10 Things to do in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) Vietnam

There is so much to do and see in a vibrant city like Saigon. It can be overwhelming at times, especially if you only have a few days to spend in the city, so here are some suggestions on things to do and places to go.

1) Go to Chợ Bến Thành: The main market in Saigon where you could get everything from clothes, jewelry, fruits, vegetables, dried foods, spices, ready to eat meals, and my absolute favorite – chè (a sweet Vietnamese dessert or pudding). There’s a particular stand that sells several types of chè and you definitely need to go there. Although the portions are small, which just means you get to try as many different types as you want, it is authentic and approved by the locals.

There are several food stands that offer a wide selection of Vietnamese cuisine, from more popular dishes such as pho and bun to “less Westernized” dishes such as banh bot loc (a dumpling wrapped in banana leaf) – there is something for every palette. Our last morning in Saigon Mike and I went with the three musketeers and had breakfast at one of the food stands. It was great way to say goodbye to Saigon – amazing food and even better company!

Chợ Bến Thành is also a great place to pick up souvenirs, clothes, or knock-offs. Remember to haggle with the vendors, but not if it is first thing in the morning. Vietnamese people are extremely superstitious and they believe that the first sale of the day sets the tone for the rest of the day. If you haggle with the vendor first thing in the morning chances are you will get yelled at.

2) Visit the Reunification Palace: The Palace was the headquarters for the American and South Vietnamese troops during the Vietnam War. It also symbolized the “Fall of Saigon” when the Viet Cong bulldozed through the Palace’s main gate on April 30, 1975 to capture the capital and end the war.

While touring the palace you can see the command centre, along with communications equipment and maps used during the war. The most interesting thing was the bullet holes and helicopter on the rooftop, which is meant to illustrate Americans being airlifted from the Palace before the Fall.

3) Visit the War Remnants Museum: This museum tells a different, not-often-heard side of the Vietnam War. Although disturbing, it is definitely a must see. Be aware though, there are gruesome images of war victims that will evoke some strong emotions.

Most of us have seen the famous picture of the Napalm Girl taken by Huynh Cong Ut, which shows you a bit of the horror of what those children faced that day. What we don’t see are the ever-lasting effects of the Agent Orange liberally used during the Vietnam War.

4) Go for a Xich Lo Ride: During my first visit to Saigon (23 years ago), the Xich Lo was my main form of transportation. My first tour of Saigon was by way of Xich Lo and I have to say, it was the best way to see the city. It made me feel like a local and allowed me to see things from a different perspective.

Xich Los were once the main form of transportation in Vietnam, but with development and modernization Xich Los are now a thing of the past and have been traded in for faster forms of transportation that allow people to travel greater distances. You can still find Xich Los in Saigon, but rather than being used by Vietnamese people to get around and transport goods their purpose is to give tourists a unique Vietnamese experience.  If you decide to tour Saigon on a Xich Lo make sure to negotiate and agree upon a price before hand.

5) Get Massages or your hair shampooed: I don’t know about you, but I love going for a massage. The idea of going for a massage instantly relaxes me. The great thing about getting one in Saigon is you only pay a fraction of the price.

My cousin and I went to get our hair shampooed at the Hoang Oanh Salon and it was amazing! They massage your scalp and face (if you want) for about 45 minutes. They do this while you are laying down, so once they are done shampooing your hair you flip over and get a back rub as well. After that, they blow out your hair so you are ready for a night out on the town. The greatest thing about the shampoo and scalp massage is it cost me less than a cup of Starbucks coffee!!!

6) Try Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine: Every square inch of real estate in Saigon is used for some sort of business, most of which consists of food stalls. Don’t be afraid to pull up a chair and try some authentic Vietnamese food. In Saigon, unlike some other places in North Vietnam, you really don’t have to be afraid of being served a portion of man’s best friend (yes – I know a bit of a culture shock to even have to think about that).

Most people have probably tried a Vietnamese banh mi sandwich (a chicken, pork, or beef sandwich served on a baguette with pickled carrots, cilantro, pate, a special mayonnaise, and hot peppers), but there really is no banh mi like the ones you get in Saigon. Mike and I ate so many chicken banh mi sandwiches that I thought we had our fix, but when we went to Nha Trang and Hanoi we found ourselves seeking them out, so make sure to eat up in Saigon!

