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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.
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.
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!
Destination Details: Johannesburg, South Africa
As told by DIWYY Reader and Guest Writer, Anna, who has been living and working in Johannesburg since June 2009.
Where she lives: I live in the neighborhood of Illovo in a rented flat.
Johannesburg is like Los Angeles—sprawling with some neighborhoods that are more desirable to live in and others that one should avoid at all costs! Generally backpackers stay closer to the CBD (Central Business District, or downtown Jo’burg) in areas like South Kensington or Melville. The more residential areas are north of the CBD and include areas like Illovo, Rosebank, Parkhurst, Sandton, and many more. Visitors looking for a bit of big city modernity should head to Sandton; it’s definitely the hot area of Jo’burg with loads of nice hotels, restaurants, bars, fancy shops etc.
A friend of mine came to visit and stayed in the Diamond Digger’s hostel (in South Kensington; I visited her there and it offered really decent hostel accommodation. Rooms are clean, there is a kitchen and common rooms, free internet, and the hostel has it’s own driver who can take you around for a fee).
Anna’s Recommendations for Sighsteeing: Johannesburg itself isn’t great as a tourist destination but is often a stopping off point for many trips to other parts of South Africa. That said there are a few interesting and worthwhile experiences:
The Apartheid Museum is a sobering educational experience, and a stop here is necessary to understand the country’s complicated history and apartheid’s continuing influence on much of today’s politics, culture, and economic policy. Make sure to at least know a bit about the history of apartheid and the struggle against it before you attend the museum, otherwise you may not be able to fully appreciate the significance of some of the museum exhibits.
The Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve is a ways drive from the CBD and requires a car to drive through, but is beautiful. You can play with baby lions and tigers in the animal crèche (nursery), but wash your hands afterwards!
A tour of Soweto—the largest township in South Africa and whose residents played a significant role in the anti-apartheid resistance—is also educational, and in advance of the World Cup in 2010 many parts of the township are seeing massive amounts of regeneration. You must go with an organized tour though, such as Touring South Africa. The tour will take you through the museums and to some areas of great historical significance, such as the site where hundreds of students were shot at in a church.
Day spas: for an incredible way to relax head to any one of about a hundred of Johannesburg’s day spas. The nicest by far is at the Saxon boutique hotel, which, while relatively expensive in South African terms, is still far cheaper than comparable spas in the US and Europe, plus you can spend time in the pool or jacuzzi after your treatment. The hotel is gorgeous as well, but at over R6,000 a night it is out of nearly everyone’s price range! Nelson Mandela stayed here to finish writing his book.
South African Breweries (SAB Miller) is a major South African success story and is one of the largest beer producers in the world. The World of Beer tour is one of South Africa’s most popular tourist activities and finishes off with tasting some really excellent beers. It’s probably as necessary as a visit to the Guinness factory for visitors to Ireland!
And finally, if not most obviously, if you’re heading to Jo’burg between June-July 2010 check out the World Cup!!
Getting Around: I rented a car, because I would be here for 6 months. I would highly recommend renting a car as, again similar to Los Angeles, the city is a sprawling metropolis and, more critically, public transport is not yet widely available (or completely safe). Many of the areas worth visiting and some of the better restaurants are best reached by car as well. Safety is a big concern in Johannesburg so travel on foot is ill advised (especially at night), but equally precautions must be taken in your own car: hide any valuables in the trunk, which includes your purse if driving on your own. Keep your windows rolled up at stoplights and at night be very wary of driving around on your own.
All of that said a friend of mine stayed here and relied on the shared taxis (or minibuses) for all of her transport needs; I would not have done this but props to her for being so ballsy! Instead of renting a car it is possible to take private taxis everywhere for short visits, but having a car for a few days is inexpensive and highly convenient. Being able to get out and explore on your own (with a good map!) is the best way to see the city.
Language tips: Everyone speaks English!
Final Thoughts: Safety is probably the biggest worry for anyone visiting Johannesburg, and it certainly was for me when I first arrived. Even in other countries of Africa, Johannesburg’s reputation is not great. What began as outright fear has faded and now I just exercise caution everywhere I go. Safety is definitely not to be taken for granted: crime rates are very high—robberies, carjackings, muggings, and other violent crimes are higher than other international cities, but there is a silver lining. With the World Cup approaching the government and police are cracking down on crime even harder than before and are really trying to make Jo’burg a safe city. The usual precautions when traveling must be followed: don’t carry or wear expensive items, limit the amount of cash you carry, make sure your bank cards are in different places. I personally haven’t had any problems (knock on wood!) but have some friends who have been victims of muggings or robberies.
