April 16, 2015

5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Hong Kong

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

Hong Kong is a fascinating place to travel to. It is constantly changing, modern yet traditional, full of Western businesses and democratic ideals yet ruled by the more austere communist-China way of life. The people who live there love dim sum and pizza, and never seem to stop moving.

You may be surprised to learn that most of Hong Kong is green (other than the mass of high-rises that make up Hong Kong Island of course), with beautiful hills for hiking, and plenty of outdoor activities. Another surprising fact is that the four main areas — Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories and the Outlying Islands — are made up of more than 200 islands!!

Because of more lax regulations regarding visas, it is also one of the few places in China that can be accessed by most of the world without one. This has led to it becoming an international hub for people who are waiting to receive visas to enter the rest of the country, or other countries nearby (aka an excellent place for serious people watching).

Here are some things to do, and reasons why I think Hong Kong is worth adding to your travel list:

1. Amazing, easy to navigate public transportation

There is a comprehensive system of trains (one that passes under the harbour area!), boats, and busses that can get you anywhere you want to go quickly and easily. They are modern, clean, and there is even a high-speed train that will take you directly to the airport!

One of the tenement buildings in Kowloon

2. Kowloon

Meaning "nine dragons" in English, this is where you will find a blend of locals, expats, and tourists from all over the world. It is where opulent hotels sit across from crumbling tenements, stores selling cheap knock-offs are wedged between high-end shops, and there is non-stop chaos day and night — it's wonderful! There are markets, shopping centres, great restaurants, street food, and an incredible view of the harbour and the buildings of Hong Kong Island.

3. English-speaking friendly

Unlike other parts of China, there is a lot of English signage and many people speak English here. This is a result of Hong Kong being an English colony for so long.

The view of Hong Kong Island from Kowloon

4. Hong Kong Island

One of the largest islands, there is SO much to see and do here. Ride the outdoor Mid-Levels Escalator, the longest in the world, that transports pedestrians 800m from Queen's Rd Central via SoHo all the way up to Conduit Rd in Mid-Levels in 20 minutes. It passes through areas with incredible nightlife, so is a lot of fun to explore at night.

You can also check out Li Yuen St East, Li Yuen St West and the Graham St market which are right out of a movie with narrow pedestrian alleyways crammed with shops selling everything from bags to shoes to frogs legs.

The spiral incense-filled Man Mo Temple built in 1847 is one of the oldest in Hong Kong, and is an absolute must-see.

5. Lantau

Twice the size of Hong kong Island, this uncrowded, forest filled island has a massive monastery and temple complex called Po Lin on one of its highest points.

The temple is beautiful, but the real draw is the Tian Tan Buddha Statue (pictured above) that is the world's largest outdoor seated bronze buddha and can be reached by a steep climb of 260 steps.

My favourite part of visiting Lantau was riding the Ngong Ping 360 cable car which has one of the most incredible views I have ever seen!

Everything You Need To Know To Avoid Jet Lag

by Lindsay Shapka in Travel, Travel Adventures, Travel Tips

Timezone tiredness, or jet lag, can put a huge damper on any trip — especially if you are traveling for a short period of time. Here are some tried-and-tested steps you can take to beat and recover from jet lag on your next long journey.

February 22, 2015

Why Do Nice Hotels Put Chocolates On Your Pillow?

by Lindsay Shapka in Travel, Travel Tips

Have you ever stayed at a hotel and discovered a beautifully wrapped chocolate or chocolate mint on your pillow? Have you ever wondered why? A chocolate seems like an odd thing to eat right before you fall asleep and have just brushed your teeth, doesn't it?

Well, we can thank actor Cary Grant for this sweet trend.

Apparently in the early 1950s, Grant was staying at a luxury hotel in St. Louis (the Mayfair Hotel to be exact). He had a women (presumably a mistress, as he was married at the time) meeting him at the hotel, but she arrived before him. Instead of finding an empty suite however, she was met with a trail of chocolates leading from the door, into the bedroom, across the bed and onto the pillow. Grant had requested the chocolate trail because he was going to be late.

