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5 Things You Need to Know About the Trans-Siberian Railway

December 16, 2019 9:00 am Leave a Comment

If you don’t like the idea of a scenic train journey through one of the most fascinating stretches of land on the planet, look away now. If, on the other hand, you think that taking a ride along the world’s longest railway would be an incredible experience, stay with me.

Running for 9,289km, the railway connects the Russian capital Moscow with Vladivostok, in the far east of Russia. The railway also branches off across the border and into Mongolia, China, and North Korea. For a handful of adventurous people, riding the Trans-Siberian Railway is a bucket list experience. Indeed, the train journey is a holiday in itself, taking the best part of a week to travel from one end to the other.

Has your curiosity been piqued? Would you like to know more about this iconic railway? Here are five things you should know before you go.

You Need to Have a Plan

Unlike most destinations, which welcome spontaneity, riding the Trans-Siberian Railway requires meticulous planning and forethought. First you need to sort out your Russian visa, which is no small task. Secondly, you need to get your tickets and know where you want to stop off along the way. Thirdly, this is a serious beast of a journey and you want to have plenty of time to enjoy it. Chances are you will spend at least six days on the train so ideally you want one to two days off the train for every day you spend on it.

The Food is Pretty Good But You Should Still Take Snacks

Train food doesn’t have the best reputation and Russia is hardly a culinary capital so it figures that Russian train food is going to be pretty bad. Fortunately, most people are surprised at what the Trans-Siberian Railway dishes up. Meals are basic but edible and they don’t cost an arm and a leg. You can usually get a starter and a main for around £25. Nevertheless, stock up on crisps, fruit, biscuits and nuts whenever you can because you’re going to get peckish and you won’t always want train food.

There Is a Big Difference Between the Carriage Classes

If you are on a tight budget you might want to rethink your plans. Travelling in third class on the Trans-Siberian Railway for six days is going to be uncomfortable. On the first night it might feel like an adventure but by the third night it will feel more like fresh hell. First class is ideal, but second class is satisfactory if you’re not willing to splash out quite that much.

You Can Ride the Train All Year Round – But Summer Is Best

The train runs throughout the year but if you want the best experience you should go during the summer months. From June until September you will have long days and plenty of sunlight so you can gaze out of the window and enjoy uninhibited views of the Russian countryside. Sunny weather also makes for more pleasant exploring when you disembark the train at your stop-off points.

You Can Carry On Into Mongolia or China But Plan it in Advance

If six days on a train through Russia isn’t enough for you, you can extend your journey into China or Mongolia. You can get a 72 hour visa for Mongolia if you are riding the Trans-Mongolian Railway but you will need to show proof of onward travel and your visa for the next country. If you plan on going into China then you will need to organise your Chinese visa well in advance.

Everything You Need to Know Before You Go to India

December 10, 2019 9:00 am Leave a Comment

India is one of the world’s most fascinating destinations. Home to ancient mysteries, outstanding natural beauty, and some of the best food you’ll ever taste, there’s every reason to add the country to your bucket list. While there’s no doubt your trip to India will be unforgettable, we want to make sure that it is memorable for good reasons. India may be a wonderful place to visit, but that doesn’t make it an easy travel destination.

Take a look at our guide that will give you a head’s up as to what you should know before you go.

India is REALLY Big

It is very easy, when looking at India on a map, to make a completely unrealistic travel itinerary. Do not try to cover too much ground on your holiday or you will spend the entire time travelling and barely any time enjoying the places you visit. Pick one or two states and stick to them.

You Will Probably Get Sick

The food in India is spicy and food hygiene levels are lower than what you are used to. This won’t kill you, but it will probably make you sick at some point. Stock up on diarrhoea tablets and antibiotics before you go so Delhi Belly doesn’t defeat you.

Women Should Cover Up

It’s sexist and out-dated but if you are a western woman travelling through India you need to cover up. Foreign women already attract a lot of unwanted attention so you don’t want to make it worse by flaunting your bare skin. What’s more, India is a conservative country so it is more respectful to the local culture not to wear anything tight or revealing.

