Travel Tips
Get great tips about travelling smart, having fun and saving!
Monday, December 03, 2007
Holiday Travel Tips To Keep You Sane
If you’ve ever traveled during the holiday season, you know how stressful and frustrating it can be. The American Association of Travel Agents (ASTA) has compiled some helpful tips to help you arrive at your travel destination full of happiness and cheer.
- Book Well In Advance – Don’t think you are going to get a last minute deal when it comes to traveling during the peak holiday seasons. Your best bet is to book your air tickets, hotels and rental cars well in advance as they all sell out quickly for holiday travel.
- Pack Wisely – Yes, you may have packages for grandma and fruitcakes for auntie, but recognize that many airlines will impose strict carry on baggage allowances during this time because of the high number of people traveling. Consider shipping your gifts ahead of time and only bring necessary items on the plane. If you do bring your presents, never wrap them as airport security will make you unwrap them to access all items. Instead, bring collapsible gift bags and folded tissue making it quick and easy for you to wrap them when you arrive.
- Don’t Forget To Make Your House Look Lived In – There would be nothing worse than arriving back home after a lovely holiday trip to discover that your house was broken into. Be sure to secure all doors and windows, use your burglar alarm if you have one and have a neighbor shovel your walk and collect your mail. Another good idea is to have several lamps on timers to make it look like someone is home.
- Avoid Peak Travel Days – If you want to arrive on time, your best bet is to give yourself plenty of time to arrive at your destination. Consider traveling on off peak days. Peak days are those immediately before and immediately after the actual holidays. A good rule of thumb is to at a minimum book your flights for two days before and after Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years.
- Arrange Transportation To The Airport – Instead of using the parking at the airport, which can be at max capacity during busy times, ask a friend to drive you or take a shuttle or taxi.
- Beware – Flights Can Be Overbooked – The dreaded sentence you definitely don’t want to hear is ‘I’m sorry, the flight is overbooked, we don’t have a seat for you’. To avoid hearing that sentence, get an advanced seat assignment and arrive at the airport well in advance of your flight departure time. ASTA suggests arriving 2 hours in advance for domestic flights, and three hours in advance for international flights.
- Keep A Positive Attitude – Remember, delays happen and it’s not the fault of the person working the check in counter. Be prepared mentally for setbacks. If you’ve left yourself plenty of time, then these setbacks won’t cause you stress because you know you’ll still arrive to your destination in time to enjoy all the festivities. Bring snacks, water, music, an inflatable pillow, a good book, and a deck of cards to ward off boredom during long flight delays!
Just remember these tips from the travel experts at ASTA and you and your family can travel safely and arrive at your holiday travel destination with a smile on your face!
Friday, November 30, 2007
Tipping in Europe
A friend of mine is planning a trip to Europe and she was stressing out over something I had never really thought about – tipping. She had heard that tipping rules in Europe were different from North America and she wondered if I had any advice.
I’ve been to many European countries and she is right – the rules vary slightly. I thought I’d compile this short list as a reference for anyone else going ‘across the pond’ in the next few months.
Restaurant Tipping
- In Austria, the tip is included in the final bill, but you can give a little extra if the service was friendly or went above your expectations.
- In Czech Republic, the major cities expect higher tips, but 10-15% is still fine. Be wary, although it is improving, at some restaurants the wait staff will charge a fake service fee in order to collect more from customers. If you don’t see the service fee listed on the menu, challenge the fee if you spot it on your bill.
- In France, service is also included in the bill (called service compris). If you weren’t satisfied with the service, do not leave anything extra. If you were happy, leave around 10%, if you were ecstatic, leave 15%.
- In Holland, tipping is not customary as it is in the United States. In this country, tipping it typically only expected if you received extra special service or received something extra.
- Italy treats their wait staff differently than in the United States in that the salaries are relatively high and the tip is something extra given for exceptional service. It is entirely up to the guest as to whether they tip or not and leaving it on the table is standard. If paying by credit card, Italians prefer the tip in cash, not added to the credit card bill.
- Switzerland also pays restaurant staff well and tipping is optional. Consider giving a small tip for better service to show you appreciate the extra effort, but no tip is required for standard service.