Impressed with this thoughtful, luxurious detail, the hotel manger decided that all guests should be greeted with a pleasant surprise that would make them feel appreciated, and started putting chocolates on the pillows in all of his rooms.

The gesture began a trend that was picked up by hotels all over the world, and still continues today!

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February 21, 2015

Everything You Need To Know About Shopping For Unique and Meaningful Travel Souvenirs

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

It is inevitable (unless you have A LOT of willpower) that you are going to bring back souvenirs from your travels. But, you have to be careful not to let yourself get swindled or carried away.

Here are a few tips on how to find unique trip mementos and locally made gifts that will remind you of adventure every time you see them, rather than gather dust in the back of your closet.

Don't get lost in the novelty

When immersed in a market in Morocco, it is easy to think that buying a silver tea set with a beautifully etched tray is a fantastic idea. They are cheap, they are everywhere, and they are SO beautiful. BUT, consider this — do you drink tea? If you do drink tea, do you drink it out of tiny cups that will come with your Moroccan tea set, or do you like big, oversized mugs? Basically, will you use this tea set or have a spot in your home to display it, or will it sit in your cupboard? Ask these questions about every purchase you make. Are harem pants really something you will wear outside of Thailand? Do you really need a carving of a camel?

Shop around

Markets or street stalls may seem random and like they have completely unique items, but you will soon notice that a lot of the items sold are mass produced. Wander through the market a few times to get an idea of where you can find the truly unique items before making a purchase.

Check that you are getting what you are paying for before you hand over your money

There are no returns at market stalls, and often the seller will disappear to grab a bag or change for you while still holding your items. Don't leave until you ensure that what is in your bag is what you want. I made the mistake of forgetting to do this, and ended up coming home with two left shoes from Marrakesh.

Research prices

If you want to make sure you aren't getting swindled, do some research ahead of time to figure out the approximate prices for different items. Travel books are a great place to start, but blogs and Google searches can give you some general information as well.

Buy items that you will actually use

I know this sounds like common sense, but it is SO easy to get wrapped up in the novelty of a place when you are actually there. Do you collect art? Buy a piece to add to your collection. Do you read? Purchase some books. Jewellery, scarves, fabrics, lanterns (if you will use them), home decor items, etc are also great options if you have the space and use for them.

Try to buy from local artisans

For really authentic items, and to support local artists, look for stalls that are selling unique handcrafted items (usually the artist will be making them as he/she is selling them), or head out of the marketplace to local boutiques where you will find fewer mass produced items. Then, have a conversation with the artist you are supporting. This will connect your item to a memory, taking you back to that moment every time you see it once you are home.

Haggle, barter and bargain like a pro

Click here for my post about bargaining like an expert to get the best deal that you possibly can — and have some fun in the process.

Why You Should Embrace The Travelling Part Of Travelling

by Lindsay Shapka in Travel, Travel Adventures, Travel Tips

I love to travel by plane, cars, and trains

"Europe? I would go, but the flight is way too long."

"Don't take the train! It will take you forever. You're better off flying or not going at all!"

"Oh, don't go to that city! It's 3 hours away! Go to the one that is only 30 minutes down the road."

Sound familiar?

If you find yourself still wanting to travel long distances despite comments like these, then you have a kindred spirit in me! I can't tell you the number of times that I hear lamentations from people claiming that they would travel more, but can't stand airports, delays, long drives etc.

But, to me, the travelling part of travelling is often when the magic happens.

Let me explain.

Life is busy, really busy. I rarely give myself permission to sit still, but on a long flight, drive, or travel delay, I am forced to be in one place with nowhere to go, no deadlines, no frantic need to find something to do. My only job is anticipating the next adventure, flipping through a magazine, watching a movie, and sipping on an overpriced (or free if you are on an international flight!) beer.

It's time when I can let my mind wander to places that it has been kept from because of work. I can write about what I want to, and read what I want to.

