Blog - Go Backpacking

Interesting Facts about Taxis in Paris

Avenue de Villiers - Paris (photo: Francisco Anzola)

Beyond their rivalry and its effects on customers, how much do you know about the taxis in Paris? Do you know how they work, their rights and duties, troubles and jargon?

Here are some interesting facts about Paris taxis and their drivers.

Table of Contents

A very masculine profession
Taxis and paramedics
X is the price to pay
The license at gold prices, but not everywhere
Two distinct clients

A very masculine profession

93 percent of Paris taxi drivers are men. More men work as midwives than women who drive taxis.

Taxis and paramedics

There are 55,000 taxis in France, including 20,000 in Paris. And yet, as soon as you leave the center of the capital and the airports, whether you are in the east of Paris, in the suburbs, in a regional metropolis or an average city, it becomes difficult to find a vehicle.

Where are the other 35,000 taxis? What are they doing? Answer: They drive patients to the hospital. It is the "seated transport of people." Excellent opportunities for the best Paris Airport taxi services.

X is the price to pay

In Paris, there are three types of tariffs per kilometer, which apply differently depending on the geographical area.

Be careful: rate A is valid for the urban area from 10 am to 5 pm, Monday to Saturday, the B the rest of the day from Monday to Saturday and from 7 am to midnight on Sundays and public holidays, midnight C at 7 am on Sundays and holidays.

The license at gold prices, but not everywhere

The taxi license, this right to practice the profession by parking his vehicle in a reserved place, sold at the end of the career, does not have the same value everywhere.

It is generally estimated at $240,000 in Paris, but it is worth $100,000 in Marseille, $80,000 in Arras and even $40,000 in Saone-et-Loire.

Two distinct clients

Of course, everyone is free to ride a taxi. But in fact, there is the coexistence of two types of clients that never cross.

There are those who take taxis by day, usually for business, and in their forties or fifties. They do not care about the cost, pay by credit card, and often treat it as a business expense.

These privileged customers, sometimes the same age as their drivers, are content to survey the neighborhoods of western Paris, being transported from a mansion to a head office, a restaurant to a shop. Not to mention, of course, train stations and airports.

Customers who are hiring a taxi on a Friday or Saturday night, between the ages of 20 to 35, consider the cost quite high.

There are taxis parked on public roads, on spaces reserved for them: they are stations of variable capacity.

Some of them, 116 in Paris, are equipped with a telephone terminal: one can theoretically order a taxi by calling the terminal of a telephone, such as from home.

In practice, terminal numbers have sometimes been reassigned to individuals or merchants. On the other hand, the other terminals, almost 300 in Paris, only serve to "store" drivers waiting.

It is the municipalities that are responsible for the maintenance of the stations, a task they do (rather badly) against a contribution of $17 every three months, paid by each taxi driver.

This story was brought to you in partnership with Airport Transfers Direct.

5 Tips to Ensure You Book the Cheapest Flights

Jetting off on vacation is one of the most exciting things we look forward to in life. It's also one of the most costly.

It can often be a battle against luck when it comes to booking flights. There are so many things to factor in when it comes to calculating the price, whether it be school holidays or significant events taking place.

Prices can fluctuate drastically, so how do you get the best deal? We take a look at the simple steps you can take to make sure you get the best deal when booking flights.

Table of Contents

Book Early
Use Your Air Miles
Set Price Alerts
Be Flexible With Your Timing
Be Flexible With Your Airport

Book Early

Perhaps the simplest option is book early. The further in advance you can book your flights, the more likely you are to get a good deal.

That's because as more seats become booked up, the higher the demand will be for those booking them. It's usually best to book flights around three to four months early.

Use Your Air Miles

The likelihood is you'll be buying your flights via credit card, so why not make the most of your spending elsewhere and collect air miles.

There are dozens of cards that will not only help you buy flights with your air miles, but also receive travel rewards when spending away from home.

The best cards to travel abroad with will do both, and you can pick up some terrific deals with them.

Set Price Alerts

The cost of flights can fluctuate hugely, especially if airlines begin offering sales. Setting price alerts will help you keep track of how much your flights are currently costing, with the likes of Google Flights sending you alerts if the cost increases or decreases.

It's certainly a good idea if you're not quite ready to book flights, although it can also be a gamble waiting for flights to decrease.

Be Flexible With Your Timing

Certain times of the year are of course going to be more expensive than others. School holidays always drive prices up, particularly in the summer. The same applies to major events such as sporting tournaments, music festivals and marathons. Essentially, any event where an influx of people is expected into a city.

Being flexible will allow you to avoid said events and allow yourself to book a quieter flight for a lower price.

Be Flexible With Your Airport

Flying from different airports, and indeed to different airports could work out much cheaper. For example, flying to Paris Beauvais instead of Charles De Gaulle could save money, while your departure location can also often be changed to save money.

Some budget airlines prefer to fly out of certain airports, which can often be worth commuting over to save.

The same applies to connections. In many cases, it may be cheaper to connect rather than take a direct flight. Being flexible gives you that opportunity to get the best possible deal, even if it does take a little longer.

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This story was brought to you in partnership with Money Under 30.

How Anthony Bourdain Inspired Me to Eat More Adventurously

Following in Anthony Bourdain's footsteps with a Singapore Sling at Long Bar in the Raffles Hotel. — Sipping a Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel

Last Friday morning, I awoke to the tragic news that Anthony Bourdain, one of my personal hero's, had taken his life at a hotel in France. He was 61.

Bourdain was there shooting an episode for his CNN series, Parts Unknown, with best friend and French chef Eric Ripert of New York's famed Le Bernardin.

Ironically, while checking my friend Mark Wiens' Instagram account, I first caught wind of what happened.

Mark had announced he was back in Ethiopia, with his signature enthusiasm, and I had stopped to comment as it's a country I've wanted to visit since my twenties.

It was in the comments I saw someone mention Bourdain.

I opened Twitter to see his name trending for the worst possible reason, suicide.

A Cook's Tour: The Coolest Show on The Food Network

In the early 2000s, having graduated from college and a requisite Ramen noodle eating phase of early bachelor living, I began tuning into The Food Network.

The upstart cable channel featured now-familiar names, including Emeril Lagasse, Bobby Flay, and Mario Batali.

It was also how the world was introduced to Anthony Bourdain, the TV host when his show A Cook's Tour aired for two seasons from 2002-2003.

Unlike the other hosts, whose shows were shot in studio kitchens, A Cook's Tour saw Bourdain traveling the world, eating exotic foods. As far as I know, it was the first TV show of its kind.

Who was this tall, lanky, wise-ass from New York City eating the still-beating heart of a cobra in Vietnam in one episode (15:40 in the video above), then dining at the Michelin-starred French Laundry in Napa Valley in another?

I had to know. I bought Kitchen Confidential, his breakout book that takes readers behind the scenes of the NYC restaurant world.

It was an exciting story that clarified how much demanding work chefs put into cooking for their customers.

I read A Cook's Tour, too. Between those books and his first show, he singlehandedly made cooking and trying new foods cool to me.

I was inspired enough to spend $100 on a chef's knife but not so inspired as to switch careers.

I was already passionate about travel, having spent a summer backpacking in Europe after college.

Four years later, in March 2002, I'd set the larger goal to quit my job and travel around the world for a year or more.

However, I had grown up a picky eater and carried my distaste for vegetables and unknown foods into early adulthood.

When I read Bourdain's writing and saw him eating crazy foods in faraway places, my attitude began to change.

I wanted to challenge myself in similar ways.

Smoked duck with orange ancho chile sauce

In the meantime, I began spending Saturday afternoons cooking in my tiny apartment kitchen in northern Virginia.

Primarily for myself, however, on a few occasions, for my parents too.

I could spend a whole afternoon shopping and recreating a cover recipe from an issue of Gourmet Magazine, such as the shrimp with avocado and tamarind sauce I made in October 2005.

I didn't know what tamarind was then and can still recall hunting for it in the supermarket.

Discovering new ingredients became part of the fun. Even then, I'd use the camera on my flip phone to snap a grainy, low-fi photo of the result.

Unfortunately, it's hard to find A Cook's Tour to watch online today, though some episodes have unofficially been made available on YouTube here and here. A used DVD box set is available on Amazon for $44.

Bourdain wasn't afraid to criticize The Food Network, so it was of little surprise that he jumped to The Travel Channel in the mid-2000s, taking loyal viewers like me with him.

Bone marrow and oxtail marmalade at Blue Ribbon in NYC. — Bone marrow and oxtail marmalade at Blue Ribbon

Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations

No Reservations did for The Travel Channel what A Cook's Tour did for The Food Network. It made the channel worth watching.

As the storytelling and production quality improved, No Reservations became the hallmark show of The Travel Channel, and his fame exploded.

He built a global fan base one country at a time, endearing himself with the locals by highlighting what they ate and drank, and often, the challenges their countries faced.

He always had an opinion, and I respected that he wasn't afraid to use his growing platform to get political.

Most recently, he'd become a vocal supporter of the #metoo movement.

His values often aligned with my own, strengthening the connection I felt toward him.

I watched the first few years of No Reservations religiously. I loved his storytelling, style, and self-deprecating humor.

In April 2007, seven months before quitting my job to travel, I tried a Bourdain favorite, bone marrow, late one night at Blue Ribbon, a favorite hangout for NYC chefs I'd learned about from him.

Ten years later, I celebrated my 41st birthday in NYC with dinner at Uncle Boons, a Michelin-star Thai restaurant.

The menu featured an appetizer called Kaduuk, roasted bone marrow satay with peanut sauce, toast, pickled cucumber, and onion. Naturally, we ordered it.

Following in Bourdain's Footsteps

By November 2007, I'd saved enough money to embark on my global adventure.

I resigned from my job, sold my belongings, and flew to the South Pacific.

Tahiti, French Polynesia

My first stop was Tahiti, which was featured three months earlier in S3E10 of No Reservations.

However, I didn't have the chance to visit anywhere specific from the show.

Bali, Indonesia

In February 2008, I arrived in Bali, Indonesia (S2E12 of No Reservations).

I sought out babi guling (roast suckling pig) in Ubud at what I believed to be the same restaurant as Bourdain.

I remember enjoying the meat, but I didn't care for the hard, crunchy pork skin, unlike Bourdain.

Singapore

I flew to Singapore from Bali, a city first featured on Season 2 of A Cook's Tour and later, Season 4 of No Reservations.

First, I visited the Long Bar at The Raffles Hotel, where the Singapore Sling was invented.

It was here that I realized I was seeking out experiences from a TV show for which I didn't know the cost.

In 2008, it turned out a Singapore Sling would cost me a budget-busting $18. I didn't care. I was having fun following in his footsteps.

With the help of my Couchsurfing host, I was also able to visit Sin Huat Eating House.

I ordered the crab and noodle specialty featured in A Cook's Tour (14:40 in the video above).

I hadn't eaten many crabs until that point, so it was a challenge taking it apart, let alone getting up the courage to eat the bright orange roe (guts) he savors on the show.

Again, I was so excited to be living scenes from his shows that I didn't think to ask how much the dish cost before I'd ordered it.

Sin Huat Eating House was a dive of a restaurant on the edge of the red-light district, so I was surprised to get the check and learn my crab and noodles cost $30!

After dinner, I mentioned to my Singaporean host that I wanted to try durian, the stinky fruit I first saw Bourdain eat on S1E5 of A Cook's Tour.

Of durian, Bourdain has said, "Your breath will smell as if you'd been French-kissing your dead grandmother."

My host walked me to a nearby durian stand and helped me buy and cut open the fruit to try.

It didn't smell as bad as I expected, and I was surprised to find I enjoyed the taste. I later had it again in Bangkok.

Chengdu, China

I spent a total of nine months in Asia and India in 2008, and while I lost the scent of places featured on Bourdain's shows during that time, I remained open to trying new foods, no matter how strange.

In Chengdu, China, I went out for a traditional hot-pot with my friend Charlie, and he ordered me a cow brain, which arrived raw on a plate in front of me.

I cooked the fist-sized brain in the pot of red, spicy, boiling oil at our table and then took a few bites using my chopsticks.

Of the flavor, I remember it being rather bland. It was the creamy texture that made it hard for me to eat.

I also tried chicken gizzards in another restaurant, which I didn't care for, and pig's tail, which I enjoyed with crushed red pepper.

Battambang, Cambodia

I gave peanut-stuffed crickets in Cambodia a try but stopped short of the larger bugs and fried tarantulas (which Cambodians had begun eating out of necessity during the genocide).

When a Go Backpacking reader dared me to eat dog, I asked my Cambodian guide in Battambang if he knew any such restaurants.

He did, and so he took me to one for lunch. I grew up with dogs as pets and still love them, so this was a real challenge to my sensibilities, but I gave it a try. I was not too fond of it.

When that same guide invited me to eat dinner with his family, I accepted and kept an open mind about eating the curry-stuffed frogs his wife prepared.

When he asked me back the next night, his wife cooked chicken, as I'd said it was my favorite.

Being invited into the two-room home of my guide's family of ten to share traditional Cambodian food was one of the most humbling experiences of my life.

An unexpected stop for sheep's head in Soweto

Soweto, South Africa

On a Sunday tour of Soweto, a large township near Johannesburg, I asked the guide if he knew where we could get a smiley, the nickname given to a boiled sheep's head.

He was surprised at the question and amused that I wanted to try a local favorite.

We stopped at a person's home in Soweto, where there was a line of hungry people, each awaiting their smiley.

When the guide brought mine back to the minivan, he slowly unwrapped the newspaper and plastic wrap to reveal a cooked sheep's head covered in red sauce.

He offered me an eye, his favorite part, he said; however, it was too far beyond my comfort zone, and so I left that part to him.

Instead, I got my second taste of brain and my first of tongue. A truly Bourdain moment.

Arcachon, France

Earlier in my two-month overland journey through South Africa, I met a young French couple from Bordeaux, Magali and Sebastian, at an eco-hostel on the Wild Coast.

They invited me to stay with them if I made it up there, which I vowed to do.

Several months later, on my first day in Bordeaux, we went wine tasting in Saint-Emilion.

On my second day, Sebastien took me to the nearby beach town of Arcachon, known for having the largest dune in Europe.

It was atop that 104-meter mountain of sand, with its panoramic views of the bay and pine trees, that I began to recall scenes from A Cook's Tour.

Season 1, Episode 9, to be exact. It was December 2008, so the town was empty. However, there was a small oyster shop that was open.

Curious, we walked over and ordered a half-dozen oysters and some white wine to wash them down.

Eating oysters in Arcachon, France like Anthony Bourdain — Oyster in Arcachon

I had tried oysters in northern Virginia before but have not been a fan nor understood their appeal.

However, if there was a place to keep an open mind and give them another try, it was a French seaside town known for oyster farming.

I squirted a splash of lemon on one and slurped it down. It was delicious, like tasting the ocean.

The three-year-old oyster's freshness and the added flavor of the saltwater, not to mention the setting, left a lasting impression.

I added oysters to the growing list of foods I never thought I'd enjoy.

We then drove around the bay toward Cape Ferret, stopping to take pictures of the oyster farms.

At La Pointe, we parked the car and walked to the beach, which featured heavily-graffitied concrete WWII battlements (which I had to climb on like a kid, of course).

I felt the connection to Bourdain grow, as I remembered him climbing on the same WWII structures with his brother as he relived his childhood memories for A Cook's Tour.

Not surprisingly, tasting his first oyster as a child in Arcachon was a defining moment in his life.

Lunch at La Queareparaenamorarte in Rio Negro, Colombia

Medellin and Cartagena, Colombia

Bourdain beat me to Colombia by at least a half-year when he featured Medellin and Cartagena on S4E12 of No Reservations, which aired July 14, 2008.

It was already my plan to go, and knowing he'd had such a good experience only served to excite me more. It was like foreshadowing for my experience.

Of course, I fell in love with Medellin at first sight and walked through Botero Plaza on day one as he had on the show.

I also ate at the small, casual Brasarepa restaurant in Envigado, where they filmed a segment talking about Pablo Escobar's impact on Colombian society.

Four years later, I ate lunch with a blog reader at Quearepaenamorarte, a more upscale restaurant featured in the episode.

And in Cartagena, I've twice eaten at La Cevicheria, which was also featured in the episode.

Beyond the show, Tony talked highly of Colombia in interviews, and he returned there on S1E3 of Parts Unknown to share how the situation with the FARC and civil was changing for the better.

Final Thoughts

I could keep going with the anecdotes-the many ways in which I channeled Bourdain's excitement and appreciation for food into my own experiences.

But I think you get the picture.

He inspired me to live a richer, fuller, tastier life, and I'll be forever grateful for his work and influence.

I'm sad and hurt he's gone. Too soon. We've lost an authentic voice, one that cannot be replaced.

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Please, if you're reading this and feel like you've lost hope for your life, seek help. In the US, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

11 Things to Know Before Visiting Marseilles

Marseilles is the second-largest city in France and one of the major cities in the Mediterranean. Many people know Marseilles. The first thing that comes to mind is Alexandre Dumas and his world-famous novel The Count of Monte Cristo. The story's main hero was born in Marseilles, which is also the location of the legendary Chateau d'If fortress.

Visiting Marseilles, France (photo: Fred Romero) — Marseilles (photo: Fred Romero)

Another association is less pleasant. Marseilles is known as the most criminal city, not just in the south of France, but in the whole country. There are districts where you can be robbed day or night.

That said, it's a city worth visiting. It's not as famous as Paris, but there are still many beautiful and unforgettable places to see. It's the oldest city on the French Riviera, boasting a world-class museum of fine arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts) and countless new museums. We also recommend the Natural History Museum of Marseille, which has many fascinating exhibits.

Tourist attractions include beautiful narrow streets (full of street art and live music) and an old harbor (the Old Port of Marseille) that looks over the Mediterranean Sea toward North Africa. For all these reasons, Marseille was named the European Capital of Culture in 2013. If you're considering a visit, keep reading.

Marseilles Travel Tips

1. There's an excellent tourist office that should be visited by all guests of Marseilles at La Canebière Street. Here, you can take a map of the city center for free, choose an excursion, and learn about possible cultural events. It's one of the best places to get more information about the city. You can also buy tickets (travel cards) for public transport.

2. July and August are considered the hottest months of the year; pleasant, cool days may still occur that can be perfect for walking through this port city. There's a significant increase in tourists during the summer, so booking a hotel or hostel in advance is best. Booking rooms in popular neighborhoods like Le Panier or the Cours Julien may be challenging.

3. Many museums and sightseeing spots may change their working hours depending on the season. Before taking an excursion, confirm the opening hours in a tourist agency (an excellent place to start when planning any outing) or with the staff at your accommodation.

4. It's customary to leave tips in Marseille's restaurants and cafes, usually about 5 - 10% of the bill. In some prestigious establishments, the payment for the service is already included in the bill. You'll see a note "service compis," a signal you don't need to leave extra money. It's also proper to leave tips for drivers, hotel maids, and hairdressers.

Facade of Marseilles City Hall — The facade of Marseilles City Hall (photo: Fred Romero)

5. To rent a car, you must show your passport and a driver's license of international standard. You'll need to leave your credit card as a deposit. A person under 21 years old can be refused a car rental. Also, you can be denied if you obtained your driver's license less than a year earlier.

6. Car enthusiasts should remember that any road traffic offense involves a hefty fine. Exceeding the speed limit and parking incorrectly are among the most severe offenses. Children 12 years old and younger must travel in the back seats, and small children must be in special car seats.

7. In some museums and famous sightseeing places, photos and videos may be forbidden or only allowed if you pay a fee. Knowing all the rules before an excursion starts is best to avoid surprises.

8. If you want to save money, consider that some museums have no entrance fee, but only on certain days of the month. Planning can save you a lot, as you don't need to take a guide.

For example, Notre Dame de la Garde, a stunning cathedral on a hill that towers over the city, is a great place to visit for free. It offers an excellent way to learn about Marseilles' long history and is one of the top things to do on your trip.

You could also consider a day trip to the Chateau d'If (or Château d'If) and Fort Saint-Jean, which offer some of the best things to do and see in Marseilles.

9. The best way to see the beauty of Marseilles is to travel on foot through the city. You won't need to drive as most destinations are easily accessible on foot. In some cases, you can take a bus, and it can also be convenient to travel by tram. There's no need to use a taxi as you'll waste your money, and it's not as safe either.

10. Avoid walking alone at night in the city, and avoid walking in unknown and strange districts, as this can be dangerous. Stay in crowded places.

11. Finally, before going to Marseilles or any other city in France, it's best to learn some French phrases to order something or understand the locals. The French don't like to use English. It can be easy to learn French if you use an online platform where you can easily choose your native French-speaking teacher.

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This article was published in partnership with Preply.

Top-Rated Tourist Destinations in the USA

Chautaugua Meadow - Boulder, Colorado (photo: Jeff Turner) — Chautauqua Meadow - Boulder, Colorado (photo: Jeff Turner)

The United States is a country of diverse landscapes, and while relatively young as a nation, full of historical attractions.

If you live outside the USA and are thinking of visiting on your next vacation, there's plenty of places to choose from.

The large cities, forests, beaches, and national parks offer memorable experiences for all tourists.

If your time is short, you may find it hard to choose where to go.

However, every traveler should visit the USA at least once in their life. Just be sure to check your ESTA status before buying flights.

Table of Contents

What is ESTA?
Boulder, Colorado
Philadelphia
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Washington, DC
Florida Keys, Florida

What is ESTA?

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is used by the administration to decide the credibility of the tourist.

It determines whether you can travel to the USA or not.

The United States is managing it under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The primary aim of ESTA is to take into consideration security concerns.

Checking your ESTA status is obligatory for every citizen of the world. However, there are some exceptions for selected countries such as Canada.

Boulder, Colorado

Located an hour northwest of Denver, Boulder, Colorado, is a popular university town.

There are many points of interest, including:

Boulder History Museum
Pearl Street Mall
Flagstaff Mountains
CU Heritage Center
Scott Carpenter Park

In the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder is a city for tourists who like the great outdoors.

If you are enthusiastic about hiking, check out the beautiful Chautauqua Park.

The clean environment and fresh breezes will transport you to another world.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a city of historical significance, as well as surprise.

The most visited sites include:

Philadelphia Museum of Art
Roding Museum
Philadelphia Zoo
Betsy Ross House
Masonic Temple

Independence Hall is one of the most important places to visit.

The Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were framed here.

Touring this historic hall and all of Philadelphia is possible only after fulfilling the visa process requirements.

So, don't forget to check the ESTA status. You must know ESTA to avoid any problems visiting the USA as a tourist.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Some people have a particular affinity for water and beaches.

If you're one of them, then the 60 miles of Myrtle Beach in South Carolina is for you.

It's a popular, sandy beach that sees a significant number of tourists throughout the year.

There are plenty of accommodations to suit your needs, from budget-friendly to luxury.

Plus, beyond the beach, there are over 100 golf courses to choose from, scenic helicopter rides, and tons of excellent seafood restaurants from which to fill your belly.

United States Capitol Building (photo: Phil Roeder)

Washington, DC

Washington, DC is the capital of the United States. It's packed with historical places, dozens of museums, and pretty parks.

The district has a clean, modern, safe Metro network that will help you get around in a short time for just a few dollars per ride.

Of the many well-known places to visit, a few include:

The White House
The Washington Monument
National Air Space and Museum
National Gallery of Art

The list of such amazing attractions goes on and on.

Art lovers, in particular, will have a field day on the National Mall, which is lined by museums that are part of the Smithsonian.

After processing for ESTA registration, make sure to keep checking your ESTA status, so you don't miss any critical notifications.

Beach in Key West, Florida (photo: Mercedea)

Florida Keys, Florida

Do you want your vacation to be a break from hectic city life and a monotonous schedule?

Consider a visit to the Florida Keys. It's known as one of the most relaxing parts of the United States for a good reason.

The tranquility of Keys, a series of small islands at the southern tip of Florida, makes it a worthy destination.

Enjoy peace of mind in a part of the USA unlike any other. Take some books because no one is going to disturb you here.

Multiple islands are known due to their magnificent beauty.

And don't forget to taste a slice of key lime pie before you leave!

This story was brought to you in partnership with GCL Internet Services LLC.

Top 5 Tourism Activities for Your Uganda Safari Vacation

Bwindi National Park (photo: Jule Lumma)

Uganda is a safe safari destination, which welcomes you with happy faces; it's a thriving nation full of natural beauty.

The Pearl of Africa is a country with a variety of wildlife, lush green vegetation, a tropical climate, and rich culture, all of which make Uganda a unique destination to visit.

While Kenya and Tanzania are most visited in search of the Big 5, Uganda has lions, elephants, leopard, buffalo, and rhinos distributed over several national parks.

