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Destination Details: Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Steamboat Springs is coined “Ski Town USA” for a good reason! Not only does Steamboat offer world-class skiing with sought-after champagne powder snow, but the town has produced more Olympians than any other town. Need another reason to visit? There is more fun to be had in the summer, too!
Getting There: Steamboat Springs is located in the north western portion of Colorado, so you have a few methods of transportation to get you there. In the winter, many tourists fly into Denver International Airport (DIA) first, and then catch a small plane up to the Hayden Airport (HDN). From Hayden, it is roughly a 30-40 minute drive to Steamboat (weather dependent!)
Destination Details: La Paz, Bolivia
Getting There: Travelers can easily arrive to La Paz (LPB) by airplane as airline carriers such as American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Airlines all fly into this high-altitude city. Remember that La Paz (LPB) sits at 3660 meters, so airfare tickets often reflect this elevation in their high prices. South American airlines also fly into Aeropuerto El Alto, and prices rarely vary between carriers. If you’re looking for the most inexpensive domestic carrier, try TAM Airlines first.
Destination Details: Florence, Italy
As told by Suzy Guese who studied abroad in Florence and also visited again in summer 2009. Read more from Suzy on her blog.
Getting There: You can easily arrive to Florence by plane. If you fly into Florence Airport (FLR), Aeroporto di Firenze, exiting the terminal, you will see a bus stop on the right. It costs around 5 Euros to take a bus to the main train station, Santa Maria Novella, in the city center. Other airports nearby include the Pisa Airport, Aeroporto Galileo Galilei. Short train rides run from here to the Florence main train station. Pisa services many of the low cost airline carriers, leaving extra room in the travel budget.
You can also arrive by train or bus to the Santa Maria Novella Train Station. Trains connect with most Italian cities like Rome, Venice, Milan and Naples. Even outside of Italy, trains run down to Florence from France, Austria and Germany. Buses travel from more regional cities like Siena and Bologna.
Where To Stay: If you are planning on studying in Florence and looking to get away from the “study abroad” infested city, see if your school will arrange for a home-stay option. At the last minute I decided to do a host family. Not only was this better for my language goals, but also I developed relationships with Florentines who now seem like family.
If you are just visiting, staying in the historic city center can be pricey in spring and summer. The benefit is that you are right in the city’s heart. Couchsurfing options, hostels, and hotels can all be found throughout Florence. For a bit more peace and quiet, book a pensione on the other side of the River Arno, away from the main attractions. This side of the river has a more local feel.
How To Get Around: If you have two feet that function, you won’t need a bus or taxi to get around. This is one aspect to Florence I love. You can always walk, as the city is so compact. Many of the main attractions are all within a five minutes walk of each other. In other words, save your money and walk. Not only will you burn off that pizza and gelato, but also you never know what side street you might stumble upon for that Renaissance snapshot.
There are buses that travel from one point of the historic center to the other, provided by Florence’s main bus company ATAF. They look more like toy buses, bright orange and usually carting a few little old ladies.
Where To Dine: Florence is supposedly the birthplace of the cool, sweet goodness that is gelato. Some of my favorites, tried and tested far too many times, include Grom and Vivoli.
If gelato is not enough (it is for me), I recommend Baldovino’s pizza. Their prices are extremely reasonable and I love the location, just along the side of the Santa Croce church. Trattoria Quattro Leoni is another delicious restaurant in the city. While it is expense, if I could choose a last meal, it may be here. Dishes taste impeccable and it even bears a history, serving Florentines way back in 1550. Due Fratelli is an insignificant sandwich stand in between the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio with great simple panini around 2 euros a piece. For desserts, head to Hemingway. The crepes, milkshakes and cocktails here do almost taste sinful.
Landmarks To See: Landmarks may be Florence’s middle name. The city has a few handfuls. From the famed Brunelleschi’s Duomo to the picturesque Ponte Vecchio, the city is crawling with visions of the Renaissance. I recommend climbing the 400 some steps to the top of the Duomo. The 360 degree view of Florence makes you appreciate just where you are. The main piazzas in the city lend great people watching spots, including Piazza Signoria, Piazza Della Repubblica, and Piazza Santa Croce.