Try the fresh fruit such as logan, lychee, rambutan, and mango. You really haven’t tried a mango until you’ve tried one in Vietnam, which are so juicy and flavorful – makes my mouth water just thinking of them. If you are brave enough, try durian. Durian comes in a porcupine like husk that has to be cracked open in order to get to the soft buttery fruit. I love durian and can eat it by the bucket loads, but I have to admit it is an acquired taste and most people can’t get past the pungent, gas like smell. Mike thinks it smells like raw sewage and won’t go near it, but that’s okay because it just means more for me! One time while my cousin and I were buying durian on the streets of Saigon, two British tourists asked us what we were buying and I told them it was durian. They were both willing to smell it, but only one was brave enough to try it. Not surprisingly, they quickly walked away after that. I know I’m not doing a good job of persuading you to try durian, but it is everywhere on the streets of Saigon so you should be aware.

If you want to learn how to make Vietnamese food, go to a cooking class. There are several places that offer classes and includes going to Chợ Bến Thành to pick up groceries.

7) Get custom made clothes and shoes: labour is extremely cheap in Saigon and there are many talented seamstresses. If you are looking for a new wardrobe, why not get things tailor made? Mike got three suits made in four days at a cost of $650 Cdn, which is $216 for each suit! There’s no way he would be able to buy a nice suit for that price in Canada. This was considered expensive because it was during Tết (Vietnamese New Year) and we also put a rush on the order.

If you have a favorite clothing item, pack it with you so you could get it made exactly as is. That’s what I did! I brought my favorite black trousers and was able to get them made in three different colors at only $30 a pair (this included the Tết and rush factor). The workmanship is impeccable and I didn’t even have to go in for a fitting.

This is the same for shoes. There are cobblers everywhere, so if you need a new pair of shoes go in and get your foot sized. It’s that simple! My uncle is actually a cobbler and Mike was able to score two beautiful pairs of shoes that he wears all the time.

8) Visit the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica (Nhà thờ Đức Bà): the Cathedral is a landmark of Saigon and is symbolic of Catholicism in Vietnam. Built while Vietnam was a French protectorate, it has a lot of history and you can go attend Sunday Mass or just people watch.

Across the street from the Basilica is the Central Post Office, which is one of the oldest buildings in Saigon and built during the late 1880s by the French. You can go visit the souvenir shop or mail a letter since it is still a functioning post office.

9) Go to the Củ Chi Tunnels: Củ Chi, which is approximately 30 km from Saigon or 1.5 hours on the bus, has an elaborate tunnel system used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. The tunnels were instrumental to the Viet Cong’s fight against American troops. They were used as living quarters for the Viet Cong and were an essential supply route, allowing the easy transportation of food and weapons.

Looking at the intricate tunnel system, which had many levels and included hospital rooms and kitchens, and the conditions that the Viet Cong had to endure you can’t help but respect their resilience and determination. Although I agree with Mike that the tunnels were built for small Vietnamese people and not Westerners, I am a small Vietnamese person and there is absolutely no way I could endure that kind of life for even one day, much less for months or years on end.

My cousin trying to make her way through the tunnels.

10) Travel to the Mekong Delta: Experience a different side of the Vietnamese lifestyle by taking a trip to the Mekong Delta. There are many things to do in the Mekong Delta including going to the floating market, visiting the Coconut Candy Factory (if you are nuts about coconut like I am, this is definitely a must do), taking a boat down the Mekong River, and visiting My Tho. (Ladies a note of caution: if you choose to go on this tour, bring toilet paper!!!)

Learning how to make candy at the Coconut Factory.

 

What are some of your adventures in Saigon? Were you brave enough to try durian?

10 Things to do in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) Vietnam

Travel Hacks Friday – Clocking In

Welcome to another travel hacks Friday.

As part of a new series, every Friday, we will be introducing new travel hacks for outdoor and urban adventures. We will scour the web for the best and most practical hacks, as well as dig into our reserves and share our own awesome moments of ingenuity!

 

For our travel Hack #2, we bring you a particularly useful backcountry survival skill introduced to us by the guys and gals over at Trekeffect, the trip planning specialist.