Uganda is especially well-known as one of only three countries that are home to mountain gorillas. Chimpanzees abound, and it's a birder’s paradise.

Geographically, Uganda has the Nile River, the magnificent Murchison Falls, and the Rwenzori Mountains. The landscapes and wildlife all make Uganda safaris one of the most worthwhile adventures on the continent.

Below are some of the best activities to try in Uganda.

Mountain Gorilla in Uganda (photo: Rod Waddington)

Table of Contents

Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Bird watching
Game drive
Chimpanzee tracking
Source of the Rive Nile Water Rafting

Mountain Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla tourism is one of the main reasons tourists flock to Uganda.

Mountain Gorillas are a highly endangered species with a population of 400 in Uganda, mainly in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park.

Start off your Uganda safari with gorilla tracking, which takes place year around, although the majority of tourists prefer visiting from June to September and December to February.

There are 15 gorilla families in total in Uganda with 14 in Bwindi and one family in Mgahinga.

In Uganda, a gorilla permit goes for $600 in the high season and $450 in the low season. The exception to these prices is a gorilla habituation experience that goes for $1,500 but only allows for eight people per day, per gorilla family.

If this option interests you, secure your permit as early as possible so as not to miss out on this memorable experience.

Bird watching

Uganda is a top destination for bird lovers; with over 1,000 bird species at different birding sites, you're sure to catch a glimpse of rare birds.

Uganda has only one endemic bird species called the Fox’s Weaver and many other albertine endemic species that are found in different parts of the country.

You can get to see these and many more birds from places like the Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Lake Mburo National Park, Lutembe Bay, Murchison Falls, Semuliki National Park, and Mabamba Island, common for the Shoebill among others.

Some of the albertine endemic bird species include: Ruwenzori Nightjar, Red-throated Alethe, African Green Broadbill, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Handsome Francolin, Short-tailed Warbler, Collared Apalis, Mountain Masked Apalis, Archer’s Robin-Chat, Dawrf Honey guide, Grauer’s Warbler, Dusky Crimsonwing, Rwenzori Batis, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, Shelley’sCrimson wing, Strip-breasted Tit, Blue-headed Sunbird, Grauer’s Rush Warbler, Rwenzori Turaco, Strip-breasted Tit, Kivu Ground Thrush, Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher, and the Strange Weaver.

A lion in Queen Elizabeth National Park - Uganda safaris — A lion in Queen Elizabeth National Park (photo: Brian Harries)

Game drive

This is a fascinating activity for wildlife diehards. It involves driving through the park in the early morning, spotting different animals waking up to start their day.

On this safari, you can spot the Big 5 and rare species like cheetah and jackals in the wild. There are three national parks that offer game drives to display their rich fauna.

Queen Elizabeth National Park is the most visited and famous because of the tree climbing lions and 96 other mammals found in the park.

North Kazinga Plains and the Ishasha Sector offer almost guaranteed buffalo, antelope, and elephant sightings, along with warthogs and baboons.

Kidepo National Park features rugged savannah plains and has 86 mammals along Narus Valley. Among them are several rare species like cheetah, aardwolf, mountain reedbuck, and caracal. Other wildlife includes elephants, leopard, bush duiker, jackal, bushbuck, bush pig, Kavirondo bush baby, buffalo, and much more.

Additional parks include Lake Mburo National Park with the famous impala antelope found nowhere else, Murchison Falls National Park, and Semuliki National Park.

Chimpanzee tracking

Kibale is a one-stop destination for chimpanzee; it’s referred to as the primate capital of the world.

Not only are there chimpanzees, but there are other primates including the black and white colobus, red-tailed monkey, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, red-tailed monkey, olive baboon, bush baby, and potto.

Kibale National Park is connected to Queen Elizabeth and has a total of 1,450 chimpanzees at different tracking sites, Kyambura Gorge and Budongo Forest.

Tracking of these endangered primates is carried out in groups of four to six people who are escorted by a tour guide.

Chimpanzee tracking is conducted in the early morning, and for that reason, tourists are advised to prepare in advance of their journey by wearing hiking shoes and proper clothing.

Above all, book your permits in advance. The cost is $100 per person.

Whitewater rafting on the Nile River (photo: Maciej)

Source of the Rive Nile Water Rafting

Following your safari adventures, visit the source of the Nile River.

One of the longest rivers in the world, the Nile flows up to the Red Sea in Egypt and is believed to have originated in Lake Victoria.

Jinja is located only a two-hour drive from Kampala, and the well-laid road takes you through the dense Mabira forests.

The boat ride is also a great way to indulge in some bird watching along the banks of the river.

Some of the other activities in and around here include whitewater rafting, a visit to the hydro-electric power plant at Bujagali Falls, bungee jumping, and visiting the Nile Brewery (prior booking required) which makes a favorite Ugandan beer called Nile Gold.

This story was brought to you in partnership with Gorilla Trek Africa.

9 Reasons to Take a Nile Cruise

Statue of Ramses II at Karnak Temple (photo: Edgardo W. Olivera)

You’ll never forget the incomparable feeling of cruising down one of the world’s most famous rivers— a river that has been essential to Egypt’s agricultural and economic wellbeing since ancient times.

As you travel between Luxor and Aswan, you’ll pass a dizzying array of temples, tombs, and monuments.

Here are a few of the highlights from a traditional Nile cruise, plus a few tips for your tours in Egypt.

Table of Contents

1. Karnak Temple
2. The Valley of the Kings
3. Temple of Hatshepsut
4. Temple of Edfu
5. The Aswan High Dam
6. Abu Simbel Temples
7. Temple of Kom Ombo
8. Traditional Markets
9. Felucca Tours
Frequently Asked Questions

1. Karnak Temple

This stunning temple complex is far more than just one temple: it comprises temples, chapels, and colossal statues spread out over multiple precincts.

Construction began under Pharaoh Senruset I, who ruled from 1971 until 1926 BC during the Middle Kingdom, and continued for centuries under the pharaohs of the New Kingdom and Ptolemaic rule (305-30 BC).

As you walk through this complex, take your time to marvel at the endless columns, statues, carvings, and friezes, which bear witness to over 1,500 years of history.

2. The Valley of the Kings

Don’t be fooled by its unassuming appearance from the outside: this valley is one of the world’s most magnificent archaeological sites!

Numerous underground chambers contain the tombs of pharaohs, cut out from rock between the 16th and 11th centuries BC.

Tutankhamun is the most famous pharaoh to be buried here, but since his artifacts have been removed to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the other tombs are even more splendid.

3. Temple of Hatshepsut

This beautiful mortuary temple was constructed for Hatshepsut, who plays an unusual role in Ancient Egyptian history as a female pharaoh. The temple’s layered architecture makes a striking visual statement.

The interior at one time contained lavish decorations, sculpture, and relief paintings, but many of these items have been looted or damaged over time.

Nevertheless, this distinctive temple and its pharaoh are famous icons of Ancient Egypt and are well worth a visit.

If you want a sense of how vast this ancient landscape (including the nearby Valley of the Kings) is, consider taking a hot air balloon tour out of Luxor.

4. Temple of Edfu

Monumental. Jaw-dropping. Spectacular.

This temple to the falcon god Horus is a real crowd-pleaser thanks to its size and level of preservation. It features a number of inscriptions, carvings, and decorated columns.

Built during the Ptolemaic Dynasty (3rd-1st century BC), this temple represents a blend of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultural influences and reflects the general wealth and prosperity enjoyed under the Ptolemaic rule.

5. The Aswan High Dam

Built during the 1960s, this dam is a remarkable feat of modern engineering.

For millennia, people living along the banks of the Nile have relied on its regular cycles of flooding. Yet sometimes the river proved unpredictable—high water levels could overwhelm crops, while low water levels caused drought.

This dam was built to take control of the Nile, ensuring favorable levels of flooding and allowing water to be stored for future use.

Construction of the dam, however, displaced thousands of people who lived in areas that became flooded by Lake Nasser.

Due to its sheer size and impact, the High Dam is worth a stop on your itinerary.

6. Abu Simbel Temples

These colossal temples were painstakingly chiseled out of the mountains under the rule of Pharaoh Ramesses II during the 13th century BC. The two structures honor Ramesses and his queen Nefertari.

During the 1960s—when the Aswan High Dam was under construction—these temples were dismantled and relocated so they would not be damaged by flooding.

7. Temple of Kom Ombo

Another Ptolemaic-era temple, this one is distinctive because of its double purpose and structure. Its northern half is dedicated to Haroeris, or Horus the Elder, while its southern half celebrates the crocodile god Sobek.

Fascinated by crocodiles? You’re in luck. You can also visit the nearby Crocodile Museum which displays some of the mummified crocodiles found in the area.

8. Traditional Markets

In both Luxor and Aswan, you’ll find delightful markets where you can stock up on local fruits, savor the aroma of spices, browse for clothing, and find countless souvenirs and handicrafts.

Whether you’re on the hunt for perfume or paprika, baskets or bracelets, you’re likely to find it if you look hard enough.

9. Felucca Tours

Your large cruise ship may be luxurious, but why not try out a traditional felucca too?

These small wooden boats, a classic form of Nile transportation, are propelled either by oars or by the wind.

A smaller vessel will get you closer to the water and let you truly feel the breeze as you glide along the Nile.

Frequently Asked Questions

And now, some tips for having the best Nile cruise possible.

When should you book your Nile cruise?

Most people prefer going between November and February when the weather is best. The low season runs from June to August, when scorching temperatures deter all but the most intrepid.

What to pack?

Do some research before you book your trip so you know what kind of temperatures to expect.

In summer especially, pack plenty of lightweight clothes that wick away moisture (plus a hat, sunglasses, and lots of sunscreen).

Dressing modestly will help shield your skin from the sun, and it may be required when visiting temples and other religious sites.

How long will a cruise take?

Most cruises travel between Luxor and Aswan, which takes three to four days. Longer cruises of about a week go to Dendera and Abydos, then follow the usual route.

Enjoy your ship and take advantage of all its amenities. Many ships are fitted with swimming pools, spas, and comfortable cabins where you can relax after a long day in the sun.

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This story was provided by and brought to you in partnership with Memphis Tours.

5 Must-Have Items for Female Travelers to Pack

Backpacking in Thailand (photo: David Lee)

Looking your best during a trip can be especially tricky, and at the same time, important.

Traveling involves lots of unexpected situations and decisions made in a hurry.

And while some may find packing enjoyable, others hate it. It takes a lot of time, a lot of guessing, and in the end, you may find you've still brought all the wrong things.

To make your travels, and especially your packing, easier, here are five tips to help you stay stunning while on the road.

I've made the following list based on my experience, as I have traveled a lot. These are the things I always take with me on any trip.

Table of Contents

1. A special travel bag with makeup
2. A travel hair dryer
3. An accessory of some kind
4. Shoe polish
5. Sunscreen

1. A special travel bag with makeup

It shouldn't be so big as to take up a lot of room in your backpack, but it doesn't have to be too small either.

It should contain all the necessities for you to look your best.

Have it ready at all times, so you can just throw it into your backpack and be set without having to worry about gathering all the right makeup for every trip.

Such an approach can save you a lot of time.

Stick to the bare minimum.

For example, don't take ten different shades of lipstick or five nail varnishes, even though the idea of experimenting with your nail color during your trip may seem attractive.

Select the best things that will go well with any outfit and will suit any situation.

Carefully consider its contents. It should contain a small mirror, maybe some cotton pads, cream, etc.

This bag leaves a lot of space for your creativity and your self-expression.

Over time and with practice, you'll be able to figure out what you need.

2. A travel hair dryer

What? A travel hair dryer? Yes, sure, it is not the first thing that comes to mind when you start packing.

But consider this: while more expensive hotels usually offer a hairdryer, cheaper hostels don't.

And there are many more situations when your hair might need washing, and a hair dryer just isn't available. And once you've washed your hair, you will need to style it.

Depending on your schedule, you might have very little time for this.

Imagine: you've washed your hair, now it's drying up, and you have to leave in five minutes for a full-day tour. This is when a hair dryer comes in handy.

The best travel hair dryer weighs very little, and is compact, with a folding handle, so it's easy to fit into your overstuffed backpack.

At the same time, it features most options you'd find on a regular hair dryer.

For example, you can switch between different heat settings. It's as powerful as your regular hair dryer. And the prices are quite moderate.

3. An accessory of some kind

It may be a brooch or a scarf or maybe something else - based on your taste and imagination.

But such a thing can make all the difference for the way you look if something unforeseen should happen.

For example, you can cover with it an unwelcome stain on your outfit at a moment when you need to look stunning, or you can just use it to complete your ensemble.

A more creative thing to do, for instance, is to use the scarf to hold up the handle of your bag or purse, should it come off.

Some such solutions will not only help you remain beautiful at all times. It will give you points for creativity.

4. Shoe polish

It takes up practically no room in your backpack, and it's handy. It's so easy to neglect our shoes when we travel.

And the importance of well-polished shoes hardly needs to be emphasized.

You can't always predict what situation you might find yourself in during a trip, and buying a shoe polish at the time you most need it may not always be possible, so make sure you have one with you at all times.

5. Sunscreen

The research has now proved without a doubt that sun rays are harmful to our skin. No exposure to the sun is recommended.

So sunscreen is what you need, not just for looking pretty, but for staying healthy too.

Of course, having your shoulders all reddened or your nose red and peeling is not pretty.

But severe enough sunburn can cause high fever, and that won't make you into a beauty.

Most probably, you will stop worrying about your looks entirely.

Such an event may easily ruin more than just your appearance, but the whole trip. Finally, here is an important part.

You may think that you don't need sunscreen unless you're traveling closer to the equator in the middle of the summer, but you still do.

Sun reflected from bodies of cold water or snow can also cause severe damage to your skin.

The sun can be harmful in cold weather too. Even on a cloudy day, you can get some harmful radiation.

So whenever you are outdoors for significant periods, it's advisable to wear sunscreen.

As you can see, all these tips are easy to follow. Enjoy your travels, and always look your best!

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This story was brought to you in partnership with Bestadvisers.co.uk.

Fly Fishing in Colorado: A Guided Trip on the Poudre River

Fly fishing knee-deep in the chilly waters of the Poudre River, surrounded by the rugged landscape west of Fort Collins, Colorado, I was having a moment of reflection.

I wasn't carving down a mountain in 12" of fresh powder as I'd dreamed of as a kid, but instead enjoying nature's serenity as a 40-year-old man. As a young adult, I was an avid reader of National Geographic Adventure and could recall advertisements for fly fishing.

Fly fishing for beginners — About to cast the line

The scenic images of a man in a river appealed to me amidst the magazine's stories of mountaineering and extreme expeditions, most of which were well beyond the realm of ordinary men.

So it was no surprise that fly fishing was one of the first activities that popped into my mind when I was invited to spend a week in Colorado last Fall.

I'd only been fishing a handful of times before then, including deep-sea fishing in Florida as a kid and catching snapper off Caye Caulker in Belize as an adult. However, I enjoyed both experiences immensely.

There's something primal about catching one's dinner, and fishing is the most easily accessible way to have that experience.

Fly Fishing Tour

After my Fort Collins beer and bike tour, I was up bright and early for breakfast at Lucile's, a Creole cafe. The hot spiced house tea, beignets, and eggs Benedict were a delicious start to the day.

Fly Fishing equipment — Fly fishing equipment

Gearing Up at St Peter's Fly Shop

My next stop was St Peter's Fly Shop in Old Town Fort Collins, Colorado. The main floor was filled with fly fishing gear, including faux flies of all shapes and sizes, rods, and custom fishing apparel.

I was sized for waterproof overalls and boots, obtained a one-day fishing license ($9), and met Rex, my enthusiastic fly fishing guide for the day.

We hopped in Rex's pickup truck, picked up our bagged lunches from Backcountry Delicatessen (a deli I became a fan of in Steamboat Springs), and headed west of Fort Collins.

Fly Fishing on the Poudre River

An hour later, we pulled off Route 14 into a parking lot and suited up in our waterproof overalls and boots, which turned out to be surprisingly comfortable.

The overalls included the feet, so it didn't matter that water would get into the boots. The boots were thick enough to protect against stubbed toes and had a felt-like substance on the soles to give grip while walking across slippery stones.

Outside the shop, where it was easier to focus, I gained a better appreciation for just how small and detailed the flies can be.

For example, the one pictured above was smaller than the size of my pinky fingernail. It dawned on me that we weren't fishing for a thousand-pound marlin with hooks that small.

I asked about the size of the fish we'd try to catch, and Rex responded that it was not about the size of the fish; it was about the process. I adopted his mindset, and we walked over to the gently flowing Poudre River.

Casting a line in Colorado — Casting the line

Upon wading halfway across the river and slightly upstream, Rex demonstrated how to cast the fly out and reel it in. He then pointed out a spot to target, further upstream about five meters, along an exposed rock.

For the first hour or two, I gripped the handle far too tightly and used more force than necessary to cast my line. I know this because my right hand would start to go numb, so I was forced to take a break and allow healthy circulation to resume.

Related: Fishing in Wales

Within a few hours on the river, I felt a tug. A 12-inch wild brown trout had taken the bait. I shouted, "I got one!" Rex began wading over while instructing me to reel it in slowly.

As he arrived and I brought the fish close enough, he scooped it up with a handheld net, removed the hook, and handed it to me for a photo-op. I then released the little guy to continue on his way.

Wild brown trout are the most common fish in Colorado's Poudre River. According to Wikipedia, they can grow to five to eight pounds here. Farm-raised rainbow trout are also present.

Fly fishing is available year-round on the Poudre River, though the appeal of being out there in the winter is lost on me. So it should come as no surprise that summer is the most popular season.

Following lunch on the riverbank and a little more time in the water, we drove to another nearby spot, where a rocky canyon wall rose steeply above us.

It was mid-afternoon, and my right hand and shoulder were tired of the repetitive motion. I'd about reached my limit, so after 30 minutes, we exited the second spot and headed back to Fort Collins.

All in all, fly fishing in Colorado was a lot of fun. It lived up to my expectations as a quiet, relaxing way to commune with nature, though my form could certainly use some work.

As a beginner, a guided trip is absolutely the way to go. Aside from an experienced guide like Rex, who was an encyclopedia of knowledge, he directed me to fish in places that gave me the best chance of catching something.

Websites like Dream Guides can also help improve one's fly fishing knowledge.

While it would've been an enjoyable experience regardless of whether I caught a few trout, it certainly made it more exciting.

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My tour was courtesy of St. Peter's Fly Shop and organized as part of my trip, which was hosted by the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association and Visit Fort Collins.

Travel the World Like an Aussie with These 4 Tips

Mount Rinjani, Indonesia (photo: Trekking Rinjani)

It’s no secret that Australians like to travel. Study results from Wotif-Travel released in late 2016 show that they tend to travel internationally more often staying in-country.

So, when they travel abroad, they seek adventure, cultural experiences, and unique dining opportunities. Perhaps this describes your travel style, too.

Regardless of the thrill of choice, traveling Aussies budget for Australian travel insurance. This desire to have experiences outside of the norm leads to a plethora of possible variables that can inhibit a memorable experience.

Here are five tips to consider before undertaking the next quest.

1. Plan, Plan, Plan Ahead

Carefully research where you plan to travel and decide what you want to do. If you are heading to a winter destination, consider the typical regional weather and possible travel warnings or delays that may occur.

Weather variables are not limited to snowfall. Thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes may contribute to the potential for weather problems depending on where you decide to visit.

Other considerations are natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, flooding, and mudslides.

The recent eruptions in Bali are a great example of how travel plans changed for thousands of people from all around the globe.

Many had to cancel their visit resulting in a loss of reservation fees or for those already there; they were stuck waiting for the next opportunity to leave.

Another example is in the United States, where the recent wildfires in Northern California and subsequent rain and mudslides have made a tremendous impact in obvious ways as well as subtle ways.

Subtly, the fires have changed the wine country terrain, production outflow, and availability, affecting the overall industry.

So, if you were planning to go to the Napa Valley wine country for a tasting affair, anticipate changes.

While these natural disasters may not prevent your travel in the region, it means that expectations about your experience may need to be adjusted.

2. Expect the Unexpected

So, now you’ve done your homework, booked transportation, arranged accommodations, and now it’s time to decide what to do when you arrive at your chosen destination.

As mentioned, Australians look for adventure, and it comes in all shapes and sizes from zip lining in Costa Rica to riding a mountain coaster in Switzerland, or perhaps, your thing is hiking Machu Picchu. Regardless of the thrill of choice, traveling Aussies budget for Australian travel insurance.

Adventures, by definition, have an intrinsic risk involved. While no one wants to have a calamity that brings an untimely end to a vacation, the wise traveler will understand and take responsibility for a potential fiasco.

Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro (photo: Francisco Anzola)

3. City Thrills

Exploring the offerings of cities in another country is always an excellent option for vacationers.

Some countries host charming or majestic castles and palaces, exotic and lush gardens, or meandering museums rich in history and artistic beauty.

Other cities revolve around casual and relaxing activities such as swimming in the ocean or a private pool, sunbathing on the beach with a frothy beverage, or haute couture shopping.

While these activities are not as adventurous as riding a camel in Arabia, it is necessary to be aware of the potential pitfalls of city exploration - pickpockets, careless drivers and con artists to name a few of the obvious.

Additionally, sunburns or heat stroke can sneak up on a beach-bound sun worshipper.

Having one adult beverage too many by the pool can end in heartbreak if you are not aware of the city’s regulations.

Trekking over uneven castle cobblestones can quickly turn an ankle, hobbling a visitor.

The key is to prepare in advance by:

Looking up reliable transportation to get you back to your hostel or hotel if you like to imbibe.
Shopping for and testing appropriate footwear before rambling over ancient ruins.
Checking the tide tables for the beach, you choose your vitamin D therapy location.
Alerting your credit card company of your travel plans so that Visa doesn't decide for you that the fabulous new velvet hat with the flowers and feathers on the brim is outside of your typical spending habits.

4. Think Before You Eat

Seeking a cultural experience through another ethnicities food is a common aspiration with world travelers.

The rising popularity of food-related travel television programs is making it standard practice to travel with the intent of eating all manner of food once thought exotic.

Virtually nothing is off-limits or taboo; insects, extremely spicy fare, and a variety of raw foods are consumed with regularity.

These foodie aspirations are undoubtedly appealing, but also fraught with an element of potential hazard. Guaranteed, no foodie wants to spend their holiday in their hotel room, or worse, in the hospital with any manner of food-related illness.

Sampling unusual food close to home can help you learn your body’s limits and prepare your internal system for whatever cuisine shock you subject your body to while overseas, thus saving you from hotel or hospital room induced cabin fever.

So, there are many good reasons for buying travel insurance, but the main lesson is what Aussies have figured out - expect the unexpected. It’s how to be a savvy and happy traveler.

How do you prepare for travel around the globe? Share your tips in the comments below.

This story was brought to you in partnership with Fast Cover.

The Best Food in Japan's Chubu Region

My love for food knows no bounds, and I'm comfortable admitting that Japanese food is my favorite cuisine on the planet.

Truthfully, It's not even close. So, when I was searching for the best food in the Chubu region, you can be sure that my search was thorough.

When I visited the Chubu region of Japan not so long ago, I certainly had goals of visiting castles, appreciating the beauty of Japanese nature, and experiencing shrines, but it was the food that I really had my eye on.

Food in Chubu Region — The Chubu Region of Japan may not be known for its cuisine, but it should be.

I am, quite literally, banned from several all-you-can-eat Japanese restaurants in my hometown of Toronto.

Spending hours at Japanese restaurants and taking on the menu taught me many things.

For one, your metabolism in your late teens is a gift worth cherishing, but, more importantly, I learned that Japanese food is more than just sushi.

Whenever I mention to people that Japanese food is my favorite cuisine, people always look at me, eyebrow raised, and say something like, "Oh, you love sushi that much?"

The answer is an unquestionable yes, but that's only the tip of the proverbial iceberg when it comes to Japanese cuisine.

This point was repeatedly proven when I was in Chubu. The local specialties are diverse, delicious, and, evidently, worth writing about.

Without further adieu, here are the dishes that I consider to be the best food in the Chubu region of Japan.

Table of Contents

The Must-Try Dishes of Japan's Chubu Region

The Must-Try Dishes of Japan's Chubu Region

It was hard to narrow down what the absolute best dishes in the Chubu region would be, but here's what I'll say you need to try if you're visiting.

For those who don't know or aren't clear, the Chubu region of Japan is known roughly as the central region of the country and is often called "the heart of Japan."

It consists of major cities such as Nagoya and Nagano, and a slew of smaller cities and towns like Toyota, Toyohashi, Asuke, Ueno, Toba, and so on.

If you haven't been, you need to add it to your bucket list. There's no shortage of sights to see.