Haircuts
- Many people in the United States tip their hairstylist in addition to paying the fee. In Italy and Holland, tipping is not expected at the salon. In Austria, it’s up to the patron, but typically, tips will be left for the stylist and shampooer. In Ireland, €2 or €3 is left for the person who washes your hair, but as one local warned me – give it directly to the person who served you or the cashier might not give them the money! In Norway, some people will add a small tip and some don’t tip at all. You won’t be looked down on if you don’t tip.
Taxis
- In Austria, round up or give even more for a longer drive or if there are many passengers.
- In England, 10% is plenty for a taxi ride.
- The rule of thumb in France is to round up to the nearest Euro and give more if the driver has been particularly helpful to you.
- Tipping taxi drivers in Italy isn’t expected, however, feel free to give a couple of Euros if they have helped you out.
I hope these European tipping suggestions have been helpful and I wish you a wonderful European vacation!
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Seven Reasons To Go To Zambia With Virgin Vacations!
I was lucky enough to experience Virgin’s African Adventure, a safari adventure featuring three diverse regions of South Africa. I enjoyed the beaches of Cape Town, the safari camps of Kruger National Park and the amazing Victoria Falls.
In my mind, this eight-day trip is the ideal way to experience this region. You get to see all the major sights and everything is taken care of. Here are my seven reasons why you should book the African Adventure package!
- A holiday in Zambia will make you feel like you’ve seen and experienced the heart of Africa.
- You witness the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, at 1708 meters wide; it is the largest curtain of water in the world. It truly is a natural wonder of the world and it will leave you breathless.
- The beaches of Cape Town are some of the most beautiful in the world. You’ll enjoy the long sunshine hours, unrivalled sunsets and gorgeous unspoiled beaches that stretch on forever.
- Kruger National Park offers the real African wildlife experience with it’s nearly 2 million hectares of unmatched range of life forms. In addition, this park is a world leader in environmental management techniques and policies.
- Zambia is Africa’s best kept secret offering rustic charm and wonderful natural resources.
- Considered one of the safest countries to visit in Africa, Zambia features a stable, democratic political structure. In addition, Zambia offers adequate transportation systems, high levels of communication, and safe health facilities.
- In addition to unspoiled natural areas, Zambia is renowned for the quality of guides that help you experience this wonderful region. Most guides in the region were born locally and can give you an intimate and knowledgeable experience.
Virgin Vacations really has designed an unforgettable itinerary giving you an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. I believe everyone should experience Africa at least once in their lives and Virgin Vacations gives you the ultimate package to experience all the charms and sights of Zambia.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Seven Creative Travel Tips!
I came across these creative travel tips and thought I might share them with you all!
- Use bubble wrap to pack any breakables or valuables you may be storing in you suitcase.
- Bring a small container filled with baking soda (an old film container works great). You’ll find it comes in handy for treating stains on clothing as well as treating any tooth pain you may experience. To help with tooth pain, just mix a teaspoon with half a teaspoon of salt and dissolve in a glass of water. Rinse your mouth for 3-4 minutes – it is a natural way to kill germs and it helps ease your pain until you can find a dentist.
- Remove all old claim checks and outdated id tags before you travel. To protect your luggage, remove shoulder straps, hanging hooks, and add a bag straps.
- If you plan to do a lot of shopping while you are away, pack a collapsible suitcase or gym bag inside your checked luggage. Then, you can fill your extra bag with dirty laundry and use your suitcase for any new items you purchase.
- If you are going to a country where they would benefit from your old clothing, bring it with you on your trip and leave it behind. You could find a charity to donate it to or ask at the hotel if you can leave it for the staff.
- Pack anti bacterial wipes to help you cleanse your face and hands when you may not have access to soap and water.
- If you are flying, consider replacing the shoelaces in your travel shoes with ¼ inch braided elastic – a great trick if you tend to get swollen feet when you fly.
- Invest in a good case – While backpacks are an excellent option for your laptop, make sure you purchase one that is specifically designed to house your laptop. Many backpacks and cases are not made to carry a laptop, even though it may fit. Stay away from these models because you’ll likely experience scratches and dings because they aren’t designed to protect your investment. Instead, opt for a highly protective, padded laptop case that will hold your laptop securely. Look for plenty of pockets to hold your mouse, cords etc.