Hiking in the backcountry for the most part is a daytime activity, with the inherent dangers of the wild increasing exponentially when visibility falters and night falls. An errant twig or just a simple misstep can stop you in your tracks putting you down for the count, not to mention the critters that might also be roaming around.  Fortunately, this little trick will keep you hiking, doesn’t cost a dime, and will rocket your machismo factor to new heights (you too ladies!). You’ll channel Bear Grylls himself as you use the sun, 4 fingers, and the alignment of the planets to approximate how much daylight you have left. Ok, maybe not so much the alignment of the planets, but you’ll still be able to impress your friends with your innate ability to anticipate when to stop hiking and bed down for the night.

How it works is that by using your fingers set against the skyline, you’ll be able to estimate how long the sun will take to set beneath the horizon. Sounds like magic doesn’t it? Who knew that our fingers could do more than grasp beer bottles and sign our names!

Take your fingers (excluding the thumb) and place it between the space between the sun and horizon. The horizon is the line where the sky and surface meet. Each finger represents 15 minutes with one hand totaling a full hour. Add up all four fingers, and voila – that’s how much time you have left. For greater distances between horizon and the sun, stack your hands and you can predict past an hour.

Popular Travel Hack: Doggy Style

Here’s a diagram for more clarity:

image Courtesy of Trekeffect

You may be tempted to think your watch or your GPS enabled smartphone will suffice, but both can only tell the time, and not when the sun will actually set. Keep in mind that the hack is only an approximate, so build in a buffer to give you more time to set up camp

Now throw away your watch and show off your wilderness skills! Just kidding, keep your watch.

 

What are your favorite travel hacks?

 

Travel Hacks Friday – Clocking In

Be My Boo - My Perfect Travel Companion

It started with a look, a smile, and a “do you believe in ghosts?”

To this day, my wife loves to tell the story of how for our first date, I invited her on a road trip to go ghost hunting. I would like to say that she’s exaggerating, but the truth is, I’ve always been a bit of a “paranormal enthusiast” and I confess, I’m the guy who always hears a hidden message in the noise between radio stations. Since that very first road trip together, we now combine some form of ghost hunting in all our travels, taking every opportunity to source tales of hauntings and supernatural myths from the locals. In my defense, I do find this to be a great way to delve into a culture and find adventures that are off the beaten path.

Ghost hunting, for the most part, is a solo endeavor.  My occasional travel companion may be the alcohol empowered thrill seeker or the curious skeptic wondering about the “what if”, but generally I’m on my own when staking out a haunted locale. A cross-country ghost adventure certainly has very little appeal for many and doesn’t qualify as much of a vacation. Yet, for some odd reason, I thought it to be the perfect first date. Don’t ask me how, but I managed to persuade (or is the term coerced?) her into what can only be dubbed as “the winter of madness”. A term she coined, not for things that go bump in the night, but for agreeing to embark on the ghost adventure in the first place.   She never fails to remind me that I should have just taken her to a scary movie instead.

Unknown to me at the time, our ghost adventure would define much of our compatibility and whether or not we made good travel partners. Any adventure is exponentially more enjoyable when shared with great company. The difficulty though, is finding that personality that jives with yours. Fortunately, with my impeccable pickup lines and an offer- too-good-to-refuse, I was given just that opportunity.

Our “first date” was intended to be 2 months of ghost hunting, taking us into the bowels of the Winchester house of San Jose, The Villisca Axe Murder house of Iowa, down to Waverly hills Kentucky, and finally up to New York where we would cross over into Canada.   Along the way we would also visit some private residences, spending the night wherever possible.

Here’s one of our most compelling captures – Face in the window

No Face in Window

Face In Window

And the Villisca Axe Murder house.

She’s not happy at all!

The road trip started predictably enough as we made our way along the West Coast, but somewhere between Nebraska and Iowa, our best laid plans quickly unraveled. After about a month of braving the unknown and communing with spirits, my jalopy decided to join the afterlife, leaving us stranded on an isolated stretch of Highway, in the dead of winter, and in the dead of night. Needless to say, we never finished out our trip and instead, spent the next couple weeks locked down in a tiny town waiting for engine parts. Looking back however, the insight we gained about each other was more memorable than any capture or ghostly experience.

The winter, the isolation, the darkness, and overall helplessness stretched the limits of our sanity and our capacity to control the panic bubbling beneath the surface.   In all honesty, it would have been all too easy to give in to the scream.