Even better, once on your plane, bus, or train, everything is out of your hands. You don't have to navigate, drive, worry about getting there on time. If the flight is delayed, the airline has to deal with it. (Ya, delays suck, but really, they aren't the end of the world!). Your only job is to sit back, relax, and let someone else take care of you. How nice does that sound!?

Meeting fellow travellers also adds to the adventure. You never know who is going to sit beside you — trust me, I have met some incredibly interesting people on planes, buses, and at the airport bar!

The travelling part of travelling is also a really great opportunity to see the world around you!

Flights give you an incredible bird's-eye view of the places that you leaving and are going to. I will never forget when I flew over the Atlantic on a clear night and saw the lights from boats underneath us for most of the flight. Incredible.

Long train rides take you through mountains, cities, and landscapes that most roads don't go near, while buses give you a chance to see cities and countryside that you would never see if you stayed in one place.

I'm not going to tell you that a day filled with 9-hour flight, a 3-hour layover, a second 4-hour flight, and then a 2-hour bus ride isn't a long day. But instead of thinking of it as a means to an end or a hinderance to travel, try looking at it as part of the adventure, and maybe you might start to like the travelling part of travelling too!

7 Things You Must Eat In Morocco

by Lindsay Shapka in Travel, Travel Tips

Moroccan cuisine is full of rich flavours, exotic spices, and fresh ingredients — it's a mouth-watering combination!

1. Tajine

Pictured above, these Moroccan stews are cooked in conical earthenware pots that keep the meat incredibly moist and tender. They are incredibly affordable (only a few dollars), full of flavour and usually come with a side of olives and fresh bread.

2. Couscous

No, not that yellow hard stuff that you can buy in the health food section of your grocery store. In Morocco, couscous is a fine, pale, grain-sized, hand-rolled pasta that is lightly steamed with a spiced broth, and served with fresh vegetables, lamb, chicken, or fish. So good.

3. Bread

It may seem strange to some of you, but the bread in Morocco is AMAZING. This is partially because the country was once a French colony, so their round breads and flakey, dense flattened croissants have a melt-in-your mouth Parisian flair to them.

4. Beghrir

This Moroccan version of a pancake is the most incredible breakfast food that I have ever had. It is spongier than a North American pancake, but fluffier than a crepe, and is served with jam or honey.

5. Salad

I know that salad doesn't sound that exciting, but the vegetables are flavoured with fresh herbs and spices, or roasted to create a symphony of flavours bursting with freshness. Is your mouth watering yet?

6. Melon

The watermelons that I ate were more flavourful than any that I have ever tasted. Plus, half a watermelon costs the equivalent of about $0.30!

7. Fresh Orange Juice & Mint Tea

I know, I know, these are things to drink not eat, but no trip to Morocco would be complete without tasting both. Orange juice can be bought in any restaurant or at any street stall for pennies and is made in front of you out of fresh oranges and bottled water. It is one of the most taste-bud satisfying things I have ever tasted — I still have cravings.
Mint tea is unavoidable — the moment you arrive at your hotel, you will be offered tea (it is impolite not to take it). The Moroccan version of this beverage is amazing, but is filled with sugar, so be prepared for that before you take your first sip!

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August 10, 2014

Hostel, Riad, Tent, Or Hotel? Your Guide to The Different Places You Can Stay While Travelling

by Lindsay Shapka in Travel, Travel Tips, Travel Adventures

Where do you stay when you're travelling?

It's a question I am asked all the time, and one that doesn't always have a simple answer. Some want to know if I have a secret spot somewhere that they can try out. Some ask because they want a deal and are hoping that I know of one, and some have never really travelled before, and can't fathom not staying in a name-brand hotel, so are just curious.

But, there is no one answer to that question, as where I stay changes every trip I take. It is based on how long I am travelling for, where I am going, how much money I have to spend, whether I am alone or with friends, and many, many more factors.

For example, on a recent adventure, I stayed in a hostel, a hotel, a riad, a tent and a guest house — all over only 10 days!

