5 Important Questions To Ask A Potential Travel Buddy

by Lindsay Shapka in ,

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. 

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How To Pack Your Carry-On Bag Like An Expert

by Lindsay Shapka in , , ,

Packing a carry-on for a trip involving air travel isn’t rocket science, but you would be surprised how many people forget to throw even the smallest (but often the most important) things into their bag. 

The first thing to remember is that your carry-on can't be more than 10kg. Though you can often sneak through with a heavier bag (I do it all the time), there is always the risk of getting caught and having to pay to check your heavier items. 

Liquids, gels, lotions, etc. in containers larger than 100ml/100g/3.4oz are NOT permitted, so assume that when I mention these items I am referring to the small version of them.

Though many people consider their carry-on to be what holds their source of entertainment or simply a vessel to throw all of the things that they could not fit in their checked luggage in, I approach it in a slightly different way. 

To me, the carry-on is your survival kit in case your luggage gets lost.

It needs to contain everything that you would need to survive a full day and even a few nights at your destination.

Here’s what I suggest:

  • Any Prescription Drugs you might need

  • Tylenol, Motrin, Advil, etc. (cures for headaches, back spasms)

  • Prescription Glasses/Contact Case with solution in it (if you wear glasses/contacts)

  • Sunglasses

  • Deodorant

  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss

  • Makeup (for the ladies, it's nice to have just a few items — powder, blush, lip gloss — to freshen up with when you get off the plane)

  • Bathing Suit (if headed on a beach vacation)

  • Change of Clothing (usually underpants and a fresh shirt will suffice)

  • Socks (even if you are wearing sandals, these will keep your feet warm on the plane)

  • Scarf/Sarong (use as a blanket on the plane and a shawl/scarf if your destination in cooler than you are dressed for)

  • Blue or Black Pen (for filling out landing documents, jotting down directions, etc.)

  • Paper Map (wireless may not be available or your smart phone might die)

  • Passport

  • Money, credit cards, debit card

  • Accommodation information (you will need to fill out the address of where you are staying on your landing documents, and you want to be able to access it quickly when you arrive at your destination)

  • Book or magazine (just in case the inflight entertainment doesn't work)

  • Headphones (having to buy headphones on your flight sucks)

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5 Reasons Why You Should Embrace Off-Season Travel

by Lindsay Shapka in , ,

I am constantly asked for advice on when the best time to travel is and my answer is always the same — the shoulder or off-season.

This tends to fall outside of the summer months and in between holidays, when the weather is colder, the days a bit shorter, and there are no popular festivals filling the streets. While you may have to wear a few extra layers while exploring, traveling during this time of year has A LOT of benefits.

1. You Look Less Like A Tourist 

There is nothing that screams ‘tourist’ more than runners, shorts, a brightly coloured T-shirt, and a sunburn.

Not only that, if you are from a dry country and are touring somewhere humid in the middle of summer, you are sure to be sweating as you sit in a crowded subway or walk down sunny streets. (Trust me, I’ve experienced it).

If you are travelling in the off-season, you will more likely be wearing clothing that helps you blend better with the locals and will be more comfortable in the cooler climate.

2. Locals Are More Patient

If you live anywhere that is considered a ‘tourist destination’, you know how annoying large, loud groups who don’t look where they are walking and force you to wait in line for a coffee can be.

In the off-season, having had a break from the onslaught of travellers, the waiter in the cafe will be more patient while you struggle to order a coffee in his native tongue, and shop owners are sure to be kinder. 

3. Scam Artists and Pick-Pockets are on Vacation

Scam artists go where the business is, and in the off-season, the people trying to charge you $20 for a walking tour to nowhere or $30 for a plastic statue of Michelangelo’s David are nowhere to be found.

Without a crowd to hide what they are doing, pick-pockets are also sure to keep their distance. 

4. Costs are Significantly Lower 

Not only will your accommodation be almost cut in half, the price of meals, admission, taxis, souvenirs, tours — pretty much EVERYTHING — will be cheap, cheap, cheap! 

I stayed at a resort on the beach in the Algarve last November for 30% of what it would cost during the peak season. It was still warm enough to suntan during the day and it was lovely to have my pick of spots on the beach!

5. Attractions Are People-Free and Relaxing

Imagine standing in front of the Mona Lisa completely alone, taking a photo of the Colosseum without a single person in it, or walking into a temple at Angkor that not a soul is in but you.

All of these things are possible (I promise, I have the photos and experiences to prove it!) if you embrace off-season travel!

Pin Me!

off-season or shoulder season travel tips
off-season or shoulder season travel tips
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How To Survive A Full Moon Party On Ko Pha Ngan In Thailand

by Lindsay Shapka in , ,

According to local legend, the first Full Moon Party, at Hat Rin beach on Ko Pha Ngan, took place in either 1987 or 1988 (ironically, no one can remember), and was meant to be someone’s birthday celebration. The party was so amazing that the group decided to meet up again for the next full moon, and so began a tradition that has turned into one of the largest monthly parties in the world. Anywhere from 3,000 to 30,000 people turn up to dance, drink, and party the night away, all with the goal of living to tell the tale. 