But instead, I discovered how traveling with the right companion makes all the difference when the unexpected taps you on the shoulder. It was calming to have a travel companion who exercised an amazing presence of mind and who stayed collected and stayed positive in an otherwise stressful, and potentially dangerous situation.

The trip itself was a bizarre undertaking to begin with, and definitely not the quintessential Paris or Rome, but it became a surprising opportunity to get know each other. In those two months I learned a lot about myself and the type of personality that would compliment my style of travel. When on the road, you’ll invariably meet a myriad of people, some that compliment, and others that may clash. Be aware of the company you keep, as your fun, and safety, can be determined by whom you decide to hit the road with:

• Take smaller trips initially to ensure compatibility. You learn a lot about someone when you’re shoulder to shoulder with them 24/7.


• Someone who doesn’t panic when things go sour – keeps a level head, and doesn’t feed in to the already prevalent fear


• Someone who offers solutions and not more problems – Two heads are better than one, and positivity goes a long way


• Someone whom you trust to have your back – you can never get enough rest if you’re always sleeping with one eye open


• Has the same sense of adventure as you – Whether you enjoy roughing it, or lapping it up in a resort, your companion should feel the same


• Open-minded to new and unique experiences – Loves to try new things. After all, that is why we travel in the first place

It’s been quite a few years and many adventures since our paranormal road trip, but the above still applies to ourselves, and to travelers whom we meet while on the road. In retrospect, our ghostly road trip was an acid test for our future adventures.

 

What are your worst/best experiences when traveling with someone?

Be My Boo - My Perfect Travel Companion

Saigon Dep Lam Saigon Oi Saigon Oi (Saigon is Very Beautiful)

It had been 12 years since my last visit to Saigon Vietnam. Needless to say I was thrilled and giddy with excitement to see my family, devour all the fruits, desserts, and Vietnamese cuisine that was on my long list of Things I must eat while in Saigon, and I was very much looking forward to finally introducing Mike to my cousins, aunts, and uncles!

My auntie spoiled me by making one of my favourite meals – Banh Canh (Vietnamese udon). Topping things off with a nice cool coconut!

With family in Saigon and the ability to speak passable Vinglish (a mixture of Vietnamese and English words with a lot of “cai ai”, which means “the thing”, thrown in when I don’t know the proper word for what I’m describing) in my heavy Canadian accent, I am fortunate to be able to experience Saigon in a completely different way. The moment Mike and I stepped off the plane at Tan Son Nhat International Airport my cousin, who unlike me is fluent in Vietnamese, escorted us through customs with absolutely no problems. We did get a lot of stares from those waiting in line to get their Visas approved (Mike and I had applied for our Visas in Canada, so we would have skipped that step), as well as those who were being questioned by the Customs Officers. Once our luggage finally arrived (we were waiting so long for my bag that I was scared it was still somewhere in Vancouver), my uncles had a cab waiting to take us to our Bed and Breakfast, which was in the Backpackers District (more on that later).   Luckily for us, the nerves that some travelers get when first arriving in a foreign country were not there because my cousin and uncles were with us. They knew exactly where to go and made sure we were properly settled before taking off. Also, we didn’t even have to worry about going through the troubles of getting Vietnamese Dongs because all of that had been arranged beforehand and my uncle just handed over a wad of cash and we became instant millionaires (well in Dong currency that is).

It was about 2:00 a.m. when we finally settled in and both Mike and I were exhausted after more than a day of traveling, so the first thing Mike did was raid the mini bar. Normally, we would leave the mini bar alone and just go out and buy our own beer but at 20,000 Dongs for a can of Heineken (that is approximately $1 CDN), I told Mike to have at it.

The next day, after Mike enjoyed his first real Vietnamese breakfast and authentic Vietnamese coffee (café sua da – YUM), my uncles picked us up to take us to my grandpa’s house (where my dad was born and grew up), so I could pay my respects. I know that anyone who has traveled to Vietnam will have seen all the scooters and mopeds whizzing around, but whether they have ever driven one, or ridden on the back of one, is a completely different story. Mopeds are the main form of transportation in Vietnam. It is not uncommon to see a family of four on a moped or even someone move a couch on one – it is completely foreign to us, especially when the only system we know is one that requires us to buckle up and refrain from using electronics or doing anything that will “distract” us from driving (I can’t imagine a bigger distraction than trying to balance a couch on the back of your scooter, while at the same time moving through a heavily congested road) – but this is the only system that Vietnamese people know and it works for their lifestyle.