Unagi

Japanese Unagi, which is commonly known as eel, is heavenly when it's prepared correctly.

The Chubu region (and in particular the city of Hamamatsu) is widely considered to have the best eel in the country, and the best idea of how to prepare it.

When I had the opportunity to try some for myself, it was over a bed of rice.

The eel, or unagi, was basking in a semi-sweet teriyaki-style glaze that was just ideal. It went perfectly with the fluffy, steaming rice underneath it.

Beyond just its flavor properties, it's also very healthy for you. In the recently released list from the BBC, eel ranked 56 in the world's top 100 nutritious foods.

If you haven't tried eel or are weirded out about by the slithery motions of the oft-misunderstood creature, I'd tell you to look past all that.

All that to say, Unagi is scrumptious, and the Chubu region is the place to try it. It's some of the best food in the Chubu region, hands down.

Miso-katsu

So, what is miso-katsu? Well, it's a variation on a Japanese classic. It's this small variation that, in my opinion, adds miso-katsu onto the "best food in Chubu" list.

Tonkatsu is the dish on which this is based. Tonkatsu is simply a breaded pork cutlet, but it's one of the most popular dishes in Japan.

It's downright ubiquitous and can be found in any city. Miso-katsu, not so much.

Miso-katsu is still breaded pork, but the sauce which is typically poured over the cutlet is a miso-based sauce that makes the dish flavorful.

In the picture above, you can see said sauce just to the left - it's a thick and robust sauce which is worth traveling to Japan's Chubu region for. I'm not exaggerating when I say that.

The dish is said to have been created in Nagoya, but you can find it all over the Chubu region these days.

Crab Sashimi

There are many reasons that you should visit the Chubu region, and crab sashimi is one of them.

As you may have gathered, my foray into Japanese food goes pretty deep, but I'd never seen crab sashimi on offer.

I'd tried pretty much all the Japanese fish and shellfish in their raw state, but not crab, so I was pleasantly surprised when I got the opportunity.

If you're a "texture person," this dish may not be for you, but I'd urge you to fight through it. It's marvelous.

The Chubu region is one of the premier places in the country to get your seafood fix, but look beyond the traditional, and go for crab sashimi.

I'd say the best place to get your hands on some would be in Nagoya and specifically a restaurant called Sappora Kani-Ya.

They do things right from start to finish.

While there, I indulged in five different courses of crab delicacies, headlined by the crab sashimi.

So, what are you waiting for? It easily qualifies as some of the best food in the Chubu region.

Goheimochi

It isn't the sort of dish where if someone described it to you, your mouth would instantly water but don't discount it.

We're talking about flattened rice cakes, glazed in a delicate coating of miso or soy sauce (which is nice and sweet), then grilled to perfection.

Japanese street food comes in many forms, and some are hit or miss - but this is an absolute guarantee.

When talking about crab sashimi I noted that the texture might be a hindrance for some, well with this dish, I'd say it's the complete opposite.

The flavor of goheimochi is well and good, but it's also a pleasure to sink your teeth into.

Alright, that might just be me, but the moral of the story is that goheimochi certainly ranks in as some of the best food in the Chubu region!

The Best Food in the Chubu Region (Honorable Mentions)

It's easy to get carried away when you're talking about mouthwatering Japanese dishes.

I've mentioned four dishes that warmed my heart, but I'd be remiss to not share a few more, if only briefly.

Oyaki - A dumpling from Nagano often stuffed with vegetables and healthy amounts of soy and miso.
Oysters - Especially as you get closer to Toba and Osatusu, the oysters are to die for.
Red Miso Soup - It's basically white miso, but with more soybeans and fermented a little longer. It's unique and well worth trying!
Yakisabazuchi - Think mackerel sushi, but even fresher than you thought possible.
Gifu - Also known as ayu, this fish is widely considered to be the sweetest fish around. It can only be found in the cleanest rivers, so the Chubu region takes great pride in them.

Final Thoughts on the Must Try Food in the Chubu Region

Let's be frank - you're not going to go wrong either way.

That being said, doing my research on what was available food-wise before landing allowed me to seek out a more enriching experience.

I was asking for miso-katsu when the folks I was with were asking how we would even get from the airport.

I'm all about traveling with intention because you may as well make the most of every minute, and food, for me, is a big part of that.

So, let us hope this article serves you well in your endeavors. In this region of the world, every bite is a blessing.

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My trip was hosted in partnership with Go Backpacking and the local government of Japan. All opinions are my own.

Virtually at Home: Why You Should Use a VPN While Traveling

Online in Costa Brava, Spain (photo: David Lee)

The internet has made travel much easier on several fronts: it’s easy to compare lodging prices, book tickets, and navigate foreign cities. And yet even as we seek the allure of the foreign, it can be hard to give up the convenience of our familiar online environments.

Despite the web being world-wide, the digital landscape can vary significantly across countries.

There are blocked websites, pages in a foreign script, and the never-ending carousel of public networks in airports, cafes, and hotels—each one making vague claims of what it might do or not do with our user information.

If you’re looking to keep your online connections consistent while traveling, you should consider investing in a virtual private network (VPN) service.

A VPN establishes an encrypted connection between a user’s device and server or “endpoint” under the service’s control.

This provides many benefits to travelers regarding safety, convenience, and comfort.

Protect Your Data

Unless you get yourself a mobile hotspot before you go, you will probably rely on a public network for your online activities.

The flimsy security of public WiFi, coupled with travelers’ tendencies to keep important documents (e.g., itineraries, bookings, contact details) online can make for an information security nightmare.

The encryption provided by a VPN, however, makes up for the lapses in public network security.

With your VPN active, you don’t need to worry about other users on the network—in airports and hotels, there could be hundreds—snooping around your emails and transaction data.

Access Blocked Sites

The accessibility of web content can vary from country to country for many reasons, usually involving private licensing restrictions or government censorship laws.

Sometimes it’s no more than an annoyance, but other times it can get in the way of work or other essential tasks. Whichever it is, though, VPNs can help you get around it.

When you connect to one of a VPN’s endpoints, the server you’re using assigns you a new IP address based on where it’s located.

This effectively masks your IP address and tells any web service you’re accessing that you’re located in another region.

This will get you past the most common means of blocking web content, aptly called geoblocking.

With this, you can watch any shows you might be following on streaming services like Netflix, or you could keep up with news that might be censored in the country you’re in.

But if you’re circumventing policies and censors, are you going to get in trouble?

The answer is a bit of a gray area. Hardly any countries have established policies on VPN use.

That said, it’s a good idea to read up before traveling. The United Arab Emirates and China are both stricter than usual on them, for instance.

China’s hostility toward VPNs means that a VPN that works in China likely works anywhere in the world, though, making it an excellent litmus test for potential VPN services.

Savvy Shopping

Just as a VPN’s encryption protects your documents and correspondences, it can also safeguard transaction information, including payment details and receipts.

This is great for making online purchases abroad, especially if you’re limited to public or semi-public networks.

Moreover, because a VPN can make it seem as if you’re in another country, you can sometimes use it to get better deals on travel-related purchases.

Tourists often pay more than locals do for products, services, or access to places of interest. A VPN won’t eliminate this problem, but it can mitigate it in some cases.

Domestic flights, for example, are sometimes cheaper when booked locally—so you can have your VPN mark you as local when you book the flight.

You should note, however, that your transactions will be kept hidden from third parties, but not from anyone directly concerned with the purchase.

If you make online purchases from vastly different locales, your credit card company is bound to notice.

Choosing a VPN Service

All that being said, there’s still the question of which VPN service to use.

There are many reviews available online, but when it comes to VPNs specifically for use while traveling, here are a few things to consider:

Choose a VPN that lets you automatically connect to it. A VPN can't protect you if it's not active and in the rush of travel, you might forget to connect manually. (Unreliable WiFi signals can also cause disconnection from the VPN.)
Find one with endpoints where you need them. This might be endpoints in the country you're visiting (for faster connections while staying secure), or one near your home region.
Make sure it can support as many devices as you'll need. This is mainly for paid VPNs, which restrict the number of devices that can connect to them and often charge premiums for more devices. If you use several smart devices while traveling, make sure your VPN can cover them all.
Again, make sure it works in the country you're going to. Run searches to see if it's been working or not within the past few months; this will be a good gauge of reliability.
Finally, look up the VPN provider's reputation. You might think you're getting a good deal with a free service, but some providers have been known to sell user information to fund their operations.

This story was provided in partnership with Hotspot Shield.

Applying for an ESL Job in China: What to Look for in a Contract

Are you thinking about applying for an ESL job in China? Already got an offer for a teaching contract?

Don't forget to check the details.

While it's undoubtedly an exciting time to be teaching overseas, it pays to check out all the aspects before heading to the airport.

You should read your contract carefully before accepting it.

An ESL contract is much like any other legal contract that you'll need to take seriously.

It's signed by you and your employer and binds you to what's written.

In essence, it's your responsibility to enter a contract that meets your expectations.

If this is your first time teaching abroad, you may not know what to be looking for, so we've provided a set of critical criteria you should be on the lookout for before you accept any ESL teaching position in China.

Similarly, should you decide to enlist in some help, popular services such as Career China will guarantee placement in reputable schools and help guide you through your contract and expectations to help reduce your risk of entering a bad agreement.

Table of Contents

Working Hours
Salary
Duration of Contract
Medical Insurance
Airfare Reimbursement
Visa and Permits
Holidays and Time Off

Working Hours

The contract should specify the hours you need to work in both classroom and non-classroom settings.

Non-classroom hours include the hours you'll be spending on testing or evaluating students, grading homework, or creating new lesson plans.

Make sure that the exact numbers are written on the contract; if there isn't one, confirm the details with the company before signing the contract.

You may be wondering what the minimum classroom hours should be in ESL teaching.

The standard is around 15 to 20 hours of classroom time and not more than 5 hours for non-classroom time.

Any more than that and you should be paid for the extra hours appropriately.

Moreover, English training institutions should not ask you for more than 25 hours for classroom and 5 hours for non-classroom weekly.

If there's a need for extra hours, then you need to make sure that you are getting a higher rate for them.

Salary

Your salary should always be enough to meet your personal needs.

It should also be competitive and in line with the current value of ESL teacher salaries on the market.

Asking a local expert or checking online job listings should give you an idea of how much you should be getting for teaching English in China.

You'll also have to consider the region - teaching in Tier 1 cities like Shenzhen, Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou should fetch you a higher salary as compared to the smaller cities because these cities have a higher demand for teachers and have a higher cost of living.

Salaries in public schools can fall in the range of 10,000 RMB up to 15,000 RMB while teaching in private or international schools could get you 16,000 to 24,000 RMB.

Treat this figure as a baseline - if you have more experience and training, then you can and should negotiate for higher pay.

Duration of Contract

Your ESL contract should state the start date and ending date as a teacher.

Standard lengths are ten months for public schools and 12 months for private schools.

When the contract ends, the residency and housing permit usually end as well.

During this time, it will be best to think about whether you wish to continue teaching ESL in China or leaving the country before your residency expires.

Medical Insurance

Your ESL contract should include the terms of your medical expenses.

Most public schools in China offer basic medical insurance for their teachers, i.e., reimbursement for basic hospital fees, etc.

Basic medical insurance changes if a private school decides to hire you. Some companies state a specific amount to pay for medical expenses.

Make sure to check this carefully, as it's a significant factor that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Airfare Reimbursement

Employers may or may not have airfare reimbursement as part of the contract. Travel costs include the airfare ticket from your country to China.

You can check and see if the costs of a travel ticket from China back to your country are included as well.

Generally, this is a set amount that you will be reimbursed regardless of where you are flying or how much it ends up costing you.

Visa and Permits

Spend some time going over the contract and check the part where visas and permits are stated.

As a standard, your employer should give you a valid work visa for the duration of your time teaching.

If the contract does not state that you will receive a working Z Visa, then you need to confirm with the school whether they will offer this visa.

If they intend to, then you must get this written in the contract.

If they do not give a working Z Visa, it is in your best interest to move on to an employer that will offer you working status.

Often, employers in China will try to get out of sponsoring your working Z Visa because it is both costly as well as requires lots of paperwork on their end.

What this means for you, if you are not provided a working Z Visa, is that you will be working illegally under a tourist visa.

You can face being sent home if you are caught working on a tourist visa and will need to "exit" the country every 90 days to reset your tourist visa.

If you are not living in a border city such as Guangdong or Shenzhen, this equates to a massive headache for you as the teacher and can be avoided simply if you confirm the Z working visa beforehand.

Holidays and Time Off

As a rule, public schools offer more holidays as compared to private schools.

The trade-off is that you're more likely to be paid less if employed as an ESL teacher in a public school.

Take a look and see if you'll be paid for time off as many Chinese holidays are quite lengthy (some up to 4-5 weeks during the Chinese New Year), especially if you're a public school teacher.

Some may pay you in full during these holidays, others at half a rate, while some won't pay at all.

The bottom line is that you should exercise due diligence and check out all these things before finally agreeing to the ESL contract's terms and conditions.

Being prepared and knowing what to expect is part of the ESL teaching experience!

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This story was provided by and published in partnership with Career China.

5 Reasons to Visit Japan's Chubu Region

It sounds strange, but the most exciting part of my plane ride over to Japan in November was that I didn't know much about the area where I was headed.

Isn't it refreshing to occasionally head to destinations where we don't have a roadmap of how exactly it will be?

Don't you love that feeling when you mention to a friend where you're headed, and all they can respond with is a furrowed brow which suggests that they've never heard of it?

It's entirely possible you've just answered no to both of the above questions, but that's beside the point.

The point I'm trying to make is this - When I got to the Chubu Region in Japan, I was totally blown away by what I encountered. It wasn't just the Izakaya culture either, I promise.

I found a cacophony of reasons that I was happy to be in the Chubu Region (colloquially called Shoryudo), and I thought I ought to share them.

Just as aside, when I'm referring to the Chubu Region, I'm roughly referring to the central area that's sandwiched between East and West Japan and includes highlights like Mt. Fuji, the Olympic city of Nagano, as well as modern and fast-paced Nagoya!

Table of Contents

5 Reasons to Visit Japan's Chubu Region

5 Reasons to Visit Japan's Chubu Region

1. Nature

The nature that I was to experience in Japan's Chubu Region was something to behold.

You've got the majesty of the coastline down in Toba where hot spring culture is in full bloom, and that's juxtaposed with the autumn leaves (also in full bloom, I might add) in nearby Asuke.

What struck me was the attitude towards preservation there. The streets were clean, the forests were well taken care of, and the beaches were all neat and tidy.

I'm far from a biologist, but I'll at least say that it was refreshing to see a region that was conscious of their environmental footprint or, at the very least, interested in preserving their natural surroundings.

Everywhere I went I got the sense that the Japanese people understood what they had with the Chubu Region in terms of nature, but it had been entirely overlooked by those of us abroad.

Hiking, long walks through the forest, pilgrimages, mountain climbing, scuba diving - you name it, they've got it.

Nature in the Chubu Region — Some of the colors were so deep and vibrant; they hardly seemed real.

2. It's Not Overrun by Tourists

It's simple, the fewer people have heard about a region, the fewer tourists are going to be there.

However, my feeling is that international tourists are going to learn that Japan is more than just Tokyo and Kyoto soon.

I distinctly recall being at the Toyokawa Inari Shrine, and the experience was just so much richer since I didn't have to wade through a pool of tourists.

There were a fair amount of people paying their respects, but I certainly didn't see a tour bus of international tourists pull up. In a sense, that made things a lot more special.

I'm not suggesting that you should drop everything and head to the Chubu Region, which would ironically fill it with international tourists (the very thing I'm saying makes the region special), but I am saying that it should at the very least be on your radar.

3. The Food

It takes a big person to admit their bias, so let me just go ahead and admit that Japanese food is my favorite food on the planet.

That being said, there was something special about the food in this region. They had a range of Japanese delicacies that had tickled my fancy before, but it was the seafood that blew my mind.

There was one meal in particular where I literally ate five different crab dishes, and that was the meal. How great is that?

I also had eel on rice which baffled my senses, and fresh oysters grilled over an open fire.

I had more fish than one should reasonably consume in a week, though being reasonable was never my strong suit.

The real beauty is that eating in Japan really doesn't have to be that expensive to be delicious.

Japanese food — What I wouldn't do to be able to go back in time and eat this crab and tuna sashimi from the Chubu Region once more...

4. The Craftsmanship

I often compare my dexterity to that of a kindergartener, and as such, I was certifiably impressed with the level of care and coordination I saw in the making of some astonishing handmade products.

There was a Japanese papermaking and dying factory I visited in Mie Prefecture that prepared handmade paper with astonishing detail and design. And, in many ways, that was just the tip of the iceberg.

The place where I went from being impressed to being in awe was the handmade candle shop on a small side street of an even smaller town in Aichi Prefecture.

He sat there all day, in front of boiling vats, creating sheer beauty.

Candle maker in Japan — The candle maker quietly goes about his craft in the Chubu Region of Japan

5. The Vibe

When you visit the most populous or famous cities in a nation, I've found that those places can sometimes emanate a self-important sort of vibe. Now, sometimes, it's well deserved - New York is important, London is important, and so on and so forth.

However, in light of that, I often like to check out cities that are outside of that spectrum. With Nagoya, you've got exactly that.

It's the fourth largest city in the country, and it's growing rapidly, both culturally and from a population perspective.

I met people who wanted to show me the time of my life, just because I came to check it out. I'm not sure you'd find that in Tokyo.

Skyline of Nagoya — The skyline of Nagoya is one of the finest in the Chubu Region of Japan, in my humble opinion.

The moral of the story is that the places that are most popular are not necessarily the most worth going to.

There's no question that Toyko, Kyoto, and other popular cities are regions are well worth the money to visit, but don't forget about the Chubu Region along the way.

There's plenty to see, and plenty of paths that aren't over-trodden, yet are ready for your arrival.

My trip was hosted in partnership with Go Backpacking and the local government of Japan. All opinions are my own.

7 Reasons To Choose Mexico for Adventure Travel

In early December, I visited ATMEX, Mexico's Adventure Travel conference.

Representatives included Mexican state tourism boards, adventure tour operators, travel agents, sustainability experts, and so much more.

Everyone shared in common, though, excitement and passion for travel in Mexico.

Cave rappelling — Ready for a caving and rappelling adventure in the state of Tabasco

The days preceding the conference were my first experiences with adventure travel in Mexico (though I'm pretty familiar with culinary, cultural, and beach travel within the country), and I couldn't have been more impressed.

Why was I so impressed with adventure travel in Mexico? Why should you choose Mexico as your next adventure destination?

There are a million reasons, but I've narrowed them down for you.

Table of Contents

Adventure Travel in Mexico

Adventure Travel in Mexico

1. World-class Adventure

Whether you want to go white-water rafting, caving, bouldering, rock climbing, rappelling, surfing, flying, or almost anything else, Mexico's got it.

Because Mexico has such a diverse landscape and environment - including deserts, oceans, lakes, cenotes, caves, karsts, jungles, forests, and so much more -- you can find pretty much any adventure activity within this one single country.

Caving in Chiapas is an example of adventure travel in Mexico — Caving with Petra Vertical

2. Affordable Prices

I'll admit it: adventure hotspots in the Americas are pricey. For many travelers, adventure activities are prohibitively expensive.

BoThenited States and Costa Rica (two of the most popular adventure destinations) tend to have budget-busting prices, limiting many travelers' abilities to participate in all the incredible adventures they'd love to try.

In Mexico, your ability to do adrenaline activities is determined only by the extent of your thirst for adventure, not your wallet.

For example, in Tuxtla Gutierrez, for less than $100, you can get a full day of caving with the top experts in the industry, a whole day of mountain biking through indigenous towns (stopping to experience the culture, of course), or a full day of rappelling into the Sinkhole of Parrots and exploring sinkhole-perimeter trails: all including American-standard safety equipment and training, transportation to and from your hotel, lunch, and English-speaking expert guides.

Enjoying a quick coffee between landing at Tuxtla Gutierrez Airport and arriving at Tzimbac Adventure Parkoffee in Chiapas, Mexico — Enjoying a coffee between landing at Tuxtla Gutierrez Airport and arriving at Tzimbac Adventure Park

3. Convenient Logistics

Transportation doesn't seem like a big deal in choosing an adventure destination until you've come off a thrice-delayed flight with two connections and now need to take a chicken bus.

Trust me, convenience is critical when reaching your destination, being ready to take on an adventure, and making the most of potentially short vacation time.

To get to two of the biggest adventure hubs in Mexico (Tuxtla Gutierrez or Villahermosa), you likely need two flights: an international flight into Mexico City and then a domestic flight to your destination.

From the airport, you can take an Uber or registered taxi to your hotel or hostel or arrange a pick-up with your accommodation.

From there, have a meal or coffee, maybe a shower or quick nap, and then get started exploring!

There's not much jet lag to get over (if any), no long bus rides, no shuttles, and no complicated connections. Does it get easier than that?

Bats in Kolem Chen Cave, another opportunity for adventure travel in Mexico — Bats clustered on the Kolem Chen cave ceiling

4. Ecotourism Opportunities

If you want to experience adventure without nature, you might as well go to a rock-climbing gym.

Mexico takes ecotourism adventures to the next level with some of the world's most biologically diverse ecological communities.

You've got an aptly named Parrot Sinkhole in Chiapas, an otherworldly firefly gathering in Tlaxcala, baby turtles on the beaches, the Monarch butterfly migration to Michoacan, all kinds of whales of the coast of Baja, the MesoAmerican reef (the second largest barrier reef in the world) off the Caribbean coast, bats in so many caves around the country, and endless other incredible animal and nature-encounter opportunities.

Representatives from a new Ecotourism Center under construction: El Gran Silencio del Jushalito

5. Sustainability Focus

Mexican adventure tour companies are increasingly aware of environmental impact and are involved in sustainable endeavors.

Exxi organizes trash collection on its routes to preserve the natural beauty and integrity of the trails and is committed to recycling.

RED Travel Mexico supports a nonprofit providing sustainable employment opportunities while protecting species and habitats in priority conservation areas.

Even ATMEX itself is carbon neutral, including a marked emphasis on fewer printed documents.

Many smaller communities traditionally left off the tourism trail realize the importance of and potential opportunities presented by ecotourism.

This is prompting them to better care for the environment and establish ecotourism centers and lodges.

A potter from Chiapas demonstrates the traditional technique of foot-powered, hand-thrown pottery

6. Cultural Contact

An adventure trip to Mexico won't be isolated from the incredible culture.

Whether you're dining on exquisite Mexican cuisine, hanging out in a town's plaza during your free time, or experiencing diverse styles of dancing: Mexico is a cultural hotspot, and you'll be able to enjoy it all without skimping on the adventure.

The current trend in Mexico's tourism is a renewed focus on culture.

Most adventure trips and tour operators include cultural contact as an integrated aspect of any tour, from scheduling lunch in a "Pueblo Magico" to using guides who grew up in the area and can share their perspectives.

"Pueblo Mágico" Tapijulapa near Kolem Chen — "Pueblo Mágico" Tapijulapa

7. Storytelling

What the heck does adventure have to do with storytelling?

Aside from having a great story to tell afterward, of course?

One of the unique trends in Mexican tourism now, in my opinion, is the emphasis on storytelling.

Rather than just doing something (taking a bike ride, charging down a zip line), guides share the story behind it: the area's history, details of the impact on the local community, and any meaning behind the activity.

When visiting the Parrot Sinkhole, I learned how the pit was created and how the community developed the ecotourism initiative as a symbiotic relationship between the land and the locals.

Before and after exploring Kolem Chen cave, we visited the nearby "Pueblo Mágico" (Magic Town) of Tapijulapa to see local handicrafts, hang out in the town square, and enjoy a traditional meal, providing context and an understanding of the culture that the cave is housed in.

This storytelling aspect creates a more profound and memorable experience and a connection between the visitor and the place (and its people) that extends far beyond a day trip activity.

My trip was hosted in partnership with Go Backpacking and ATMEX. All opinions are my own.

Fort Collins Brewery Tour: A Taste of Colorado's Craft Beer Scene

Fresh from my night alone in a wilderness yurt, I made the scenic two-hour drive east from State Forest State Park for a Fort Collins brewery tour.

The second hour of the drive on Route 14 was fun as the highway swerved through the winding Poudre Canyon along the Poudre River, where I would be going fly fishing the following day.

I checked into a private room at the charming and historical Fernweh Inn & Hostel; a former B&B turned hostel.

Entrance to Odell Brewing Co., the first stop on my Fort Collins brewery tour. — Entrance to Odell Brewing Co.

My room featured a queen-size bed, bunk bed, bay window, and an antique tub in the en-suite bathroom. Being in a warm, comfortable house after a night in the yurt felt wonderful.