Surviving a Full Moon Party is no easy feat, and I’m not just saying that to scare you, the incidence of death and serious injury at these parties rises every month. Here are some tips to help you make it through the night:

1. Show Up a Few Days Early

If you are planning on staying in Hat Rin, you will need to show up at least 3 days (even that is cutting it close) in advance to ensure that you can get a place to stay. 

If you don’t find an available room, hotels at nearby beaches will have boats that will shuttle you to the party and home again once the sun rises.

TIP: If you do stay in Hat Rin make sure that you lock up any valuables in the hotel safe as break-ins during the chaotic party are frequent.

2. Bare Feet are Your Friends

The 10+ most intense party zones (usually distinguished by different music blaring from MASSIVE speakers) are all on the beach.

Shoes+Sand=No Fun

In your intoxicated party state, you will inevitably kick-off your shoes and lose them. I guarantee it. Leave them in your room. 

3. Do Not Use a Purse/Bag or Exterior Pockets

Crowds of drunken tourists rubbing up against each other on a dance-floor are a pick-pocket's dream. Anything that you leave in an unsecured pocket, or set down for a minute so you can dance, is likely to disappear.

Ladies, I suggest using your bra or bathing suit as a wallet, boys try to use interior pockets or ones with zippers, buttons, or snaps. No one will ask for ID, so all you really need to have with you is some cash, your room key, and (if you are especially ambitious) your camera or phone.

4. Don’t Play With Fire

I know that this should go without saying, but it was remarkable to see how many people had limbs wrapped in white bandages the day after the Full Moon Party I attended.

Fire dancers seem more than willing to let drunken tourists ‘try out’ their trade, and a giant skipping rope dripping with flames is available for insane party-goers to try out. (I am pretty sure these fire ‘games’ are the local’s way of getting back at us for filling their beaches and nights with debauchery and chaos.)

5. Say No To Drugs

To many, Thailand is know as the land of ‘mushroom shakes’ and Bob Marley inspired bars… aka, if you want them, drugs are readily available.

But, the laws against drugs in Thailand are extreme and if you are caught with them in your possession, you WILL end up in jail (think Brokedown Palace).

Police have a presence at these parties, but there are even more officers in plain clothes mixing in with party-goers, waiting to catch you in the act.

Use at your own risk. 

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Nervous Flyer? These Tips Are For You!

by Lindsay Shapka in , ,

For many travellers it is not the strange food, language barrier, or cultural differences that are the most daunting when embarking on a new adventure, it is the flight that it takes to get there.

Having traveled with a few extremely nervous flyers (a friend of mine spent our 10 hour flight grabbing my arm every time the plane hit turbulence), I understand that this is a legitimate fear that sadly, prevents many from taking the trips that they long too.

If you have a fear of flying (or know someone who does), there should be something on this list that can help you out!

1. Get Comfortable

The more comfortable you are, the more relaxed you will be. Most airlines don’t supply blankets and pillows anymore, so bring your own — inflatable neck pillows are the easiest to pack — and make sure to bring some socks to keep your toes warm and cosy as well.

2. Stay Distracted

Bring entertaining books and magazines on board (trashy ones are the best for easy distraction). Music is also a great distraction so make sure you have all your fave songs downloaded and ready (also helpful if the in-flight entertainment system stops working).

Just remember that if you have ear-bud headphones you will be able to keep them on during take-off and landing, headphones that cover your ears will have to be removed. 

3. Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol

These beverages run the risk of making you feel jumpy and irrational and will also force you to use the ‘facilities’ more often which will make your flight (and the flight for the person sitting next to you) very uncomfortable. I know it's tempting just to get drunk to hide your fear, but this could backfire — trust me. 

4. Pack Gum, Water (bottle) and Snacks

I know that I get incredibly irritated when hungry, and many flights no longer serve food or charge astronomical prices for it so, make sure you bring some snacks.

Flights also tend to be very dry, so having water (you can purchase a bottle in the airport once you pass through security) with you will help avoid the dry mouth that can come with nerves.

Gum will help you pop your ears, preventing pressure build up, as the cabin equalizes. 

5. Drugs, Drugs, Drugs… 

Doctors can prescribe medication to help you sleep if you are a REALLY nervous flyer, but over the counter medication like Gravol and even Motrin can often help you sleep or relax. 

6. Keep Your Eye on the Flight Attendants

There are some mechanical noises, chimes, and bouts of turbulence that may sound or feel scary but are completely normal. My trick in moments that make me nervous is to watch and see how the flight attendants are reacting. If they seem calm then I calm down. 

7. Tell the Flight Attendants How You Feel

Sometimes the best way to calm your nerves is to admit to someone that you are in fact nervous. Flight Attendants are VERY familiar with nervous flyers and if you tell them how you feel they will usually go out of their way to ensure that you are comfortable. 

8. Embrace the Idea That There is Really Nothing You Can Do

The reality is that anything that could happen is out of your control. According to my sister, a frequent traveller, "you are already in the air and if something is going to go wrong, there is absolutely nothing that you can do about it — there is no point worrying, so just sit back and enjoy the ride." 

I know that this is easier said than done, but if you can embrace the idea, it could save you a lot of worry.

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