Taking distracted driving to a whole new level! Although this picture was taken in Hanoi, Vietnam, this was a common scene in Saigon.

Armed with extra helmets, my uncles passed them to us and I immediately jumped on. Mike, on the other hand, hesitated and asked me whether this was a good idea. I had never driven a moped, but had ridden on one numerous times so this was an experience that I was familiar with. I completely understood Mike’s fear (the best way to describe the traffic in Vietnam is organized chaos), so I told him to put on his helmet, hold on to my uncle and “trust in the driver”. After a while, Mike was able to relax a little bit but I don’t think he was ever able to enjoy the ride. For some reason, he was more comfortable crossing the streets of Saigon than sitting on the back of a moped.After the first few times Mike quickly learned that when crossing the street, look straight ahead and keep on going – do not hesitate and do not make any unexpected moves or else you will throw off the whole system. You don’t have to worry about dodging the drivers, they will get out of your way.

This is Mike doing the Saigon Street Shuffle:

 

Brings a new meaning to “sharing the road”. Both pedestrians and drivers have the right of way.

Despite not speaking the same language, Mike got along extremely well with my uncles. It was great to hear my uncles cracking jokes, even though they were at Mike’s expense. I was telling my uncles how much I was paying for certain things and not surprisingly it was more than what the locals paid. My uncle Tam told me it’s because I have the “white guy” with me and so everything will instantly cost at least twice as much. That comment was immediately followed with a hearty chuckle and became an inside joke between Mike and uncle Tam. From the start my whole family liked Mike and told me how lucky I was to have such a kind and tall husband (Vietnamese people are not very tall, so anyone over 5 feet 8 inches is considered tall). They doted on him, asking what his favorite Vietnamese meals were so they could prepare it, and my cousin Trang always made sure to have an abundance of beer in the fridge just for him. The best thing about this trip to Saigon, besides sharing it with my husband, is I got to spend a lot of time with my family and get to know my uncles better.

Mike and the three Musketeers during a family dinner.

My cousin Trang and I. She’s absolutely amazing!

I got to meet this cutie patootie named Bean, who was always hamming it up and never shying away from attention.

Mike and I stayed on Phạm Ngũ Lão Street, also known as the Backpacker’s District, which is a lively and safe area with lots to do, good places to eat, and plenty of other tourists so you can meet people from all over the world. The first bed and breakfast we stayed at met our needs perfectly, the location was great and the staff were friendly, but after my dad (who met us in Saigon) and uncles found out how much we were paying per night (which was not that much, especially when compared to what we would pay for similar rooms in different countries), they organized a quick exit for us. Fortunately they found another hotel for us, which was also located in the Backpacker’s District, and $12 less than what we were paying. Neither Mike nor I really wanted to leave because it was a hassle to pack up just for one night (we were flying out to Nha Trang the next), but the three musketeers made such a ruckus there was no way we could stay (Mike and I still joke about this). That’s the thing about family – it really is hard to tell them no. LOL. I would definitely recommend finding a place on Phạm Ngũ Lão Street.

An alley in the Backpacker District of Saigon.

I know not everyone is fortunate to have friends or family in Saigon, and so here are some things you should know that will make your trip that more comfortable:

• It can get extremely hot and humid in Saigon, so if you are going during the summer time make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen and insect repellant. This time around, we went in December and I was pleasantly surprised. I had mentally prepared for a morning ritual of salving on the sunscreen, then spraying myself from head to toe with bug spray, but fortunately this was not the case. It is cooler and less humid in December, as compared to July and August, and apparently when Mike and I were there, Saigon was experiencing an unusually “cool winter” (it was 25 degrees Celsius and my cousin Trang was complaining about how cold it was), so we got away with just sunscreen. It makes a huge difference when you aren’t eaten alive by mosquitoes or sweating all day.