- Think about security – Remember that you will have to pass your computer through the hand baggage scanner at the airport security area. Don’t worry about sending your laptop through; the x-rays will not harm your hard drive. You may also be asked to power up your laptop to prove that it is not a security threat. Make sure your batteries are charged and ready to go.
- Check with your hotel about their Internet connection – Many countries are not as advanced with respect to Internet connections. If you are traveling internationally, check with your hotel to see if your room will have a data line.
- Pack necessary items for connecting – Ensure that you have a small screwdriver, electrical adapter plugs, adapter jacks, access numbers and your security passwords to log on from faraway destinations.
- Conserve your batteries – During layovers, find an electrical plug and recharge your batteries so that they are fresh if you want to work while on the plane. If you use a Windows operating system, always activate the suspend mode as your laptop will restart quickly and it uses virtually no battery power.
- Invest in a laptop and luggage alarms – If your laptop is pricey, you may want to invest in a motion alarm. These simple devices are attached to your luggage and you keep the receiver on you. If someone attempts to steal your bag, an alarm will sound alerting you when your luggage has reached a set distance away from the receiver you are holding.
- Never leave your laptop unattended – This is what I found to be a bit of a pain… I felt like I had to bring my laptop with me everywhere I went. They are so easy to steal and I just didn’t trust some of the places I was staying. Some better hotels will allow you to check valuables at the front desk and this may be worthwhile to investigate.
Sushi – Of course, if you are visiting Japan, you need to taste the authentic sushi. A concierge at our hotel recommended going to the Tsukiji fish market to witness their huge tuna auction. While it required being there at 5:30, it was pretty cool. Afterwards, we went to the Sushi Bun restaurant for breakfast – what a fabulous way to start our day!
Finding Peace Amongst The Hustle and Bustle – Tokyo can be overwhelming simply because of the massive numbers of trains, cars and people. To have a peaceful moment during your journey, consider visiting the Asakura Sculpture Hall. What an elegant studio featuring traditional tatami-mat rooms showcasing the tools that Fumio Asakura used to make his famed sculptures. The studio also features an inner water garden complete with wooden walkways to help you explore.
Use The Subway – A friend of mine recently went to Japan and she shied away from the subway system because she’d heard it was complicated and difficult to use. Since taxis are terribly expensive and I was on a budget, I decided to give the subway a go and I found it to be relatively easy! There were English signs at the stations and you just need to allow yourself plenty of time to figure out the extensive subway maps. One word of advice, rush hour is insane, so don’t venture out until after nine in the morning if you are planning to use the subway.
Try Ramen – Our concierge also recommended trying ramen – a traditional dish of noodles served in broth with toppings like bamboo shoots, fish eggs, pork slices, and green onions. The restaurant we visited was called Jangara Ramen and thankfully, they had English menus.- Travel During Fall/Winter – It is much less expensive to travel during October, November, January, February and March than the late spring and summer months. In fact, hotel prices can be as much as 20% less.
- Book A Package – Booking a package like those available from Virgin Vacations can be far cheaper than if you tried booking airfare, ground transportation, hotel and activities individually.
- Inquire About Discounts – Always be sure to check if the hotel or excursion offers discounts if you are an AAA, frequent flier or other loyalty program member. If you are over 55, ask about senior discounts too.
- Go To Expensive Restaurants For Lunch – If there are some fancy, expensive restaurants that you are interesting in visiting during your stay in Germany, try going for lunch instead of dinner. The lunch menu often will offer the same type of fare but at prices that are much less expensive than the dinner menu. Another great option in Germany is their fixed price menus where you can get a multi course meal for a bargain.
- Take The Train and Go Second Class – The train is a reasonably priced way to get from city to city in Germany. Make sure you buy a second-class ticket which will save you big bucks!
- Get Your Exercise and Walk – Many German towns are well suited for sightseeing on foot. Save by avoiding rental car fees and taxi fares and do your body good at the same time! Sightseeing on foot allows you to see more too and you get to savour the local flavor!
- Petrin Park – What a picturesque and beautiful park! I rode a cable car from the street right to the top and spent time at the Petrin Observation Tower. This tower was built in 1891 and the view of the city is breathtaking. You can also spend some time wandering around the observatory and formal gardens. If you prefer to spend your time at street level, you can enjoy a children’s maze and gorgeous rose garden. A truly idyllic spot to spend an afternoon.
- Charles Bridge – While I wouldn’t normally put the name of a bridge on a list of things to do, it simply is a must see while you are in Prague. Buskers are there to entertain you while you enjoy striking views of the river and castle. This pedestrian bridge was started in 1357 and in later years (between 1683 and 1928); the various statues of saints were added.
- Prague Castle – If you are visiting this beautifully historic city, you simply have to take the time to visit a castle. Just don’t visit Prague Castle on Monday as it is closed. The castle is now the residence and office for the Czech President; however, it originally housed Czech royalty. You can spend your time roaming the galleries, gardens and the Military Museum. Try to catch the hourly Changing of the Guard – if you want more pomp and circumstance, the elaborate ceremony takes place at noon.
- National Technical Museum – For a different kind of history, you might enjoy the National Technical Museum. Filled to the gills with the history of bicycles, motorbikes, trains, aircraft, cars, racecars, and trams with informative placards for each. Great for the technically minded individual (my husband who is an Engineer loved it!).
- Wenceslas Square – A great place to start exploring the city by foot is Wenceslas Square, a beautiful tree lined boulevard. This street features the National Museum, upscale shops and lovely cafes. Also, check out Powder Tower, the only one of the city’s 13 original, medieval gates.
- Zurich – My niece is staying in Zurich, so Switzerland’s largest city will definitely be on my itinerary. Zurich is the fiscal and business center so there will be plenty to see and do.
- Bernese Oberland – This alpine region is a great area to visit in the summer or in the winter. In the winter, there are many hip ski resorts to visit and of course, you can try your hand at skiing in the Alps!
- Geneva – I’m seriously contemplating a trip to Geneva because this city apparently has quite a French feel to it. Geneva is Switzerland’s second largest city and is bordered on three sides by French territory.
- Lucerne – Right in the heart of Switzerland is Lucerne. Lucerne is a medieval town and a favorite of North American tourists.
- The Ticino – To truly round off my visit, I may take in The Ticino, the Italian speaking area of Switzerland. It is known for warm weather and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Basel – I have a former work colleague working in Basel, so I may make a trip to this ancient university town on the Rhine. As Switzerland’s only cargo point, there is an extensive transportation network serving the city.
- Before leaving on your trip, do research about any health concerns for your travel destination. The Centers for Disease Control has fact sheets readily available on their website.
- Contact the travel health office in your area to find out if you need any vaccinations or anti malaria medication for your trip.
- Read the fine print for your travel health insurance so that you have a good understanding regarding your coverage should you become ill or injured.
- If you are in a developed country and become ill, the local pharmacy can be a wealth of information for minor ailments. If your illness or injury is more serious, you may need to see a doctor. Contact the front desk of your hotel or find a walk in clinic in the area. If you want to really be prepared, research on the Internet beforehand and bring a list of doctors with you.
- If you are in a developing country, your best bet is to call your travel health insurance information line. They are in the best position to direct you to a health clinic or doctor. If you must ask locals for help, remember that they may not be impartial and you might not get the very best recommendation.
- If you are traveling in very remote areas without access to telephone or computer, your travel first aid kit will come in handy until you can access professional help.
- Hydra – One of the first islands to be discovered, this island still maintains its old world charm. Interestingly, donkeys outnumber motorcycles so you know that you will be in for an interesting experience! Be sure to spend time enjoying the small restaurants dotting the island.
- Crete – Crete is one of the better known islands due to its amazing history and intense inhabitants. You can enjoy ancient ruins, amazing beaches, craggy mountains and even the most modern hotels imaginable!
- Dounoussa – Part of the Small Cyclades, this fishing island is full of charm. With two great beaches, travelers craving peace and quiet will love this rarely visited gem.
- Santorini – Another popular island, you just have to schedule a visit when visiting the Greek Isles. Depending on when you are planning to go, you could visit the ancient site of Akrotiri, which has been frozen in time since an eruption over 3,600 years ago. The site will remain closed through late 2008 while repairs are conducted.
- Cos/Kos – Popular with doctors, due to its history with Hippocrates, Kos has much to offer other travellers as well. A relatively flat island, it is a popular tourist spot with cyclists who love to spend their days exploring by bicycle. Another popular excursion is visiting the Archaeological Museum of Kos, which has many objects from various excavations, as well as a statue believed to depict Hippocrates.
- Corfu – Featuring lush vegetation and many ancient sites, Corfu is a popular tourist destination. The attractions are busy, but this unique island offers a fabulous blend of Italian influence and cosmopolitan flair.
- Hios – This Island has so much to offer that it is surprising that it hasn’t become more touristy! It offers amazing beaches, beautiful scenery and superb medieval sites. If you prefer a quieter vacation is an island paradise, this island is for you.
- Rhodes – Located in the Eastern Aegean, Rhodes City is unusual in that half the city is modern and cosmopolitan while the other half is a reconstructed ancient fortified medieval city. Truly an amazing place to experience. The Archaeological Museum can’t be missed and of course, you’ll want to spend time in the medieval city.
- First compartment (everyday items you may need)
- Your personal prescription medication
- Cold/allergy remedies
- Heartburn/upset stomach medicine
- Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
- Contraceptives
- Hand sanitizer
- Second compartment (eyes, ears & miscellaneous)
- Antibiotic eye and ear drops
- Sterile eyewash
- Dry eye drops
- Cotton swabs
- Earplugs
- Small scissors
- Latex gloves
- Lip balm or salve
- Thermometer
- Third compartment (first aid)
- Band-Aids
- Antibiotic ointment
- Nonstick dressing
- Burn cream or gel
- Burn dressings
- Antiseptic wipes for cleaning wounds
- Sutures
- Triangular bandage
- Fourth compartment (travel medications)
- Antibiotics (ex. Amoxicillin for common infections)
- Diarrhea remedies
- Antifungal and cold sore gels
- Anti Malaria pills (if required for your travel destination)
- Fifth compartment (travel essentials)
- Insect repellent
- Insect bite treatment
- Water purification tablets
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Sunscreen (choose a high SPF)
- Rehydration packets
- Travel sickness pills
- Sleeping pills
Friday, November 16, 2007
Captivating Costa Rica
My husband and I first visited Costa Rica on a backpacking trip in 2000. Now, we are returning, albeit for a very different trip – this time we’re taking our children.
I’m really not sure what to expect as we thoroughly enjoyed trekking through the country enjoying eco travel experiences, zip-lining through the lush jungles, viewing the gorgeous turtles and lounging on pristine beaches. Our next rip will be much different as I expect with two young children, we’ll be spending the more of our time at our hotels and won’t be exploring nearly as much.
On our first trip, we did all the typical eco tourism sights popular in this gorgeous and lush country. We hiked through the cloud forest, watched an enormous sea turtle lay eggs on a breathtaking Caribbean beach and enjoyed the rainforest canopy from the zip lines hundreds of feet in the air. We stayed at beach hunts for only dollars a day and enjoyed the local fruit drinks in abundance. Our early days of travel without kids often included ‘roughing it’ as it allowed us to stay for so much longer than if we’d indulged in a fancy resort.
However, times change and frankly, I’m not sure I’d be up for navigating the country and then staying in low end accommodations with my two little ones. While we’d love to pass on our love of travel and adventure to our children, the truly adventurous stuff is going to have to wait until they are a bit older.
This time, we’ve booked Virgin Vacations Best of Costa Rica. I think it will be the perfect combination of comfortable accommodations along with some exciting adventures. This eight-day package is incredibly reasonably priced and includes our flight to San Jose, accommodations, shared minibus, some tours and some meals! We look forward to exploring Tortuguero, Arenal, Monteverde and San Jose again!
Monday, November 12, 2007
Traveling With Your Laptop!
I recently decided to bring my laptop along on a trip through Europe. I thought it would be a great way to stay connected with family and friends back home (and maybe even get a little work done...) Although it was useful to have, at times it was troublesome getting connected and cumbersome carrying it around.
That being said, I thought I’d share a few tips for those of you carting your own computer on your next trip.