Once I was settled, I met Kelsey, the vibrant hostel owner, Katy from Visit Fort Collins, and Bob, the owner of Beer and Bike Tours.

After quickly determining what size bike I needed, we took off on an afternoon bicycle brewery tour to visit three of Fort Collin's 21 microbreweries.

Table of Contents

Breweries

Breweries

Beer garden at Odell Brewing's — Odell Brewing's beer garden

Odell Brewing Co.

It was a leisurely ride from the hostel to our first brewery, Odell Brewing Co., the first craft brewery to open in Fort Collins in 1989. The original brewery was in a 100-year-old grain elevator nearby.

However, when they outgrew it, they built their current facility, which features a spacious indoor tasting room and a gorgeous outdoor beer garden.

I ordered the Classic beer flight, featuring the beers that helped build Odell Brewing Co. into the USA's 34th largest brewer.

From left to right in the photo above, I tasted their:

Easy Street Wheat
Levity Amber Ale
5 Barrel Pale Ale
90 Shilling Flagship Ale
Cutthroat Porter

I prefer medium to dark beers, so the Flagship Ale and Porter were my favorites.

As we were sipping beers and enjoying the beautiful weather, Katy mentioned that everyone in town enjoys visiting Odell's beer garden. I could see why!

Horse & Dragon Brewing Company

Feeling a slight buzz from my first tasting of the day, we cycled over to the nearby Horse & Dragon Brewing Company.

Opened by husband and wife duo Tim and Carol Cochran in May 2014, it's one of the newer breweries. And they've found an immediate following for their beers.

Carol was at the brewery when we arrived, and we immediately connected over having lived in Colombia (her in Bogota, me in Medellin).

The Horse & Dragon Brewing Company was another stop on the Fort Collins brewery tour. — The bar

In addition to immediately liking Carol, I loved the tasting room vibe, which felt warm and friendly.

I ordered a six-beer flight, including:

Atta Boy Jon (Marzen)
Old Tom's Rye (dark rye ale)
Whistle Blast (honey brown ale)
Sad Panda (coffee stout)
H&D N2 (stout)
H&D carbonated (dark chocolate stout)

It was quite a lineup! My favorite was the H&D N2 stout, as I preferred the nitrogenated stout vs. carbonated, which would explain why I became an immediate fan of Guinness when I first tried it.

Carol also took the time to give me a quick tour of the brewery. The room where the beer is made was adorned with flags, including Colorado, the USA, and Colombia.

Cooper Smith's Pub & Brewing

As the sun was setting on our boozy afternoon, we made our third and final stop of the Fort Collins brewery tour at Cooper Smith's Pub & Brewery. Like Odell's, Cooper Smith's has been a staple of Fort Collins since 1989.

I tasted a few more local beers before demolishing a much-needed Baja burger topped with goat cheese, poblano pico, guacamole, and chipotle sauce with sweet potato fries.

It was as delicious as it sounds, the perfect way to end my first afternoon in Fort Collins.

Bikes locked up outside Cooper Smith's Pub & Brewing

Final Thoughts

Overall, my Fort Collins brew cruise was precisely the experience I was looking for, a fun and leisurely introduction to the city and its craft beer scene.

The tour costs $50 per person on weekdays and $65 per person on the weekends and includes a Raleigh cruiser bike, helmet, lock, local guide, and brewery tours when available.

Participants pay for their beers, helping to ensure they only drink as much as they want.

In addition to Fort Collins, Beer & Bike Tours offers cycling tours across Colorado of varying durations and internationally in Japan and Germany. Plus, they do custom group tours too!

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My tour was courtesy of Beer & Bike Tours and organized as part of my trip hosted by the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association and Visit Fort Collins.

The Toyokawa Inari Shrine: A Treasure of Japan

When I first stepped foot on the grounds of the Toyokawa Inari Shrine, the local tour guide smiled, looked me in the eye and proudly noted that "you could fit two Tokyo baseball stadiums" within its confines.

However, the actual size of the shrine area wasn't its most notable feature. What was most apparent, almost immediately, was the presence of stone foxes.

On the trip through Central Japan (known as Shoryudo or the Chubu Region) thus far, I'd witnessed striking examples of natural beauty, and visited breathtaking castles, but this was another beast entirely - quite literally.

I've visited Japan on three separate occasions, and visited more shrines and temples than I'm even comfortable estimating, but never had I seen a place like this.

I don't want to in any way generalize, but, historically speaking, the rules for what constituted true aesthetic beauty could be narrow in Japan.

I'd argue that this prevented much experimentation in the construction of Buddhist shrines and temples.

What makes the Toyokawa Inari Shrine unique is the way it evolved to truly become one of a kind, a jewel among Buddhist temples and shrines.

The History of the Toyokawa Inari Shrine

Tokai Gieki is the name of the Buddhist priest who founded what would end of becoming one of the three most important Inari shrines in the nation.

The other two famed Inari shrines are the Yutoku Inari Shrine in Saga and the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto.

For context, a significant number of shrines in Japan are considered Inari shrines, which are, on the most basic level, shrines dedicated to the Shinto god Inari Okami.

This god's spirit form (or kami) is said to be that of the fox, which is how we came to see the thousands of foxes begin to take their place on the premises.

Like many significant places of worship in Japan, the boundaries between Buddhism and Shintoism are very blurred.

In fact, I've spoken personally to many Japanese people of many generations, and most that I've talked to don't see a reason for there to be a great distinction.

Their attitude is very much that Shintoism and Buddhism meld together harmoniously, and that both feed into a holistic approach that reaps the benefits of the rich, spiritual life.

Many of the buildings we see today have been rebuilt at one time or another, but there are still structures in the complex that are original, and dating back to the middle of the 16th century.

Diving Deeper into the Tradition of the Toyokawa Inari Shrine

This shrine, in particular, is noted for its "success rate" in prayers answered.

There are tales going back to ancient times of Japanese warriors who came to Toyokawa Inari, prayed for victory, and were graced with decisive battles.

That being said, generally speaking, the god Inari is actually much more famous for being a god who listens closely to prayers on success, mainly for business. That makes this shrine one of the most popular around for the New Year.

If you're on a strict budget (or very strict budget) it may be worth popping by, just to see if you just might change your luck and be able to extend your trip!

Tourists aside, though, Japanese come by regularly to pray for fertility, a boost for their company or enterprise, or a particularly good harvest for their respective agricultural interests.

I'm not overstating how important this is either - some six million people visit each year.

The Hill of Foxes (Reiko-Zuka) at the Toyokawa Inari Shrine

This area, to me, is by far the most intriguing, and really what makes it worth the visit from a photographer's perspective.

You must be thinking, as I was - where did all these foxes come from?

The answer that I got from the guide was one that I wasn't necessarily expecting, but one that allowed me to appreciate the Toyokawa Inari Shrine even more. It also explains why some are brand new, and some nearly have a layer of moss.

I mentioned before that this shrine is famous for people coming to pray here, largely for worldly success. Well, if someone comes here to pray, and their prayers are answered, it's customary to buy a fox and place it here.

When you look at this "Hill of Foxes" at Toyokawa Inari from that lens, this place becomes even more special. What you're looking at is the tangible evidence of dreams come true.

What You Need to Know about Toyokawa Inari

This trip to Toyokawa Inari doesn't have to be expensive in the slightest, which is how any visit to a Buddhist or Shinto shrine should be.

The entrance is completely free (though you may want to have a few coins to serve as an offering).

To get to Toyokawa Inari, simply go to Meitetsu Toyokawa-Inari Station, and it's less than a five-minute walk.

This shrine is located in the city of Toyokawa, which is technically in the gorgeous Aichi Prefecture.

My number one recommendation would be to schedule time to go across the street to the local vendors. There you'll find stellar food, and some fox/Inari related souvenirs that are worth sticking in your luggage, and not too pricey.

The whole point of visiting the Chubu Region is to change things up a bit as far as your traditional trips to Japan which may just include cities like Tokyo and Kyoto.

So head to the Toyokawa Inari Shrine, but don't forget to have a particular request in mind when heading there. Who knows, you may just end up adding a fox or two to the shrine yourself.

My trip was hosted in partnership with Go Backpacking and the local government of Japan. All opinions are my own.

Belize by Land: Discovering the Ruins, Wildlife, and Culture

Entrance to Actun Tunichil Muknal cave (photo: Antti T. Nissinen)

“Oh! You’re going to Belize! You must be so excited to go diving.”

Anyone who has ever booked a trip to Belize has probably heard something like this. And it makes sense: Belize is one of the top diving destinations in the world. With clear waters, abundant coral reefs, and of course, the “Big Blue Hole,” it’s easy to see why.

Unfortunately, because the water gets so much attention, people who don’t dive, or just aren’t all that interested in being in the water, often don’t consider Belize travel because they are afraid there won’t be much for them to do.

The truth is, though, that even if you never set foot in the water, you can easily fill your time in Belize with unique and exciting experiences.

So, before you cross Belize off your list of potential vacation destinations, consider these alternatives to diving and snorkeling.

Explore Maya Ruins

Belize was a center of the Maya civilization, and multiple archaeological sites throughout the country offer a fascinating glimpse into this ancient culture.

In northern Belize, the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve is the largest and most famous of the Maya sites.

The site itself is in the jungle on the banks of the New River, and you’ll need to take an hour-long boat trip up the river to reach the site.

The trip is worthwhile, though, as there are still more than 900 structures standing, including several temples, as well as a museum. Climb to the top of High Temple for panoramic jungle views.

You can find Maya ruins in other areas of Belize as well. If you are staying closer to the touristy Cayo District, you aren’t far from San Ignacio, home to several ruins and archaeological sites.

Among them is El Pilar, one of the country’s largest sites that was only discovered in 1993 and is still being explored.

In San Ignacio, you can also explore caves featuring remnants of Maya civilization — including skeletal remains.

Cockscomb Jaguar Preserve (photo: Larnie & Bodil Fox)

Wildlife Encounters

Sea life aren’t the only creatures you'll encounter in Belize. With its lush forests and diverse landscape, Belize is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna — and plenty of ways to see them.

If you are interested in birds, Belize is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with more than 300 species to spot.

While the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary near Belize City and the jungle areas in the north of the country offer the greatest diversity of avian life, with a pair of binoculars and some patients, you can spot exotic birds just about anywhere.

If you prefer your animal encounters on the ground, visit the Belize Zoo, just outside of Belize City.

Formerly a refuge for wildlife that had been used in documentaries, the zoo now features more than 150 species.

All of the animals have either been orphaned, were former pets, or were born at the zoo.

The zoo isn’t the only place to see Belize’s native wildlife.

Hiking in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the Jaguar Preserve, offers plenty of chances to see wildlife in its usual habitat.

The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is another favorite hiking spot – and its higher elevation offers a nice refreshing respite from the tropical heat in the jungle.

This reserve is well-known for rivers, pools, and waterfalls, including Hidden Falls (also known as Thousand Foot Falls) a popular spot for hikers.

Soak Up Some Culture

The unique mix of cultures that comprise Belize makes it one of the most diverse countries in the world — and creates a unique culture that is well worth learning about and exploring.

Belize City offers insight into the history and culture of the country and its people.

Visit the Museum of Belize, housed in an old prison, to learn about Maya, colonial, and pirate histories, or check out the Old Belize Cultural and Historical Centre, which has its own private beach.

Just walking through the streets of Belize City, you’ll encounter architecture that hints at various stages of the nation’s history, as well as find shops, galleries, and restaurants.

Of course, even if you don’t dip your toes in the warm Caribbean waters of Belize, you can still relax on the white sandy beaches in the shade of palm trees. But if you want to see more of this country than what is underwater, try some of these activities instead.

This story was brought to you in partnership with Anywhere.com.

Kolem Chen: Facing Fear in Tabasco's Epic Cave

Hiking up to the top of Kolem Chen Cave — Hiking to the cave entrance

After experiencing Chiapas, I continued to Tabasco, the Mexican state that has pretty much nothing to do with the famous American hot sauce of the same name.

What I found surprised me.

Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas, may be Mexico’s reigning Capital of Adventure… but Villahermosa, Tabasco is no snooze, either!

I was psyched to learn that within an hour’s drive of Tabasco’s capital, adventure-hungry travelers could be deep in nature: hiking, rappelling, mountain biking, and so much more.

Kolem Chen, an explorable cave of epic proportions (it means “Big Cave” in the indigenous Ch’ol language), is also conveniently located within Tabasco.

So, on my visit to Villahermosa, I opted for a Day of Adventure exploring the dark (and sometimes creepy-crawly-filled) reaches of the cave with Jungla Experience: rappelling down its sheer cliffs, and crawling through its tightest spaces.

I’m scared of the dark, of weird insects, of heights, and of tight spaces – what better opportunity to explore not only a cave but also these fears?

Let’s get started!

Kolem Chen in Tabasco, Mexico — Descending into the cave entrance for the first rappel

Along with my group, I got suited up for the adventure in a helmet (complete with the very necessary headlamp) and harness.

The guides double-checked everyone’s equipment to make sure it was fitted correctly, we took a few photos, and we were off!

First, our group needed to hike to the top of the cave.

I’m not going to lie; it was pretty tough.

After we’d climbed up a few hundred cement stairs, I thought we were done.

Nope! We’d just reached the entrance, and needed to continue up through the jungle.

The hike was difficult both in the environment (humidity and heat) and physically (the path was steep and required focus).

Luckily, it was short, less than 20 minutes or so, though it felt like longer.

Rappelling in Kolem Chen Cave — Rappelling down a cliff

At the entrance of the cave, we jumped right into the swing of things, with a rappel to the next level of the cave.

I don’t know about you, but my first rappel of the day is always my most nerve-wracking.

I think the movement is a bit counterintuitive (leaning back, having your “weak hand” free or only loosely holding onto the rope, keeping your legs fairly straight) and it can take the first go to get used to the rhythm and motion again and feeling confident.

Fortunately, the rappel instructors at Jungla were both patient and experienced (and Ramon speaks perfect English, appreciated at any point where I felt nervous and couldn’t think through my Spanish), and I got right back into the groove.

If you’ve never been rappelling before, this would be a great place to start!

As our group made our way through the cave, we stopped to look at bugs adapted to the strange environment, to consider the calcification of the walls, and to see the slow formation of stalactites and stalagmites.

In total, there were four big rappels (several broken up by a level section), a section of crawling, and a rope ladder at the end, taking about five hours from start to finish.

Aside from the adrenaline activities, it was rejuvenating to spend time in the silence and isolation of the cave.

Turning your headlamp off and sitting in complete and utter darkness needs to be experienced to be understood.

It feels a bit trippy and a bit disorienting… in a good way.

It’s all too easy to get stuck in a rut and routine of the daily grind, and doing something new is one way to break out of the doldrums.

There’s nothing like experiencing the blackness and silence of a cave to make you appreciate the sights and sounds of your life.

Bats in Kolem Chen Cave — Bats clustered on the cave ceiling

We ended our cave adventure by walking out through a bat cave, the little guys flittering above us, slowly growing more active as daylight began to die down.

Bats, like caves, are too often vilified and feared.

A single brown bat can eat up to 1,000 mosquitos per hour, so maybe think about saying thanks, instead of squealing, the next time you come across one.

Rappelling in the dark — Rappelling down through the dark and unknown with my headlamp to light my way

Fear grows in the unknown and thrives in misunderstanding.

Exploring what makes you scared (like, say, spending time in the dark by rappelling through bat-filled caves) provides an incredible opportunity to replace fears with understanding and appreciation, and maybe even allows you to discover a new hobby.

Kolem Chen Cave — Exiting the cave and the adventure

What fears will you be exploring next?

My trip to Kolem Chen in Tabasco was hosted in partnership with Go Backpacking, Jungla Experience, and ATMEX. All opinions are my own.

All photos credited: Jungla Experience

Things to Do in Nagoya: Japan's Incredible Nagoya Castle

In many ways, Nagoya is a city too often overlooked when it comes to travel in Japan - people just aren't thinking about things to do in Nagoya, or what to see in Nagoya or the concept of "Nagoya sightseeing" at large.

Internationally (and domestically), Nagoya doesn't quite have the clout. Take my case, for example.

I had been to Japan twice (to see Tokyo and Kyoto) without ever thinking about the Chubu Region, or visiting the city of Nagoya.

Yet, in late October of this year, I explored the Chubu Region with fervor and began to discover its beauty and charm.

In the Chubu Region, often called the "Heart of Japan," there's plenty of natural wonders to go around.

While Nagoya isn't necessarily a place that is known for its nature, I felt it was worth recognizing, and in particular, Nagoya Castle.

In its heyday, Nagoya Castle was revered across the land, and as famous as any castle in Japan.

When you're thinking about what to do in Nagoya, the first thing to come to mind has to be Nagoya Castle.

What You Need to Know About Nagoya Castle

Japan doesn't have to be expensive. That's something to think about when you're considering what to do in Nagoya.

Nagoya Castle is no exception to that rule either, as a full adult ticket will only cost you 500 yen (which is less than $5).

Free tours are also offered every day at 1 pm by the Aichi Goodwill Guides Network (AGGN). You can meet them at the East Gate of Nagoya Castle.

The regular hours are 9:00 am - 4:30 pm, and it's open each day, except December 29th to January 1st.

You'll most likely be heading from Nagoya Station. From there, take the Higashiyama Subway Line towards Sakae Station, then finally change to the Meijo Subway Line.

Your last destination will be Shiyakusho Station, and it shouldn't cost you more than around $2 (240 yen) to get there from Nagoya Station.

Nagoya Castle is just a three-minute walk from Shiyakusho Station.

The History of Nagoya Castle

Japan has an illustrious history, from the food to the established cultural traditions and dramatic, intense wars and battles.

From the extensive documentation, it's easy to see that the castle town, known as Nagoya-juku, played a prominent role in Japan's history, especially in the Edo Period.

This castle town was important because of where it was situated on the established trade routes of the country, especially the Tokaido route, which linked Kyoto and Tokyo.

The first edition of the castle comes to fruition in the early 16th century, but it was abandoned shortly after that.

In the 17th century, it decided that Nagoya Castle ought to be rebuilt in such a way that Nagoya Castle (and, by proxy, the castle town) can become the new capital of the Owari Province.

It's important to note here that the castle isn't going to be one main fortified building, but more like a community of strong, aesthetically pleasing buildings within fortified stone walls.

In some ways, beauty was as important as strength. Stunning palaces needed to be built to entice important people passing by on trade routes to stop for a visit, and they needed to impress.

The 19th century was not kind to Nagoya Castle. The castle was defeated and pillaged in the latter part of the century, and to cap it all off, an earthquake struck before the turn of the century, causing significant damage.

In the 1930s, ownership transferred over to the government, and it became a respected public space, but, of course, World War II ended all that. Sadly, almost everything was destroyed in air raids.

What we see today is not original but a marvelous reconstruction, yet it's impressive by any standard.

Nagoya Castle's Hommaru Palace

The Hommaru Palace, on the castle grounds, was widely considered to be the most impressive example of castle architecture in modern Japan.

Currently, it is in the process of being rebuilt to give an accurate portrayal of its former glory, but its nearing completion.

The large building that we think of as being the "castle" itself is known as the "donjon," but that wouldn't necessarily be fitting to host dignitaries, so having a palace of this stature was crucial.

It was considered to be the palace to end all palaces for many reasons. What it is perhaps most famous for is the gold walls all over the palace, which have been brilliantly recreated.

The gold walls were removed and stashed away for safekeeping during World War II if the castle was destroyed, which sadly did occur in 1945.

The walls are adorned with paintings from the Kano school, which is the most respected and influential Japanese painting school, lasting some 300 years.

It is lavish, glorious, and a must-see if you're visiting Nagoya Castle, or thinking about what to do in Nagoya.

Though, I think it's worth noting that, for me, the exterior offers the wow factor, especially from a photography perspective.

Nagoya Castle Today

Today, Nagoya Castle is very much a "place to be" in the city, whether you're looking for history, or to walk off the sake from the previous night's wild karaoke affairs.

In truth, it can be what you want it to be, even if that means wearing your most elegant ninja attire.

In all seriousness, Nagoya Castle is a place to spend a few hours and get a feel for what a prominent Japanese castle is all about.

The idea of the "castle" was profoundly engrained throughout Japanese history, so it's the ideal opportunity to dive into the culture.

My trip was hosted in partnership with Go Backpacking and the local government of Japan. All opinions are my own.

Tuxtla Gutierrez: Mexico's Adventure Capital

There's a common misconception that Mexico is all about beaches. I even fall prey to this assumption, and I live here.

I'll admit, when planning a domestic trip, I first think of Tulum, Puerto Escondido, Baja, Puerto Vallarta, Isla Mujeres: beaches.

Don't get me wrong; there's nothing wrong with beaches (especially not in Mexico), but this diverse country has SO much more to offer than white sands and turquoise seas.

Each of the 32 states has a little something different going on, as I learned firsthand on my trip to lush green Chiapas, home of Tuxtla Gutierrez, Mexico's capital of adventure.

I've been living in Mexico for two years, and I always thought I had to leave the country to get my adrenaline fix.

Now I know: there's no need to fly all the way to South America or to overpay for the same activities in Costa Rica if you're after adventure.

Tuxtla Gutierrez is just a short flight (or two, with a potentially awesome layover in Mexico City) away from almost any major airport in North America, and the activities come with the same safety standards, adrenaline, and beautiful surroundings, but at a fraction of the price.

Whether you're into hiking, rappelling, bouldering, mountain biking, caving, flying, or so much more: Tuxtla Gutierrez is the place for you.

Trust me. I sampled it ALL over five action-packed, adrenaline-fueled days of adventure.

What follows are my favorite adventure activities in Tuxtla Gutierrez.

Table of Contents

Rappelling
Caving
Hiking
Mountain Biking
Flying

Rappelling

The unique landscape surrounding Tuxtla Gutierrez makes it the perfect jumping-off point for rappelling adventures, with cliffs and karst formations galore.

Never tried rappelling? Now is the best time to start!

Sima de las Cotorras

Translated literally as the Parrot Sinkhole. This unique formation (140 meters deep and 160 meters in diameter) is located inside the El Ocote Biosphere Reserve and was created by tectonic and erosive forces wearing away at the integrity of the limestone until it eventually collapsed.

Today, the forest at the bottom of the sinkhole is inhabited by a variety of birds, including hundreds of parrots.

Aside from the ecological interests, it is the perfect formation for dropping yourself down via rappel.

It was my first time rappelling without using my legs to push-off of a cliff, and I have to admit I found it pretty terrifying and exciting just dangling into nothingness.

If you time your visit right (check with the guides for correct season and time of day), you can rappel during the parrots' return or departure, placing yourself in the midst of a whirlwind of hundreds of birds.

I visited Sima de las Cotorras with guides from Ecoexperiencias Chiapas.

Tzimbac Adventure Park

Tzimbac Adventure Park offers a variety of eco-adventures just a short drive from downtown Tuxtla Gutierrez, including waterfall rappelling.

Never tried it? There's nothing like rappelling down a waterfall, with the greenery of the forest surrounding you, the sound of the water rushing filling the area. Adrenaline rush!

I visited Tzimbac with guides from Ecoexperiencias Chiapas.

If you want to get EXTRA adventurous with your rappelling, do it inside a cave!

Caving

There are a variety of caves open for guided exploration around Chiapas (and the nearby states).

Whether you call it spelunking, potholing, speleology, or just good ol' caving: strapping on some gear and getting messy in a cave is just fun!

Chorreadero Waterfall

Even if you've been there, and done that concerning caving, this is something special.

Take your caving up a notch by exploring a cave with a river running through it, like the Chorreadero Waterfall cave.

Because of this unique attribute, I was able to cliff jump into pitch-black pools (after a guide tested the depth, first, of course), rappel down both wet and dry cliffs, swim through an underground river, and slide down small (and not quite-so-small) waterfalls.

If you have worries about caves in general or tight underground spaces (like me!), the Chorreadero Waterfall could be a great place to try to challenge your fears.

The cave is spacious; I didn't once feel even slightly squeezed in.

If you have a medical condition or intense claustrophobia, though, speak to one of the guides BEFORE booking.

I visited Chorreadero Waterfall with Petra Vertical.

Hiking

One of the things to keep in mind about hiking around Chiapas is that going with an experienced local guide is ALWAYS the best choice.

The rocky, bouldered terrain means you'll frequently be scrambling over huge rocks and near cliffs, sometimes needing a rope to either pull yourself up or gently rappel down.

It's an absolute blast, and way more interesting than a typical flat walk, but you don't want to risk injury or a fall doing it alone, especially as cell reception isn't too great in case of an emergency.

