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Archive for December, 2009
Websites We Love: Travelzoo.com
Ever have the problem where you know you want to go somewhere but can’t pinpoint exactly where? I know I have! Sometimes I will have time-off work and want to get a great deal on travel. That’s when I click on Travelzoo.com to browse their travel deals.
How it works: Travelzoo.com carefully screens deals and confirms availability and accuracy. These “approved” deals then get posted on Travelzoo.com’s site in the relevant categories. The actual booking transaction is done through the merchant (airline, hotel, travel agent, etc.)
Why We Love It:
-They list deals by city and region to help make the process as easy as possible for the user. If you want to head to Las Vegas, click on that tab and see all relevant deals.
-The ‘Vacation Specials’ is a favorite as I have personally used it to book a trip. My brother and I once found a great deal to Costa Rica for less than $500 per person with airfare at a gorgeous all-inclusive resort in the Guanacaste area. The descriptions are easy to read, price and dates are clear and the merchant offering the deal is prominent.
-They also have a ‘Last Minute Travel’ section which is great if you can leave in the next few weeks or if you decide you want to spend the weekend out of town on a whim.
-Each week, Travelzoo.com publishes a Top 20 list. You can either view it on their website or subscribe to their weekly newsletter.
Written by DIWYY co-founder, Kristina. Email her at Kristina@diwyy.com.
Trip Review: Contiki’s Russia & The Baltic
As told by DIWYY co-founder, Kristina, who traveled with Contiki to Russia, Finland, Estonia and Sweden in June-July 2009.
Tour Operator: Contiki Tours
Trip Name: Russia and The Baltic
Starting/Ending Point: I started in Moscow, Russia but you can choose to extend the trip and begin in Riga, Latvia. The tour ended in Stockholm, Sweden.
Number of Days: 15 days for the extended tour (start in Riga); shave off a few days if you begin in Moscow.
When I went: I took this tour in June-July 2009.
Highlights of trip: I joined the tour in Moscow and enjoyed the sightseeing opportunities of the Russian capital. Contiki offered many optional excursions and most of them were very worthwhile. My favorites included a tour of the Metro (great way to see the city) and a guided tour of the Kremlin. Additionally, we spent time exploring the Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral and Statue Park. In St. Petersburg, the highlights were The Hermitage Museum (home of a vast Faberge egg collection), a night at the Russian ballet and a canal cruise (all were optional excursions).
You have a long day of driving into Finland but it is all worth it when you embark on the beautiful, harbor-front city of Helsinki. The hotel Contiki used for this tour, Scandic Grand Marina Hotel, was great and offered many amenities like computers in the lobby, on-site laundry and free bikes to take out for the day. The city is very safe and easy to navigate. All you need is a daypack and a sense of adventure to explore this city on foot. From here, you can also opt to do an optional excursion to Tallinn, Estonia. The ferry ride is only a few hours each way and the old town of Tallinn is fun to explore.
Lastly, we ventured to Stockholm, Sweden via an overnight ferry. The included accommodations were in a suburb called Bromma. Since it was outside the city center, we used the Metro to get back and forth to the main parts of the town. While you’re here, be sure to explore the Vasa Museum and take a walk or bike ride along the waterfront.
What I wish I would have brought with:
-a Russian-English dictionary (English is not readily spoken and it can come in handy in many situations. Rest assured, English is widely spoken in Finland and Sweden).
-More reading material (There are some long bus rides. Bring a few books and magazines and swap with your new friends on the tour).
-A nicer outfit and dressier shoes for the Russian ballet.
-An eye mask to wear for sleeping. Since I was there in the peak of summer, we had almost 20 hours of daylight and hotels without black-out curtains.
Tips for future travelers: The base Contiki price includes the basics like accommodations, transportation and some meals/excursions. On this tour, like most Contiki trips, there will be a lot of optional excursions to choose from. You will get a description and a price list prior to departure so you can budget accordingly. Select the things you really want to do and if there is something that isn’t your cup of tea, don’t be afraid to opt out and spend the day exploring on your own or in a smaller group.
Would you like to write a review of a trip you have taken? Email kristina@diwyy.com.
Been on Contiki’s Russia & The Baltic? Add your tips and suggestions in the comments field.