Museums, Museums and More Museums: The head honcho museum in Florence is the Uffizi Gallery. Clouded with lovers of art history, there is something about seeing Boticelli’s Birth of Venus in person that induces chills. The man about town, Michelangelo’s David, has a roof over his head at the Galleria d’Accademia. Walking into the Pitti Palace Museum, the walls are covered with paintings. You look over your shoulder and a Velázquez is mixed in with all the others ever so casually.
Moments with Beauty: My favorite place to read, write or just explore are the Boboli Gardens. The gardens are best in spring when the idealized Renaissance space glows in green and the rose garden is in full blooming Barbie pink.
If you come to Florence with a significant other or just your camera, get cozy with either at Piazzale Michelangelo. The piazza looks over the city, lighting up in bright purples and pinks at sunset. The view is almost unreal, seeming inconceivable that you just traversed such a vision all day.
Language tips: While you will hear Italian, if you look like me, redheaded with pasty white skin, Florentines will speak English to you. I was trying to learn Italian in Florence and found restaurants and cafes generally spoke to me initially in English. Don’t give up. Keep speaking Italian. Eventually they too will give up and help you learn.
General Advice: People often gripe that Florence is so touristy, never giving it a chance to warm up. While the city is incredibly popular in late spring and summer, look beyond the fanny packs and giant maps. By having an open mind, you can get to know locals and uncover the real Florence.
If you are studying abroad, try not to become a bad stereotype. Most think students are just out to get drunk every night at the corner bar. Be aware of the sketch-balls that prey on those in inebriated states. While Florence is generally very safe, no city is safe after 10 shots of Tequila.
Destination Details: London
Written by DIWYY guest writer, Madelyn Fitzpatrick, who is currently residing in London.
Getting There: London has a total of five airports. Heathrow Airport and London City are closest to the city. Gatwick Airport, Stansted Airport and Luton are situated a bit farther out. So if you’re planning a quick side-trip to Barcelona or some other fabulous Euro-destination, be sure your flights depart from Heathrow. Getting from the airport into central London, the express train is always your best bet. View each airports website to find out more. If you’re already in Europe, you can take the UK national rail or Eurostar.
Where to Stay: As is the case with most large European cities, you’ve got three types of lodging to choose from: hostels for the budget conscious, rented apartments for long term stays, and hotels for everyone else. I prefer HostelLondon.com and Hotels.com. Also check out apartment rentals for longer stays on Home From Home or Craigslist.com; you may discover a gem of a place. As long as you’re in Central London, you’re set. If you want to rub elbows with London’s hippest, look for places in the edgy East End: tube stops Camden Town, Islington, Shoreditch, and Angel.
How to Get Around: Taxis are intentionally outrageously expensive to encourage use of public transportation. If you’re planning a big day of sightseeing, a London Travel Card gets you daily access to the two best forms of London transport: buses (mostly double-decker!) and the subway, also known as “the tube” and the London Underground. Grab a London bus route and Underground map at any major station. For travelers new to the city, you should prefer traveling by bus. Bus travel will zip you past many of the London sights that you don’t have time to otherwise explore. When traveling during business rush hour or jaunting clear across town, the London Underground is the obvious choice.
Girls, it’s best to err on the side of caution late at night. Don’t get me wrong, London feels very safe, but take the black/red/yellow certified taxis. Though they are pricier, the drivers know the streets by heart and are 100 percent safer than the tube or minicab.
Where to Dine: London is an absolute melting pot when it comes to cuisine. I’ve heard so many people say London has terrible food, but it’s such a rubber stamp! If it’s your first time to London, find a nice looking pub and order up some fish and chips. I recommend Electric Brasserie in Notting Hill; their fish and chips give every British pub in town a run for their money. If you enjoy Indian or Asian cuisine, you’ll delight in Indian and Asian food prepared for the English palette. The close proximity to France gives birth to a vibrant French food infusion; my favorite bistros include Cheyne Walk (Chelsea) and Le Petit Maison (Mayfair). Every lavish hotel offers an unforgettable experience in the form of the timeless “high tea” ritual, my personal favorite is the Brown’s Hotel (Mayfair).
What to Do: Pack some fab walking shoes so you’ll be prepared to walk, walk, walk! Choose from one of the many London walking tours that might fall hand-in-hand with your interests. Enjoy Victorian pubs? London film locations? Architecture? Check out London’s Walking Maps at www.timeoutlondon.com. The creators are brilliant! Parks and commons are also at nearly every corner or tube stop. If you’re a dog person, runner or just a people watcher, head there first! Two of my favorite parks are Hampstead Heath and Richmond; both can be reached by the tube. Richmond is full of tame deer grazing (by-the-by, they are Royal property), and on the Heath summer-goers can swim in the ponds!
Art Antics: The majority of museums in London are free. These are ones you’d be crazy to pass up: National Gallery/ National Portrait Gallery (British Artists/Photography); Saatchi Gallery (Contemporary) and check out the café next door, Gallery Mess; Tate Britain (Modern Art), and the British Museum (History).
Shopper’s Haven: Portobello Road in Notting Hill boasts one of the best markets in the world, commonly known as Portobello Market. Vendors sell everything from second-hand fur coats to antique cookware. Camden open- air market is another top attraction. The crowds filtering through are the most intriguing!
Broadway/Theatre: Check out London’s West End. Nab tickets for cheap on the same night in Leicester Square at TKTS. “Billy Elliot” is the perfect British drama and The Old Vic Theatre (one of the oldest theatres in Europe), where the show runs, is a sight to see in itself.
Other advice:
The websites I’m always running to: http://www.timeout.com/london/ and www.visitlondon.com .
Language: A diversity of spoken English, so listen closely. Some accents are harder to understand depending on the region the person is from!
Destination Details: Koh Tao, Thailand
As told by DIWYY guest writer, Danielle Koffler, who is currently living and working in Thailand. Check out Danielle’s blog too!
Many people stop by Koh Tao, Thailand on their way to or from its neighboring island, Koh Phangnan, where the infamous full moon parties take place. Koh Tao is not just a beautiful island to soak up the rays on, it happens to be one of the most popular destinations in the world to learn how to scuba dive, luring 400,000 people to the island every year.
Getting There: You can get to Koh Tao from the mainland, Koh Phangnan, or Koh Samui by one of the three ferryboat companies. Joint bus and boat tickets are available and can be booked through Lomprayah if you are coming from Bangkok. If you are already in the south of Thailand, then you can get to the island by ferry from Chumpon.
Where to stay: Once you arrive it can be a little overwhelming at the pier with many taxi drivers ready to acquire as many passengers as they possibly can snag, so it’s best to choose what part of the island you would like to stay in before you arrive. Sairee is the northernmost village and is the busiest. If you want to party, this is the best place for you. Mae Haad is the port town and is also quite happening. I prefer to stay in the southernmost village called Chalok Baan Kao, which is smaller and more low key.
Each village has a great beach, but if you want to stay somewhere more secluded than one of the villages, I recommend getting a taxi boat to Sai Nuan Beach and staying in the Sai Thong Resort. It’s only accessible by foot on a jungle path or by boat, so this is not a great place for you if you are going to want to stay up until the wee hours in a bar.
Getting around: I go everywhere on the island by foot because I’m too much of a spaz to drive a motorcycle. Most people rent motorcycles while they are here because they are cheap, easy, and when you get to your destination you are not drenched in sweat. If you decide to rent a motorbike, take pictures of it before you drive out of the shop. I’ve heard too many stories of people being charged insane amounts for the tiniest bit of damage. If there is a scratch on your bike before you rent it, then make sure to document its existence. One way to avoid this problem is to rent the oldest and most beaten up motorbike in the shop because they won’t care as much about it and won’t be able to notice scratches as easily.
If you don’t want to rent a motorcycle, bicycles are for rent as well or you could do the unheard of and just hoof it. Like I said before, this is a small island, you can get everywhere you want with your own two feet and although you may be a bit sweaty afterwards, you won’t feel as guilty about indulging in ice cream sundaes and lounging on the beach all day. Taxi cars and taxi boats are also available, as you will find out the minute you step off the ferry.