• If you don’t feel like driving or riding on a moped the easiest and, most importantly, safest way to get around Saigon is by taxi. There are two official taxi companies in Saigon: Mai Linh Group (they drive green and white vehicles) and Vinasun Taxi (vehicles are mostly white with their logo prominently displayed on the side), and I recommend sticking to these two companies.

• It is extremely smoggy in Saigon and the air pollution is really bad. You will notice that most people on mopeds wear masks, so if you plan to walk around for long periods of time pick up a mask and wear it.

• Always carry tissue or toilet paper with you because you never if there will be toilet paper and that could be extremely uncomfortable . . . especially for us ladies.


• Do not drink the water or even ice cubes for that matter. Drink bottled water, canned beverages, or fresh coconut (nothing beats fresh coconut water).

How ice is transported in Saigon.

Coconut vendors are a common sight in Saigon.

• Be aware of pickpocketers and other thievery. Iphones are a hot commodity and walking around with your iphone will make you an easy target. Also, anything on your body, not just in your pocket, is fair game and they aren’t afraid to rip necklaces off of you.

• The Vietnamese are a humble people and extremely welcoming and eager to please. If you are looking for a “Kodak moment” and want to partake in the Vietnamese way of life, do not hesitate to ask for a picture but make sure to tip them.

Mike wanted to try his hand at selling coconuts.

• Try speaking simple Vietnamese words like “cam on”, which means thank you. Vietnamese people really appreciate the effort and you will get a smile out of them.

Want to know what to do during your visit to Saigon Vietnam? Read my next article for some suggestions.

Saigon Dep Lam Saigon Oi Saigon Oi (Saigon is Very Beautiful)

Travel Hack Friday! Doggy Style

First in our Travel Hack series!

For dog lovers, I know sometimes we feel as though we are targets of a coordinated campaign by cat folks everywhere (you know who you are)! And as such, this “covert campaign” has made traveling with our dogs exceptionally difficult, forcing you to plan contingencies in response.  Of course, you could always leave your dog with a friend, but in my own case, I’ll probably come back to a grossly overweight, and spoiled pup who has forgotten the simplest command of “sit”.

With just their eyes, dogs (yes, and cats too) have the uncanny knack of melting the hearts of even the most unflappable! It’s almost impossible not to spoil them!

Considering the potential complications of pet travel, and the lengthy list of regulations inherent to it, I usually only take my dog on road trips. Even if flying regulations, quarantine regulations, and any other pet regulations didn’t exist, I’d probably still avoid taking them on any extensive overseas trip.  There’s just too much that can, and has, gone wrong; Dogs get out of their crates and end up lost or dead; Bags get rerouted to Winnipeg when they’re supposed to go to San Francisco; or they get locked up in dog jail for just looking cute. I can’t imagine stuffing my dog into a tiny crate for hours with nowhere to go to the bathroom alongside tiny crates of other pets screaming and whining for someone to let them free. Sounds like Guantanomo Bay Airlines to me.

But I digress.  My philosophy with dog travel is, whenever possible, try to bring some small measure of familiarity with your pup, even if it means smuggling in their favorite foods!

This particular travel hack I discovered while on a road trip between the Canadian-US border:

The problem

Turns out I am not allowed to bring dog food across the border. I inform the border guard that the dog food I buy my dog is 100% organic, preservative-free, made from wild fish that has been harvested using sustainable practices, and packed with the necessary nutrients that would protect my dog from doggy tooth decay, doggy arthritis, and perhaps even doggy herpes (don’t quote me on the last part). My attempt to change the border guard’s mind didn’t work and I was forced to dump out all my dog food.

The solution

While in the US, I buy a bag of dog food that (a) has a stamp that says it’s made in the USA and (b) comes in a resealable bag. I save the bag when the dog food is finished and, on my next trip with my dog to the US, pour the “organic, preservative-free, made from wild fish…yadda,yadda, yadda” dog food into the bag. When I’m questioned by US border guards as to whether I’m bringing dog food across the border, I say “Hell yeah*, and it’s also made in the US,” as I flash the border guard the “Made in the USA” label (*Note: I may not have arrogantly said “Hell yeah” to the border guard. It was more like a respectful “Yes sir”). In the end my dog maintained her diet, and staved off tooth decay for another few weeks

I hope this travel hack works for you, or more accurately your pet. Please keep in mind this is all in good fun and at the end of the day, it is just dog food and not worth the hassle if push comes to shove.

