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Tag Archive: travel

  1. 10 International Foods That Only the Bravest Stomachs Can Handle

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    Secrets of a First Class Traveller

    One of the most exciting things about travelling is being able to sample all kinds of exotic, international dishes. No doubt during your time on the road you will across some weird and wonderful food and been equally curious and gross out by it. In general, when you eat gross food you will hate it at the time, but love it in the years to come as it makes for an excellent anecdote. In fact, the grosser the food, the better the story.

    Of course, there’s always the possibility you might really like this strange dish you’ve been presented with. In which case it is win-win – good food and a cool story. So, if you’re ready to toughen up your stomach and try someone of the world’s most interesting food, take a look at this list for some inspiration on what to eat.

    Shirako, Japan

    Trust the Japanese to come up with this revolting dish. Shirako is the sperm sack or a cod, puffer fish or angler fish. It is gooey and white and looks a bit like a tiny brain.

    Balut, the Philippines

    Utterly stomach-churning, this dish is a fertilised duck egg containing a partially developed duck foetus. You’re supposed to crack a little hole in the shell and slurp out the juice before eating the rest of the foetus.

    A-Ping, Cambodia

    A-Ping is a deep fried tarantula, need I say more. These bizarre snacks are dirt cheap and pack a lot of protein if you can get past the fact that you are eating a huge spider. Eat the crispy legs first and then dig into the gooey body. Yum?

    Cuy, Peru

    Did you ever have a guinea pig as a pet as a child? If so, you might want to look away right now. Cuy is a national delicacy in Peru and is simply a roasted whole guinea pig. There’s not a lot of meat on it and it has a very strong game-y taste and the Peruvians love it.

    Sannakji, South Korea

    This dish is highly controversial and requires a young, live octopus to be chopped into small pieces and served up on a plate. When the plate arrives at the table, the octopus pieces are still wriggling around and the strong suckers on the tentacles kill at least six people every year as they choke on them. Enjoy.

    Hákarl, Iceland

    Hákarl is chunks of fermented shark and it is as gross as it sounds. The shark is served in cube-sized pieces and the smell it gives off is comparable to a mixture of cleaning products and urine.

    Casu Marzu, Italy

    A sheep’s milk cheese has its hard crust cut away after 3 weeks of curing so that flies can come and lay their eggs in it. The eggs hatch and the larvae eat the cheese and excrete it back out. We then eat the cheese, maggots and all.

    Blood Soup, Thailand

    Guess what the main ingredient of blood soup is. That’s right: blood! Pig’s blood to be precise. It isn’t the most sanitary dish on this list but it is definitely one of the best for anecdote fodder.

    Escargot, France

    Everyone knows that the French eat snails, but has it ever occurred to you that that is really weird and gross? The snails are usually smothered with garlic and don’t taste too bad so long as you swallow them quickly.

    Escamoles, Mexico

    Not to be confused with guacamole, escamoles are ant eggs. They are often pan fried and served as a topping alongside tacos and omelettes. They have a strange nutty taste and are considered a delicacy.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Top 5 Emerging Travel Destinations

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    Italy, Mexico, Australia, Thailand – these are well-know and much-loved travel destinations that most people either intend to visit or have already ticked off their bucket list. There are a handful of countries that have long been hailed as tourism hotspots. We love them now and we will love them in the future. But, right now, it is time for some other countries to take the limelight.

    2018 is the year of the emerging travel destination. Countries that we previously thought were off limits or not interesting enough to be worth visiting are proving that they are just as capable of captivating our hearts and souls as the big-hitters.

    The following list is five of the hottest emerging travel destinations at the moment. You might not have ever considered visiting them before but it is never too late to change that. Read on, be inspired, and rethink your next vacation destination.

    Rwanda

    For a long time Rwanda was synonymous with genocide and, naturally, this put people off wanting to visit. Nowadays, Rwanda has the fastest growing economy in Central Africa and is just finishing off the process of completely reinventing itself. Those who venture to this tiny African nation will be treated to landscapes that defy description. Lush green jungles, teeming with wild gorillas are the main selling point along with the stunning Lake Kivu and buzzing capital, Kigali.

    Bhutan

    Steeped in mystery, Bhutan remains one of the most untouched nations on earth. This is partly due to its extortionate tourist tax ($250 per person per day) and partly due to the fact that it is forbidden to enter the country without an official guide. However, if your bank balance can stomach the hit, you will be in for one of the most incredible experiences of your life. In Bhutan, ancient monasteries hang from the edges of cliffs and prayer flags speckle the landscape. All the while, the Himalayas loom majestically in the background.