Get Used to Having Your Photo Taken

An Indian family may ask you if they can take a photo of you with their children or something along those lines. Don’t be freaked out – this happens all the time, particularly in more rural areas where they aren’t used to foreigners. It might seem odd, but it is completely harmless so unless you’re really against your photo being taken, just smile and go along with it.

People Will Try to Scam You

If you had enough money to fly all the way to India, the presumption is you have a few dollars to spare on an inflated price. You can’t blame the locals for trying, but don’t let yourself be scammed. Ask taxis and tuktuks to put the meter on before you get in the vehicle and fine-tune your haggling.

Confidence is Everything

You might be used to being super polite and smiling when you want something done, but in India this can be interpreted as a sign of weakness. In Indian culture, confidence is key and the more assertive you are, the more seriously you will be taken – especially if you are a woman.

The Culture Shock is Real

Whether you are a first-time traveller or a seasoned pro, India will shock you. Delhi is one of the craziest cities in the world and Mumbai has a wealth divide that will leave your jaw on the floor. There’s no way around culture shock, so just open your mind and your heart and be prepared for anything. This will be the most exciting adventure of your life if you let it.

5 Spots to Check Out on Your Guatemala Vacation

9:00 am Leave a Comment

You closed your eyes, spun the globe on your desk and planted your finger down on Guatemala. Now, you have no choice but to book flights there for your Guatemala Vacation. Or maybe you did something more normal like read a few blogs that said how great it was and let them influence you. However you ended up getting there, the important thing is that you are going to Guatemala and if you’re not already excited, this article should do the trick.

Guatemala has been gaining popularity as a tourist destination for a while now, attracting backpackers and spiritual wanderers from around the world. If you’re ready to learn what all the fuss is about, make sure to add these five places on to your Guatemala itinerary.

Antigua

Undoubtedly the most beautiful city in the entire country, Antigua is an explosion of culture and colour. Colonial architecture in pastel yellows, pinks, and blues lines the streets, while the main plaza boasts a gorgeous cathedral, fountain, and countless street vendors selling shaved ice and other sweet treats. In the distance, beyond the city, you’ll see the smouldering peaks of volcanoes casting shadows over the bustling markets and eclectic museums.

Tikal

Guatemala’s most impressive collection of ruins, Tikal is a must-see, regardless of whether or not you’re a history buff. These crumbling temples are surrounded by thick swathes of jungle, filled with birds, monkeys, and all kinds of other animals. From the top of Tikal Temple 4 you can enjoy panoramic views of the entire site. In fact, this view is so breath-taking, George Lucas included it in one of the Star Wars films.

Semuc Champey

When it comes to natural beauty, few places on earth can compete with Semuc Champey. Hidden within a forest is a collection of natural pools that cascade down from one to the next. The water is a vibrant turquoise colour that glints in the sun and you can easily spend an entire day splashing around in it. If you want to work up a sweat before you go for a dip, climb to the top of the look out point (the mirador) and admire the pools from an aerial vantage point.

El Boqueron Canyon

If you’re the kind of traveller who likes to get off the beaten path and escape the crowds, don’t miss El Boqueron. There are very few guides online about this place as it remains relatively undiscovered. This tranquil canyon is unrivalled in its beauty and offers visitors the opportunity to swim, explore caves, and take boat rides along the Rio Dulce that runs through it. The best part is, you don’t need a guide or tour group to visit the canyon, simply organise for a driver to bring you and pick you up.

Lake Atitlan

In contrast with El Boqueron, Lake Atitlan is probably the most popular tourist spot in Guatemala. The vast lake and its surrounding mountains and volcanoes make for some extraordinary photo ops, while the lake itself shimmers endlessly. Take a kayak out onto the water or explore the Mayan villages that flank its shores to make the most of your experience here.

Tag Archive: adventure