Traveling with your laptop can be great, just be prepared for connection challenges and always be vigilant. Have a great trip!
Friday, November 09, 2007
Tokyo Trip Tips!
Just back from Virgin Vacations Tokyo At Its Best package and what a holiday it was! Thought I’d share a few tips like where to get great Sushi, where to get some peace and quiet and how to navigate the subway system!
Japan is a vacation experience like no other. Tokyo is such a unique city and I loved the culture, the vibrancy and the unending things to see and do! I hope you get a chance to visit!
Monday, November 05, 2007
Germany – Budget Style
Germany has a reputation as being a costly European country to visit. While it’s true that it can cost you a lot of money to vacation in this interesting country, there are still many opportunities to cut costs and still have a great time!
Here are just a few hints I found while reading Germany For Dummies!
So, don’t let the reported high prices of travel in Germany scare you away. Follow these simple tips and discover for yourself that you can see Germany – budget style!
Friday, November 02, 2007
Five Amazing Things To Do In Prague
I recently came back from a trip to Prague and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this historic city. For any of you who might be planning your own trip, I thought I’d give you my top five amazing things to do while in Prague!
Prague is easy to get around and it is best explored by foot. The city is divided up into 22 numbered sections and for tourists; you’ll stay mainly in Prague 1 and Prague 2. Try to choose a hotel that is located in the city center – that way you’ll have no need to rent a car (and you’ll save a few bucks too). There is a subway system, with only three lines so you should have no trouble navigating your way. Interestingly, the subway is built very far underground compared to most subways systems. When the soviets build it in the 60s and 70s, the stations were built intentionally deep to also serve as bomb shelters should the need arise!
Visit one of the Prague Information Service offices to gather information about tours, restaurants, concert tickets, transportation and more.
I hope you enjoy your trip to Prague as much as I did!
Monday, October 29, 2007
I’m Off To Switzerland!
I have a niece living in Switzerland for a year, so I’m planning to take one of Virgin Vacation’s Switzerland vacation packages. I thought I’d post some of the information I’ve gathered about the various regions as I’m now in the process of narrowing down my travel destinations. Switzerland looks like a fascinating country and I cannot wait to go on my adventure!
Switzerland is one of the world’s most densely populated countries. In fact, half of the population is based in Geneva, Basel, Bern, Lausanne, Olten, Aarau, Baden and Zurich.
Switzerland looks like a fascinating country filled with diversity, beauty and wealth. I cannot wait to explore the various cities and of course, taste such delectable local treats like cheese and chocolate!
Friday, October 26, 2007
What If You Become Sick While Traveling?
Last week I posted a blog with items I feel are essential for making up a travel first aid kit. This week, I thought I’d give you some tips on how to find competent medical care when you are traveling.
It helps to be prepared by knowing a bit about the medical conditions of the countries you are visiting. You must have a good travel health insurance plan that will be there to assist you if you need it. Read your policy carefully and fully understand what is covered to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Monday, October 22, 2007
The Best Islands in Greece!
I recently planned a three-week trip to the Greek Islands and thought I would share some of my notes that I created from all my research. With so many amazing islands to choose from, I compiled this list of the islands I think are your best travel bets.
Virgin Vacations has wonderful packages to Athens and then you could tack on your own day or extended trip to the Islands! The Greek Islands are an excellent way to relax, rejuvenate and to experience the ancient ruins. I hope you have the opportunity to visit the Greek Islands soon!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
The Essential Travel First Aid Kit
Have you ever been away and suddenly needed a stomach remedy antibiotic or bandages? Were you frustrated by how difficult it was to find the items you needed?
That scenario happened to me when my husband and I were traveling in Costa Rica. We were in a very small village that just didn’t have a convenience store or pharmacy to find what we needed. Ever since that trip, I have started traveling with a travel first aid kit that I created.
We have found it very useful on several of our trips, so I thought I would post my list of the items you need to create your own essential travel first aid kit. Of course, you may need to tailor this list for your specific destination, but these essentials are perfect for just about any trip imaginable!
Try to find a kit that has several compartments so that you can separate your items into different categories and keep things organized and easy to find.