    Mongolia

    It is a shame how few visitors Mongolia gets, but for those who do visit, it is a blessing. As one of the least densely populated countries on earth, Mongolia is ideal for people who want to escape the hubbub of the cities and immerse themselves in nature. Camping is permitted anywhere in Mongolia, so those looking for adventure need only grab a tent and some supplies and start walking. There is no shortage of natural beauty to be found here.

    Montenegro

    Europe is pretty well mapped out, but Montenegro seems to have been left in the dark. However, this tiny country towards the East of the continent is finally starting to get the recognition it deserves. Montenegro is a nation of startling natural beauty with verdant forest stretching down to sparkling coastlines. Simply strolling through one of its medieval villages is enough to utterly enchant you.

    Bolivia

    Often overshadowed by neighbouring Peru and Chile, Bolivia has a lot to offer travellers willing to give it a bit of time. Bolivia’s most popular attraction is its Salar de Uyuni, an immense salt flat located in the Altiplano. But, Bolivia is more than just huge stretches of salt. Sucre, Samaipata, La Paz and Isla del Sol are all definite highlights of this small but diverse country. Whether you want nature or city or something in between, there will be something for you in Bolivia.

  5. Top 5 things for airline travel

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    Flying is without a doubt the worst part of any holiday, but what are the top 5 things that can help for your flight experience? Travel and particularly airline travel is almost always an unavoidable part of going on vacation so we have concocted a list of things that are guaranteed to make your travel experience slightly less terrible. Tuck these five magic items into your carry-on next time your travel and you’ll never dread flying again.

    TravelEssentials

    Travel Pillow

    This is an absolute essential for airline travel no matter how far you’re going. These marvellous inventions wrap around the back of your neck, providing support for your head as you doze off. No more waking up to a crick in your neck or your head flopping down mid-snooze. Even if you’re not planning on sleeping, the extra level of comfort that the travel pillow provides makes it worth using anyway.

    Water

    This might sound obvious but if you’re flying, drink plenty of water. Perhaps one of the most common plights of airline travellers is dry lips, skin and throat so keeping well hydrated will help you avoid looking like a snake by the end of your journey.

    Entertainment

    The majority of modern airlines have TV screens on the back of every seat with a pretty decent collection of films. However, if you really want to enjoy your flight, don’t restrict yourself to the selection of films that the airline provides, fill up your tablet/phone/laptop with your favourite series, films or music and spend the duration of your journey enjoying your own entertainment. Don’t forget to take a portable charger as well to keep your devices functioning throughout the whole flight.

    Flight Socks

    There is a risk, when flying long distances, of contracting deep vein thrombosis, a rather unpleasant condition caused by sitting for prolonged periods of time and the blood in your legs not flowing as it should. In order to reduce the chances of being affected by this, flight socks are essential as they provide your legs with the support they need to keep your blood flowing properly. Of course, you should combine this with regular walks up and down the plane.

    Baby Wipes

    Sitting on a plane for hours on end can leave you feeling groggy and even a little bit unclean. Travel, and particularly airline travel, by all accounts is rarely the most hygienic thing in the world. When you start feeling sweaty or that you might smell a bit, it’s useful to have a packet baby wipes with you to make yourself feel a little bit cleaner. You certainly won’t regret taking them with you.

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  6. How To Complain About A Substandard Hotel Experience

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    There are few things worse than booking the holiday of a lifetime only to have it ruined by substandard hotel service. You’ve got the sun shining, the beach glistening and the cocktails flowing but back in your room it’s a completely different story. Maybe your hotel room is damp or the bathroom looks like it hasn’t seen a cleaning product in far too long, whatever the case, it is important to know your rights and know how to effectively complain about your experience.

    Firstly it is important to know exactly what to expect before you go. Read reviews online and do a bit of research about the hotel before you book. This way you will be able to tell more easily if the hotel is not performing like it should. If you book your hotel as part of a package there is a chance you might be given one of the cheaper rooms, so be sure to clarify this with the agency when making your booking.

