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).

Must-Visit Destination: Exploring The City of Taormina, Italy

by Lindsay Shapka in Travel, Destinations, Adventure

THE STATS:

Location — Taormina is a small picturesque town located on the east coast of the island of Sicily, Italy. It perches high on the cliffs above the Ionian Sea, which is luxuriously warm and has an extremely high salt content (better for floating!).

Population — Approximately 11,000 permanent residents call this historical village home.

Claim To Fame — Considered to be the most beautiful town in Sicily, Taormina has been a hub of art and trade back to the time when Italy was ruled by the Greeks (around the 5th century BC). Now frequented by the European jet-set, it is the type of Italian town you see in the movies, and is packed with restaurants, cafes, parks, and boutiques. One of the most stunning sights is the Teatro Greco, an ancient Roman amphitheatre that overlooks the sea and — on a clear day — gives you a view of Mt Etna. Oh, and did I mention the AMAZING beaches!

Orientation — The town centre is located on the top of a hill (you must take a bus or a looonnnggg walk to get up to it). The main road, Corso Umberto I, runs through the whole town.

Getting Around — Walk, walk, and walk! This is a tiny little town so the easiest way to get around, and take in the gorgeous views, is to use your own two feet. In order to get down to the beach you will need to take a cable car OR go on a nice long steep hike (trust me, take the cable car).

Getting There and Away — If you are coming from the mainland, the easiest thing to do is to take the train. How do you get to an island on a train you ask? On a boat of course! The Italians have ferry boats that line up with the tracks and allow the trains to drive right on, meeting up with the tracks again on the island. You will need to catch an Interbus from the train station into town. If travelling around the island the best way to go is by bus.

Where To Stay — Because Taormina tends to attract a wealthier crowd, there are many expensive hotels, pensiones, villas, and rooms for rent. But, the budget conscious need not dismay, there are also a few cheap hostels and even a campground for you! Try and call ahead if you are travelling in the high season however, as you can imagine, these less-expensive options fill up fast!

What To Do — Relax at a cafe, ride the cable car down to the beach, suntan, take in the majestic view of Mt Etna at the Teatro Greco, hike up the cacti speckled cliffs overlooking the sea, wander through the historic city centre as the sun sets, indulge in a delicious meal at a local restaurant... REPEAT!

How I Found It — While travelling through Italy, my travel buddies and I ended up in Taormina largely because it was the lest expensive ticket to buy at the train station. Our ultimate goal was getting to Mt Etna (a town over), but we decided to stop here in order to save some money.

Intending to only stay for one night, we ended up adding a few more because of the chilled out atmosphere, a great hostel, and the gorgeous beach!

*The Teatro Greco was once solely used for gladiator combat and was where Woody Allen filmed the Greek chorus scene for his film Mighty Aphrodite.*

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November 16, 2012

5 Important Questions To Ask A Potential Travel Buddy

by Lindsay Shapka in Travel, Travel Tips

Trust me, travelling can test ANY relationship.

Whether you are planning on travelling with your boyfriend, best friend, sister, father, or a new acquaintance, there are a few questions pre-travel that you must ask any potential travel buddy to make sure you both have an amazing trip.

1. What is your budget? How much do you want to spend on food, fun, etc...?

You need to know that you are on the same page in terms of what you are going to spend during your trip. If you are planning on travelling on a shoestring and eating from markets or street vendors while your travel buddy is expecting to have restaurant meals three times a day, there will be more than a few problems.

2. Do you prefer to plan in advance or are you someone who likes just winging it?

If you need to have your days scheduled, and stick to the schedule, in order to have a good time, then you need a travel buddy who will be the same. On the other hand, if you are someone who likes to just wander and see where the day takes you, having a buddy who wants a strict schedule will cause a lot of conflict. You need to know if you are compatible or at least willing to strike a balance in how you plan to spend your days.

3. Do you prefer that we spend all our time together, or are you comfortable with us separating to do our own thing every once and awhile?

To me, this is the most important question. I enjoy doing things when I travel that not everyone likes to do — I'll hike to the top of a mountain on a sweltering hot day just to catch a glimpse of an ancient library located at the top or spend hours wandering through an art gallery. And I want to be able to do those things without having to worry that the person I am with is enjoying themselves too.

Sometimes the easiest thing to do is to split up for a day, an afternoon, or even just a few hours, so that you can both have an experience that the other person wouldn't enjoy. But, you need to know that your travel buddy is up for that and that there will be no hard feelings either way.

4. What type of accommodation are you picturing? Hostels? Campgrounds? B&Bs? Hotels?

Not only the type of accommodation, but the area of the city you are wanting to stay in is also important. (Prices tend to get higher the closer to the centre of a city you get — though that's not always true if you are willing to stay in hostels).

