good idea, you shouldn’t feel like you are depriving yourself. This will detract from the fun of your holiday. If you want to eat all of the local delicacies and still stay healthy then you’re going to need to offset the calories with some extra exercise. When on vacation there is usually ample opportunity for sight seeing and exploring. Walk around the town or find a national park and do some hiking. Staying active will keep you healthy on your vacation and keep your fitness level up.

    Don’t Eat If You’re Not Hungry

    The “but I’m on vacation” mindset is a dangerous one and can lead us to gross overeating. Just because you are at an all-inclusive resort doesn’t mean you have to stuff yourself with twice the amount of food you would usually eat. When you are hungry then eat something and as soon as you are no longer hungry, stop. This goes for snacking too. If you see a stand selling nutella crepes in Paris and you’re hungry then stop and eat one. If you aren’t hungry then walk on by and save yourself for something later. Try not to let the fact that you are on holiday make you forget your fitness and health targets.

  7. How to Be the Best Kind of Tourist

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    There is nothing worse than a large group of loud, annoying tourists. You might have seen some in your hometown if you live somewhere noteworthy, or you might have encountered them on the road. Either way, you probably know who I am talking about. They are the kind of people you want to avoid at all costs and the kind of people you definitely don’t want to be mistaken for.

    We all know how to be good tourists, but in case you know someone who needs a reminder, here are some helpful tips. Take careful note and you will navigate your way through foreign lands without a single tut or dirty look and, most importantly, without offending anyone.

    Don’t Photograph Everything

    Honestly, you do not need 50 photos of everything you see. It can be infuriating when you spend hours getting to a famous site only to find you can’t actually see anything because there are so many phones, cameras and iPads in the way. If something is spectacular then by all means take a photo of it. But, once you’re done, put your device away and appreciate it with your own two eyes.

    Try and Learn a Few Local Phrases

    It is so embarrassing watching some red-faced westerner shout English phrases slowly at a confused local. If they don’t speak English then slowing down your sentence and raising your voice is not going to help. No-one expects you to be able to speak fluent Vietnamese before you go on vacation there, but learning a few phrases before you set off will stand you in good stead. Not only will you get your point across better, but you will put a smile on some people’s faces.

    Be Sensitive to Other People’s Cultures

    If you are going to a country in which people dress conservatively then don’t walk down the street wearing hotpants and a crop top. You might not care about dressing modestly but it might be offensive to the local people. If you are in their country you should respect their rules. The same goes for entering religious sites, always cover your shoulders and legs, and even your hair if necessary.

    Try to Blend In

    If you are going to a country that has widespread poverty then don’t wear flashy clothes and jewellery. Not only will it make you stand out and a target for robbery, but it is also just a bit gross. No-one wants to see you flaunt your wealth when people right next to you have so little. You should also try eating where the locals eat and doing what the locals do. This will give you a much more authentic taste of your vacation destination.

    Don’t Turn Your Nose Up at Anything

    People around the world do things differently. In some cultures spitting or farting in public are perfectly acceptable behaviours. Just because some people do things differently to you doesn’t mean that that is wrong. Embrace the little differences you discover between yourself and the people who live in your vacation destination. The more you know about different cultures the more interesting and tolerant you become.

  8. Summer Weekend Breaks in London

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    City breaks to London are becoming more and more popular by the day with the Eurostar and budget airlines like Ryanair bringing people in from the continent for next to nothing. London is a city unlike any other in the world but to the untrained eye, all the hustle and bustle can seem overwhelming. While most tend to focus on Central London to do their exploring, once there it is hard to know what to do. With just a couple of days at your disposal, it’s key not to waste time googling and planning, so we have done the hard work for you. Take a look at some of our top suggestions for how to spend your weekend in this gorgeous capital.

    See a Show

    If you are in Central London there is really no excuse for not experiencing one of the best things the West End has to offer. Shaftesbury Avenue and its surrounding area has a wealth of fabulous shows worth checking out. Laugh until you ache at the Book of Mormon or sing your heart out at the timeless classic that is the Lion King. Whatever you choose, you are guaranteed a good night.

    Get Cultured

    London has had an exceptionally fascinating and turbulent past and there is no better way to make the most of London than by wandering through the hallowed halls of its numerous museums. The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square has a sublime showcase of art from throughout the ages while the British Museum will blow you away with its wealth of artefacts from bygone eras.

    Eat in the Orient

    Once you’ve learnt everything there is to know about British history, it is time to head over to Chinatown and indulge in some Eastern treats. This is a great place to stop to eat. Diners have a plethora of Chinese restaurants to choose from, including fancy sit down restaurants and all you can eat buffets. There are also eateries serving up food from Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea and more. Rosa’s Thai and Viet are both excellent choices if none of the Chinese fare takes your fancy.

    Soak up the Sun

    If the sun is out and you are tired of traipsing through the busy streets of the West End then it is time to retire briefly to one of London’s many Green Spaces. Hyde Park is an obvious first choice for many people who want to kick back in the grass and relax but Lincoln Inn’s Fields is another beautiful space, which, although a bit smaller, is perfect for picnics or chilling out in general.

    Go Shopping

    No trip to London would be complete without emptying your bank account in some of the world’s finest retailers. Central London is home to the world-famous Oxford Street but there are plenty of other places to splash the cash than this over-crowded thoroughfare. Why not head to the glitzy Burlington Arcade or meander through the picturesque boutiques that line the walls of Covent Garden.

    Stop for Tea

    The most quintessentially British experience of all, visitors to London simply must stop for a cream tea during their time here. Soho’s Secret Tea Room is absolutely perfect for satisfying this desire with their extensive range of different teas and their delicious selection of homemade cakes and baked goods. Naturally, the only way to do this properly is by ordering English breakfast tea, accompanied by scones with fresh cream and jam. If you’ve never had this before, prepare to have your world changed.