Fido will be happy just to be with traveling with you and not quarantined in some dark, sterile cargo jail somewhere!

 

 

 About the Author

Hi, I’m Kent.  I love the road trip and am a proud advocate of the staycation. Travel is about being introduced to new experiences, and we don’t need to hop on a plane to find them. There’s always more to discover about a city I’ve visited, which is why I like to revisit places like Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco time and again. Money can buy nice clothes and food to eat, but money can never buy good taste – which is why I’m anti-foodies, anti-hip-hop, and pro-DIY.

Travel Hack Friday! Doggy Style

10 Personalities you will Meet While Traveling

You never know what to expect when you are traveling, from the sites you visit to the food you eat there is always an element of surprise. This is also the case when it comes to the people and personalities you meet on the road. Everyone travels differently and their personalities will affect how they respond to their adventures.

Here are some personalities that you may have come across while on the road.

1)  The Planner: These travelers have been preparing for their adventures for weeks, or even months, in advance. Hotels, hopper flights, and tours have all been booked and paid for. Every facet of the trip is carefully considered, most likely documented in the form of an itinerary and emailed out in advance. Planners will execute their plan with military-like precision and they also have contingency plans in case the original plan goes sideways.  When things don’t happen according to plan, Planners usually become frustrated. A Planner’s inflexibility may impact other fellow travelers, who feel that they too cannot deviate from the plan for fear of upsetting the Planner and as a result, may end up going to places or doing things they really don’t want to do during their trip. On the other hand, with the amount of pre-trip planning that takes place, the Planner significantly reduces the risks of things going completely array.

2)  The “Fly by the Seat of Your Pants” Traveler: In contrast to the Planner, there are some people who prefer to leave things to the last minute, including packing for the trip. In their minds, the only things they really need are their passport and credit cards – everything else can be purchased on the road. They are generally impulsive, sometimes to their detriment, but usually optimistic that things will naturally work themselves out.  Traveling with such a person can be frustrating, unless you share the same attitude.  The probability of something going wrong is much higher, but the “Fly by the Seat of Your Pants” Traveler views these types of situations as an adventure.

3)  The Duo: Some people, whether friends or couples, need the company of a companion when traveling.  Most things are done together and they are never really far from one other. When there is a disagreement, the Duo will likely come to a compromise relatively quick since they still have to travel with one another. It seems that Duos gravitate towards other Duos, and it may be difficult for another personality to “tag along” with a Duo. The best part about traveling as a Duo is you get to share the experience with someone else – whether spouse, partner, or BFF they are with you through the good and bad!

4)  The Lone Traveler: Many people prefer their own company and like to travel solo style. This allows them to do whatever they want, when they want, and they aren’t accountable to anyone but themselves. This doesn’t mean that the Lone Traveler is opposed to meeting people on the road, on the contrary, I actually find that when I travel by myself I actually meet more people since I am usually the one to approach others and introduce myself. Traveling can be a bit more difficult for the Lone Traveler as there is no one else to look out for you and you can only rely on yourself, so sometimes simple tasks such as going to the bathroom at the airport can be quite the ordeal since you have to lug all your bags with you. The best part of solo traveling is you get to learn a lot about yourself – your strengths, weaknesses, and what you are capable of and chances are, you will be pleasantly surprised

5)  The Tag Along: Tag Alongs can be great.  You never know who you will encounter and it’s entirely possible that you will become fast friends. Tag Alongs can add to the adventure and can be seen as a breath of fresh air, mixing up the dynamics and adding some new energy. That being said, there is the other side of the coin where a Tag Along can quickly become an irritant – especially if they have “overstayed” their welcome and rather than contributing to the traveling experience, they just “mooch” off of you. When you are handcuffed to a Tag Along it can be difficult to extract yourself, but the best thing to do is to be honest with the person. If that doesn’t work, well introduce them to someone else!

6)  The Talker: Let’s face it some people love to talk.  Sometimes it’s because they want to strike up a conversation, boast about something, or they just like to hear the sound of their own voice. For a short period, Talkers can add to the travel experience and give you some helpful information, but after a while when you realize that they have no intention of stopping – even when your body language clearly says you are done with the conversation – it can be frustrating. This is especially the case when you find yourself in a confined space (on a plane, train, or even automobile) with a talker, it can be trying, particularly if you are not in the mood to converse.  If this happens to you, you may either want to close your eyes or listen to your iPod. If you enjoy the chatter, continue to talk with the Talker.