Aguacero Waterfall

The Aguacero Waterfall hike is one of my favorites, for the not-so-surprising ending.

This fairly straightforward hike (that includes a section of supposedly 700 steps: feels like less going down, feels like more going up) offered incredible views and the BEST reward at the finish... an enormous waterfall!

Have you seen Fern Gully?

This place is Fern Gully come to life.

There were locals overnight and day camping at the bottom and seems to get more popular as the day goes on, so showing up early would be essential for anyone who wanted a secluded experience.

I visited Aguacero Waterfall with guides from Ecoexperiencias Chiapas.

Cañada Muñiz

This five-hour hike from the road to the Sumidero Canyon river was one of the more difficult I've undertaken.

You KNOW it's going to be a hard hike when you're asked to put on a helmet, and there's a Red Cross paramedic accompanying your group!

It required climbing over boulders, using a rope to balance while walking down a cliff face, and a lot of time in the stream (I was thankful for my Vibram shoes that can get wet without getting slippery).

At various points, I encountered biting ants and somehow disrupted a wasp's nest, resulting in sharp stings all along my backside.

Still, it was honestly worth it for the incredible views and intense natural experience.

I visited Cañada Muñiz with guides from Ecoexperiencias Chiapas.

Tzimbac Adventure Park

Tzimbac has more than rappel adventures, offering hikes through the expansive property.

I was able to see enormous spiders (eek!) and some birds, as well as interesting rock formations and a lot of greenery.

I visited Tzimbac with guides from Ecoexperiencias Chiapas.

Mountain Biking

The hills of Chiapas make for an intense biking experience (quite different depending on if you're going up, or down) with some fantastic views.

Sumidero Canyon

I went for a 16km road bike ride along the Sumidero Canyon.

I'm not the best biker in the world (blame these short stubby legs of mine), so having periodic viewpoints like the one below located along the route as excuses (er, reasons) to stop and take a break to admire the view was much appreciated.

I visited Sumidero Canyon with guides from Enbiciando and Ecoexperiencias Chiapas.

Flying

I'm not a big plane fan.

Aside from being afraid of the dark, the underground, deep water, heights, spiders (and probably a few others I'm forgetting), I'm terrified of flying.

I'm on a flight at least a few times a month (for several years now), but I still can never sleep the night before.

I've found that one of the best ways to conquer (or at least, lessen) fears is through understanding and experience.

What better way to work on a fear of flying than to jump in an ultralight plane?

Valle Bonito

I visited the Valle Bonito flight club to experience ultralight flights for my first time.

Full disclosure: I didn't go up on a flight this time because darkness had arrived.

I did, however, get to see and touch the plane, and watch flights take off and land from up close.

At this unique flight club, you can take ultralight flights, or even learn to fly one yourself with the help of certified aviation instructor "Chino."

I visited Valle Bonito: Club de Vuelo with Richie "Chino" Gomez

How about it - when will you be visiting Mexico's capital of adventure?

My trip to Tuxtla Gutierrez was hosted in partnership with Go Backpacking, Tuxtla Gutierrez Tourism, and ATMEX. All opinions are my own.

North Fork Canadian Yurt: My Night Alone in the Colorado Wilderness

I'd never spent a night alone in the wilderness for all my travels, including high-altitude treks in the Himalayas and camping in the Okavango Delta. That was the challenge awaiting me in northern Colorado: to hike one mile with everything I needed for a night at North Fork Canadian Yurt.

Situated at the edge of State Forest State Park, at an altitude of 8,800 feet (2,682m), this yurt is one of many owned and operated by Never Summer Nordic.

Yurts, for those not familiar, are traditional circular shelters used by the nomadic tribesman of Mongolia.

Table of Contents

Yurt Experience

Yurt Experience

Supplies

To prepare for my midlife wilderness adventure, I picked up the following before leaving Steamboat Springs:

5-6 liters of bottled water
Snacks (nuts and cookies)
Two delicious sandwiches from Backcountry Delicatessen
A cheap backup flashlight should my Petzl headlamp stopped working
Demo sleeping bag and air mattress from Big Agnes (nightly temps were in low 30s Fahrenheit)

The yurt has a wood stove. However, I'd learned the hard way trekking in Nepal that it's better to be too warm than too cold.

Getting to North Fork Canadian Yurt

The scenic drive from Steamboat Springs took about an hour and a half, starting with Route 40 leading southeast out-of-town and then veering northeast on Route 14.

The entrance to the park was marked from Route 14. At an unmanned gate, I stopped to fill out a vehicle pass for my Jeep rental.

Parking overnight cost costs $10. I left the cash in a sealed envelope that's provided.

It was a beautiful, flat 8.5-mile off-road drive from the gate to reach a roundabout used as a parking lot and campsite.

A signpost marked the reserved space by the restroom for guests staying at the yurt.

Nervous I was about to leave any sense of modern civilization behind, I took some solace in seeing campers and hunters around, should an emergency arise.

It'd begun to drizzle, so I put on a fleece and my Clothing Arts jacket, gathered my supplies for the night, and began walking down an old logging road now closed to vehicles.

It's a 1.1-mile hike over the mostly flat ground to reach the yurt; however, given all the water I was carrying and the 8,800-foot elevation, it took me 30 minutes.

I stopped several times to take photos and catch my breath.

Arriving at the Yurt

The North Fork Canadian Yurt is perched on a small hill, offering terrific views of the surrounding landscape and the Never Summer Mountain range.

I opened the metal gate to the property and surveyed the exterior of my abode.

The yurt is elevated, leaving plenty of room for firewood and a propane tank underneath.

A wooden deck with benches offers guests the option to sit outside and enjoy the views.

And a small outhouse sits just inside the wood fence encircling the property.

As I walked up to the yurt's staircase, I was greeted by a large sign offering instructions on how to behave if you encounter a bear.

I knew I was in moose country, and moose can be aggressive, but my anxiety shot up another level when I realized there were bears around too!

I quickly read the advice, which included what to do in the event you come eye to eye with a bear:

"Back away slowly while facing a bear."

"Speak softly to the bear and try not to show fear."

"Fight back if a bear attacks you. Use rocks, sticks, binoculars, or any object that may be available."

I briefly wondered whether anyone could speak softly and fearlessly to a wild bear before trying to put the thought of one approaching the yurt's flimsy front door out of my mind.

Related: Fly Fishing in Colorado

Bunk beds inside North Fork Canadian Yurt — Bunk beds

Accommodations

A few days earlier, upon confirming my booking with Never Summer Nordic, I'd received the combination to the door lock.

I spun the little wheels to the numbers provided, and it opened with ease. Inside, I took stock of my accommodations for the night.

Two sturdy wooden bunk beds with mattresses, a dining table, a gas stove for cooking, a wood stove for keeping the place warm, and plenty of matches, paper, kindling, and logs of varying sizes.

As I was only staying for a night, I'd already decided to pack my meals, eliminating the need to turn on the propane gas and cook. That said, instructions were posted in the kitchen to do so.

I'd been told there's a stream about 100 meters away for collecting water to purify. However, I figured it'd be easier to carry in my drinking water.

Guests must take everything they bring with them out when they leave, which means carrying out the empty plastic bottles (and all trash) when I go.

I'd forgotten to bring a plastic bag for used toilet paper, but as it turned out, I didn't need any during my short stay.

Wood stove and lumber — Woodstove and lumber

The Wood Stove: A Source of Warmth

Instructions for starting a fire were posted as well, and as it was already 3 pm, I wanted to get one going.

The sun goes down earlier in the mountains, and I also told myself if I had trouble, I'd still have time to hike back to the car.

Once I crumpled up some newspaper and small pieces of wood, I lit it up. Boom! I had a fire crackling to keep me warm and comfortable.

There's an art to keeping a wood stove going in a way that makes efficient use of the wood. It's based on how much air you allow in through the flue.

I'm not sure how well I was doing, though. The stove had a voracious appetite for wood, and I found myself feeding it a new log or two every hour.

Initially, the yurt warmed up too much, so I cracked the windows open to allow fresh air in.

By early evening, though, the windows were closed again as I tried to preserve all the heat I could.

View toward the Never Summer Mountains — View of the Never Summer Mountains

I spent the few hours of daylight that afternoon staring out at the fall foliage, taking photos, and enjoying the silence.

The leaves of select trees were a bright yellow, but the entire landscape turned to gold as the sun began to set.

Along with keeping the fire going, I was drinking a lot of water to stay hydrated, leading to frequent trips to the outhouse.

The rule of thumb is a liter of water per day for every 1,000 meters of altitude.

Given the possibility of encountering a bear and not wanting to leave the fire unattended, I didn't go on a hike.

I suppose that was by design, but I was already pushing my boundaries well beyond what was normal for me, so I was okay with the tradeoff.

Selfie — Yours truly making time for a selfie

My nerves were high being out there by myself. I had trouble relaxing.

I had everything I needed, including shelter, fire, water, and food; however, I didn't have mobile internet access, only the intermittent ability to send brief text messages.

It sounds silly typing this now; however, at the moment, my mind was feasting on my insecurities.

I responded by telling myself it was only one night. I'd make it through okay, and feel proud of myself and animated by sunrise.

In addition to learning the importance of a warm sleeping bag in the mountains, I've also learned there's not much to do at night.

Given I was alone, that took having a conversation off the table.

I passed the hours tending to the fire, writing in my journal, reading an ebook on my phone, and listening to music.

And, of course, as I worked my way through the 5-6 liters of water I brought, I was going to the outhouse almost as often as I was feeding wood to the fire.

The Milky Way was visible to the naked eye

Starry Night

I could not fall asleep as I desired to keep the fire going, so the yurt was as warm as possible.

Every time I needed to pee, I'd put on my headlamp, step out onto the deck, and scan the perimeter.

It was pitch black, and I was looking for the glow of animals' eyes, a trick I'd learned on safari in South Africa.

Despite the grunting of some animals I'd heard, probably moose in the distance, I didn't see any glowing eyes peering back at me during my trips to the toilet.

What I did see, when I switched off my headlamp and craned my neck up, was one of the brightest, most beautiful night skies of my life.

The stars looked huge, and it was clear enough to see the Milky Way with the naked eye.

I didn't have a tripod, so I settled for merely pointing my Canon G7X point skyward. The photo above doesn't do it justice.

This night's sky ranked up there with what I'd seen in the Annapurna region of Nepal and the Atacama Desert of northern Chile.

At 3 am, my body's wish for sleep outweighed my anxieties, and I drifted off to sleep.

Sunrise

When I awoke three hours later, around 6 am, the first thing I noticed was how much colder it was inside the yurt.

The fire had been reduced to a few embers, and I was thankful to have been inside a sleeping bag.

Eagerly anticipating the warmth of the sun, I had a bite to eat and began packing up my belongings.

I had to replace the wood I'd used, so I carried up some of the pre-chopped logs from under the yurt.

To make smaller kindling, I also tried my hand at chopping some wood myself.

I'd started to split a log, and the ax was wedged in the top half, so I raised the thing, ax attached to log, and slammed it down on the massive log used for chopping.

The wood immediately splintered in two, with one of the pieces flying up and grazing my right cheek.

That explained why the rubber handle of the ax has the warning to wear goggles!

Related: 7 Reasons to Visit Kyrgyzstan

North Fork Candian Yurt at sunrise — North Fork Canadian Yurt at sunrise

Hiking Out

With the wood restocked, my stuff packed, and the sun rising, I swept the floors, closed the flue on the woodstove, and closed the combination lock on the yurt's door.

Hiking back to my car, I felt triumphant.

I'd challenged myself to spend a night alone in the wilderness, in bear country no less, and survived.

____

My stay at the North Fork Canadian Yurt was courtesy of Never Summer Nordic and organized as part of my trip hosted by the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association and Visit Fort Collins.

Autumn in Japan: The Colorful Town of Asuke

The Town of Asuke, Japan — The Town of Asuke in Japan's Chubu Region

When you mention aloud that you're heading to Japan, people's' minds instantly shift to visualizing the neon flashing lights of Tokyo, or perhaps the orange "torii gates" of Kyoto, but I can't imagine many people rush to think about little Asuke, and, by proxy, autumn in Japan.

That's not altogether surprising when considering that Asuke is a town that finds itself humbly sitting in the Aichi Prefecture, well off the beaten trail for many tourists internationally, but coveted and adored domestically.

Japan boasts a population of some 127 million, and less than 10,000 of said number live in Asuke.

This makes Asuke the ideal place to escape the often crowded cities and find a sanctuary from fast-paced, tech-savvy modern Japan.

Beyond that, this is one of the quintessential towns to truly take in autumn in Japan. If you're in Japan in November (or even late October or early December), then Asuke is a must-see.

To put this in perspective, the town's population is less than 10,000, and it's home to over 4,000 robust Japanese maples.

You can imagine what sort effect it has when you've got nearly half as many of these astounding trees as people.

Autumn in Japan, and the colorful leaves of Asuke — The famous autumn leaves of Asuke, Japan

How to Get to Asuke, Japan

As with any country, it always makes sense to try to visit a place in a way that fits your budget, whether that be extremely strict, or just generally conscious of allowing your money to go as far as it can.

First, before you get too deep into the planning process, it's worth noting that researching Asuke may not get you as far as researching Korankei.

Korankei, also known colloquially as Korankei Gorge, is the area in which you can find Asuke and the Taigetsukyo Bridge which is widely considered to be the quintessential autumn view, though there certainly are other views which rival it.

The first step is to find your way to either Toyota or Nagoya as these are the two closest cities nearby. Nagoya is likely your safest bet.

One thing to note about Nagoya is that Japan is in the midst of a tourism push for its fourth largest city.

As such, a slew of direct flights are being launched between Nagoya and a handful of American cities.

It's worth your time to check your preferred method of finding cheap flights, as flying into Nagoya could be less expensive than flying into Tokyo, Kyoto, or other Japanese cities.

If you happen to be renting a car, the drive should be an hour or less.

However, the standard route which would be easy and affordable would be to take the subway to Akaike, which is on the Tsurumai Line.

You'll then aim for the Meitetsu Toyota Line, and get off at Josui.

Finally, get the Toyota-city bus to the stop "Toyota Welfare Hospital - Asuke."

The whole journey should be less than 1500 Yen, which is less than $15.

Asuke, Japan — Asuke has housed the weary feet of many travelers over the years

Exploring Asuke

Asuke, historically speaking, was a place that people would stop on their travels to pray for further safe passage.

Indeed, there's a festival on the third weekend of March where people pray for strong legs for travel or a pilgrimage they are going to set out on.

Asuke was a common ancient stop between Nagoya and Okazaki as well as Nagoya and Nagano.

The area has been known for hundreds and hundreds of years as a place to stop to appreciate autumn in Japan, so it's not surprising that those with tired legs would choose to rest here for a moment over other towns in the area.

The story goes that the head priest of the local temple began planting Japanese maples along the water in the early 17th century, and the locals adored them so much, they started planting their own.

Asuke isn't all history though, they've got fantastic, cheap street food on offer that could satisfy any palate.

Street food in Asuke — Asuke's street food was on par with anything found in larger towns and cities nearby

The Views from Asuke Castle

Wandering around the town of Asuke and the surrounding forest is an opportunity to be cherished. But, to get the full effect of fall in Japan, it's essential to get an aerial perspective.

To do this, head towards Asuke Castle, which is a short walk up the hill, and well worth the walk.

It only boasts about 100 visitors a day, so you'll have plenty of space to get photographs clear of people, something not easily done in Japan.

Asuke Castle is excellent because it's not a monolithic reconstruction like other Japanese castles.

It's wooden, simple, and pragmatic with a functional design that's easy to appreciate from the outposts to the stronghold.

Asuke Castle, Japan — Asuke Castle sits high above Asuke offering unparalleled views of the area.

The castle itself is intriguing, but there's no question that the real prize is the ability the thousands of Japanese maples.

Again, I'd recommend, if possible, to visit this area of Japan in November or near to November to take in the full breadth of the view.

High up above the town, you'll see the reason so many people in Japan come from far and wide to witness what this region has to offer, but you'll be undoubtedly curious about why this isn't more well-known to the world.

As I arrived at the top, I took my camera off my shoulder and began to set up for the shot. I looked up and was just taken aback.

I put my camera back into my bag, took a deep breath, and gazed through the mist over the trees.

Asuke Castle in Autumn — The views from Asuke Castle are unforgettable in Autumn

It seemed futile to scramble for a photo without first truly recognizing what it was that I was photographing.

I took another breath, got the camera back out and snapped the shot that I wanted for myself, but also to show the world that visiting Asuke isn't a side-trip or a forgotten note on a trip between cities, it is a trip unto itself, and one that may be more memorable than anything else you do.

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My trip was hosted in partnership with Go Backpacking and the local government of Japan. All opinions are my own.

Steamboat Springs, Colorado: Fall Scenes

The iconic pink sign for the historic Rabbit Ears Motel (where I spent two nights) greets new arrivals in Steamboat Springs.

The main street running through Steamboat Springs, Colorado — Lincoln Avenue, the main road running through town, is lined with bars, restaurants, shops, and galleries.

Shops and restaurants in downtown Steamboat — Shops and restaurants

The Steamboat Smokehouse restaurant and a gelato shop.

Entrance to the Chief Theater, which shows movies as well as hosts concerts and special events.

Steamboat Springs Farmer's Market — The last Farmer's Market of 2017. In the background, the hill is used for Olympians to train for ski jumping.

The Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs is a short 20-minute drive from downtown.

An adult St Bernard at the farmer's market.

Gondola Square at Steamboat Springs Resort — Vendors set up their tents for the annual Steamboat Oktoberwest beer festival.

Gondola — Riding the gondola up to Thunderhead Mountain.

Mountain biking trail map atop Thunderhead Mountain.

Mountain biking at Steamboat Springs Resort has grown into a popular off-season activity, catering to locals and visitors in the warmer months.

$109 will get you a high-end mountain bike rental, protective gear, and a three-hour lesson (two hours with the instructor and one hour of free-riding).

Wedding — The mountains at Steamboat form a beautiful backdrop for wedding ceremonies.

Scenic view — The scenic view toward town from atop Thunderhead Mountain.

Steamboat Springs, Colorado — Zooming in on the town of Steamboat Springs (center).

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My stay in Steamboat Springs was hosted by the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association.

The New and Improved TravelSmart App by Allianz

The latest version of the TravelSmart app by Allianz is now available for iOS and Android phones.

Greetings from Mexico City, where I'm wrapping up my third visit to this sprawling capital in the last five months.

I'm no stranger to big Latin American cities, having lived in Medellin, Colombia, for three and a half years, however when it comes to personal safety, complacency can be just as dangerous as lack of awareness.

That's why I bought an annual travel insurance plan from Allianz this year and have the latest version of their mobile app on my iPhone.

In the last ten years since I quit my job to travel the world, I've experienced pickpockets twice, an armed robbery that resulted in my passport being stolen, and a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in my lungs, likely due to deep vein thrombosis from a long flight).

The pulmonary embolism in 2015 caused the cancellation of a flight to Peru, and I came down with an illness in early 2017, requiring me to cancel a flight to Mexico City.

On both occasions, I didn't have travel insurance. While I could recoup some of the value of these lots of flights in the form of airline credit, I lost money in the process.

Insurance claims would've allowed me to recoup my flight costs fully and had the flexibility to use that money in other ways.

I've learned my share of lessons the hard way between theft and canceled flights and now see travel insurance as a worthwhile investment.

Highlights from the latest version of the TravelSmart app include:

Quick and easy access to your Allianz Travel Insurance policy. Check your coverage without having to log into their website or dig through emails.
Contact customer service for immediate help 24 hours a day via phone or email.
File a claim, including uploading supporting documents, and keep an eye on its status.
Find the nearest pre-screened medical facilities, plus local doctors, pharmacies, police stations, and embassies.
Use the medical translator to translate health-related words in case of injury or illness.
Add your flights for real-time updates, including boarding gate changes.

I hope that I won't need to use my policy. However, I've had enough experience to know that may be wishful thinking.

Regardless, having coverage and the ability to call local authorities and Allianz for help should I need it gives me a greater sense of security while here in Mexico and wherever else I decide to go next.

The TravelSmart mobile app is available for free on iPhone or Android phones.

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I work as a travel insider for Allianz Global Assistance (AGA Service Company) and receive financial compensation. All opinions are my own.

Bruce Trail: Top Stops on Canada’s Longest Footpath

The Bruce Trail offers one of the most magnificent backpacking opportunities in North America.

Following 860 kilometers (553 miles) of the Niagara Escarpment, Bruce is long, requiring at least a month for serious, experienced trekkers to tackle; more if you want to venture off the main path to explore the 400 kilometers (273.4 miles) of associated side trails - and you should.

Bruce is beautiful and exciting, and the country surrounding it is worth a few extra days of play.

Here are a few top stops to make time for while you're backpacking Bruce Trail.

Niagara Falls

The main Bruce Trail has one end in Tobermory on the Bruce Peninsula and another end in Queenston in the Niagara Valley.

Most backpackers prefer to venture from south to north, so they can have a few stress-free days to explore and indulge in Niagara Falls.

Easily one of the world's greatest natural wonders, Niagara Falls is as much a bucket-list item as the Bruce.

Plus, thanks to outstanding Niagara Falls hotel deals, backpackers can stay in the center of the city, enjoying fantastic views for a relatively low cost.

Can't-miss attractions around Niagara Falls include a boat cruise to the base of the falls and a look behind the falls through underground tunnels.

You might also consider wandering around Goat Island and Dufferin Islands.

However, since you'll be walking plenty in the coming weeks, you might also save your strength and enjoy a movie at the Niagara Falls IMAX or a ride on the SkyWheel.

Mount Nemo

It might not be the highest peak in Canada, but Mount Nemo does offer excellent and unique views of the Niagara Escarpment and the countryside beyond.

The entire Conservation Area, located beside the Iroquoia section (or Club) of the Bruce, has just five kilometers of trails that lead backpackers to fascinating caves and crevasses as well as panoramic lookouts.

If you are interested in climbing and trekking, you can try your skills at any of the routes on the white limestone crag or even sample spelunking into the deep caverns.

No matter where you venture, you should be mindful of the age of this forest: It is the oldest, least disturbed forest in eastern North America.

To protect the groves of white cedar, some of which are more than 1,000 years old, you must avoid top-roping and other destructive climbing and hiking activities.

Then, everyone can enjoy Mount Nemo's rare views for years to come.

Backpacking the Bruce Trail - an old lime kiln — Old lime kiln near Limehouse (photo: Ken Mist)

Lime Kilns

Limestone is a typical rock around the Niagara Escarpment.

To take advantage of this natural resource, earlier inhabitants installed lime kilns, which heated limestone to create the valuable building material called quicklime.

Lime kilns have existed since ancient times, and modern kilns are hardly different from the kilns of the past.

Backpackers can take a day to explore Niagara's lime kiln ruins in two different locations.

The first and most popular lime kiln side adventure is in the Limehouse Conservation Area, within the Toronto Club of the Bruce.

Limehouse was named for its famous lime kilns built in the 19th century and stopped producing lime in the 1960s.

Though much of the kiln area is deteriorating - to include a railway used to transport the limestone and quicklime - the largest kiln, called Draw Kiln, is being restored, so visitors can see what the kilns looked like in their prime days of operation.

The second lime kiln opportunity is in Forks of the Credit Provincial Park, in Bruce's Caledon Hills Club.

Here, backpackers can find examples of Hoffman ring kilns, which were immensely popular and innovative kilns in the mid-19th century.

Hoffman's kiln design was so dominant in its time that it appeared in almost every country.

Devil's Monument

To finish your Bruce Trail trek the right way, you must take a day to wander the Devil's Monument Loop at the last stretch of the Peninsula Club.

The hike is hardly two kilometers long, but it is undeniably the most spectacular scenery the Bruce has to offer.

After reaching the scarp's edge, you can see the deep, blue waters of Dyer's Bay, the white boulders of the beaches below, the thin birch and aspen trees of the forest, and the escarpment rising steeply above.

Plus, you'll visit a few sea stacks, including Devil's Monument itself, which was carved more than 5,500 years ago by a glacial lake.

The Bruce offers wonders beyond belief, but if you are willing to venture off its main paths, you can find even more to marvel at.

There's backpacking - and then there's backpacking the Bruce.

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This story was published in partnership with Sheraton on the Falls Hotel.

5 Healthcare Tips for a Backpacking Trip to Malaysia

Before embarking on your backpacking trip across the stunning landscapes of Malaysia, one of the most important things you can do is prepare for the long journey ahead.

From getting the right vaccinations to finding the local doctors, this guide offers tips and advice to adventurous backpackers who are planning to travel in Malaysia.