    Once you are there it was be very easy to tell if your room is up to standard or not. If you are paying top dollar then you should expect next to perfection. This means everything is clean and comfortable, the room is sound proofed and all the amenities it should have are present and in good working order. As soon as you notice anything not quite right with the room you should report it immediately to the Duty Manager. Do not suffer in silence! You should get what you paid for.

    The majority of the time hotel complaints are dealt with effectively and the issue will either be resolved or you will be offered a different room or financial compensation. If this is the case then your job is done and you can enjoy the rest of your holiday. If, however, the hotel is not co-operating sufficiently then you have a bit more work to do.

    If you cannot resolve your issue at the hotel then you will need to make a formal complaint and submit it in writing. Take the names of the people you communicate with at reception, take photos of everything wrong with your room and make sure to be specific about exactly what was wrong with the hotel room. The more details you provide, the more credible your complaint and the more likely you are to be compensated for your poor experience.

    If you booked your hotel room as part of a package then your first port of call should be the agency through which you booked. You can contact the Association of British Travel Agents if you need more help dealing with this. If you booked the hotel independently then you will need to contact the management of the hotel. It is also worth noting that if you paid for you accommodation on credit card then you should be able to get some assistance from your credit card provider.

    So, in brief, as soon as an issue arises, calmly and politely explain to the management what’s wrong and ask if they are able to fix it. A big smile and a pleasant demeanour are worth their weight in gold in this situation and doesn’t cost a penny so don’t lose your cool until you absolutely have to.

  7. Top 10 Things to do in Miami

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    Top 10 Things to do in Miami

    Welcome to Miami – the hip and happening Floridian city of Cubanos, heady nightclubs and stunning beaches. If you are looking for things to do in Miami then look no further, this ultimate guide will give you the ten must-see Miami attractions to make sure that your visit to the sunny city of the south satisfies your every need.

    1. Chill out on South Beach

    The iconic South Beach is the place to begin your Miami adventure. This long strip of glistening white sand is one of Miami’s most beautiful sights and is filled its most exciting flavors. Watch a game of beach volleyball, envy the super-fit as they roller skate along the promenade or simply sunbathe in your best swimsuit.

    2. Eat a Cubano in Little Havana

    Little Havana is the must-visit neighborhood of Miami. A stone’s throw away from South Beach, Little Havana is home to thousands of Cuban migrants who have made Miami their own. Tuck into a juicy Cubano sandwich, take in the smell of Cuban cigars or watch an intense game of dominoes in Maximo Gomez Park.

    3. Dance in a nightclub

    Miami is known for its extravagant nightlife and non-stop party scene. Whether you want to partner up in a salsa club and take in a live band or experience electronic dance music played by world-famous DJs in super-clubs on South Beach, Miami is the place to do it.

    4. See Art Deco architecture

    Miami is the capital of Art Deco and its Art Deco District is ideal for budding photographers and historians alike. These perfectly-preserved 1930s buildings in their wonderful pastel hues lie in the heart of the modern city and provide some real Miami history.

    5. Shop at Bayside Marketplace

    Miami is world-famous for its shopping malls and Bayside Marketplace is a shopper’s paradise. Located on the Miami Waterfront not only can you purchase some incredible souvenirs, the latest fashions and grab a bite to eat here, but you also get some of the most stunning views of the beach and waterfront.

    6. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

    Step back in time at Miami’s Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, an enormous mansion decorated with priceless exhibits and artifacts. The former home of James Deering, the estate dates back to 1916 and has been an important location for a number of famous events throughout history including a visit by Elizabeth II and the Pope.

    7. Visit the zoo

    Zoo Miami is a unique cageless zoo and the ultimate way to see wild animals in their near-real natural habitats. Ideal for a family day out, the zoo features over 2,000 animals and visitors take a safari track to see them in their open-air environments.

    8. Miami Children’s Museum

    The interactive exhibits on display at the Miami Children’s Museum are state-of-the-art educational and entertainment tools perfect for the whole family. Move seamlessly on a journey of exploration through galleries detailing communication, arts, culture and community.

    9. Dine like a movie star

    For Miami’s best steak and to sit among the ghosts of Hollywood’s greatest stars, including Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland, be sure to book a table at The Forge. Try to time your meal and book a weekly dinner party, which features additional live music and dinner specials.

    10. Take a trip to the Everglades

    The diverse swamp lands of the Everglades are just a short drive from Miami and worth a day trip. Take a guided boat ride through the waters or walk along boardwalks and spot crocodiles, snakes,