Chances are you’ll never have to unpack your first aid kit, but let me tell you – if you do need something, the right remedy will be at your fingertips!
Monday, October 15, 2007
Captivating Caral!
Recently I took one of Virgin Vacation’s Peru vacation packages and thoroughly enjoyed it. My husband and I took a three-hour side trip from Lima to the 5000-year-old city of Caral. After reading a magazine article that stated that researchers had carbon dated the city back to 2627, I just knew I had to visit this ancient city.
Caral is located 200km north of Peru and it has been argued to be the oldest urban center in the Americas – although that is under dispute.
I’ve always been a bit of an archaeology buff, and generally try to plan vacations that allow me to indulge in this passion. Caral did not disappoint. Pyramid temples, housing complexes, an amphitheater and ancient plazas are plentiful and just scream to be explored.
In 2001, researchers discovered that the ruins in Caral actually dated back 1,500 years earlier than was previously thought. A Peruvian archaeologist discovered Caral in 1994 and the planned city discovery thrilled archaeologists worldwide.
One of the benefits of visiting Caral compared to other ancient cities is that so far, it is not teeming with tourists. The most recent statistics I found suggested that there were only 21,000 visitors in 2005.
When you go, you can see archaeology happening right before your eyes as many archaeologists continue to discover more of the ruins. In addition, they are reconstructing an ancient pyramid – truly fascinating!
Be sure to take a guided tour to really get a feel for this 163-acre city. I learned on the tour that farmers in the city used irrigation canals to provide for their crops that included squash, corn, chili peppers, pumpkin and sweet potatoes. They used the Supe River to keep the crops hydrated.
Another interesting fact of this oldest city of the Americas is that no traces of any carnage or warfare have been found on this huge ancient site. Thus far, the Archaeologists have found no weapons, mutilated bodies or other battle signs, suggesting it were a peaceful society. Musical instruments like flutes and cornets have been discovered as well as evidence of drug use.
Generally, the scientists working in this ancient city have concluded that the city and surrounding area had a social organization that included stratified ranks and much like today’s society there was an unequal distribution of wealth. They have found evidence of very rich inhabitants living it up and the very poor who barely survived.
The Government hopes that the historic, economic and cultural values of Caral will enable the area to become an international tourist destination, thus improving the living conditions of the locals and others in the country.
I highly recommend that you take the time to visit this fascinating city. It truly is remarkable to see the work in progress and to learn first hand how these ancient people lived.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Should You Risk Food From Street Vendors When Traveling?
I remember when my boyfriend (now husband) backpacked through Southeast Asia for four months; he often ate food from the roadside vendors. I was appalled, because I figured he would have paid for it by getting sick or picking up a nasty disease. Of course, he was fine, but it led me to do a little more research on whether anyone should risk purchasing food from street vendors when they are traveling.
Of course, street vendors run the gamut from the hot dog guys on every New York street corner, to the spring rolls in Hong Kong, to the Muffin Man on the beaches of Puerto Vallarta. What do you think – are you asking for trouble if you indulge in street fare?
I spoke with a travel health physician in my city and his advice was avoiding street food when at all possible. He explained that street food is usually not prepared in ideal conditions and is an infamous source of contamination. The worst that typically happens is travelers’ diarrhea and children are most at risk. The cause of the diarrhea is usually from bacteria that have grown on food that has been improperly refrigerated or cooked.
Of course, another reason for street vendor food being risky is the poor hygiene prevalent with the vendors. They just don’t have access to hot, soapy water needed to kill germs growing on their hands. Actually, in one spot in Thailand, my husband witnessed a vendor rinsing serving utensils in a disgusting pail of dirty, murky water.
A good friend who is a travel agent always counsels her clients that if they must eat street fare they should frequent stands that appear popular and have many locals waiting in line. She also believes that you are less likely to get sick eating in cities in Western Europe, Japan, Singapore and North America because food preparation and standards are established and enforced.
If you do decide to have food from street vendors on your next trip, just pack Imodium in your backpack as a little bit of insurance. Bon Appetit!
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The ultimate blog about the wonderful world of vacation travel brought to you by Virgin Vacations. Learn what you need to know to get the most out of your next vacation. Virgin Vacations is the way life should be.
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