As a final note, Johannesburg is truly a city of extremes. Poverty stricken townships lie 30 minutes away from some of the wealthiest suburbs, housing CEOs and diamond executives behind high electric fences, and residents of each area largely ignore each other. When visiting it is easy to stick to the more affluent aspects of Johannesburg, which most closely resemble the modern comforts we are used to at home, but your trip will be more rewarding if you make an effort to engage with the city and country’s history in a meaningful way.
Want to read more about Anna’s adventures in Africa? Read her blog at: http://nilikutashani.wordpress.com/
Destination Details: Prague, Czech Republic
As told by DIWYY Reader and Guest Writer, Michelle, who has spent the summers of 2007 and 2008 working in Prague.
Where Michelle Stayed: My first summer, I lived in an apartment in Vinohrady with some friends. Vinohrady is a young and trendy neighborhood with lots of fun restaurants and bars on nearly every street corner. Unfortunately, the area can be a bit expensive but there are some good deals for apartments that are pretty affordable, especially when living with a few roommates.
My second summer, I lived in a comfortable apartment in Brevnov, a residential area east of Pragsky Hrad (Prauge Castle). I lived with my brother, his wife and their baby. Brevnov is a quaint neighborhood filled with parks, grocery stores, and schools. It is ideal for families who want to get away from the high paced city lifestyle but still want to remain close enough to it for comfort. With about a 15-20 minute walk to the center or a 5-10 minute tram this neighborhood is ideal for any lifestyle preference.
Michelle’s Recommendations for Sightseeing: Prague is truly an amazing city that offers a little bit of everything. Historically, it is one of Europe’s oldest cities that fortunately did not get destroyed during any of the World Wars. Aside from hitting up must see’s such as Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and Old Town Square, some of my best times were simply maneuvering through the narrow, cobble-stoned streets which always lead me to the abundance of café’s, art galleries and cute boutiques that Prague is known for. If fashion is your forte then Prague has got you covered as well with tons of shopping malls, fashion centers and of course stores filled with Bohemian Crystal (what the Czech Republic is known for!). As well as being historically, artistically and culturally rich, Prague has one of the best nightlife scenes I’ve experienced in Europe. One thing is always certain in Prague, people are always willing to have a good time and party. Going out in Prague starts relatively late; people don’t really hit the bars (which are happening pretty much any night of the week) until 12 midnight and clubs until 2 am. Some of my favorite clubs in Prague were: Roxy, Mish Mash and Mecca.
Some day trips I took while in Prague to neighboring cities in the Czech Republic that I would definitely recommend are: Karovy Vary, Pilzen, Cesky Krumlov, Brno and Kutna Hora.
Getting Around Town: The city is really easy to maneuver by foot as no place is too far to walk to but, fortunately for those a bit lazier, the city’s public transport system is amazing. The metro is really easy to use and comprised of only three lines: A, B, C which pretty much cover all parts of Prague. The trams are not only a great method of transport but also a great sightseeing tool. They are very frequent and especially convenient at night. The day trams stop at 2 am with the night trams starting up again at 3 am. And if taxi’s are your thing, I always relied on AAA taxi cabs as they were the safest and provided me with the best rates.
Language Tips: Czech is the official language in the Czech Republic and boy is it a difficult language to pick up! Luckily, it has been my experience that most people, especially at restaurants, stores or tourist hubs speak English. I don’t speak a word of Czech and have never encountered any problems getting around the city. Although, I would recommend picking up some basic words in Czech such as: thank you, you’re welcome, how much as they do tend to be useful every so often!
Last Thoughts on Prague: If you are at all considering going to Prague you should definitely do it! Eastern Europe, particularly Prague, is slowly but surely being discovered by western travelers as an amazing place to visit and spend time in. It is one of the most vibrant and exciting cities I have ever visited! I haven’t ever met anyone who has ever disliked his or her time in this almost storybook city.
Destination Details: Brisbane, Australia
As told by DIWYY reader, Belinda, who traveled to Australia in July 2009.
Belinda’s motivation for this trip: I had always wanted to visit Australia, but wanted to spend time exploring it which is difficult when you have a full time job. I was given the unexpected gift of a layoff this summer; six weeks later, I left. The one place I wanted to visit was Brisbane—for the sole reason I had seen “Awesome Pawsome” on Animal Planet about tiger cubs growing up. Brisbane seems to be unloved by Australians—no one in Melbourne, Sydney, or Cairns could understand why I wanted to visit Brisbane. If you love animals, Brisbane is a must-do stop for you.
Getting Around: Unlike the US, large cities in Australia have great public transportation systems. You can get to all the places you need via public transport. In Brisbane, that would be by train, bus, or ferry. You can buy day passes for different zones that allow you to travel by whichever mode you wish. Since ferry and train passes add up, I would definitely recommend the day pass.