Are you both okay with the co-ed room in a hostel dorm? Are you looking for a room for two at a B&B? Or, are you both wanting your own room at a hotel? Make sure you know where you are both expecting to lay your head before packing your bags!

5. What activities or attractions are an absolute must-see for you and what are you flexible about?

You are headed to New York and you will give a limb to get to the top of the Empire State Building — even if you have to stand in line for the entire day.

Your travel buddy needs to know that, because if that isn't on their to-do list, this could lead to an argument. When I am headed on a trip, I always let my travel buddy know what my must-do things are and if hers/his matches up then we do them together. If not, see #3 above.

Important questions to ask a potential travel buddy

Living The Dream! Interview With A Professional Scuba Dive Instructor

by Lindsay Shapka in Travel, Travel Adventures

I have dreamed of dropping everything, packing my bag, and running away to Bali to become a Scuba Dive instructor for years—who hasn't—but for my friend Shannon, it isn't a dream, it's his reality.

*Shannon on dry land–a rare occurrence these days!*

VITAL STATS:

Name – Shannon Brian Screaigh
Age – 27
Born – York, Western Australia. 150km inland from Perth, population 4000
How We Met – In a bar in Hoi An, Vietnam in 2008 and have kept in touch ever since

The Anthrotorian (A) : Where was the first place that you scuba dived?
Shannon (S) : In Nah Trang, Vietnam

A: When did you know that you wanted to become an instructor?
S: I never wanted to be an instructor actually, but the first time I dived in Nah Trang I knew that i had to find a job where I could do this and make a living.

A: How long did in take you to become certified?
S: Open water, advanced, and rescue courses took about 40 dives and I did them in Nah Trang, Vietnam; Sihanoukville, Cambodia; and Koh Tao, Thailand, respectively. Then it took 2-3 months to take the Dive Master (DM) course. I worked as a DM for the first year, and it seemed to be a good diving job. I had to take the next step and become an instructor. This was a 3 week course.

A: Was it easy to find a job?
S: There are a lot of jobs in the diving industry. If you are certified, and willing to relocate, it is not hard to find one. Most of the jobs are seasonal however.

A: Realistically how much can you make as a scuba diver?
S: A good job would pay about $2000 per month and will often include room and board. Of course, there are exceptions.

A: Walk me through a day in your life.
S: Wake up, eat breakfast, dive, morning tea, dive, lunch, sleep, dive, afternoon tea, enjoy a beer with another beautiful sunset, dinner, some small talk about the days diving, and sleep again... very stressful...

A: What is the craziest thing you have seen?
S: Craziest.... hmmmm.... Dugong (sea cow) or mola mola (sun fish). Maybe humpback whales or the sun rising from the top of Mt Kilimanjaro — I can't answer this one!!! Lembai Pygmy sea dragon was special too.

A: Where is the most amazing place you have dived?
S: Another difficult question! South pinnacles, Protea banks, South Africa are up there! Seeing over 1000 hammerhead sharks in 1 single dive. But Castle rock, Komodo, Indonesia, has the healthiest corals and the most fish I have ever seen! When they all started to eat each other it was like being in the Blue Planet series!

A: Scariest thing you have ever seen or done
S: Getting caught in a down current while diving, bungee jumping in South Africa, skydiving at home when I was 14, and crossing the road in Hanoi, Vietnam!

A: Will you do this forever?
S: I would think not, but would like to think i'll always be around water, or living next the sea if I ever should "settle down" — whatever that means.

A: If you weren't a scuba instructor what would you be doing?
S: Most probably still living back in Australia, headed towards running my own electrical and refrigeration contracting business, 2 1/2 kids and a white picket fence.

A: Worst part of the job?
S: The day of the charter starting and the chaos of having to get food, supplies, and guest together in time to leave.

A: Best part of the job?
S: Easy! When I see that look in a guests eyes, almost like they want to cry with joy, and they tell you "that was my best dive ever!"

RAPID FIRE:

A: Favorite breakfast food?
S: Fruit salad with muesli, yogurt and honey.

A: What is the last book you read?
S: Shantaram

A: Tea or coffee?
S: Coffee for the brain, tea for a hangover

A: Where is the last place you travelled?
S: Africa was the last big trip

A: Blue or Green?
S: Blue, when the water's green the visibility is bad!

A: If you could meet anyone alive in the world who would it be?
S: David Attenborough

A: Where do you feel most like yourself?
S: Can't decide yet, when I find it, that's where I'll stay. For sure it's nice below the sea!

You can find Shannon in Komodo, Indonesia where he operates a unique diving business called Current Junkies. It is a new and original concept in diving, that specializes in drift diving and strong current diving. Guests stay on his outfitted boat for 5 days which allows them to do dives further out in the ocean. The aim is to find Blue Planet-like dives for all of his guests!