My room at the Piccadilly Backpackers Hostel in London

I flew into London and knew that I wanted to stay in the city centre so I could easily walk, or take the tube, to the sights that I wanted to see. I also knew that because it was the middle of July and the most expensive time of year to travel in Europe, a hotel was not an option for me. I was travelling alone, and only spending one night in the city, so knew I would be fine with just crashing in a hostel.

I managed to get a bed in a four person female dorm (not usually my first choice) in the Piccadilly Backpackers (see image above) — located less than a block from the Piccadilly tube station and square of the same name — for 35 GBP (approx. 70 CAD). Not cheap when you look at the conversion, but still cheap for central London. The room was simple and clean. The communal showers had hot water, decent water pressure, and there was free wi-fi in the common area. It was safe, central and easy to find. The perfect crash pad.

The next night, I needed a place to stay near Gatwick Airport, as I had a really early flight the following day. I ended up staying at the Ibis Hotel near the airport for 35GBP (approx. 70 CAD) — the same price as my centrally located hostel. What I got here, however, was a modern, clean hotel with all the amenities, my own room, TV, wi-fi, and room service. It's amazing the difference being 20 minutes out of the city will make!

Since I started travelling when I was really young and on a shoestring budget, my first instinct is to always look for the cheapest place to sleep. But when I decided to spend a week in Morocco solo, I knew that throwing out a few extra dollars every night would get me a stunning room in a historic riad. (Plus, I am a Flashpacker now. I don't have to travel on a shoestring budget anymore!)

The view of the plunge pool from my first room at the Hotel du Tresor Riad

I found an incredible place to stay through my Lonely Planet guide (it comes in handy when booking from afar!), and made the Hotel du Tresor (highly recommended — message me if you want more info.) in Marrakesh my home base.

A traditional riad, the hotel was a series of whitewashed rooms draped in Moroccan carpets, pillows, lanterns, and art, that surrounded an internal courtyard with a plunge pool. The pool was what sold me on the place when I looked at it online because it was private, secluded and would be a must-have on +45 days. My room was 35 Euros (approx. 50 CAD) a night which included an impeccably decorated space with AC, a private bathroom, use of the pool, free breakfast, and an incredibly kind group of staffers who helped me navigate the country.

The view from my bed in the Bedouin tent.

After a few nights in the riad, I spent one night in a Bedouin tent in the desert.

Something to note: The desert does NOT cool off at night in the heat of summer.

It was like sleeping in a sauna. There was no breeze, no AC, and the walls, floors and ceiling of the tent were draped in thick carpets making it pretty stifling. There were four of us that slept on small mattresses on the ground. The shared facilities were a three minute walk from camp and as basic as it gets (aka, a hole in the ground and a bucket with some water in it).

The night was part of a mini-tour I was on, and included dinner and breakfast. The meals and sleeping part of the tour probably works out to being about 40 CAD.

My room at the Hotel La Petite Suede in Agadir, Morocco

After the desert, I spent two nights in a guesthouse in a beach town called Agadir. The place I stayed was called the Hotel La Petite Suede and cost me 110 Dh a night (approx. 14 CAD). This got me a large, safe room with my own bathroom, and a simple breakfast of baguettes, jam and coffee in the morning. There was no AC, but there was a large window, and it was only a five minute walk to the beach.

(NOTE: I was in Morocco in the offseason and the prices I paid could be doubled, or even tripled in the high season.)

Here are a few things to consider when you are trying to figure out where to stay:

Proximity. Do you want to be able to walk to all the tourist sights? Public transportation, or renting a car is not always cheap, and sometimes paying a few extra dollars to stay in the centre of a city will save you money in the long run.
Do you want to meet people? Then DON'T stay in a hotel. You need a hostel, or a guest house with a common area.
How long are you really going to spend in your room? What's the point of dropping a bunch of cash on a room you are only going to sleep in? If you aren't planning on spending much time at your hotel, then maybe you should be looking for a more standard, cheaper option.
What do you really need to feel safe/comfortable? Is having a TV, AC, free WiFi, or even a bathroom to yourself must haves, or are they things that you can do without? The price of rooms is often cut in half if you are willing to go with a fan instead of AC.