Table of Contents

1. Pre-trip preparations
2. Getting to know the healthcare system
3. The importance of insurance
4. Looking out for yourself
5. What to do if you fall ill

1. Pre-trip preparations

It’s important to visit your family doctor at least four to six weeks ahead of your backpacking adventure to check that your routine vaccinations (such as MMR, tetanus, and polio) are up to date and to find out which others you’ll need.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines for most travelers, but depending on your plans your doctor may also suggest vaccines for cholera, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, and rabies.

He or she may also prescribe antimalarial drugs, as there is no vaccine available for malaria.

Even though Malaysia is well served by pharmacies in urban areas, a basic medical kit is a backpacking must.

At the very least it’s wise to pack first aid supplies such as plasters, antiseptic, antibacterial cream, bandages, scissors, and tweezers, as well as an anti-inflammatory, diarrhea remedy, antihistamine, insect repellent, and sunscreen.

Be sure to include any prescription drugs (including contraceptive pills) you will need, too – but bear in mind that Malaysian Customs only allow you to bring one month’s supply into the country, accompanied by a prescription from your doctor.

If you have any questions about their policies, contact the Ministry of Health Malaysia.

2. Getting to know the healthcare system

Good news! Healthcare in Malaysia is among the best in Southeast Asia, thanks to a booming private sector, and a government drive to invest in and support high standards of public medical care.

In fact, the country has become somewhat of a medical tourism destination in recent years.

There’s a wide range of healthcare services, and both public and private-sector doctors are usually very highly trained at the country’s medical schools and international universities.

Most speak good English, too, which should ease any worries about miscommunication during diagnosis and treatment.

Medical care in rural areas of the country is likely to be much more limited and of a lower standard, however.

3. The importance of insurance

Westerners may find public healthcare fees in Malaysia are relatively cheap, but medical care in private institutions can be expensive, and all hospitals may require immediate payment for services – possibly with a deposit up-front before proceeding with any treatment.

As a backpacker, you may also be trekking around some pretty remote, inaccessible or rural areas where access to doctors may be limited at best.

If you suffer an injury or fall ill while you’re off the beaten track, you may need to be airlifted by helicopter to the nearest city, or even need repatriation to another country – which can cost thousands of dollars.

Taking out an insurance policy before traveling is therefore essential.

Most tourists opt for travel insurance, which provides cover for emergency and/or short-term medical treatment, as well as things like lost luggage and flight cancellations.

But for more comprehensive healthcare insurance coverage, including for pre-existing conditions, you may prefer to look at global health insurance. Either way, be sure to read all the terms and conditions of your policy to make sure it’s right for you, and to understand precisely what is and isn’t covered – and how to proceed should you need medical care during your trip.

Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia — Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

4. Looking out for yourself

There are plenty of ways you can reduce your chances of needing healthcare during your backpacking trip.

First and foremost is protection against insect bites – particularly those of mosquitoes, which, apart from being irritating, can lead to a variety of nasties such as dengue fever, malaria and Zika virus.

Wear long, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing; regularly apply DEET-containing insect repellent to exposed skin, and sleep under a mosquito net if necessary.

It’s also best to avoid making contact with any wild or domestic animals while you’re in Malaysia, as there is a risk of contracting rabies if you’re bitten, scratched, or licked on broken skin.

The risk is highest in the states of Perlis, Kedah, and Penang, which have been declared as rabies infected.

To avoid stomach bugs, never drink water straight from a tap, river, or spring – opt for commercially bottled or boiled water instead.

Food hygiene is better in Malaysia than in some other parts of Asia, but always trust your instincts when it comes to choosing a restaurant or street food outlet.

It’s likely to be a bad sign, for instance, if the place is empty or there aren't that many customers.

Finally, stay safe! Always wear a helmet and other safety equipment when taking part in any extreme sports or riding motorcycles; be sensible about alcohol intake (keeping an eye on your drinks to make sure they aren’t spiked), and don’t take any unnecessary risks when it comes to your health and safety.

5. What to do if you fall ill

It’s worth carrying a list of doctors and hospitals in the areas you plan to visit during your trip for quick reference should you need medical help.

The Malaysian Medical Council provides a search facility on its website that will help you find registered medical practitioners.

Alongside that list, keep a card detailing your blood type and any allergies or chronic conditions (preferably written in the local language) in case of an emergency.

There are 24-hour accident and emergency departments available in government hospitals, as well as some private ones.

Ambulance services can be reached by calling 999 (or 112 from a mobile), although they aren’t always the most efficient, so you may prefer to take a taxi if you’re able to do so.

Some private hospitals have their own ambulance services, which are much more reliable.

If you do find yourself in need of medical treatment, be sure to contact your health insurance company promptly.

If you or your travel partner can remember to bring your policy documents along to the hospital, so much the better.

Nobody wants to think about accidents and illness when planning for an exciting adventure, but as a backpacker, the more you can learn about the local area before traveling, the more chance there is that you will avoid potential hazards and enjoy a safe trip.

This article was brought to you in partnership with Aetna International.

Jacket Jetlag: How to Keep Your Coat Looking Good on Your Travels

As a traveler, we all know our jacket is our best travel buddy – it travels with us through every type of weather and terrain, keeping us warm and dry.

But how can you be sure that your outerwear is fit for purpose, no matter what situation you throw it into?

Whether you’re traveling to Germany to visit the Christmas market or taking a New Years break skiing in France – your jacket needs looking after.

If you’re visiting colder climates this winter, you’ll need your parka to be in top condition.

How about your beloved denim jacket – I bet you didn’t know you shouldn’t wash it for the first six months.

So what do you need to do to make sure your jackets up to the task?

Superdry has created an ultimate jacket care guide, which includes all the tips and tricks you’ll need to make sure your outerwear stays in top condition when you’re traveling.

You can take a look at the infographic below…

Provided by Superdry

Steamboat OktoberWest: A Celebration of Colorado Craft Beer

After exploring Denver in 48 hours, I drove three hours west to Steamboat Springs for the 9th annual Steamboat OktoberWest beer festival.

Steamboat is famous for many reasons, including champagne powder snow, producing more Olympians than any other U.S. town, and a 100-year old Winter Carnival.

However, for one weekend every September before the snow falls, the town celebrates Colorado craft beers.

Steamboat OktoberWest Bar Crawl

This year's festival began Friday, September 15th, with a beer crawl in town from 4-8 pm. The starting point was the historic Chief Theater.

The cost to take part was just $20 in advance or $25 at the door, and as you're about to see, this represents an incredible value.

There were four Steamboat-based breweries represented at the theater, each serving at least two beers.

Plus, another 22 venues in town, all within about three to four blocks of each other.

One of the first beers I tasted was Buzzcock by Butcherknife Brewing Company, Steamboat's first production brewery. It's a British-inspired dark ale.

I also tasted beers from the other brewers there, including:

Mountain Tap
Storm Peak Brewery
Yampa Valley Brewing Co.

Upon exiting the theater, I already had a nice little buzz going. A light rain had begun to fall. And the night came quickly.

As part of Steamboat OktoberWest, I went on to taste six more Colorado craft beers at six different bars and restaurants.

That was plenty for me, though if you have a higher tolerance, you could conceivably max out at 46 drinks total across all the venues!

And that's why the $25 ticket is such a great value, my friends.

Highlights included drinking beer at:

Cugino's Pizzeria, with views of the giant ski jumps used by athletes training for the Olympics
Back Door Grill, a favorite hangout for locals, where the fried Portobello mushrooms are a must
Salt & Lime, a beautifully designed Mexican restaurant, serving up bison tacos

Following dinner, I retired to the iconic Rabbit Ears Motel to rest up for the main event the next day.

Mountain bikers check a trail map to decide on their route down from Thunderhead Mountain.

Farmer's Market & Gondola Ride

The following day, I awoke to blue skies, a sign it would be a beautiful day for beer drinking.

The OktoberWest beer garden wasn't due to open until 2 pm, so I started the day with a walk through the last Farmer's Market of the year, sampling the locally produced cheeses and pastries.

From there, I caught the free 15-minute bus from town to the Steamboat Mountain Village.

The bus is free year-round, making it cheap and easy to get back and forth.

I walked through Gondola Square (elev: 6,090 feet, 2,103 meters) around noon, where breweries were still setting up their tents, and boarded the 8-person gondola ($25) for the ride up Thunderhead Mountain (elev: 9,080 feet, 2,768 meters).

The scenic views from above were gorgeous.

Hikers were taking advantage of the 80 mountain trails, and mountain bikers with full protective gear were scoping out which routes to take down.

Seating arranged with scenic views was set up for two weddings happening that afternoon.

I had a quick lunch atop the mountain and descended by gondola to an already bustling beer garden.

OktoberWest at Steamboat Springs, Colorado — The beer garden at the base of Steamboat Springs resort

Beer Garden and Beef Cook-Off

In Gondola Square, I weaved through the growing crowd to reach the ticketing area, where I picked up my souvenir plastic mug.

Tickets for the beer garden were $30 in advance or $35 at the door. The combo ticket, including the beef tasting, was $48 online or $53 at the door.

The OktoberWest beer garden featured 45 breweries, serving two samples each. It was overwhelming!

I recognized a few names from the previous night and found myself gravitating toward the familiar, including Butcherknife and Storm Peak.

A band named Afrolicious was performing on stage, and the atmosphere was upbeat and friendly.

After all, what's not to enjoy about an endless supply of Colorado craft beer at the base of a beautiful mountain!

Related: Fly Fishing in Colorado

Beef cook-off entry — One of the entries in the beef cook-off

In addition to the beer tasting, OktoberWest also featured a beef tasting competition, with ten local restaurants doing their best to claim the top spot. All you can eat beef from 2-6 pm!

As voted on by attendees, the winner was Salt & Lime, the restaurant where I'd eaten the bison taco the night before.

The second and third place awards went to Cafe Diva and Laundry Kitchen & Cocktails, respectively.

All in all, it was a wonderfully intoxicating introduction to Steamboat Springs, the mountain resort, and the Colorado craft beer scene.

For more information and to stay up-to-date on the 2018 festival, visit the OktoberWest website.

Stay tuned for more scenes from my weekend in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

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My stay in Steamboat Springs was hosted by the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association.

Safe International Travel: 11 Tips for Traveling Confidently

There's another terror attack in the news, perhaps in the place you were thinking of taking a holiday to next year. It makes you question whether you should change your plans or stay home.

And it doesn't just stop at terror attacks. Other worries come with a trip abroad - getting mugged, a medical emergency, local violence, dangerous, unforeseen weather, among others.

You take a risk every time you walk out your door, but that is the case at home as well as abroad.

Having these unfortunate events happen abroad may seem more overwhelming because you're in a foreign place where you probably don't know many people. You're far from everything familiar, which increases the stress of dealing with a negative situation.

Although these negative experiences can happen anywhere in the world, and you don't usually have the luxury of knowing when they will happen, you can still be ready in other ways.

Here are 11 tips for safe international travel to have peace of mind on your next flight abroad.

Table of Contents

1. Think About Your Health on Long Flights
2. Be Smart with Rideshares
3. Educate Yourself on Current Affairs
4. Share Your Itinerary
5. Read Up on Popular Scams Ahead of Time
6. Have an Emergency Stash of Cash
7. Be Aware When Walking Alone (Especially at Night)
8. Don't Get Overly Drunk
9. Don't Bring Attention to Yourself
10. Get a SIM Card
11. Choose Good Travel Insurance

1. Think About Your Health on Long Flights

Consider the best ways to stay healthy on long flights to avoid health problems before you even get to your destination. Even if you look silly, do leg exercises or "plane yoga." Get up and walk around regularly, and drink a lot of water.

You'll be helping your circulation and preventing DVT (blood clots) that could do severe damage and put you out of action.

2. Be Smart with Rideshares

Research the local rideshare apps, such as Uber or GrabTaxi, where you're going and how regularly they're used.

In some locations, such as Latin America, rideshares are usually a safer option than just hailing a taxi from the side of the road because of the number of muggings and scams with local taxis.

Tip: If you plan to rent a car instead, consider getting an International Driver's License so local authorities will understand your license if they need to see it.

3. Educate Yourself on Current Affairs

This is a smart tip for life in general, but make sure you're up-to-date on current affairs, especially the political and cultural climate of where you're going.

For instance, Myanmar has become a popular destination in the past few years, but some people don't realize that there's still a civil war in some parts of the country until they get there.

Even Thailand has had recent bouts of political instability, even though it's the #1 tourist destination in Southeast Asia.

Just because it's a popular travel destination doesn't mean it's completely safe. Do your research and make an educated decision about whether you should go.

Sharing your itinerary with friends and family back home is always a smart idea. Let them know if they probably won't hear from you for a while because you're going to a remote island or if you'll be checking in regularly.

In addition to your friends, it's smart to register with the U.S. State Department (or the equivalent in your country). If something happens, they'll better understand where you're meant to be.

Registering with S.T.E.P. (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) takes a few minutes and could be a lifesaver if you ever find yourself in an undesirable situation. You can register here: step.state.gov.

Lastly, ensure you know the contact information for local government offices; they almost always have 24/7 emergency hotlines.

5. Read Up on Popular Scams Ahead of Time

One tip that people often don't think about is researching common scams in the places they're traveling to ahead of time. A simple Google search of "popular scams in (travel destination)" can give you a wealth of information about what to look out for.

You'll know that the taxi drivers are unusually aggressive in Bogotá, about the gem scams in Delhi, or how the phone thieves operate in Dublin, and you'll be ready to avoid them when you arrive.

6. Have an Emergency Stash of Cash

Have an extra stash of cash in different parts of your bag (or in multiple bags) in case of an emergency. If your wallet or purse gets stolen, having access to cash or an extra credit card that you kept somewhere else could help you out of a tight spot.

7. Be Aware When Walking Alone (Especially at Night)

It's always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings abroad and avoid notorious pickpocketing areas when possible. Know your area (asking the welcome desk at your accommodation is an excellent place to start) and take the necessary precautions.

This is especially true at night, but knowing the neighborhoods to avoid is ideal, so you're not unnecessarily putting yourself at risk.

8. Don't Get Overly Drunk

In the same vein as knowing your surroundings, it's never a good idea to drink too much (or take drugs) when you're abroad, especially if you're traveling alone.

It opens you up as a target, and people are more likely to take advantage of that if they notice you getting sloppy. A fun night out could turn into you getting mugged, or worse.

Some countries take drug use very seriously; the death penalty or jail time is not uncommon in some parts of the world. Avoid putting yourself in that situation.

See also: CBD Laws and Regulations

9. Don't Bring Attention to Yourself

Do your research before you arrive at your destination, and try to blend into the local culture as much as possible. Depending on where you're going, this may not be as easy.

Still, even if it's just dressing like a local, understanding the local customs, and especially what not to do, you'll make sure you're not standing out more than you already do as a tourist.

10. Get a SIM Card

Local SIM cards are usually cheap and an excellent way to ensure that you can contact someone in an emergency. It's worth the extra $20 to have a local number and quick access to emergency services.

Having data abroad also means you can use Google Maps to find the safest route home, use ridesharing apps instead of local taxis when it's safer, or quickly contact people back home through Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp.

11. Choose Good Travel Insurance

And lastly, it's essential to have suitable travel insurance when you're abroad. You never know when less-than-ideal circumstances will happen, and being prepared is worth it.

You may never think you'll need it, but the last thing you want to think about is finances after a traumatic event. Ensure you have an insurance plan covering you when you need it most, so you can deal with the situation as efficiently as possible.

My travel insurance has saved me from a few unfortunate situations, and it's one of the many reasons I'll always recommend it for international trips.

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If you're a parent or caretaker traveling with a child with special needs, here are some resources you might find helpful:

Cerebral Palsy Family Network - a compassionate community that provides resources for loved ones with Cerebral Palsy.
Learn about Air Travel Preparation For Children With Special Needs
Read about Tips for a Successful Road Trip

How to Keep Your Stuff Safe While Traveling

Are you planning a trip in the near future? Maybe you're taking that dream vacation to Paris you've always dreamed of or are heading to the mountains of California.

If you're going to be traveling soon, you should be proactive about not only your safety but the safety of your belongings as well.

Today, we will learn some helpful tips that will keep your items safe while on the go.

Backpack with red combo lock - Ometepe, Nicaragua (photo: Dave Lee)

Secure Your Luggage with Locks

One overlooked area of travel security and safety is luggage locks. To keep your items safe, you'll need to buy a set of locks for each backpack or luggage you bring.

If your bags come with a set of locks, use them. While these locks may seem small, they will keep out opportunistic thieves who can strike in broad daylight.

Many pickpocket types will take items from backpacks and luggage while the owner sits beside them. But a good set of luggage locks will stop them.

Most thieves will not even attempt to steal items from your luggage if they notice they are locked. Thieves are lazy, and they prefer easy targets.

Mail Your Belongings to and From Your Destination

If you're worried about your valuable items getting lost in checked baggage, why not mail them?

You'll ensure they'll get there safely by mailing your items to and from your destination.

But remember to get those packages insured by the postal service so you can get your money back if something happens.

While usually, the items you mail will be safe and sound, if something does happen, you'll be covered entirely.

This will also save you some money on those ever-growing checked baggage fees.

Additionally, if you're shipping your items to a hotel, speak with a manager and tell them when to expect them.

When they arrive, the hotel will put them in a safe place, such as a luggage storage room, so you can retrieve them when you check in.

Take Advantage of Your Hostel or Hotel Room Safe

If you're staying in a hostel or hotel, a great way to protect your valuables is to use your room's lockers or safe. Any hostel worth staying at will provide securable lockers.

In hotels, small safes are great for keeping items safe. Jewelry, essential documents, and other smaller valuable items will be secure inside.

If you have larger items that you want to keep safe, ask the person at the front desk if they have a larger safe. Many hotels and hostels will hold more oversized items for guests.

As you can see, these tips will help keep your valuables safe while you're enjoying your travels. With so many threats these days, taking small steps to keep your belongings safe is highly important.

Remember that it only takes a few seconds for someone to steal your stuff right out from under you.

So, ensure you lock up your luggage and use the hostel lockers and hotel room safes. This can give you peace of mind knowing your items won't just up and walk away.

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This post was brought to you in partnership with Security.org.

Experience Dubai on a Budget

Ferry dhows ply Dubai Creek in the early morning (photo: McKay Savage)

Let's cut to the chase! Dubai is often not seen as a priority destination for backpackers drawing up their travel itineraries.

Either it doesn't feature at all, or it's only viewed as a point of transfer before heading on to Australia or Southeast Asia.

Dubai is often called a shopper's paradise or a playboy's play park. All fast cars, glitz, and glamour. But there's more to this quickly growing city.

We encourage you to add it to your itinerary and spend a few days exploring the Emirates. Read on to find out why.

Dubai on a Budget

Budget travelers are always able to find ways to experience a destination for less than average.

Dubai is no different. With some careful pre-planning, you can save a lot of money on a pre-booked deal.

What to See and Do in Dubai

Many must-see attractions and activities keep you busy, and all are within a backpacker's budget.

Some can be enjoyed for a little more than the cost of a cup of coffee!

Burj Khalifa

You can go up the world's tallest building! The best way to make sure you see this attraction is to buy your Burj Khalifa tickets in advance.

That way you save time and some money. As for the views, you'll never forget them.

Desert Safari

Buckle up for a ride in the desert. Zooming around the dunes is a thrill, and that's followed up by a traditional dinner and show. It's the perfect way to get an authentic feel for the country.

Hop-on, hop-off

As your time may be limited, any Dubai tours you go on should be done with a certain amount of speed. There are many attractions to cover!

Taking a hop-on, hop-off tour allows you to see everything in a set period. You can plan your day(s) better so you can be assured you'll see every major attraction.

Many attractions are free too. So if your time allows, seek out the following points of interest.

The Dubai Mall fountain show

There's a free show every day outside the mall, close to the Burj Khalifa. Watch as lights and music accompany the dancing fountains.

Visit Old Dubai and the Souks

Gold, spice, and perfume. Even if you can't spend money, some time in the city's old quarter is well worth adding to your itinerary.

Wander through the markets, discover what Dubai was once like before it became a scene from Blade Runner!

Sand-colored houses, tea rooms, and surprises on every corner. It's a joyful, eye-opening experience.

Spice Souks — Bright spices and colorful tea in the old spice souks in Deira (photo: McKay Savage)

How Long to Stay

If your budget allows, three or four days will give you enough time to see the city, go on the city tours, experience the beach, and head out into the desert on a safari.

Getting Around

Dubai is an ultra-modern metropolis, so it has a fast, convenient metro-style service that connects with most of the major attractions this city has to offer.

It's cheap to use and runs from early (5:30 am) until late (1:00 am - on most days), allowing you time to explore and peace of mind if you want to stay up late.

There's no reason not to visit Dubai as part of a round-the-world trip or as a stop-over en route to another country.

Warm weather. A futuristic modern city that offers experiences you can't find in other destinations. What's not to like? It ticks all the boxes!

If traveling is all about experiences, then Dubai is a worthy addition to your bucket list.

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This article was brought to you in partnership with Isango!

Graffiti and Street Art in Lima, Peru

Talk about Peru with any traveler, and they'll mention Machu Picchu, the Nazca Lines, and ayahuasca ceremonies in the Amazon.

But tell them you will stay in Lima for a week, and you can expect a strange look.

Indeed, Lima doesn't have a reputation as a magnificent city, but I'm not in Peru for hiking trails like regular tourists.

Graffiti trip in Lima, Peru — Graffiti in Lima

I'm on a mission to take graffiti pictures for the website Bombing Science. Yes, it's my job (awesome, no?).

And since I won't find these graffitis and murals in the Andes, Lima, for a week, it will be!

It's true that Lima is not a postcard city, but it's far from boring.

It's a bustling South American metropolis with over 10 million people living in and around the city, so you can expect a lot of action, a lot of things to do, and a lot of delicious things to taste.

But more importantly, for my goal for this trip, you can see a lot of street art in most of the neighborhoods.

The first thing I like to do when I arrive in a city is finding a bike. It's much more efficient, and you get a different feel for a place on a bike versus getting around by car or being exhausted by walking all day.

But a word of caution about biking in Lima: traffic is nuts. I've used a bike in most major cities worldwide, but Lima is on another level.

It's not that it's more dangerous than anywhere else, the traffic is more dense and noisy. Be careful if you bike around Lima!

Back to street art and graffiti, you will find most murals in the Barranco neighborhood, just south of Miraflores.

Check out the pedestrian alley down to the beach and around that area. You'll find a lot of murals and street art there.

If you want to see the graffiti side of the city, it's mainly along the Paseo de la Republica, the expressway that crosses the city on the North-South axis.

Surquillo and La Victoria neighborhoods have the most graffiti at the street level.

While I was taking pictures, I got warned all the time by the locals, urging me to hide my camera, so you might want to be discreet as a foreigner in this part of the city. Or come with a local.

I had no problem during my stay, but when locals warned me, I considered it.

I enjoyed my time in Lima, and I strongly suggest you visit.

The city itself isn't the most colorful, but the art on the wall made me love Lima, and I can't wait to go back.

Let's wrap this post with a few more pictures from my trip; I hope you enjoy them!

6 Ways To Guarantee a Good Night's Sleep In a Hostel

It's safe to say, most travelers share a love/hate affair with hostels.

We love meeting other wanderers. We love swapping stories over a few beers. We love the low-cost.

We hate having to queue for the shower. We hate that guy who – no matter the temperature – struts around the dorm in his boxer shorts. And, most of all, we hate not being able to get a good night's sleep.

Sleep, after all, is why we’re there. Yet whether it's creaky bunks, rattling coughs or lights being flicked on and off like a ’90s rave – hostel dorms seem to be calibrated to prevent us from getting any.

Fortunately, over my many years as a traveler, I've developed some simple – but surprisingly effective – ways to guarantee a good night's sleep.

Table of Contents

1. Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize
2. Build a wall
3. Capture the light
4. Get tired
5. Do your research
6. Can't beat them? Then join them!

1. Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize

Tired of pretending those weird grunting noises coming from the next bunk are just snores and not what they really are...sex noises? Yes, mom, it happens. Ear plugs are the solution for you.

Fed up with your dreams being turned into nightmares by drunken stumblers switching on the lights at 2 am? Well then, a sleep mask is your new best friend.

These two super-cheap and lightweight sleep aids are worth a hundred times their weight in gold. Both should be essentials in any travel kit. And if you have space in the bag, why not throw in a better pillow, too?

And no, using a sleep mask doesn't make you an old biddy – even if your Gran does wear one! It makes her a smart woman and you a savvy traveler.

Bonus tip: If you're so cheap you can't afford the two dollars an eye mask costs, just pocket the little travel kit you're handed on the plane. Don't worry; the airline wants you to keep it. I think.