Belinda’s recommendations for things to do: Of the three animal parks, I had time to go to two. The first one is Tiger Island, located in the Dreamworld Amusement Park. Tiger Island is a place where endangered Bengal and Sumatran tigers are hand-raised. Don’t get me wrong—the tigers are not tame… they are simply used to humans. The trainers take the tigers for walks in the park. You can pose with a tiger if you want!
The second place I highly recommend is the Koala Lone Pine Sanctuary. If you want to hold and take a picture with a koala, THIS is THE place the do it. I should note that there are koalas in the zoo in Sydney, and you can take pictures with them… but they are in a tree and you will be unable to touch them. Both Melbourne and Sydney are in Victoria, and people are not allowed to touch koalas in Victoria. Brisbane, on the other hand, is in the Queensland territory. And there, people are allowed to hold koalas. Make sure you visit during feeding time—3 p.m. The koalas are active… and not asleep!
Destination Details: Barcelona, Spain
As told by DIWYY reader, Gillian, who spent four months studying abroad in Barcelona in 2009.
Where she stayed: While I was studying at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, I stayed in a homestay near Gaudi’s famous La Sagrada Familia church. I lived with another American roommate and our Spanish señora who cooked for us every night – definitely the way to go! My homestay was in the L’Eixample district of Barcelona and is particularly safe and walkable. There are many great hotels and rental apartments in L’Eixample – when my parents came to visit me for a week last March, they rented a spacious (and affordable) apartment in L’Eixample through the Negre BCN Apartments website.
Although I lived in L’Eixample, there are many great hotels, hostels, and rentals throughout the city. El Born and the Gothic Quarter are historic and quaint and are very easy to navigate. The districts of Gracia and El Raval also have their own unique vibes as well. If you’re looking for the posh, luxury experience in Barcelona, stay at Hotel Arts near the water at Ciutadella Villa Olímpica.
Gillian’s Recommendations for Sightseeing: Barcelona is a spectacular city and offers many amazing tourist attractions. Although the order of importance for sightseeing in Barcelona might vary with the amount of time you plan to spend there and your individual tastes, these are some best-bets for making the most of your time in the city:
- Las Ramblas: This is touristy, but a must. It’s sort of like Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade, with lots of street artists and vendors. About half-way down when you’re walking toward the water is Barcelona’s famous market, La Boqueria. Pop in there and buy some packaged fruit for a Euro or a smoothie and take a look at the rabbits and pigs sold in the meat stands. Las Ramblas is always different depending on the time of day and that makes it all the more entertaining.
- Parc Guell: This is Gaudi’s famous park and it is unreal. It sort of feels a little bit like Disneyland because it is so whimsical. Gaudi drew inspiration from nature, and this is illustrated in much of his architecture in the park.
- La Sagrada Familia: This is Gaudi’s epic church, which has been under construction now for 100 years. It’s truly breathtaking and also the most visited spot in Spain. I liked visiting the inside too, but on a short visit just make sure you see the outside.
- If you have time, check out: Gaudi’s La Pedrera (also called Casa Milla), Arc de Triomf, Picasso Museum, Futbol stadium at Camp Nou, Magic Fountain show at Plaza Espanya (runs on the half hour 7-8:30 on Fridays and Saturdays), Montjuic and the Olympic Stadium.
- Barcelona is also known for its fabulous nightlife. Some of my favorite memories were at clubs like Razzmatazz and Opium Mar and bars such as Chupitos and La Oveja Negra (The Black Sheep).
Getting Around: The metro is very easy to use in Barcelona and it runs 24 hours on Saturdays! (Other nights it closes at midnight and resumes operation at 5am). I’d suggest picking up a guidebook before your trip (I like Lonely Planet’s Encounter-get your copy at the DIWYY store). Use the included map to help you navigate. It’s also pretty clean, and in my experience, safe. Buy a T-10 metro pass, it’s about 7.70 euro and you can share it between people. Its 10 rides and you can easily buy another pass if you need one. Barcelona also has a system called the “Nit Bus” which runs all night – this was particularly useful when I needed to get home after the metro had ceased running for the night. These trains can easily be picked up from Plaça Catalunya in the city center.
Taxis are also convenient and not exorbitantly expensive – just be sure the meter starts running once you get in! Also, in Spain, it is not customary to tip cab drivers.
Language tips: Although the official language of Catalonia (the region in Spain in which Barcelona is located) is Catalan, almost everyone also speaks Spanish. Knowing a few key Spanish phrases will definitely come in handy on a trip to Barcelona, but it is such a multi-cultural city that your enjoyment of the city will not be hampered if you only speak English.
Other Tips: Barcelona must be seen to be believed – I’d recommend spending at least 4 days (but ideally about a week) to get the true feel for the city. Prepare yourself for amazing tapas and sangria, a lively nightlife, and beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea.