Thinking Ahead

I'll never forget my first experience with a more militant state of mind: setting down in Singapore, the airliner distributed custom cards with a half-inch warning in bold red letters:

WARNING: DEATH TO DRUG TRAFICKERS UNDER SINGAPORE LAW.

It was the first time I'd seen such a thing first hand. When we set down in Singapore International Aiport -- one of the world's largest and most elaborate -- the first thing I noticed was not the sauna, shower facilities, or sparkling clean floors, but the guards with machine guns.

Notice that there's no caveat there. It's not death to SOME or DEATH IS ONE OF THE PUNISHMENTS. It's a simple, direct statement. If you're carrying drugs, your life is over.

With that in mind, don't you think it's worth being careful? We've all heard of unscrupulous criminals who slip their drugs into some unsuspecting passenger's backpack. That's why they always ask if you've left your baggage unattended.

Here's a tip: DON'T.

Some other ways to keep from becoming a victim:

-Don't trust anyone you meet while traveling

-Seal your carry-on baggage: either put a lock on it or even a twist tie -- whatever will slow someone down. They're looking to stash and run, and they don't want to be bothered undoing seals.

-Mark your bag, especially if it's nondescript. It's too easy to switch one bag for a similar one.

-Keep your baggage with you at all times -- don't leave it while you go to get a coffee, not even for a second. Check it in as soon as possible.

It's unfortunate that we have to be so careful, almost paranoid, when traveling. On the other hand, it's better to take a few too many precautions than to become a statistic.

Why Travel Makes for Healthy Kids

Some people prefer not to take their children on holiday, or at least not to take them very far. This isn't due to an aversion to their kids! It's more for practical considerations. Some of those might include:

-the kids won't really have fun
-WE won't really have fun
-the kids aren't likely to be as careful in a third world country and might get sick
-the kids would have more fun if we all went to Disneyland together some time

If you have very young children, that might stand true (although I have many friends who claim that the best time to go on holiday with children is when they're tiny -- you don't have to worry about doing what they want to do and can focus on lying on the beach all day!). But kids have far more appreciation for travel than you might expect.

So-called "kid friendly" holidays (such as trips to Disneyland and the like) quickly become old hat. They might be hugely excited the first time, but make it a yearly event and see how quickly they begin to take it for granted! It's far more productive to take your kids places where they'll be exposed to new ideas and people, see other cultures, and experience new things.

Your children might amaze you! Those pyramids might awe them just as much as they did you. And they may even have some insights you missed out on. So don't be afraid to take your children on holiday -- you can always get a sitter if you must. You might have more fun than you thought!

Why I Love to Travel

I started thinking today about why I love to travel. I mean, there are many reasons But when you really get down to it, there are core reasons I love traveling -- not just like it but LOVE it. Some of those are:

1. Experience

My most valuable life experiences have been obtained through travel. There's nothing quite as sobering as realizing you're lost in a foreign country where you don't speak the language, or quite as exhilarating as successfully navigating your way out of that mess. It takes the place of years of experience at home!

2. People

Both the people you meet and just seeing how different people live their lives. They're, to put it mildly, fun. And more importantly, they open your eyes to the world around you. No one looks the same once you see them with the eyes of a traveler.

3. Fun

Travel is FUN. It's more fun than just about anything. Sure, it can be stressful and difficult and costly, but it's all worth it in the end. Whether you're traveling on your own or with a group of friends, you're sure to have a great time.

4. Excitement

You can have experiences traveling you can't have anywhere else. I mean, you can hardly see the pyramids in Manchester, right? If you want to have real life excitement -- rather than just vicariously seeing things via the television screen -- you have to actually go there.

These are my top four reasons for loving travel. What are yours?

Foreign Films

In my experience, one of the best ways to get in touch with a culture -- short of actually visiting it, of course -- is through film. Movies give you a great sense of the cultural outlook of another country. Not only that, there are tons of excellent foreign films out there -- and these are some of the best. A word of warning, though: do yourself a favour and watch them in their original language with subtitles. There's nothing worse than bad dubbing.

1. District Thirteen

This French movie is a sci-fi action film set in the near future. It's well written, brilliantly filmed, and full of some of the most sublime human movement you'll ever see. Absolutely fascinating.

2. The Host

This Hong Kong sci-fi thriller (why are so many of them sci-fi? Is it because English sci-fi movies tend to, how shall I put this -- suck?) is a lot of fun. It's dark and dreary, but it has a great touch of humour, and you'll find yourself totally immersed in the characters' lives. Highly recommended.

3. Pan's Labyrinth/ The Orphanage

I put these together because they're both from the same Spanish director, which means they both have the same twisting storylines and beautiful cinematography. That's where the similarities end, though: Pan's Labyrinth is a dark fantasy following a young girl caught in a dismal home life, while The Orphange is a chilling and terrifying thriller.

4. Hollywood Bollywood

This one's a bit older, and it's actually Canadian, so it's in English. It follows the structure of Indian "Bollywood" movies, though, as it traces an Indian girl's life in modern Canada.

There are four films to get you started, and you're sure to come up with many more!

Playing Hooky

Do you travel for business? You're lucky! Traveling for business usually means business class flights, which means an escape from the cramped, uncomfortable confines of economy seating. It also often means high class hotel rooms, reimbursement of meals and expenses -- and a packed agenda that makes your head swim.

It's terrible to think of being in a beautiful, perfect holiday destination and never leaving your hotel. You can't skip the whole conference (or what have you) -- the company's shelling out for you to be here, after all, and they'll probably notice if you aren't. But there are some pretty firm indicators that tell you it's time to play hooky!

Refuse to attend anything that:

-is optional
-is a waste of your time (eg, a session that rehashes what you already know)
-is based around "keynote speakers"
-contains the word "reception"
-is solely for socializing or recreation

Of course, if you WANT to attend these things, that's another story. But really, there's not going to be much to miss in a reception full of people making longwinded speeches. Just check to make sure you don't have to sign in or anything. You can always sneak out later!

I'm not advocating taking advantage of your company: no matter where they send you, these are the things you ARE obligated to attend:

-sessions that provide key information
-anything that will prove useful or helpful to your work
-sessions your company has stressed they would like you to attend

The key is to find the line that divides the frivolous from the important. They might claim it's mandatory to attend the "evening social," but if you'd rather hit the town with a few work friends, I say go for it. There's nothing wrong with playing a little hooky!

Continuing Travel

Once you've traveled, it's addictive. You want to keep going. You want to share the experiences, and you want to have more. But there are limits to how much you can discuss these things with friends and family. You may have had a profound traveling experience that completely loses itself in the retelling, or you might have friends and family who tire of your stories.

Fortunately, we have the internet! There are many ways to share your stories with like minded travelers.

-Find a blog you enjoy and visit it frequently. Leave comments. Form a community!

-Start your own blog! Post your stories for the world to see.

-Post your stories and photos on a photo sharing site such as Flickr

-Write travel articles for sites like Helium

You can also find local groups interested in travel, camping and biking organizations, or any number of things! Travel doesn't have to stop when you return from holidays. Enjoy yourself, and share your love of travel with others.

Traveling as a Way of Life

Have you ever noticed how traveling seems to change people? Sometimes it's obvious -- for example, in Japan you can often tell the girls who've lived abroad. They're more confident, and they have a different way of carrying themselves.

Similarly, you can sometimes tell when people haven't traveled at all. Here I don't mean just not physically, but mentally as well -- people who are stuck in their own village or town. Many people who've never left home are well read and well informed on the world. Others... aren't.

Exposure to other cultures and ways of life changes you -- usually for the better. You have a stronger sense of the world around you, a better idea of who you are and what you believe. Travel really is a way of life -- a way of opening your mind and eyes to the world in all its darkness and light.

Keep traveling!

Traveling with Fluffy

Let's be honest, folks: the best bet is to leave your pets at home for your holiday. Ideally, find a petsitter or friendly neighbour willing to drop by and care for the little critter. Bringing animals on holiday stirs up a host of trouble.

Even if you have an exotic pet, there are places willing to care for them (although it can be trickier to find them). Many pet shops will board rabbits, hamsters, birds, and other small animals. You can also arrange for sitters for these animals, although most kennels won't accept them.

If you absolutely MUST bring your pets along on holiday, for whatever reason, keep the following points in mind:

1. Check hotel policies BEFORE you arrive. Don't count on your ability to smuggle a yowling cat into a fifth story hotel room.

2. Find out what the airlines require to transport your pet, and make sure you meet the requirements.

3. Consider offering your pet gravol or a similar product to settle its nerves and make the flight less stressful.

4. Bring the animal's favorite toy, blanket, or something similar to help it feel at home.

5. Consider putting the DO NOT DISTURB sign on your door for the duration of your stay. You don't really need your room cleaned every day, you can get towels from the front desk, and it's probably easier for everyone. This is especially true if you ignored tip #1 and are trying to hide your pet in your room.

As you can see, leaving your pet behind is less stressful for both you and the animal. No matter how much s/he hates the kennel, s/he'll probably hate traveling more. If you have to bring pets along, make sure you do whatever you can to minimize anxiety for both of you!

Sharing Your Travels

You know the old movies where grandad pulls out the slide show and everyone groans? Are people secretly doing that when you reach for your holiday photographs too?

Actually, most people are interested in your travels, but you have to present things the right way. Remember to:

1. Keep it short -- no one wants to listen to a long, complicated story about buying a drink on the beach.

2. Be selective -- no matter how much you loved that waterfall, one photograph is probably sufficient -- two at most. Keep the rest to enjoy by yourself.

3. Present them well. If you're a scrapbooker, let your creativity turn your photos into a more interesting experience. If not, post them in albums with interesting captions.

4. Let people look through them at their own pace and gauge their interest by their response. Some people, while legitimately interested, don't want to listen to a story to match each pictures. Others will bombard you with questions. Answer accordingly.

5. Make sure you're sharing, not showing off. Your friends and family want to share in your memories, but no one wants to be looked down on.

Follow those simple tips, and you'll never find yourself showing Great Aunt Griselda's slides of an underground cavern!

Snow Makes Travel Hazardous

This seemed a natural topic for today, as we're dealing with severe weather conditions where I live. A number of teachers drive from out of town, and we had some close calls. It's easy to forget how much more careful you have to be when traveling in inclement weather. Some things to remember:

If you're traveling by car:

-SLOW DOWN! Get there alive, not fast.
-If possible, postpone your trip until conditions improve
-Check local weather forecasts to learn about road conditions
-Make sure your car has blankets and supplies to keep you warm in the event that your car breaks down or you have an accident.

If you're traveling by other methods:

-Be prepared for delays. If it's not safe to take off, they're not going to do it, no matter how badly you want to get home.
-Remain calm and keep your temper: bad weather makes people edgy.
-Support the staff and pilots, engineers, etc.: It's not their fault that the weather took a turn for the worse, and they don't make the call regarding whether you get to travel or not.

Follow these simple rules for a safer, more enjoyable experience!

Before You Travel

I'm getting ready to travel myself pretty soon, and it has me thinking of how important it is to be a responsible traveler. I know, many of us don't want to think the words "holiday" and "responsibility" in the same sentence -- but if you don't do a bit of preparation, your holiday will be more stressful in the end.

Some of the things you absolutely must do in preparation for a holiday:

SEVERAL MONTHS BEFOREHAND:
-Check if your passport is current (or if it'll expire mid-holiday)
-Find out if you need a Visa to enter the country you're traveling to, and if so, apply for one
-Begin setting some money aside

AT LEAST ONE MONTH BEFOREHAND:
-Book your flight (you usually get better deals booking ahead)
-Look into different types of package deals SHORTLY BEFOREHAND:
-Learn a bit about the country: are there any safety issues or other such problems you'll need to be aware of?


These simple steps will increase your enjoyment of your holiday significantly!

Tokyo: Side Trips

Japan is a small country, no larger than the state of California. With that in mind, it's well worth taking a few side trips to enjoy some of Japan's other sights when visiting Tokyo.

Japan's public transit is second to none, and the shinkansen (bullet train) makes visiting anywhere in the country a snap. The trains are quite pricey, but the good news is that as a tourist you can get a special pass allowing you to use the train for one low price for a set period. Inquire at any train station: they're easy to get and very practical.

From there, some of Japan's must-sees within a reasonable distance include:

1. Hiroshima -- the site of the infamous atomic bomb, Hiroshima includes a museum to that effect as well as a peace park. The famous story of Sadako reigns supreme here, and you'll likely see many paper cranes Japanese school children have sent to the park in her memory.

2. Kyoto -- Japan's cultural center. It's busy and a very touristy location, but also very beautiful with many sights well worth seeing.

3. Mount Fuji -- if you decide to climb Japan's hugest and inactive volcano, make sure you arrange to arrive at the top for sunrise. Everyone else does too, so you won't be alone, and the end result is well worth it.

Whatever you do, make sure you take advantage of that Japan Rail Pass -- there's too much in Japan not to see it!

Tokyo: Things to Do

Well, we've established where you'll stay in Tokyo, and what you'll eat -- but what are you doing with the rest of your time? Fortunately, there are hundreds of attractions in Tokyo for the young and old alike.

1. The Emperor's Palace: You're not going to get inside this thing (sorry) but it's pretty interesting nonetheless, and well worth a look.

2. Shrines and Temples: You can't go to Japan and not visit a single shrine or temple! Fortunately there are dozens around all over. Your best bet is to ask at your hotel; they're sure to know of a good one near you. Some are older than others, some not the most touristy locations, but they're all interesting.

By the way, in case you're curious: SHrines are for SHinto, temples for Buddhism.

3. Shopping! It's so much fun to just stroll around Tokyo and check out the weird and wonderful things to buy. Even the 7-11 can become a fascinating experience.

4. Night life: Tokyo is definitely hopping, even at four in the morning. Again, your hotel is probably the best bet -- or better still, a friendly local. There are hundreds of great pubs, bars, and clubs in Tokyo. Once the Japanese get a few drinks into them, they loosen up considerably, so if you're blonde, watch out -- you're destined to become the star of the show.

Tokyo is quite safe, though, even in the middle of the night. Few fears on that score.

So whatever your tastes, cut loose and have fun! Tokyo is FULL of things to do.

Eating in Tokyo

This is my favorite part of Japan: FOOD! The good news is, the Japanese are very conscientious about cleanliness, and almost anywhere you go, the food will be good and safe. That leaves your possibilities wide open, especially in a city the size of Tokyo!

Rather than reccomending specific restaurants -- there's bound to be a good one near you, wherever you are -- I'll reccomend specific foods!

-Try an izakaya. These are restaurants with tons of small things on the menu, the idea being that you order a selection. The best is the deep fried cheese with ground rice. It comes with a pat of butter, in case the fried cheese and rice itself isn't greasy enough for you.

-Japanese curry (kareraisu) is absolutely delicious, especially with a fried shrimp (ebiforai) on top

-Noodles are, of course, a staple: try soba (buckwheat noodles, especially good fried up in yakisoba), udon (often found in soup), and raman -- familiar because it's what "Mr. Noodle" looks like at home

These are just a few of the awesome choices for food in Japan -- and I haven't even touched on sushi! You could spend an entire holiday in Tokyo eating, and eating, and eating, and eating, and eating, and eating... eating... well, you get the idea.

Tokyo: Places to Stay

It's easy to blow a bundle on accommodation in Tokyo, but it's equally easy to find reasonably priced, clean, pleasant places to spend the night -- IF you know what you're looking for. Try out these three tiers for a great holiday abroad:

1. HIGH END: If you want to spend some cash and be in the center of the action, you can always try the Tokyo Century Hyatt or Hilton hotels. These are smack in the middle of Shinjuku, which is largely a business area but is very near just about everything else. It's also a major subway station, making it easy to get around.

2. MID END: If you don't want to break the bank but want a step above a youth hostel, I reccomend a Japanese traditional inn, or ryokan. These are not high-class accommodations -- you'll likely be in the middle of nowhere, and you will definitely be sleeping on a futon on the floor, not a bed -- but they are clean, comfortable, and affordable. One thing to note about ryokans is that they may have a curfew. Make sure to check!

3. LOW END: Hostels. Tokyo has a surprising selection of hostels, also known as Gaijin Houses. The best place to look for Tokyo hostels is at hostels.com, which not only lists each hostel but features user ratings as well.

Wherever you stay, most places in Japan are clean and professional. You're sure to have fun.

Destination of the month: Tokyo

I've had Japan on the mind, so I wanted to throw out a few ideas about places to stay, eat, and see in Japan's largest city (and one of the world's largest too!).

Tokyo is mind-boggling, not just due to its size but the millions of people crammed into every nook and cranny. They all seem to know exactly where they're going, too, making it easier to figure out how the crazy crosswalk things work: just follow a local (or more likely, a crowd of them).

If you hit Japan during the summer, one of the first things you're likely to notice is the humidity. It hits you the second you step out of the overly air-conditioned airport, a blast of heat, moisture, and smog: not the most pleasant thing in the world. Tokyo at night, on the other hand, is significantly more pleasant, albeit still very warm -- you'll definitely want a hotel with air-conditioning.

Regardless, Tokyo is a lot of fun to explore, and over the next week we'll discover why!

The Bare Minimum of Planning

I know, a lot of you like to “wing it” on your travels -- float where your desire of the moment takes you and to heck with the details. And that’s fine, if that’s the sort of holiday you’re after. But if you want to get the most out of your trip, you have to take at least a few minutes to figure out what you’re after.

First of all, why are you taking this holiday? For rest and relaxation? To get a new cultural insight? To hit all the best night spots? The answer makes a huge difference as to how you’ll spend your time. I’ve seen way too many people hit their holidays with no idea as to why they’re going, and they wind up with a less-than-satisfying experience.

This is true right down to where you’re going. If your main goal is R&R, you might have a fun time in Las Vegas, but you’d probably be better off finding a nice, relaxing beach somewhere. The reverse is true if you’re looking for night life.

Honestly, it’s not even that much work!

1. Decide WHY you’re going on holiday
2. Find a place that matches your holiday goals
3. Book it!

Now, was that so hard?

Jet Lag

Everyone's favorite part of travel: jet lag! You all know the drill: when you collapse in a heap at 3 pm only to wake bright-eyed and bushy-tailed eight hours later? That kind of thing has its benefits, actually, if you want to take in some serious night life: may as well do it before you adjust to the time change! But if you're looking to minimize the disorientation, there are some things to keep in mind:

-Try to force yourself to adapt to the new time zone. If you really can't function without a short nap, set an alarm and keep it to 15 minutes or less. That way you'll be tired enough to actually sleep come nightfall. If you can make it through that first day, everything starts falling into place.

-Your body responds to bright light as morning and darkness as night. So make sure you expose yourself to bright light (open the darn curtains!) when you get up in the AM, and dim the lights before you head to bed.

-Try not to rely too heavily on caffeine to help you adjust. Definitely stick to coffee and avoid those little white pills.

-If you really suffer from jet lag, many people report success using a special type of lamp that simulates sunlight. I don't mean a tanning bed or an ultraviolet light (although those would work). I'm talking about a portable lamp that emits a light your body responds to in the same way it responds to sunlight (without those charming cancer-causing rays). These lamps are often used to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder and depression, too.

At any rate, don't let jet lag spoil your holiday! Whenever you're up and about, make sure you have fun.

It's a New Year!

Wow, 2008 already. Last night we were watching Dick Clark's new year's special, and I thought, there have to be other places to spend New Year's eve. So I hit the net and was surprised how many wild New Year's parties there are around the world. These were some of the best:

1. New Orleans: I guess it shouldn't be a huge surprise, but the home of the world's biggest party is also the home of a massive New Year's eve celebration.

2. Prague: The city of fireworks. Apparently, New Year's eve in Prague is like standing inside a massive firework: the sky is lit up all night long.

3. Las Vegas: Again, no surprise here: Las Vegas is a party town, and on New Year's eve you can have a wild night on the strip or hit the more civilized (but no less wild) downtown party for $60 a ticket.

4. Whistler: Skiing, snow, and parties: what more could you ask for?

5. Japan: If you want a cultural New Year's eve, the general heading of "Japan" is an interesting place to check out: New Year's is an important holiday there, and it can be interesting to visit temples and shrines. Of course, if it's a party you're after, Tokyo is always happy to oblige....

And me? Well, I spent a ridiculously quiet new year's sick in bed. But we can't all be at the parties. Hopefully you all had a lot of fun on my behalf!