2. Build a wall

Just bring along a sarong (if you're a woman) or maybe a clean travel towel (for the gents) and string it up over your bunk. Boom! Your own bedroom wall.

Not only will a bit of draped fabric turn your tiny space into something out of Arabian Nights, but it'll also block out the light and give you a little privacy from your bothersome dorm-mates. Good news all around.

3. Capture the light

Don't lie there like a martyr, inwardly cursing the world, while the light blazes above you like a thousand suns – take the initiative. If the room is empty just turn it off; if it isn't, ask those around if it's ok too. Worst they can say is no.

Those in the room will get the idea that you want to hit the sack. And if they want to carry on with their fascinating conversation about how Myanmar is like Thailand was 30 years ago...well then, they can take their insights outside, can’t they?!

And those entering a dark room will be less likely to make noise. Simple psychology.

Now, don't kill the switch at 8 pm because that’s a sure-fire way to get yourself branded as the hostel grump and treated like an outcast. But come 10 or 11 pm, the light is fair game. So switch it off and bag some shut-eye.

4. Get tired

The best cure for hostel-induced insomnia is not hitting the hip flask – although that helps – it's being exhausted.

If you have maxed out the day to your body's full potential then no amount of snores, creaks or kebab farts are going to stop your eyes from closing.

So get out there, wherever you are, and do and see everything. Laugh, drink, run to the top of that tower, swim, dance in the street – do it all. And when your head hits that lumpy hostel pillow, you’ll be in la-la land before you know it.

5. Do your research

My number one tip: Do your research.

The internet is your friend – use it. Check out the reviews of your chosen hostel online from previous guests. See if there are comments about the place being particularly loud – maybe the reason your bunk is so cheap is that it’s located in the middle of runway four.

Better still, check out the hostel's website. If they boast about their in-house bar and claim to be 'the biggest baddest party hostel in town!', then chances are you ain't getting no sleep tonight!

On the other hand, if your intended hostel has notices about alcohol being banned on the premises or curfews, the chances are that it's on the quieter end of the scale.

6. Can't beat them? Then join them!

So this is my suggestion when all else fails: If you’ve neglected to follow Tip #5 above and do find yourself in a party hostel, unable to sleep, you might as well get some fun out of the night.

Get up, swap your pajamas for dancing shoes and make some memories. You can always move hostels tomorrow.

There you have it: 6 tips to help you conquer hostel-induced insomnia. If they don't work well, then it could be time to get a tent and head to the hills instead.

Sweet dreams, weary traveler.

This post was published in partnership with The Sleep Advisor.

Things to Do in Denver: 48 Hours in the Mile High City

Since I was a kid learning to ski in northern New Jersey, I have dreamed of skiing in Colorado.

I even toyed with the idea of applying to the University of Colorado Boulder so that I could pack in more ski days per year.

At age 19, I switched from skiing to snowboarding but never made it to Colorado before giving up the latter to start saving for my round-the-world trip.

So when the opportunity arose for me to visit Colorado this Fall, I didn't hesitate to pack my bags for the short two-hour flight from Austin to Denver.

Upon arrival, I picked up a rental car and drove to the ART, a hotel in the heart of the city. As the name suggests, it's an art-themed hotel surrounded by no less than four museums.

If you'd rather avoid a rental car, you can book transfers using a Denver car service.

I grabbed a quick lunch at the hotel restaurant and went for an afternoon walk around the nearby Civic Center Park to get my bearings. The clock was ticking, and I had a long list of things to do in Denver.

Visiting Union Station, one of many things to do in Denver — The revitalized Union Station

Table of Contents

Things to Do in Denver
If I had more time...

Things to Do in Denver

Dinner at Union Station

Originally opened as a train station in 1881 and has undergone significant renovations since 2014, Denver's Union Station has evolved from an old transportation hub to an attractive entertainment district.

The interior of the main building is beautiful; indeed one of the best-looking train station waiting rooms I've ever seen.

This is partly because it also acts as the lobby for The Crawford Hotel, a 112-room luxury hotel that occupies the upper levels. If you take the train from the airport, it'll drop you here.

In the winter, you can also catch an Amtrak train to Winter Park for a day of skiing or snowboarding. For more info on the best ski resorts in Colorado and the U.S., check out Bluehouse Skis.

If you're in town for spring or summer, you'll want to check out one of the many Colorado Springs white water rafting excursions, which can also be accessed via Amtrak.

I wandered through the spacious lobby to the bustling Mercantile Dining & Provision, where I sat at the bar and splurged on Creekstone Farms BBQ short ribs with grits and fried green tomatoes and milk chocolate pot de créme for dessert.

There are eight additional dining options within the station, including a deli, cafe, ice cream shop, and several bars, with many more options surrounding it.

State flags and lights line historic Larimer Street

Walk Larimer Square

To burn off dinner, I walked four blocks up 17th Street to Larimer Square, Denver's main street, when the city was founded in 1861.

I found a quaint scene, the street lined with lights and state flags in the air and bustling restaurants and bars on the ground.

Chic independent shops filled the gaps between restaurants. It was mid-September, yet still warm enough for diners to enjoy their food al fresco.

Enjoy the Denver Art Museum

The following day I awoke ready to kick off my only full day in Denver with a visit to the Denver Art Museum (DAM).

Founded in 1893, with over 70,000 works of art, the museum is one of the largest between the West Coast and Chicago.

Polish-American architect Daniel Libeskind designed the Hamilton Building (shown above).

The website "recalls not only the mountain peaks that provide a powerful backdrop for the city but the intricate and geometric rock crystals found in the foothills of the Rockies."

Due to limited time, I only visited the Hamilton Building, where I saw a very touching exhibit called "Common Ground: Photographs by Fazal Sheikh 1989-2013."

His black-and-white photography highlighted the plight of the poor and abused in countries like India.

Later that day, a friend in Denver mentioned he prefers the North Building, meaning I have more to look forward to next time.

Adult entry costs $13 for non-residents of Colorado and $10 for residents. Children 18 and under are free, regardless of residency, and admission is free on the first Saturday of each month.

Denver Capitol Building — The golden dome of the Capitol Building shines in the sun

Tour the Colorado State Capitol Building

As seen from across Civic Center Park, the grandeur of the Colorado State Capitol Building beckoned me to step inside and learn more.

Built in the 1890s, architect Elijah E. Myers purposefully designed it to evoke the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, DC.

Highlights of the tour included looks at the chambers of the State House of Representatives and State Senate, the interior of the gilded dome, and the scenic views from the top of the building.

Free tours are offered hourly from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., daily, Monday through Friday.

Food trucks at lunchtime in Civic Center Park

Lunch at Food Trucks in Civic Center Park

Civic Center Park lies at the heart of downtown Denver. The east end is dominated by the Capitol Building, while the Denver City and County Building occupies the opposing west end.

Additional government buildings surround the park, including the United States Mint (one of the few that makes coins), museums, and The Denver Post.

During the warmer months, from Spring to Fall, food trucks congregate to offer cheap eats from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday.

After perusing a dozen delicious options, I opted for a Kansas City-style pulled pork sandwich with mac 'n cheese from Smokestack 70, followed by two scoops of organic salted caramel and mint chocolate chip ice cream from Em's Ice Cream.

Happy Hour at a Craft Brewery

Following my late lunch in the park, I took a short siesta back at the ART hotel before meeting up with one of my college roommates who'd moved to Denver with his wife over ten years ago.

He'd since learned to brew beer and even won awards for his brews, so I knew I could trust him to pick a fantastic brewery for our happy hour.

Renegade Brewing Company bills itself as "offensively delicious" and was a short 5 to 10-minute Uber drive southwest of my hotel.

We each ordered a flight of beers to sample. I liked that you could order a 4-ounce beer for $1.75 versus having to commit to a pint of something you may not thoroughly enjoy. I wish this were an option at regular bars, not just craft breweries!

The Swashbuckler was sea salt and caramel porter I didn't care for, while the Pancakes maple porter tasted like maple syrup had been poured into the beer.

Cocktails at a Prohibition-era Speakeasy

My experience in Denver turned out to be filled with more historic buildings than I'd expected.

Following our beer flights at Renegade, my friend offered to show me The Cruise Room, the city's oldest speakeasy.

Located off the lobby of The Oxford Hotel, near Union Station, The Cruise Room opened in 1933, immediately after Prohibition ended.

For dinner, we walked a block to Wynkoop Brewing Company (I had the buffalo meatloaf and an espresso Cowtown milk stout cheesecake).

Buffalo Bill's Grave and Museum

On the morning I departed Denver for Steamboat Springs, I made a pit stop at The Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave, located about 30 minutes west of Denver in Golden, Colorado.

The grave and museum are perched atop Lookout Mountain and offer a quick and easy way to get to know the man who helped save the American buffalo from extinction.

Museum admission is $5 for adults, $1 for children 6 to 15, and free for kids five and younger. It's free to visit the grave.

If I had more time...

There are at least a dozen more things I would've wanted to do had I been able to stay in Denver longer, including a tour of the U.S. Mint, visiting more museums, catching a show at the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater, watching a baseball game at Coors Field, and touring Coors Brewery.

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My stay in Denver was in partnership with the Colorado Tourism Office.

Lisbon on a Budget: A Travel Guide to Portugal's Capital

Lisbon has exploded in popularity over the past few years, and it's not surprising why: the weather is excellent, the food is great, and it's incredibly cheap. Unfortunately, that last bit is starting to change. However, it's still the most affordable Western European capital city to visit.

Still, the number of visitors to Lisbon has led to increased accommodation costs and restaurant prices. The bargains are still there, but you must look harder to find them. Here are some tips for experiencing Lisbon on a budget.

Table of Contents

Lisbon for Less

Lisbon for Less

How To Eat on a Budget

Although a decent main meal in Lisbon costs around €10 ($12), eating out for even less is possible. The general advice applies here: avoid the touristy areas, such as Baixa, Belém, and Chiado. In these parts of town, lunch and dinner typically cost more than €10 ($12), and the quality is much lower.

The best advice for finding a cheap place to eat is to avoid restaurants and go to a pastelaria instead. A pastelaria is what you or I might call a café, but most tourists don't know that they usually serve a main meal (prato do dia).

If you see the menu written on a paper tablecloth and sellotaped to the window, then bingo! You've found a local joint, and prices will be much more reasonable. You might get three courses and a drink for less than €10 ($12).

You can almost get all your meals in pastelarias and cafés: cake or pastel de nata and coffee in the morning, your main meal at lunchtime, and a bifana to soak up those late-night drinks in the evening.

A bica and a pastel de nata — Breakfast of champions: a bica and a pastel de nata

If you're trying to stay within a budget, consider going to a low-cost restaurant. This Portuguese cafeteria-style chain is popular with office workers and serves reasonably good food for incredibly low prices: around €4 ($5) for lunch.

The menu changes, but there are a few constants, like the francesinha, Porto's version of a Croque Madame. This monstrous sandwich, with ham, sliced sausage, steak, melted cheese, a fried egg, and a tomato-and-beer sauce, will keep you full for a few hours.

How To Drink on a Budget

If you want to drink on a budget, head to the Bairro Alto after around 9 p.m. You'll find countless bars here, most of which will serve cheap wine, beer, and caipirinhas. The deeper you go, the cheaper the drinks tend to be.

It's possible to get a caipirinha for as little as €1-2 ($1-2), but be warned: you get what you pay for, and the same goes for the wine.

The cheaper caipirinhas tend to use very low-quality cachaça and lots and lots of sugar. If you're going to drink one, move up into the €3-4 ($3-4) bracket. Your liver will thank you. A beer typically costs around €1 ($1) here, and if you're drinking cheaply, it's much more reliable.

How To See a Fado Show on a Budget

Fado is a traditional style of Portuguese music. It's soulful and incredibly moving, and I highly recommend you see it when you visit Lisbon.

Unfortunately, fado shows can be expensive as they usually include dinner: €25-50 ($29-59) per person. It wouldn't be so bad if the dinner were good, but you can get a better dinner elsewhere.

Clube de Fado is one of Lisbon's most popular fado spots, popular with locals and tourists alike. It's one of the few fado houses that lets you turn up after dinner and pay for drinks.

Alternatively, A Tasca do Chico in the Bairro Alto has free shows on Monday and Wednesday nights.

How To Learn Portuguese on a Budget

Part of the fun of visiting a new city is learning a bit of the language. European Portuguese is probably not a language you have encountered before, and many travelers are unfamiliar with it.

A quick Portuguese lesson will teach you some basics and help you avoid typical faux pas, like pronouncing Portuguese words in Spanish. Spain is Portugal's old enemy, and it doesn't like to be reminded of its sword-wielding neighbors.

There are many free resources online and paid Portuguese courses, but perhaps the easiest option is to attend a language class. Oasis Hostel in Lisbon runs a free Portuguese class on Tuesdays at 6 p.m.

If you've studied the free resources and are looking for something more in-depth, the English-Portuguese meetup group has weekly meetups. Participants speak 45 minutes in English and 45 minutes in Portuguese.

How To Sleep on a Budget

Although Lisbon's accommodation prices have increased in the past few years, some excellent budget options are still available.

A dorm room in one of the following hostels will cost €12 ($14) or less per night:

If you want a little more privacy, the following rooms on Airbnb all cost between €15 ($17) and €22 ($26) per night:

How To Visit the Sights on a Budget

Touring a city's attractions can be costly, even if you buy a City Pass.

Thankfully, many of Lisbon's attractions are free on the first Sunday of the month, including:

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
Torre de Belém
Museu Nacional do Azulejo

Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon, Portugal — Jerónimos Monastery

If you're not in Lisbon on the first Sunday of the month, you can still visit the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian for free on any other Sunday and the Museu Coleccao Berardo on any day of the week.

Reliable access to digital maps helps travelers navigate Lisbon more efficiently and avoid unnecessary roaming charges. Travelers can set up their connection in advance with a Portugal eSIM from TooSim to use local data immediately upon arrival. This makes it easier to check transit schedules, look up directions, and stay connected throughout the trip.

How To Enjoy a Day's Cycling on a Budget

Although there's plenty to see and do in Lisbon, it's also nice to get out of the city. And, after all those budget francesinhas and caipirinhas, you'll probably be in the mood to exercise.

The municipal council in Cascais, located 45 minutes from Lisbon, offers free bike hire (all you need to do is show your ID). You can follow the 10 km purpose-built bike path from Cascais to Praia de Guincho.

Although there are beaches closer to Lisbon, like Estoril and Cascais, this takes you a little further out of the city and away from the crowds of tourists.

So there you go -- €12 ($14) or so for a place to crash, less than €5 ($6) for lunch, €1 ($1) for a beer, free Portuguese lessons, free museum entry, a free cycling day trip, and a free fado show. Your bank balance will be pleased when you leave Lisbon!

Where To Eat With the Locals in Jordan

The entrance to Jerash is packed with Jordanian vendors, schoolchildren, and families. As a tall, blonde woman, I received lots of stares. A girl, smiling as her friends giggled, approached me and asked if she could take a photo. I was confused before saying no thanks, thinking they might be making fun of me.

Taking selfies with the locals in Jerash

As we ventured into the Greco-Roman ruins, the groups of schoolgirls continued to approach us and ask for photos.

They would yell, "Selfie!" and run over in groups with their iPhones to take a picture together, followed by exclamations like, "I love you!" and "You're beautiful!" and "Welcome to Jordan!"

When I heard that, my anxiety settled. They just wanted to connect. I told them the same things back.

Where to eat with the locals in Jordan — Hashems in downtown Amman

Along with selfies, I noticed that Jordanians seem to take sharing meals very seriously. Families spend all day together in preparation for the afternoon feast, taking time to visit and relax, welcoming anyone who can join.

One girl who approached me in Jerash invited us to her family's home for dinner, and a group of construction workers taking a break from work offered me a taste of their homemade soup.

However, you don't need to visit someone's house or befriend a local to experience the graciousness of the people and enjoy authentic meals. Here are some recommendations to get you started.

Breakfast at Hashem's Downtown

Hashems in Amman, Jordan — Another view of Hashem's

The only items on the menu at Hashem's are falafel and a variety of sides. And you'll be amazed by the price of the fresh, filling meal. It's in downtown Amman, right in the heart of the shopping district.

The place is always packed with locals, and the kitchen is open, so you can watch them fold the steamy, soft pitas and toss the chickpeas into the fryer.

Picnics in Wadi Rum

If you have time to venture out to the desert, stay overnight at Khaled's Camp. After climbing the various rock formations and sweeping red dunes, your guide will cook a picnic for you in the desert, complete with fresh vegetables, bread, and dessert.

At the end of the day, you're treated to a complete Bedouin feast. They pull layers of food out from being cooked underground - the bottom layer is all the meats, followed by the rice and vegetables.

You feast on that in the tent with the Bedouins, along with hot mint tea and shisha, if you so choose. Breakfast is served outside.

Traditional Meals Outside of Petra

The restaurants on the side of the road leading to Petra are small, but that makes them even more inviting. I tried mansaf for the first time there, the national dish of Jordan. We sat by the window, watching people and chatting with the waiter.

With our American sense of time, we hoped to eat quickly and get a full day of hiking in. But the waiters told us to take it easy. Relax, have some tea. We politely declined, and they said to come back later. The tea would be waiting for us.

It's hard to miss local dining experiences in Jordan. Everyone wants to connect, from schoolgirls to taxi drivers and men selling spices on the street. Sharing a meal is the perfect way to do just that.

What To Pack for a Fall Trip to Colorado

It fits that my first trip to Colorado was in September; fall is my favorite season. In addition to being born in September (Libra here), I grew up in the northeast U.S., where the changing leaves signaled the end of sunny summers and the start of chilly white winters.

I had been thinking about what to pack for a fall trip to Colorado for weeks before leaving home (Austin, TX).

I kept an eye on the weather, but due to varying elevations and environments, temperatures would be much colder near the wilderness yurt versus Denver, especially at night.

Colorado Itinerary

My one-week itinerary took me on a self-driving clockwise loop of northern Colorado:

2 nights in Denver (5,280 ft / 1,564 m)
2 nights in Steamboat Springs (6,732ft / 2,052 m)
1 night in a yurt (8,800 ft / 2,682m)
2 nights in Fort Collins (5,000 ft / 1,525 m)

Plus, I was flying straight from Denver to New York City for a summit on studying abroad, so I had to think about what to wear there, too.

Table of Contents

Packing List for a Fall Trip to Colorado

Packing List for a Fall Trip to Colorado

Backpack and Luggage

Dave's luggage — My wheeled bag and daypack

It's been a few years since I last wrote about my approach to packing. Allow me to indulge in some quick background.

I'm a backpacker at heart. However, in 2012, I had an acute attack of lower back pain following a 24+ hour bus ride from La Paz, Bolivia, to Lima, Peru.

What I learned about my back from that episode made me more protective of it, so I traded my backpack for a wheeled carry-on bag from The North Face.

Later that year, I wasn't a fan of trucking that thing around European mass transit systems, so in 2013, I compromised by using a backpack again, only a smaller one.

I bought an earlier version of The North Face Router daypack, which worked well for me on many trips, from five weeks in Central America in 2014 to five months in Eastern Europe in 2015.

Unfortunately, I'm in the midst of a longer, more complicated back episode (herniated disc with nerve compression), so for my Colorado trip, I relied on carry-on-size wheeled luggage in addition to my daypack.

The wheeled bag is by The Traveler's Club, part of the luggage set my parents gave me over a decade ago. It's not sexy, but it works fine, and the dimensions meet today's carry-on requirements.

Related: Scenes from Steamboat Springs

Clothes

Packing list for a Fall trip to Colorado — What I packed for a week in Colorado

The key to being a minimalist traveler is becoming comfortable with having fewer clothing options and wearing the same things multiple days before washing.

I'd rather invest in a few pieces of high-quality gear from a company like Arcteryx than cheaper stuff that falls apart more quickly. Learning to layer is also essential for colder seasons like fall and winter.

For example, I used a daypack the size of the one for this fall Colorado trip on my 11-day winter trip to Japan and managed just fine.

1 pair of jeans
1 pair of Pick-Pocket Proof® Convertible Travel Pants by Clothing Arts
1 pair of board shorts by Prana (for hot springs)
5 short-sleeved shirts (including my favorite black organic t-shirt by Prana)
1 long-sleeve base layer by The North Face
1 light long-sleeve sweater
7 pair ExOfficio boxers (you can get by with two if you hand wash nightly)
6 pairs of socks, including three pairs of SmartWool socks
1 belt

Outerwear

The Cubed Travel Jacket™ by Clothing Arts
1 fleece
1 baseball cap
1 cotton beanie (a $1 souvenir I bought nine years ago in Darjeeling, India)
1 yak wool scarf (bought in Nepal for my Annapurna trek)
1 pair of polarized sunglasses by Oakley

Shoes

1 pair of black Pumas
1 pair of running sneakers
1 pair of Havaianas flip-flops

Tech Gear

13" MacBook Pro (Retina)
iPhone 6S
Mophie Juice Pack Air (doubles iPhone battery life)
Canon G7X camera and soft carrying case
2 external hard drives (one terabyte) and a soft carrying case
Apple Airpods (much more convenient to carry than noise-canceling headphones)
Petzel Zipka Classic LED headlamp
Fitbit Charge 2
Chargers for laptop, iPhone, and camera

Miscellaneous

Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, sunscreen, etc.
1 tiny microfiber towel
Wallet, including driver's license and multiple debit/check cards
Business cards

Additional Considerations

Big Agnes sleeping bag and air mattress at the yurt.

Evening temperatures in State Forest State Park, where the yurt was located, were dipping into the 20s F, so I knew I needed a sleeping bag. Luckily, I could borrow a demo bag and inflatable sleeping mat from Big Agnes in Steamboat Springs.

I bought some used gloves ahead of the night in the yurt to be safe, but I didn't need them.

As I had to hike 1.1 miles to the yurt from where I parked, I only brought the essentials for a night in my daypack and left the luggage in the car. I'll share more about that experience in a future post!

Naturally, women will pack a few extra clothing and personal items that men don't need.

Although I'm a big fan of the raw wilderness, the next time I visit Colorado, I'd like to stay in a cabin to experience cozy comfort in addition to nature. You know there's no shortage of vacation rentals in Colorado!

The Results

Overall, my packing list served me well. I had a few items I didn't wear, including the rain jacket and scarf. However, I would take them again since the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable.

_____

The Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association invited me to visit Steamboat Springs and several other Colorado destinations, including Fort Collins, Denver, and a national park.

I received the organic t-shirt by Prana in 2015 and the Cubed Travel Jacket™ by Clothing Arts in 2016 at no cost.

Is Travel Insurance Actually Worth it? The Pros & Cons

Ice Climbing - Viedma Glacier — The author ice climbing on Viedma Glacier in Patagonia

The question of whether travel insurance is worth purchasing gets brought up time and again from travelers, especially young travelers.

Some travelers choose to risk it and not have coverage while abroad, while others would never leave home without it.

Do the pros outweigh the cons? Is it something I'll ever need to use, or will I just be wasting my money? What if my claim isn't accepted anyway?

These concerns are valid and understandable, and they should be addressed when thinking about purchasing travel insurance before a trip. So, let's start with the pros and cons.

Table of Contents

Pros of Travel Insurance
Cons of Travel Insurance
Conclusion

Pros of Travel Insurance

Sense of Security

The main advantage of having travel insurance is the sense of security you get from simply having it.

If the unexpected happens and your trip gets completely dismantled, your travel insurance could reimburse you or help you out of a tight spot when you need it most.

It seems that something always goes wrong the moment you choose not to cover your bases. It's Murphy's Law.

It's best to be covered so that you don't stress worrying about potential trip mishaps and the extra costs that might come with them.

Health Insurance Coverage

What you may not realize is that many US-based health insurance policies don't cover overseas medical expenses.

If you are injured or sick abroad, you may not be covered without a separate travel insurance plan.

It's a serious concern to think about since sickness and accidents can happen anywhere in the world.

Even if you don't consider yourself an adventurous traveler, accidents happen in all forms - that bus you're on could get into an accident, you could twist your ankle stepping off a curb, or get severe food poisoning at a fancy restaurant down the street.

The truth is, you never know when misfortune will strike and when you might need medical attention abroad.

Saving Money in the Long Run

You may complain about the cost of the premium you have to pay but think of it more as an investment in yourself - both for your peace of mind and your overall health.

If you book a trip that costs thousands of dollars and most if not all of it is non-refundable, what happens when your flight gets canceled or delayed and all of those hotels you booked are suddenly for the wrong dates?

What if natural disaster strikes, such as Hurricane Irma that recently caused so much destruction in the Caribbean?

If you can no longer go on your upcoming trip, but you've already booked a $700 roundtrip flight that's non-refundable, then you're out of a lot of money.