Things to Do: Most people come here to dive and it can be difficult to choose a dive school since there are 43 different ones all over the island. If you are interested in diving with a school that is environmentally conscious and regularly participates in underwater clean-ups, then New Heaven, Big Bubble, Ban’s, Asia Divers, Crystal, and Big Blue are all good choices.
One of the best things I’ve done in my two months here was grabbing a few drinks at The Queens. Every night, The Queens has a cabaret show with pre and post-op lady boys lip synching their hearts out to tunes from all different parts of the world. It’s a performance that cannot be missed and is apparently for any age as there were kids no older than ten in the audience.
If that’s not your cup of tea, or maybe I should say bucket or Redbull and vodka, then go bowling. The alley is outdoors and is not automated. It’s a ridiculous experience. At the end of the alley there is a guy who waits next to the pins to roll your ball back and reset the pins. Even if you aren’t a great bowler, it’s worth going just to see the bowling process unfold, plus they don’t make you wear stinky bowling shoes.
Sometimes you just need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the villages, and the best way to do that is to take a hike! There is an incredible viewpoint called John-Suwan Rock that allows you to see Chalok Bay and Thian Og Bay (AKA Shark Bay) at the same time. This path starts by the Freedom Beach resort and is so off the beaten trail that in some parts you can’t quite tell if you are still on the hiking trail. It’s a quick hike and the view is picture perfect.
Giving Back while on vacation: Sometimes when you are traveling it can feel as if you are always taking from the travel karma bucket without a chance to ever really give anything back. You may find yourself relying on the kindness of locals and other travelers for all sorts of different reasons. If you feel like that’s the case, then stop by the New Heaven Dive School and find out what conservation projects you can help out with in and out of the water.
New Heaven also offers a Marine Conservation Course where you can learn about the reefs you are diving in and can help with restoration projects. The course can be anywhere from three days to a month or longer if you are interested in combining it with your university studies. If you don’t have time to take the course, then ask when the next Save Koh Tao beach and underwater clean-up is happening.
Koh Tao is a relaxed bit of paradise and if you are in the area then you should definitely stop by! The only thing I ask of you is to make environmentally conscious decisions while you are here. Don’t leave your cigarette butts on the beach for the fish and turtles to eventually eat and use as little plastic as you possibly can. The only way to keep Koh Tao beautiful is if the people who come here are aware and make good decisions. Enjoy Koh Tao and happy travels!
Destination Details: Chicago
As told by DIWYY guest writer, Patricia, who grew up in Chicago and continues to make trips back.
Getting There: Chicago has two airports, Chicago O’Hare (ORD), and Chicago Midway (MDW). Upon arrival, you can take the train or a taxi into downtown.
Accomodation Recommendations: I usually stay with friends or family, but if you can afford it, book a reservation with a hotel located downtown. Most of Chicago’s shopping and attractions are located downtown, so it’s best to stay there. You can find great hotel deals on Priceline.com and Hotels.com. Also, if you want other travelers’ reviews on hotels, go to TripAdvisor. The last hotel I made reservations with, the Omni Chicago Hotel, was due to advice/recommendations from these websites. I admit, I had an awesome stay at the Omni.
Patricia’s Recommendations for things to do: From museums to professional sports events to neighborhood festivals to world class dining – there is plenty to do and see in Chicago. This can also make it very difficult to plan a trip itinerary, so I would recommend checking out the many tours the city has to offer.
During my last trip, I brought along two friends who had never been to city. So I researched tours that showcased Chicago’s history, culture, and architecture. The first tour I booked was with Bobby’s Bike Hike. Bobby’s features four different biking tours that range from 4-8 miles in length, so it’s a great way to sightsee and get your exercise. The tour that my friends and I chose was The Obama Bike Tour, which took us all around the Hyde Park neighborhood where President Obama and his family resided. We not only saw the President’s former hangouts, such as his favorite restaurant Dixie Kitchen & Bait Shop and the lecture hall he taught in at the University of Chicago Law School, but we also spotted Muhammad Ali’s childhood home, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House, and the site of the first nuclear reaction.
The next tour we went on was a walking tour of modern skyscrapers. We decided to book this tour with the Chicago Architectural Foundation (CAF) because of the stunning downtown high-rises, as well as the happy hour drink that came at the end of the tour. While the tour was very informative, it was also difficult to hear our docent due to the noise (cars honking, El train passing the tracks, etc.). I did notice that the last group had tour headsets, so I’d inquire with the CAF about guided tours with headsets. If you’d rather not deal with wearing a headset, I’d suggest trying their boat tours.
The last and best tour we took was the Bucktown/Wicker Park Food Tour with Chicago Food Planet. Food tours are wonderful because you get to sample food from various restaurants without having to spend a lot of money. The food that we tasted on this particular tour was delicious and generously portioned: George’s Hot Dogs gave us each an entire Chicago-style hotdog; Hot Chocolate offered a medium-sized cup of iced hot chocolate with a homemade marshmallow; The Goddess & Grocer handed out pasta salad, Piece dished out slices of handcrafted pizza and beer, Sultan’s Market served falafel pita sandwiches, and iCream scooped delicious frozen treats. You definitely won’t go home hungry after this tour! In addition to the food, I appreciated the tour guide’s thorough explanations about local architecture and businesses while walking through the neighborhood.
Please note that these tours are typically offered late Spring – early Fall; so if you’re visiting during the cold Winter months I’d recommend purchasing the Chicago CityPass where you get admission into five of the city’s most popular indoor attractions. Also, if you’re interested in art, admission is free at the Art Institute of Chicago every Thursday from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago is free every Tuesday.
Getting around town: The CTA is the best way to get around the city. CTA buses and trains can get you very close to your destination. You may buy 1-day, 3-day, 7-day, and 30-day transit passes online. If you’d rather purchase passes in-person, try the airport or grocery stores (Dominick’s, Jewel, etc.). To me, the easiest location to pick up a CTA pass is the currency exchange located on Chicago Ave. and Rush St. (close to the Chicago red line stop).
Language tips: Everyone in Chicago pretty much speaks English. But if you want to sound like a true Chicagoan, remember to exaggerate your vowels!
Other Advice: If you plan to fly to Chicago, arrive at the Midway Airport instead of O’Hare Airport. Flights are much cheaper to and from Midway. And, if you choose public transportation to get to your hotel, the El train’s orange line from Midway to downtown is more scenic than the blue line from O’Hare.
Another tip is to check out the Metromix Chicago website. Metromix has A LOT of event reviews and listings, so you’ll know what’s happening on the day, week, or month you’re visiting!
Destination Details: Vancouver, Canada
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As told by DIWYY reader, Kimberley, who lived in Vancouver for two years while going to school.
Getting There: You can come by plane, train, automobile or bus depending on where your trip originates. If coming by plane, there are a few options to get into town; public transportation (bus or SkyTrain) and taxi. The ride from the airport to downtown is about 30 minutes.
From Canada: Flying is the quickest option from within Canada. WestJet Airlines is a popular local carrier. Another option for those with a little extra cash and time can try the Rocky Mountaineer train. This scenic rail ride takes you through the Rocky Mountains. The trip originates in various locations (Banff, Calgary, Jasper) and takes 2-8 days depending on which package you buy.
From the US: Flying is the quickest way to get here unless you are coming from Seattle. From there it is approximately a 2-hour drive. Leave extra time to clear customs when crossing the border. The good ol’ Greyhound bus also has regular service from Seattle to Vancouver.
From Overseas: Flying is the best option unless you have oodles of money and time to sail your way here. Most major airlines fly into Vancouver International Airport. If coming from Europe, you will likely connect through Toronto or Montreal before continuing on to Vancouver. Flights from Asia and the Pacific Rim will likely be more direct.
Accomodation Recommendations: There are hotels for every budget. Prices range from $20-$300/night (Canadian dollars). For cheap and cheerful, try the HI (Hostelling International) youth hostels all of which are fairly centrally located. The Jericho Beach location is only open during the summer months while both downtown locations are open year round. Self-catering apartments and bed and breakfasts are a good option for an affordable home away from home. If you prefer to be catered to, the usual hotel chains reside here as well i.e. Holiday Inn, Best Western, and Hilton. If you belong to the Motor Association you can usually apply your discounts to Canadian locations. For luxury there’s always the Fairmont Hotel in downtown Vancouver.
Kimberley’s recommendations for things to do:
Active- Walk the Stanley Park seawall, swim the beaches, ski/hike Grouse Mountain in North Vancouver. This can often all be done in one day!
Self-indulgent-Eat, shop and be merry! Visit the lululemon flagship store and sister company Oqoqo (sustainable eco-friendly clothing) on West 4th Avenue. Then saunter down the street for decadent and creative chocolates at Chocolate Arts. I learned how to make truffles from the owner and he certainly lives up to his slogan “fine chocolate is an art”. Keep heading east on West 4th Avenue and you will eventually reach Granville Island. This ‘island’ will keep you occupied for hours with the shopping to do, food to eat, artists’ studios to visit, shows to see and houseboat community to ogle.
Vegetarians rejoice in the many options available to you! Try the Naam restaurant in Kitsilano for vegetarian cuisine 24/7. Seafood lovers will also appreciate the bounty that is at Vancouver’s doorstep. Salmon is particularly popular.
Culture: Visit the Museum of Anthropology-a world-renowned museum housing an extensive collection of ethnographic materials from most continents as well as an awesome First Nations collection. They also have some of Bill Reid’s work. He was a Haida artist who designed the famous Jade Canoe sculpture displayed at the Canadian embassy in Washington, at Vancouver airport and on the Canadian $20 bill. The Vancouver Art Gallery is a great rainy day activity. Capilano Suspension Bridge on the north shore is a nice all encompassing day trip. Learn about the forest and First Nations culture here. People with a fear of heights be forewarned! The bridge is suspended 70 m (230 feet) above a river and some people delight in running along the bridge causing it to swing.
Day trips: Check out the ski and snowboard mecca of Whistler (a two hour drive north of Vancouver). The HI youth hostel here is due to open July 2010. Or visit one of the Gulf Islands for a day trip or overnight stay. These islands are known for their artisan communities and natural beauty.
Getting around town: Vancouver is a walkers’ paradise. Bring a good pair of walking shoes and hit the streets. Most of the top sites are centrally located. If you must use a vehicle to get around public transportation is very amenable. Cost depends on how many zones you travel in. A 3 zone single ticket will cost $5 during peak times and your ticket is good for 90 minutes from the time of purchase. A day pass is a better deal if you are doing a whirlwind tour of Vancouver’s highlights. It costs $9 and is good for all zones at any day/time of the week. Tickets can be used for the bus, Skytrain or the SeaBus-a passenger ferry connecting downtown Vancouver and the North Shore.
Driving is not advisable for a relaxing holiday. Vancouver’s laid-back reputation is lost when Vancouverites get behind the wheel of a car.
Language tips: Officially Canada is a bilingual country (French and English). English is widely spoken though you will likely hear Cantonese due to the high number of Chinese residents. Though not widely spoken on the West Coast, French is still required to be available to those who request it in government and tourist offices. You will also see French written on product labels and signs.
Other Advice: Vancouver has a reputation for being eco and gay friendly. It is the birthplace of Greenpeace, the environmentally active non-profit organization. The climate is milder than the rest of Canada. Snow here is rare, by Canadian standards, but there can be days on end of grey skies.
February is a nice time to visit as it is off-season with crowd free streets and deals to be had. The cherry blossoms are in bloom and their intoxicating fragrance helps to quell some of the foul city smells. However, Vancouver tends to rain a lot during the winter months. Bring a sturdy umbrella, good raingear and water resistant clothes. The Winter Olympics 2010 are being held here and at Whistler (a 2 hour drive north on the sea-to-sky highway) so expect high prices and big crowds if you are traveling at this time. Or wait until it’s all over and tour the remnants of the Olympic experience.
Famous Vancouverites: Jason Priestly, Michael J. Fox, Hayden Christensen, Bryan Adams
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!
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.
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Kristina on the Brazilian side of Iguassu Falls.
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!
