April 30, 2013

Reads For The Road: "Walking The Amazon" by Ed Stafford

by Lindsay Shapka in Book List, Travel Adventures, Travel

After retiring from the British army as a captain in 2002, Ed Stafford started running worldwide adventure expeditions. It was during one of these expeditions that Ed met Luke, and during one drunken night, they agreed on a plan to be the first (documented) people on earth to WALK from one end of the Amazon river to the other — ocean to ocean.

“It would have been fairly excusable to blame the bravado on alcohol but, as we scratched our stubble and our balls waiting for the shower, we were both even more animated about the idea than we had been the previous evening.”

— Chapter One, Conception to Birth, Walking The Amazon

This would mean crossing the Andes Mountains, trekking through the dangerous drug trafficking zones in Colombia, trying to appease suspicious indigenous-people living deep in the jungle (including those that were convinced he was going to steal their faces), and dealing with ALL of the challenges that come with living in a jungle — weather, bugs, injuries, bugs, and did I mention BUGS.

In Walking The Amazon — 860 Days. One Step At A Time, Stafford gives an incredibly honest account (fears, doubts, frustrations...) of his grueling 4,000-plus-mile journey (check out his Expedition Diary here).

If you are looking to be inspired by a real-life adventure, this is definitely the book for you!

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April 6, 2013

Travel Tips: Your Guide To Travel Vaccinations You Might Need For Your Next Trip

by Lindsay Shapka in Travel, Travel Tips

So, you have decided where you want to go for your next adventure, your tickets are booked and you have bought a brand new shiny travel book ready to get you trip started.

Next step? Getting your travel vaccinations and immunizations sorted out.

Though you can head to your family doctor for a consultation, specialized travelers health clinics are your best source of information. Ideally you should visit a doctor six to eight weeks before you board the plane, but it is never too late to get a disease preventing shot in the arm.

The Centers for Disease Control and the International Travel & Health Guide published by the World Health Organization are both fantastic resources to do some of your own research (which I heartily recommend).

The only vaccination required by international regulations is Yellow Fever, but you will only be asked for proof of this vaccine (or need to get it) if you have travelled in Africa or South America.

Of course, the types of vaccinations that you will receive are dependent on where you are traveling to, but here is a brief rundown of some of the basics:

Tetanus/Diphtheria

This shot is good for 10 years and is a VERY important one. Tetanus is usually found in soil, dust, and manure and enters the body through breaks in the skin; usually cuts or puncture wounds caused by contaminated objects (think rusty nails). It causes lockjaw and, if untreated, death.

Measles/Mumps/Rubella

Most of us should have received at least one MMR vaccination (usually as a child), that was considered to be good for life. It has recently been discovered that adults are now getting the mumps more regularly (in Canada 300 adults get it each year) and are more susceptible to the infection without a second shot (a friend of mine was recently in Thailand and contracted the mumps while there). Though health professionals may not recommend getting a second shot, insist on it if you are headed to South East Asia. Better to be safe than sorry!

Typhoid

This is a bacteria that is transmitted though contaminated food and water. Though it makes you feel like garbage, it is not life threatening when treated with medication. The vaccination lasts for about 3 years, but is not 100% effective, so you still need to watch what you ingest.

Hepatitis A

This treat of a virus is transmitted thorough contaminated food and water and has NO specific treatment. In other words, get vaccinated. A series of two shots will usually cover you for life.

Hepatitis B

This is the only STD that can be prevented by a vaccination so is WELL worth the three shots that protect you for life. It is spread by contact with infected body fluids (which does not necessarily mean sex) and can result in liver cancer, cirrhosis, and death.

Japanese Encephalitis

This is one of the few mosquito-transmitted viruses that can be treated with a vaccination. It is most common in places with hot, jungle-like conditions. This virus causes an inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), with symptoms including sudden headache, high fever, disorientation, coma, tremors, and convulsions. If you receive the 'live' vaccination, one shot covers you for life. For tips on preventing other mosquito transmitted viruses click here.

Once you have gotten your immunizations, you should be given a booklet that will list all of the vaccinations you received. This is handy to carry with you if you plan on being out of your home country for a lengthy period of time.

Well that about covers it!

Ya, a lot of these viruses, diseases, and infections sound scary, but as soon as you get the vaccination you don't have to worry about it — all that you have to do is enjoy your adventure!

Disclaimer: I want to emphasize that I am NOT a medical professional of ANY kind, nor did I interview a medical professional specifically for this blog. What I have written is based solely on my own experience, and from research in various online and print publications. If you disagree with anything that I have written, or would like to add to it, please leave a comment below!

7 Reasons Why I Love Staying In Hostels

by Lindsay Shapka in Travel, Travel Tips

I have often said that even if I had all the money in the world, I would still choose to stay in a hostel over a hotel. (Seriously, I'm not just saying that).

Backpackers Hostel in Downtown Toronto, Canada

Here's why:

1. They Are Cheap

Yup, depending on where you are, and the time of year it is, you will pay between $8-$40 for a bed. Compare that to $80-$400 for a hotel — it's a way better deal. And really, how much time are you going to be spending in your room anyway? There's so many new things to see!

2. Location, Location, Location

Most hostels are located in the centre of the city (aka prime location) allowing you to walk out the front door and continue to walk everywhere you need to go. There is often no need to spend money on car rentals or even public transit, plus it gives you the opportunity to soak in some local flavor after dark because you don't have to worry about getting back to your hotel in an expensive cab.