Websites We Love: Kayak.com
I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and have three major airports at my fingertips. While San Jose International is my preferred as it is closest to home, it doesn’t have the frequency of flights or destinations that neighboring San Francisco International and Oakland International have. So, I often wonder if I should pick one over another for a myriad of reasons including flight time, number of connections and airline. Before, I used to have to conduct each search manually on the airline’s website but not anymore, thanks for an awesome site called Kayak.com.
Why I love Kayak.com
-The initial search is easy to use and pretty standard – pick your cities and dates and check the boxes to consider nearby airports and flexible dates.
-Once your search results are up, you can filter even more. Don’t like flying on prop planes? You can uncheck that box and stick with larger aircraft. Want to avoid a red-eye flight? There’s a box to remove all of those flights. You can even use their scroll-bar functions to find flights with desired take-off time, landing time and lay-over time. I think they have thought of everything!
-My personal favorite search option is under ‘Airline’. All airlines serving your desired route will appear but you can uncheck the boxes of airlines you would like to remove from the results. You can also search by airline alliance to ensure you are earning frequent flyer miles on your favorite airline (or a partner airline).
-The website also can do searches for hotels, car rentals, cruises and vacations so, not matter what you need, Kayak.com can help!
-Best of all, Kayak.com is free to use!
Written by DIWYY co-founder, Kristina. Email her at kristina@diwyy.com.
Destination Details: St. John, US Virgin Islands
As told by DIWYY co-founder, Jerri, who previously lived and worked in the Caribbean.
When I went: I lived there while working on a yacht from November 2004 to March 2005 and have been there a few times since on other yachts I was working on. This is the peak season for travelers since hurricane season is mostly over and it’s winter in the Northern Hemisphere so lots of snowbirds are coming down to the Caribbean to get away from the cold weather.
How I Got There: Most of the times I got there by boat. Once we sailed there from Key West and it took about 5 days. Another time I went I flew to St. Thomas’s Cyril E. King airport (STT) from Miami on American Airlines and then took the ferry from St. Thomas’s, Charlotte Amalie dock to Cruz Bay in St. John.
Where I stayed: Well, I lived on a 110′ Palmer Johnson Ketch moored in Honeymoon Bay, St. John. We had to take the tender into Cruz Bay to get on land. Since St. John is a small island covered mostly by a national park, lodging options are pretty limited. They range from high end hotels like Caneel Bay and Westin, privately owned villas, to eco-tents on campgrounds like Maho.
Things to do: St. John is famous for the Virgin Islands National Park which takes up about 60% of the island including the coral reefs and ocean offshore. There are a lot of hiking trails with beautiful views of the Caribbean. Ruins from the old sugar plantations are a must see. Scuba diving and sailing are extremely popular, of course, all around the island. Mongoose Junction in Cruz Bay has excellent shopping and some consider it to be like the Beverly Hills of the Caribbean. There are plenty of excellent restaurants around the island as well as the the infamous walk-up shacks where you can get a Caribbean favorite, the Roti. Odd fact: There aren’t any movie theaters in St. John. If you wanna catch the newest flicks you’d have to ferry over to St. Thomas. Don’t worry, you’ll still find plenty of other things to do.
How I got around: It’s pretty easy to catch a taxi in the main areas of St. John like Cruz Bay and your hotel can always call one for you. If you’re going to be there for a while you can also rent a car but they’re super expensive. If you don’t plan on driving much, your best bet is just taking a taxi. While romantic and adventurous, scooters aren’t really safe or recommended because of the hilly terrain. You can also walk around in places like Cruz Bay.
Language tips: Since it’s the United States Virgin Islands everyone will speak English but there are different languages spoken on the island from Spanish to French Creole. Be prepared. They speak pretty fast there so you’ll probably be asking them to repeat themselves.
What To Bring: You don’t need any long sleeves or really any long pants (unless maybe you have some light linen pants) so don’t even use up that space in your luggage. You’ll need your swimsuit, shorts, t-shirts, dresses for women, some button down shirts or polo shirts for men, flip flops/sandles and tennis shoes if you plan to go hiking and probably a hat for protection from that tropical sun. If you know you’re going to a nice restaurant try and find out in advance if they have a dress code. Most don’t have formal dress codes anymore but it’s good to know just in case. It’s very unlikely that you’ll ever need heels. And bring plenty of sunblock!
Other advice for someone wanting to go to this location: Just like any other place you travel, remember to stay safe. While the Caribbean is as close to paradise as you can get, it is not crime free. Never walk anywhere alone at night. Make sure you always have a trusted friend with you at all times and let people know where you are going.
Email Jerri at jerri@diwyy.com. Have more questions about the Caribbean? Visit the DIWYY forums and let the discussion begin!
Healthy Eating at all Altitudes
For some reason, the airport used to be like a caloric black hole for me. I would tell myself that calories and fat grams didn’t exist in the terminal. While I get the temporary satisfaction of McDonald’s french fries or an ice cream sundae, I usually end up feeling lethargic and full. I recently adopted a new plan to help break this pattern by making smarter decisions and planning ahead a little more. Here is an overview of my strategy.
BEFORE THE AIRPORT:
-Eat a small snack or meal at home before you leave. If you end up waiting in long lines for check-in or security, at least you will have a little fuel in your body. My favorite picks? A sandwich, pasta, soup or fruit (apples and bananas).
-I grab an empty plastic or stainless steel water bottle and throw it in my carry-on bag for filling after I pass through security (so I adhere to the TSA’s 3-1-1 rules for liquids).
AT THE AIRPORT:
-If you arrived at the airport early, use it as an opportunity to walk around and get some exercise in before the forced sitting begins. During this time, either buy bottled water or use the water fountain to fill-up the plastic or stainless steel container you brought with.
-In search of a meal? Try to find a light yet filling combination like a green salad with grilled chicken, a healthy sandwich with a cup of soup or another low-fat option.
-In more of a snack mood? I eat six small meals throughout the day and like to continue this pattern during travel too (which can be challenging but is worth the effort!). Instead of a larger items, I’ll try to find a fruit cup, yogurt parfait, air-popped popcorn or frozen yogurt.
-I always have an emergency supply of snacks in my bag. I can’t travel without Luna Bars, Fiber One Peanut Butter bars and Planter’s Trail Mix.
ON THE AIRPLANE:
-These days, you never know whether your in-flight meal consists of a bag of peanuts or a full meal (yes, they still exist—check out Continental Airlines). Check your airline’s website or your air itinerary for what the meal policy is. If you do have an option, do know that you can easily request a special meal from a list of over fifteen choices including low-fat, low-calorie, low-sodium or vegetarian, among others. Another perk of ordering a special meal: your food comes out first!
-If you find a good ‘grab and go’ option in the terminal, feel free to bring it on-board. Sandwiches work great in this situation.
-Also have items from your emergency snack supply in hand.
What are your airport staples? What snacks do you pack in your bag? Post them here to share with other readers.
Written by Kristina, DIWYY founder. Email her at kristina@diwyy.com
Destination Details: Iguassu Falls
As told by DIWYY co-founder, Kristina, who traveled to Iguassu Falls in October 2009.
My name is Kristina and my friend’s name is Kristina too. Collectively, we are the Stinas. When work told us to take a few days off, we happily obliged and headed south to South America. The final stop on our journey was Iguassu Falls, a beautiful waterfall situated on the border of Brazil and Argentina, which we recommend as a key stop on your journey to the continent.
When We Went: We traveled in October 2009 which was good for a few reasons – it is “shoulder season” so it was not crowded and the weather was decent for the most part, except for one of the days, where hurricane-like winds, thunder, lightning, and torrential downpour came to visit for a few hours. We survived (see photo) in our awesome ponchos.
How We Got There: From Rio de Janeiro, we hoped on TAM, a Brazilian carrier, to fly into Foz do Iguaçu International Airport (IGU).
Getting Around: We had pre-arranged airport transfers and group tours but, if we went again, we would just take taxis around town. Taxis are readily available at the airport and there are several good hotels in the city centre to stay in. Once you are at your hotel, you can easily arrange transport to both Parque Nacional do Iguaçu (Brazilian side) and Parque Nacional Iguazú (Argentina side).
Where We Stayed: We booked a room at the Best Western Galli Falls Hotel which was a decent hotel with clean rooms, a large pool, and lots of additional amenities (Internet, restaurant, massage, etc.). Another nearby hotel to consider is the Mercure Grand Internacional Foz in the city center. And if you have some extra funds, check out the Sheraton Iguazú Resort & Spa located in the heart of Iguazú National Park (Argentina side) with a view of the falls.
Things To Do: Besides visiting the two parks, you can also visit the Itaipu Dam which is the largest generator of hydro-electric power in the world. The other main attraction in the area is shopping. There is duty free shopping in Puerto Iguazú, Argentina and you can also venture over the border to Ciudad del Este in Paraguay for tax-free shopping. For the latter, the main finds are clothing and electronics.
What To Bring: Regardless of what season you go in, expect to get wet either from the falls or the occasional rain shower. Bring a poncho to save yourself $10 USD. Be sure to keep the rest of your belongings dry by putting them in a water-resistant bag. Since you’ll need your passport to cross the border between parks, bring a Ziploc baggie to keep your passport in. Large plastic storage bags will help keep your wallet, camera, cell phone, and other belongings dry.
Language Tip: Since you are on the border of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay, you will be able to get by with either Portuguese or Spanish in most situations. Bring a phrasebook to help you out.
Would you like to contribute a piece about a destination you have visited? Contact kristina@diwyy.com for more details.
Kristina on the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls.
Staying Healthy Abroad: Creating a Travel First Aid Kit
Anytime I travel, I create a small first aid kit so I have all the necessary supplies at my fingertips. This is especially useful when my travels take me off the beaten path locations where a drugstore is most definitely not around the corner. Whether it is a scratch, a blister, or hay fever, my kit always has me covered.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or medical professional so please speak with someone who is to find the best over-the-counter or prescription remedies for your kit.
What do I bring?
1. Band-aids — I grab various sizes and shapes to cover all types of injuries, especially some of the larger, “knuckle” band-aids which work great for shielding blisters on the back of your foot. Moleskin (sold at drugstores) also works great for blisters.
2. Neosporin – Either a small tube or the individual packets.
3. Antiseptic wipes – If I do get a scratch, I can use these individually-wrapped wipes to clean the area before applying Neosporin and a band-aid.
4. Aloe Vera gel – If time in the sun is on your agenda, bring a small tube of aloe with in case of sunburn.
5. Headache/Pain Relief medication – a small tube will suffice in case of a headache or muscle pain.
6. Stomach Remedies – I always have a small container of Antacid (Tum’s) and Anti-diarrhea medicine (which I only use if I am in a situation without close access to a bathroom).
7. Allergy/Hay Fever medication – I don’t normally have allergies but usually pack Benadryl (or its generic equivalent) as I sometimes will experience mild allergies as I adjust to the pollen/plant life of a new destination.
8. Hydrocortisone cream – Something to help if you get a skin rash.
9. Tweezers – in the event of a splinter.
10. Motion Sickness medication – If you are susceptible to air, sea, or car sickness, add a box to your kit.
Depending on my destination, I may visit my doctor to get a prescription for an antibiotic (Cipro is a common choice among travelers) and/or a Malaria prophylaxis (Malarone is one of the most popular brands). It’s nice to have the Cipro on hand in case a pharmacy is not in close proximity and you come down with a nasty bug. Be sure to reference the Center for Disease Control’s website for more information on staying healthy abroad and a quick guide to when you will need to get Malaria medicine (based on your destination).
Also, worth noting, if you are bringing any prescription medicine with, bring it in its original container that was labeled by the pharmacist. This will hopefully alleviate any concerns if your bag is checked at your destination or a border crossing.
Do you have other items you include in your travel first aid kit? Post them here to share with other readers.
Be also sure to register on the Do It While You’re Young forums to swap travel advice with other readers. Sign-up and post before December 15, 2009 and be eligible for our raffle for a $25 Amazon.com gift card!
Destination Details: Queenstown, New Zealand
As told by DIWYY reader, Kylie, who has traveled to Queenstown from her native Australia in 2005, 2006, and 2008
Where she stayed: On the first visit we stayed a hotel, Crowne Plaza Queenstown. On the next two occasions we stayed at The Glebe Apartments, a five star apartment. The apartment is the best option as it gives you the opportunity to have separate bedrooms, kitchen facilities to save on eating out constantly, laundry facilities to do washing and is much more comfortable then a hotel. For 10 nights we paid approximately NZ$700 each (3 people). There are much cheaper options for houses, units, apartments, hotels, hostels and backpacker lodges.