There's a good chance, especially if you're a regular traveler that you'll end up saving more money in the long run with travel insurance because your policy will help recover those costs.

And if you don't end up saving money, think of it as a positive that not much has gone wrong throughout your travels.

That you've been able to enjoy your time abroad knowing that you'd be covered in case something went wrong, but that your trips have ultimately been stress-free.

Cons of Travel Insurance

Cost

The most significant disadvantage regarding travel insurance is always the cost.

Because you may never have to use your travel insurance, people sometimes see it as a waste of money.

However, as mentioned above, for most, having that sense of security is enough to offset the cost.

When you factor in how much you would have to pay for specific situations without insurance, it may make you rethink the cost of premiums as too expensive.

Coverage Could Be Overkill

Nowadays, some tour companies or agencies offer inclusive insurance policies when participating in their activities.

In the same vein, many credit cards now offer insurance benefits if you book rental cars and hotels through their card.

Although the same coverage may overlap at times, these one-off insurance policies don't always cover everything.

They may offer patchy or particular coverage depending on the company.

It's always best to read through everything (twice) to understand what your coverage includes.

Pre-existing Conditions Aren't Always Covered

It's true for any insurance that having a pre-existing condition can change your coverage for the worse or hike up your premium costs.

Unfortunately, there's not a way around this except to shop around and choose your insurance policy carefully.

For instance, Allianz offers existing medical condition coverage on select policies.

As long as you meet the requirements they list in their FAQ, there's a good chance you could still be covered.

Suppose you're curious about whether you'd be covered under specific insurance policies with a pre-existing condition.

In that case, the Certificate of Insurance/Policy for terms, conditions, and exclusions are where you would find that information.

Your Claim Might Not Be Accepted

What if you go through the process of finding the right travel insurance, pay a monthly premium, think you're covered, and then find out your claim was denied anyway?

What a waste of money, you might think. What was the purpose of buying insurance in the first place if I didn't get anything back from it?

There's always the chance that your claim could be denied.

However, if you take the time to read through your policy in detail and complete the recommended steps after an accident or illness, there shouldn't be an issue with your claim being approved.

Most denied claims come from people not reading the fine print or collecting the necessary documents for filing the claim (receipts, doctor's notes, time-stamped photos, etc.).

Again, make sure to read your policy carefully and in detail to understand what's required.

Conclusion

Even though the extra cost may be an annoyance when planning your trip, the pros will still almost always outweigh the cons when it comes to travel insurance.

The first step is to sit down and look at what kind of trip you're planning and what type of insurance you'll want for it.

A one-month trip glamping around South Africa may call for a different insurance policy than a one-week trip staying in 4-star hotels around Victoria, Canada.

Not to mention, choosing the right travel insurance for you and your trip can save you a lot of money, especially if you're able to avoid coverage that you probably won't need.

Travel is an exciting journey into the unknown sometimes; it's a good idea to have a backup plan when heading into foreign territory in case things don't go exactly as planned.

It never seems worth it until it is.

Do you use travel insurance? Do you think it's worth the cost of a good insurance policy abroad?

_______

I work as a travel insider for Allianz Global Assistance (AGA Service Company) and receive financial compensation.

5 Spiritual Sites in India Worth a Pilgrimage

The Bodhi Tree is an important Buddhist spiritual site in India. — The Bodhi Tree

Of the 65 countries I've visited in my life thus far, India has been the most spiritual. In this story, I'll be sharing five spiritual sites in India that are worth the extra effort to see.

Whether you consider yourself a religious or spiritual person, the confluence of belief systems and associated historical places in India is fascinating.

Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Islam are all represented.

Add to that the incredibly low cost of travel, including airlines like Spicejet, and the ease of getting a six-month visa, and it's not hard to see why backpackers choose to spend half a year there at a time.

My seven weeks in India were guided by my spiritual curiosity. These are five places I visited as I traveled the north of India from east to west.

Table of Contents

1. The Bodhi Tree in Bodhgaya
2. The Ghats of Varanasi
3. McLeod Ganj, Home of His Holiness the Dalai Llama
4. The Golden Temple in Amritsar
5. Jama Masjid, India's biggest mosque

1. The Bodhi Tree in Bodhgaya

Thirty-four hours….1 taxi….1 share jeep….1 overnight train….1 bus ride….3 autorickshaws….1 bicycle rickshaw….

Traveling from Gangtok, Sikkim to Bodhgaya over a day and a half was indeed my form of pilgrimage!

But it was worth it to arrive in Bodhgaya, where I spent several nights at a Tibetan monastery and sat under the Bodhi Tree, where the Buddha was believed to have attained enlightenment.

The Bodhi Tree is the most important site in Buddhism and draws monks and lay practitioners from around the world.

Next to the tree is the Mahabodhi Temple, built in the 6th century AD.

Related: Pilgrimage to Bodhgaya

Kids playing cricket in Varanasi, India — Kids playing cricket

2. The Ghats of Varanasi

I departed Bodhgaya on a 5:15 am train headed west for Varanasi, a city located along the Ganges River.

Varanasi has been religiously significant for thousands of years.

It's believed the Buddha founded Buddhism there in the 6th century BC (giving his first sermon in nearby Sarnath, which I also visited).

Hindus believe dying in the city will bring salvation.

Therefore if they can afford it, many make pilgrimages to Varanasi when death is near so that they may be cremated in the ghats along the river.

I'd never seen a human cremation, let alone seeing it happen in public, until I went for a walk along the ghats in Varanasi.

It's hard to put into words what you see, even from a distance.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama in northern India. — His Holiness the Dalai Lama

3. McLeod Ganj, Home of His Holiness the Dalai Llama

It took 24 hours to travel from Agra to McLeod Ganj by train and bus, but I made it in one piece and just in time to hear His Holiness the Dalai Lama give a talk at the Tibetan Children's Village the next day.

McLeod Ganj is home to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the largest population of Tibetan exiles.

I had tried to visit Tibet a few months earlier in China but had to cancel two days from departure when the Chinese government closed the border to foreigners.

As a result, it was vital for me to visit McLeod Ganj, and I ended up enjoying the atmosphere so much I spent three weeks there, which was about half my total time in India.

If you want to immerse yourself in the practices of Tibetan Buddhism and the culture of Tibet, this is one of the best places to do it.

4. The Golden Temple in Amritsar

I left McLeod Ganj on a 5 am bus to Amritsar to visit The Golden Temple, the most important place of worship for Sikhs. The trip took about six hours, but it was worth the effort.

At the temple, male guards with purple-turbans and spears walked around the perimeter. The sun was intense, yet the white marble floors were warm but not hot underfoot.

I visited several of the surrounding buildings, which housed religious items. However, the line to enter the Golden Temple itself was too long for me.

Jama Masjid, one of the biggest spirtual sites in India for muslims. — Jama Masjid

5. Jama Masjid, India's biggest mosque

My last train ride in India was the six-hour journey from Amritsar to New Delhi.

The day after arriving in New Delhi, I visited Jama Masjid. Constructed in the mid-17th century, it's India's biggest mosque.

I walked around the perimeter of the interior courtyard and climbed the 40-meter high minaret for a fantastic 360-degree view of Delhi.

Writing this article about spiritual sites in India brought back many memories from my trip, including a lot of time spent traveling overland.

If I were to return to see more of the country, I would consider making an Air India booking or otherwise add more flights to my travel itinerary versus relying on trains and buses alone.

_________

This story was written by Dave in partnership with an advertiser.

Iceland's Ring Road: 9 Amazing Places to Camp

Filled with some of the most spectacular (and eerie) landscapes and miles of vast, open roads, driving Iceland's Ring Road is an incredible adventure.

However, Iceland isn't a cheap place to visit, and it's even more expensive to stay for the time it takes to circumnavigate the country.

Taking the Ring Road is a much more daunting experience than the half-day tour of the Golden Circle near Reykjavík or the Blue Lagoon.

An Iceland road trip may seem like a huge splurge for the average budget traveler. The best way to save money while traveling in Iceland is by camping instead of staying in hotels or hostels.

A scenic view of mountains on Iceland's Ring Road — Scenic Iceland

If you're camping for the first time, the first thing to do is ensure you have all the necessary equipment before you leave home. There are also great places in Reykjavik to rent the gear you need. For sustainability, you can't beat a solar generator.

There are campsites anywhere you'd want to go on Iceland's Ring Road, so you can jump in a car and start your journey.

All you need to pay for is a camper van or rental car (preferably with four-wheel drive), and you can see the entire Ring Road on a self-drive tour.

Getting off the main road is a great way to find the best views, small towns, and hidden gems in places like Thingvellir National Park and Skaftafell National Park.

Your only limit is road conditions and the speed limit. Regarding road conditions, the best time of year to drive the Ring Road is in the summer months. During the winter months, snow leads to road closures.

>>> Start your search for flights to Iceland at Travelocity.com.

Table of Contents

Campgrounds in Iceland

Campgrounds in Iceland

1. Seljalandsfoss (Hamragardar)

Seljalandsfoss waterfall is accessible from Iceland's Ring Road. (photo: Lucas Davies) — Seljalandsfoss (photo: Lucas Davies)

As a popular tourist hotspot, Seljalandsfoss is most famous for having a short hiking trail that enables visitors to venture behind the beautiful waterfalls.

It's worth visiting and perhaps getting a guided tour if you have enough time and the weather conditions allow.

Although travelers can see this waterfall on day trips from Reykjavik, the largest city, it's worth spending a night in the area to explore its many attractions.

A few miles down that road rests another smaller waterfall hidden behind a large rock. Next to that waterfall (and within view of Seljalandsfoss) is a lovely little campground where you can rest your head for the night.

Cost per night: ISK 1,300 ($12) per person per night

Facilities: Toilet, Shower

2. Skogafoss (Skogar)

Skogafoss Waterfall is accessible from Iceland's Ring Road (photo: Ferdinand Stohr) — Skogafoss Waterfall (photo: Ferdinand Stohr)

Skogafoss is Seljalandsfoss's friendly neighbor and is another popular place to see Iceland's waterfalls accessible from the Ring Road.

There's another campsite near the parking lot where visitors can pitch a tent.

This one has up-close and personal views of Skogafoss. The amenities here are very basic, and there's always a steady stream of tourists coming in and out.

However, if you don't mind the commotion, the views here are some of the best of any Iceland campsite.

Cost per night: ISK 1,500 ($14) per person per night

Facilities: Toilet

3. Vik

Reynisfjara beach on Iceland's Ring Road (photo: Mark Male) — Reynisfjara (photo: Mark Male)

If you've seen photos of Iceland, you've probably noticed its famous black sand beaches, like Reynisfjara black sand beach.

Vik is home to many of those beaches, one of the most famous being Reynisfjara, known for its geometric basalt towers and beautiful volcanic rock sculptures.

Vik is home to a campsite for budget travelers that boasts spectacular views of these incredible natural wonders.

Cost per night: ISK 1,500 ($14) per person per night

Facilities: Toilet, Shower, Laundry, Wi-Fi

4. Seydisfjordur

It's worth the extra driving time off the Ring Road to spend a night in Seydisfjordur, one of the best places in the east fjords.

You might recognize some of the views driving into the city from The Secret Life of Walter Mitty - Ben Stiller's character had an epic downhill skateboarding scene along a steep and winding street.

Amidst its colored houses, mountain views, and peaceful ship-laden harbor, Seydisfjordur houses a small, cozy campsite.

Cost: ISK 1,600 ($15) per person per night

Facilities: Toilet, Shower, Wi-Fi, Laundry, Kitchen

5. Myvatn

Aurora borealis over Lake Myvatn, a fun stop on the Ring Road in Iceland (photo: Martin Brechtl) — Aurora borealis on Lake Myvatn (photo: Martin Brechtl)

Myvatn is east Iceland's playground and one of its most popular attractions for tourists looking for a good time. There's so much to see and do with its natural hot springs, hikes, lava fields, and giant lake.

It's one of the main attractions on Iceland's Ring Road, and for a good reason - its beauty was the setting for much of the famed Game of Thrones series.

Four campsites are near the lake: Hlid, Vogar, Fjalladyrd, and Bjarg.

One thing to remember here is that many midge flies inhabit the lake. They're entirely harmless but enjoy hitching a ride on clothing or backpacks.

Though having a few flies in your campervan/tent might be annoying, you should expect it when traveling in Myvatn. It's a good idea to bring bug spray.

Not sure where to rent a 4x4? Check out Cozy Campers for camper van rentals in Iceland.

Cost: ISK 1,350-1,500 ($12-$14) per person per night

Facilities: Toilet, Shower

Related: Northern Lights in Iceland

6. Husavik

Whale in Húsavík, accessible from Iceland's Ring Road. (photo: Michael Behrens) — Whale in Húsavík (photo: Michael Behrens)

Most famous for its whale-watching tours, Husavik is the perfect place to spend an evening.

With its pretty harborfront and excellent choice of restaurants, it's a relaxing place for a short walk to get some fresh air.

Husavik is a picturesque stop on Iceland's Ring Road, surrounded across the harbor by beautiful, snow-capped mountains.

Cost: ISK 1,400 per person per night

Facilities: Toilet, Shower, Laundry, Kitchen, Wi-Fi

7. Hvammstangi (Kirkjuhvammur)

Hvammstangi is a fantastic stop in northern Iceland for the average nature lover. First, it's an incredibly charming town with plenty of streets to walk around.

It is also home to many Icelandic seal habitats, where visitors can watch seals rest or play on shore. There's also a seal museum in town where you can learn more about these hunting creatures.

Cost: ISK 1,200 ($11) per person per night

Facilities: Toilet, Shower, Laundry

8. Stykkisholmur

A seaside town on the edge of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Stykkisholmur is home to delicious restaurants with Icelandic fare and a large rock to hike with a lighthouse on top.

There's also a small, picturesque harbor amid tiny, colored houses. If you're planning to explore the beauty of Snaefellsnes while driving Iceland's Ring Road, this is a fantastic place to stop.

Cost: ISK 1,300 ($12) per person per night

Facilities: Toilet, Shower, Laundry

9. Reykjavik

Reykjavik Opera House (photo: Michael Held)

Although not surrounded by nature like most other campsites in Iceland, Reykjavik's campsite deserves mention because of its price compared to other city accommodations.

About a 20-minute walk from the city's center, the campsite has all the necessary amenities. Compared to much higher prices for a hostel or hotel in the city, this campsite is a steal!

It's also a cozy place to escape the tourist bustle of downtown Reykjavik, as it's in a more residential area.

Cost: ISK 2,200 ($20) per person per night

Facilities: Indoor Seating, Toilet, Shower, Kitchen, Wi-Fi, Tour Bookings

The Bottom Line

No matter where you'd like to rest your head at night on Iceland's Ring Road, there's a campsite waiting for you at a fraction of the cost of staying in a hotel.

So next time you're in Iceland, consider pitching a tent to save your wallet and experience the finest of Iceland's beautiful nature.

Great Himalaya Trail: An 800-Mile Walk in Nepal

The mud squished below my boots on the Great Himalaya Trail as I tried my best to avoid patches of ice and snow that littered the mountain I was descending.

The sky was getting darker. My hiking partner Buckey yelled at me from ahead, "I found a stream." We had walked all day, trying to conserve the murky pond water that filled our water bottles.

Mountain view from Nepal's Great Himalaya Trail — Mountain views

The pond was the only water source we had found in this ridgeline along Nepal's Great Himalaya Trail in the last twenty-four hours.

Overwhelmed by the curious attention we had received from the locals of eastern Nepal, who rarely see tourists, we decided to leave the villages and follow a more remote path.

I continued at my cautious pace until I reached the stream. Buckey was dumping the rest of his pond water and filling his bottles from the icy cool stream. I followed suit, and we continued downhill as the clouds rolled in.

There was smoke billowing out of a hut in the distance. I could make out a few buffalo and a man standing outside. He waved at us, our first human sighting since the previous morning.

We kept walking. It was getting late, and we needed to find a place to set up our tent.

Raindrops began to fall. They picked up speed and turned into hail in a matter of minutes. My clothing was quickly drenched as lightning illuminated the sky above.

"Buckey," I shouted. "We need to set up the tent. Now."

"Let's keep going until we find a better spot," he told me.

We both looked ahead to the trail before us. It was headed straight onto an open ridgeline.

"No. There's lightning. I'm not going out there," I insisted.

"Let's go back to that hut then," he suggested.

With a fully loaded backpack, I took off at the best running pace I could manage on slippery ground.

The man watched the hail from the doorway as we approached the hut. He urgently waved us in. I rushed inside the structure-the hut was a tiny room filled with smoke from the open fire pit.

The hail was loudly pelting the wavy tin roof. Buckey and I greeted the two men and thanked them for inviting us in. One of them spoke basic English, and the other did not. We knew only a handful of Nepali. words

I peeled off my wet outer layers, removed my muddy boots, and sat on a woven bamboo mat by the fire. The men offered us drinks of rakshi, a homemade millet wine. We shared our chocolate.

We learned that they were taking their buffalo up the mountain to pick up rice from a village, which they would then take back to their own.

They were twenty-six and twenty-seven years old, the same ages as Buckey and I. The hut was not theirs; it was a place where anyone passing through could take refuge for a night.

They made rice and vegetables for dinner, and Buckey and I contributed our freeze-dried chicken to the communal meal. By six o'clock, we were all curled under blankets and sleeping bags, safe from the storm outside.

Table of Contents

The Experience
Great Himalaya Trail Logistics
- Can you hike the Great Himalaya Trail?
- Time Frame
Final Thoughts

The Experience

Why I Hiked the Great Himalaya Trail

Camping on the Great Himalaya Trail in Nepal — The day after, we were caught in a hailstorm.

I had heard about the Great Himalaya Trail during my first trip to Nepal in 2015. I was doing the popular guest house treks in the Annapurna, Everest, and Lang Tang regions.

They were challenging in their own right but were made easier by having a cozy guest house, a hot meal every night, and a group of comrades to share the experience with.

In contrast, the Great Himalaya Trail sounded wild, unpredictable, and demanding. I knew it would be remote, logistically challenging, and physically taxing.

Opportunities to befriend fellow travelers would be rare, and there would be a language barrier while interacting with locals in rural Nepal.

Despite the odds against completing this trail, I wanted to do it. I had made other long-distance trails before, but none had as formidable a reputation as the Great Himalaya Trail. I tried to push the limits of what I could physically and emotionally withstand.

My goal was to walk across the world's highest mountain range and through villages that never get tourists. It sounded like the biggest adventure I could imagine.

Prior to our hike, Buckey was my roommate, and we both worked as guides for the same wilderness therapy company. I hadn't thought to ask him to join me, but when he invited himself, I was elated. He said he had always wanted to see the Himalayas.

What It Was Like

Prayer flags and low visibility in the Himalaya — With visibility like this, it is no wonder we got lost so often.

Buckey and I spent four and a half months hiking 800 miles (1,300 kilometers) in Nepal. Sometimes, we stayed in village guesthouses. When there were no guesthouses, we camped and cooked for ourselves.

We walked in snow, hail, monsoon season, and relentless heat and humidity. We got lost in the jungle and the mountains. Often, we were the spectacle of the town, and kids would follow us through their villages. Weeks would go by, and we wouldn't see any other tourists or have internet access.

Most days, we gained or lost 3,000-5,000 feet (900-1,500 meters) of elevation, which was exhausting. The miles came slowly, and we rarely had an easy day. Sometimes, I found the views to be breathtaking, and sometimes, I found equally amazing views to be monotonous.

Whenever we made a trip back to the city to resupply, we often lingered for a week because we indulged in eating Western food, watching HBO, and having internet access.

My favorite thing about hiking the Great Himalaya Trail was the lifestyle. I enjoyed spending most of my time outside in the mountains. I liked sleeping in the tent and cooking on the camp stove. It was satisfying to reach viewpoints and see nothing but wilderness for miles. The days revolved around walking and eating, which made life satisfyingly simple.

The Tough Times

A hotel on Nepal's Great Himalaya Trail. — We spent the night in this hotel, a welcome break from our tent

Having Buckey as a hiking partner made me feel better about any frustrating situations that arose.

One day, we were caught in a hailstorm at 13,000 feet (3,960 meters) and lost on a ridgeline for a few hours. Once thoroughly soaked and in a bad mood, we called it a day and set up camp.

The freezing temperatures had caused me to lose my fine motor skills, and I struggled to help set up the tent. However, it didn't seem so bad because Buckey was there to be my teammate and commiserate with me.

Once inside our tent, I made us hot orange-flavored drinks, and we looked over our maps while the storm raged outside. I'm typically self-reliant to a fault, but I learned to appreciate having a dependable companion.

The most challenging part of the Great Himalaya Trail came at the end. We were hiking through Dolpa, our last and most strenuous section. We had to carry more food than usual because guest houses and resupply points were rare in that region.

Epic Himalayan views at an 18,000 ft pass. — View from the top of an 18,000 ft pass.

Every other day, I had to hike over a pass upwards of 18,000 feet (5,480 meters), made more difficult by my hefty pack weight. Reaching elevations that high was tiresome because walking and breathing were significantly more challenging.

I often had to take breaks to catch my breath after just a minute of walking, and it never felt like I could fill my lungs completely. On top of that, there were often sections of trail that had eroded from cliff sides. Every time I hiked through these areas, I was aware that I would die or get seriously injured if I fell.

This led me to have more anxiety than I'm accustomed to handling. After a week of dealing with physical and mental exhaustion, I had a meltdown on the side of the trail.

We had a few thousand feet to gain. After an early start with no breakfast, I was hungry, and after months of walking, I was finally tired of it. I flung my pack onto the ground, sat down on it, and started to cry until I was hyperventilating with snot dripping down my face.

Buckey was ahead of me on the trail, thus spared from witnessing my tears. I stayed on the ground, curled up with my face on my knees, until it started to rain. Then I stood up, put my pack back on, and continued up the mountain. I was still exhausted and felt like quitting, but I knew I would keep going.

The End of a Journey

The Great Himalaya Trail — A few hours after I finished having a meltdown

I set out to walk across the Himalayan mountain range and have an adventure, unlike anything I've experienced before. While that is ultimately what I got, it's not the most important thing I gained. I'll think most fondly of the storms we endured, the locals who took us in, and having Buckey around to rely on during the tough times.

Great Himalaya Trail Logistics

Beautiful mountain views in Nepal's Himalaya — Views on the Great Himalaya Trail

Can you hike the Great Himalaya Trail?

While no one keeps statistics on the number of hikers who have completed this trail, there have not been many. For example, I only met two other hikers in person who were doing the entire trail, and I corresponded with three others online. And this was possibly the busiest year yet along the Great Himalaya Trail.

I would only recommend that experienced long-distance hikers attempt the entire trail without guides. You need to know how to navigate the backcountry, be prepared for difficult and long days, and be comfortable finding campsites and interacting with non-English speakers.

If you do not have extensive outdoor experience, you can hire a trekking agency to provide guides and porters and handle the trip's logistics. I would recommend that you love the wilderness and be willing to get in good physical shape while on the trail.

If you don't want to commit to the whole Great Himalaya Trail, plenty of shorter sections can be done with or without guides. For recommendations, check out my list of the Best Treks in Nepal.

Time Frame

Prayer flags flutter over a stream in Nepal — Prayer flags

I spent four and a half months in Nepal for this trek and hiked for three of those months. I made four trips back to the city to resupply, during which time I took a week off from hiking.

Sometimes, I hiked all day until just before sunset, and sometimes, I stopped walking in the afternoon.

If you want to take the trail at a leisurely pace and have plenty of time to enjoy the cultural experience, give yourself four to five months. If you put in long days and finish the trail quickly, give yourself three months or less.

The Great Himalaya Trail has two options for routes: the high route and the low route. The high route goes through the mountains at higher elevations, has colder temperatures, and is farther from cities and road access. The low route offers more jungle and rice terrace scenery, an abundance of villages not often visited by tourists, and hotter weather.

I combined the two routes, essentially sticking to the low route during the spring and the high route during the summer. I started my hike in late March, and it was good timing for my route.

If you only want to do the low route, you can do it at any time of year. However, remember that summer will be unbearably hot, and winter at higher elevations will be cold.

The timeframe for the high route will vary according to snowfall, but April and May are likely good months to begin. If you plan to hike fast, October and November have ideal weather conditions for both routes. Summer is monsoon season, and it typically rains every afternoon.

Final Thoughts

Buckey and Megan — My hiking partner Buckey and I

A lot of logistical planning goes into a Great Himalaya Trail hike before you even arrive in Nepal. From selecting gear to going over maps to organizing permits and transportation, this hike involves much more than just walking. And often, all the planning has to be adjusted once you are there. This would be a fantastic hike for people who love logistics, have flexible personalities, and desire to traverse the world's highest mountain range.

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