3. Breakfast

Your room charge will usually cover breakfast, which is often some sort of fresh carb from a local bakery. Who can say no to a fresh croissant?

4. Amenities

Despite what you might think, the amenities at a hostel are actually quite nice. You usually have access to a kitchen, which means you can cook your own food — another dollar saver — and many hostels even have their own restaurant or bar. There is usually free or cheap Internet available 24 hours, and a common room where you can relax and swap stories. These common rooms also usually have a well-stocked bookshelf where you can take or trade books free of charge. Some of the nicest bathrooms that I have EVER been in have been in hostels!

5. Safety

Think about it, you are surrounded by tourists who don't want their stuff stolen, and who are looking out for each other. Most hostels are run by fellow travelers and front desks are usually manned 24 hours. Many will supply you with a locker to lock your stuff up for extra security (bring your own lock as they are not always supplied).

6. Free Travel Advice, Tour Guides, and Nightlife "Coordinators"

The guys and gals running hostels are usually travellers themselves, and so are not out to scam you and make a buck. They are the perfect people to ask advice about tours, where to eat, what to see etc. Some will even take you around or coordinate bookings for you (at no extra cost!). Usually a few nights a week, the people working at the hostel will round up everyone they can and take them out on the town. If you are a solo traveler, or not familiar with the area, this gives you a fantastic opportunity to safely experience the city's nightlife — and make new friends.

7. Meeting People Who Ask You Where You've Been and not What You Do

There is nothing more refreshing then meeting someone new and being defined by where you have been, where you are going, and what adventures you have had instead of being defined by a job that may not have anything to do with who you really are or what you are passionate about. Learning about the person in front of you, and sharing a genuine moment while at the height of a new-experience-high is my favourite part about staying in hostels. This is how I have made some amazing lifelong friends, and I would never give that up.

8 Things You Must See and Do in Florence

by Lindsay Shapka in Travel, Destinations, Travel Adventures, Travel Tips

Winding cobblestone streets lined with tall, stone buildings filled with shops, cafes and restaurants. Churches covered in the art works of Italian masters. Fashion trends that won't make it to North America for years. Museums overflowing with paintings, sculpture and sketches. Walking in the footsteps of Michelangelo, Leonardo, Donatello and Raphael (no, not the Ninja Turtles)... what isn't there to see and do in the glorious city of Florence!

Here is your guide to the top spots to see and the best things to do when visiting Florence!

The Duomo (front facade recently cleaned)

1. The Duomo

Though you may have spotted the terracotta coloured tiles of Brunelleschi's massive dome long before you come upon the cathedral, the first time that you turn the corner and find yourself in front of the pink and green marble facade, you are sure to have the wind knocked out of you.

The church is gigantic, towering above all the buildings surrounding it, and breathtakingly beautiful.

The best time to visit is in the off-season, when the interior is open to all, nothing is closed off to tourists and the echoing halls are quiet, deserted, and lit by flickering candlelight.

2. The Baptistery and The Gates of Paradise

Across from the Duomo sits the octagonal shaped baptistery that was built on the site of an ancient Roman temple as early as the 5th century. Dante was among the celebrated figures that have been baptized in this marble structure that is famous for its gilded bronze doors, the most famous being Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise (pictured below) — 10 intricate panels depicting stories from the old testament. The one's hanging are replicas but you can check out the originals at the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

The Gates of Paradise (Porta del Paradiso)      Lorenzo Ghiberti

3. Piazza della Signoria

This expansive piazza is the political hub of the city and is surrounded by some beautiful historic buildings including the Palazzo Vecchio which is the seat of the Florentine government and full of murals by iconic artists.

The Piazza also contains a sculpture gallery (a great spot to people watch from on a warm evening) and an exact replica of the famous David by Michelangelo.

4. Galleries

The Uffizi Gallery, built in the 16th century by the artist and art historian Vasari, is the home of the private art collection of the Medici family — essentially the 'royal family' of Florence at the height of the Renaissance and passionate art patrons. Works by masters like Michelangelo, Leonardo, Donatello, and Raphael can be found here as well as stunning paintings by Botticelli (my personal favourites).

Another 'can't-miss' is the Galleria dell’Accademia, which is the home of the original David and Michelangelo's unfinished Slaves that give a unique insight into the artist's process.

5. Ponte Vecchio

The only bridge that survived the Nazi explosives in 1944 (pictured above), this unique 14th century structure is the home of the city's most beautiful jewellery shops.

Unless you are travelling with a pocketful for cash, don't expect to do more then window shop on this pricy strip, but something as unique as a bridge covered in houses is definitely worth the visit.

6. Piazzale Michelangelo

It's a bit of a trek, but the views from this plaza (pictures below), across the river from the centre of the city, are worth every drip of sweat.

On a clear day, you can see straight to the green Tuscan hills beyond the city.

7. Cafes, Restaurants, and Wine

There are some fantastic cafes, their tables spilling out into the street, between the Duomo and the Piazza della Signoria, as well as some great spots for gelato.

Florence is incredibly close to the Chianti region which means some delicious wine, readily available at extremely low prices, and there are no rules about drinking in the streets so grab a bottle from a local grocery store and head to the Piazzale Michelangelo to enjoy a sunset after a long day of sightseeing!

8. Shop, shop, and shop some more

Florence contains everything from department stores to street markets and everything in between.

Most boutiques, jewellery shops and designer stores are located between the cathedral and the Arno river, while the best spot to find leather, souvenirs, hand-bound books, clothing, and jewellery at low prices is at the Piazza del Mercato Centrale (an open-air market located near the train station).