Kylie’s recommendations for things to do: We were in New Zealand to enjoy the skiing and snowboarding. The main mountains close to Queenstown are Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Cardrona. There are buses that leave from Queenstown to each mountain everyday for a cost of about $20 round-trip.
Ski hire is simple and is found both in town and on the mountain. If you hire in town, you will find that you can negotiate rates depending on the number in your group and also the period of time you are looking to hire for. You can also hire on the mountains, but we always find it better in town – they will usually throw other stuff in.
There is so much more to do in New Zealand then ski. We managed to fit in the few times we have been there:
1. Canyon Swing: This takes bunjee jumping to a new level. It is a 109 metre drop and then a 200 metre swing up a canyon over the Shotover River. Not for the faint hearted.
2. Shotover Jetboating: A high speed power boat race that takes you through the canyons of the Shotover River at speeds of approximately 85km per hour.
3. Winery Tour in Central Otago: This was a 5 hour trip which took us to wineries in the area, which is famous for its Pinot Noir. The trip we opted for catered for a small group only, was informative, fun and included lunch at a winery. There are multiple tour companies.
4. Onsen Hot Pools: A relatively new addition to Queenstown. Perfect for a day after skiing. They are situated on a ridge looking over the Shotover River. They have a retractable roof so you can enjoy the views and snow whilst relaxing in the pools.
5. Old Cromwell Town: A historic town about an hour from Queenstown. Not an exciting town and probably not worth the trip unless you are already out there on a winery tour.
6. Arrowtown: Another historic town, which is a little more appealing than Old Cromwell Town. Cute gift shops and cafes.
7. Wanaka: Second, smaller ski town in the area. It is about 1.5 hour drive from Queenstown. Not much to do there. Home of Treble Cone and the more serious skiers.
8. Skyline gondola and luge: On top of the mountain looking over the town. There are great views of the town, there is a restaurant and the most fun is the luge! A race track for those seeking a rush of adrenaline.
9. Coronet paragliding: This is absolutely amazing. A 5,400ft take off from the snow peaks! Literally takes you breath away not only seeing the views from this height, but also the trip down itself.
10. Endless nightlife options: the best include Winnies, Bardeaux, Pig and Whistle, and Barup. There are also bars which kickstart at 2am including Tardis and Debargo.
11. Ferburger Restaurant: This biggest must in Queenstown, the biggest and best burgers in the whole world. The crowd can be about three deep at the counter, even at 4am, but it is worth the wait.
Getting around Queenstown: The first time we visited Queenstown, we hired a car for one day only. The following visits we did not even bother. There are buses to each mountain each day leaving from the main part of town. The average cost is about $25 round-trip. Each other activity that we enjoyed included a shuttle to pick you up and take you to the location of the adventure.
Queenstown itself is quiet small and you can get everywhere in town on foot. On the colder nights, you can easily find a cab and given the small size of Queenstown can get home from $5-$10.
One final word from Kylie: Go with a very open mind and ready to have the extreme sport time of you life!
Top 10 Reasons Why Bananas Are the Best Travel Food
1. They contain three natural sugars (sucrose, fructose and glucose) which when combined with fiber, gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout (or a long walking tour of your favorite European city!)
2. Bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier. So, if you’re on vacation, we reckon you’ll be twice as relaxed and twice as happy.
3. Spending the day in museums soaking up all the knowledge your brain can hold? Grab a banana first! Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist in learning by making you more alert
4. No one talks about this but you know this is a common travel issue: constipation. High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.
5. Too much partying last night? Make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
6. Have the spices of countries like Thailand, India, and Mexico caught up with you and are causing you heartburn? Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
7. Heading to the tropics? If your bug repellant fails and you do get bit, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
8. Nervous flyer? Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.
9. Hopefully your trips abroad won’t stress you out but, if they do, grab this potassium-rich fruit. Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body’s water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.
10. Bananas are readily available most places in the world and make a great addition to any meal or snack. Head to the grocery store and get a bunch for just a few cents. Whether you’re at home or away, be sure to pack your Banana Saver to keep your fruit fresh and protected!
Order your Banana Saver today. Just $3.95 with additional discounts if you order more than one at a time. Makes a great, inexpensive, and practical holiday gift or stocking stuffer!
Also, be sure to become a fan of Banana Saver on Facebook!