    Sleep Well

    There are plenty of fancy hotels throughout London, many of which belong to big international chains and can seem a little soulless. Set in an old 17th Century Victorian mansion, the Nadler Boutique Hotel on Carlisle Street is an affordable and attractive hotel that has done away with the fancy gyms and restaurants, in order to create a more intimate hotel that has maintained its style and comfort without tacking on a devastating price tag.

  9. The Best Way to Book Trains in Europe

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    So, you’ve decided to travel around Europe by train. You know you’ll get some spectacular views of the continent as you whizz through its countryside. It’s likely that at least one of these journeys will end up being the highlight of your trip. Now all you need to work out is how to turn your vision into a reality.

    Booking train tickets is easy. Making sure you get the best deal when you book your tickets can be a little trickier. But, getting cheap train tickets that suit you is far from impossible. You just need to know how to go about doing it. Here is our quick and easy guide on the different ways to book train tickets and the pros and cons of each method.

    Booking Through an Agent

    Booking through an agent comes with the benefit of knowing that everything is going to be sorted for you. Simply tell your agent where you want to go and just like magic your tickets will appear in front of you. This means you can save your energy and stress level for other things on your trip. You also don’t need to worry about translating obscure websites or booking the wrong thing.

    The disadvantage of booking through an agent is usually the price. Agents will charge a commission for their service and there is no guarantee they will book the cheapest tickets in the first place. This means that your bill could end up larger than you anticipated. Another downside of using an agent is that you relinquish some control over your bookings. Sure, you give your order to the agent, but you won’t have the opportunity to browse options yourself.

    Booking Online

    For those who want to plan things in advance and retain complete control over their vacation, booking online yourself is the best option. You will be able to pick a time and price that suits you. You might even be tempted to change destination once you see how cheap other places are to get to. The freedom to browse should not be underestimated.

    If you plan on booking online then be aware of this pitfall. Not all websites will offer you the same price. Local train companies of the country you intend to visit will have their own websites and these websites will offer you the best deals. If you go elsewhere you could end up paying 3-4x more than the ticket is actually worth. Plus you might have to pay delivery costs to have your ticket sent to you. Be smart when you book and you’ll save yourself a bundle of cash.

    Booking at the Station

    There is something to be said for leaving it to chance and booking your ticket on the day you want to travel or the day before at your departure station. This offers you a lot more freedom than booking online in advance as it allows you to be spontaneous. You can wake up in the morning and ask yourself: “where do I want to go today?” There is something deeply liberating about this.

    But, leaving it until the day you want to travel to book your ticket comes with two potential problems. The first is that there might not be any free seats left on the train you want to board. This means you’ll have to wait however many days it takes for a seat to become available. The second is that often tickets bought on the day of travel are more expensive. This could cause problems for individuals travelling on a tight budget.

    Train travel is a beautiful thing and can be an exhilarating experience if done properly. Work out which option suits you best and get ready for the vacation of a lifetime.

  10. Top 5 Spots for a Weekend Break in Europe

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    Whether the sun is shining or the icy winter winds are whipping at your face, there is never a bad time for a weekend break. Europe is blessed geographically as it contains dozens of countries within close proximity of one another. This means you can travel between nations quickly and easily so a weekend is all you need to experience the place. Ok, maybe a long weekend.

    Here are some of the top places on the continent for a weekend getaway. Leave Friday morning and come back Sunday and make sure your weekend is packed with as much adventure as possible. But, be warned: your Monday blues may be even worse than usual.

    Amsterdam

    There is nothing quite like strolling around the narrow canals that carve through the city of Amsterdam. The water, flanked by beautiful old houses, glistens in the sunlight and leads wanderers through some of Amsterdam’s most delightful areas. Walking through the city is an activity in itself but if you need more stimulation there are numerous museums, galleries and parks to explore.

    Paris

    Paris is one of the world’s most popular destinations – and with good reason. The city is peppered with iconic landmarks, not least the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Arc de Triomphe. Once you’ve taken in your fill of famous monuments, direct your attention to some of the city’s bustling parks and cultural areas, including the Jardin de Tuileries and the Marais, where you might just find the best falafel you’ve ever eaten.

    Venice

    Nowhere can beat Venice when it comes to aesthetics. Often considered the most beautiful city in the world, Venice will blow you away. Everywhere you look is yet more outstanding architecture to ogle at or a shot that would be oh-so perfect for your Instagram. From your vantage point of a gondola along one of the canals, the city is your muse. Once you’re back on dry land, explore the narrow streets and take in a gallery or two to see exactly why Italy is the cradle of modern civilisation.

    Barcelona

    Barcelona is where people go when they want the buzz of a modern, thriving city, but also a beach to lounge on in the afternoons. It is a metropolis with an easy escape route to nature. Of course, that is not the only appeal of Barcelona, but it is a big swaying factor. Other points of interest in the city include the breath-taking Sagrada Familia Cathedral and the Casa Milà, both of which were designed by the legendary artist Gaudí. On top of all of this, you’ll find plenty of quirky bars serving jugs of sangria and bowls of tapas. What’s not to love?

    Budapest

    And now for something a little different. Sitting in Central Europe, Budapest is notably different to the West Europe cities mentioned so far. The most striking thing about Budapest is how cheap it is. Your money will go a long way in this wonderful city. Take a boat ride along the Danube that cuts through the city, dividing the regions of Buda and Pest. From here you will be able to take in the magnificent Houses of Parliament as well as Buda Castle. When you’re ready for a bit of rest and relaxation, the Szechenyi Thermal Baths should be your first port of call.