7)  The Constant Complainer: It doesn’t really matter where you travel to it is almost unavoidable that there is going to be something to complain about. There are some personalities though who relish in the art of complaining and use this as a form of communication. What is a minor annoyance for some, for instance waiting too long for a table at a restaurant, can become a complete rant for the Constant Complainer who sometimes can’t see past the negative. Constant Complainers can cause extremely awkward situations for their traveling companions and be a complete killjoy and dampen the mood. I have met some Constant Complainers during my travels and the best way to deal with them is to laugh it off or give them something to smile about. The benefits of having a Constant Complainer around is that if something bothers you too, chances are the Constant Complainer will bring it up so you don’t have to.

8)  The Party Animal: There is almost always a Party Animal in the group and they can be a lot of fun. Sleep is never an issue for them – either they don’t sleep (in their minds, sleep can wait until you get home) or they can sleep anywhere (on a train traveling from one place to another). Depending on which type of personality you are, being around the Party Animal is not for everyone, especially in situations where it isn’t appropriate to get your party on, for example while touring a museum. Like the Duo, Party Animals tend to attract other Party Animals, which often result in . . . a party!   Of course, certain destinations or events, such as Oktoberfest, are more conducive to the Party Animal so you need to expect that type of personality when you go there.

Image courtesy of Mixtribe.

9)  The Spender: Some people like the “five star” experience when they travel. This means first class flights, five star hotels, and five star restaurants. While on the trip, money is not an issue and they will spend what is required in order to experience the best of the best. Spenders sometimes feel that other travelers should be like them and not be afraid to spend the money, which can be alienating in some ways because most travelers have a budget. Spenders can be quite generous though and they are good for showing you a different perspective of traveling.

10)  The Germaphobe: The Germaphobe will bring antibacterial wipes and meticulously wipe down the airplane, bus, or train before sitting down – from the tray in front, the seat, the seatbelt, the hand rest (including volume and channel buttons), the head rest, and even the help button – everything gets a once over. A Germaphobe’s preferred travel wear usually consists of a hoodie with a nice big hood, so they can wear throughout the flight and not have to touch the headrest – even though it has been cleaned you can never be too sure. The Germaphobe will make sure to carry at least one bottle of hand sanitizer and liberally use it. Germaphobes also freely offer their traveling companions the use of their hand sanitizers, because after all what’s the point of being “germ-free” when the people you are with are germ carriers? When the Germaphobe enters a hotel room, the first thing they will do is bring out the latex gloves, slap it on and wipe down the remote control with an anti-bacterial wipe. After that, it’s off to the bathroom for a thorough cleaning, one that could actually put the housekeeping staff to shame. No surface gets missed, not even the toilet handles and the doorknob. Germaphobes often travel with disposable slippers, something they can wear inside the room as they do not want to be caught walking around barefoot. It goes without saying that a Germaphobe’s traveling companion will also get a pair of slippers too, especially if they are sharing the same bed because if only one person’s feet are clean than . . . you really aren’t clean! When calling for an elevator, Germaphobes will press the button with their knuckles rather than their fingers since you are more likely to touch your face with your fingers than knuckles. That concern is short lived because immediately after the button is pressed, the hand sanitizer is brought out. Although access to hand sanitizer is sometimes appreciated, traveling with a Germaphobe can try most people’s patience, especially because there is the constant reminder to “clean yourself” and it can be seen as a killjoy when you have to wait for the Germaphobe to clean every surface space (even though the clean environment is appreciated).

Which personality have you come across on the road? Which personality are you?

 

10 Personalities you will Meet While Traveling

Travel Safety Is Not Guaranteed

Above image courtesy of katie30hare

Your long awaited adventure is about to begin! You’ve scrimped and saved for months, pulled an inordinate amount of overtime hours, and done things no human should ever do…. But at long last, your flights are booked, hostels reserved, itinerary is set and you’ve pursued virtually every blog, article, and guide available on your destination. To color you confident would be a grave understatement; your SATs would be envious on how prepared you are.

So why are your loved ones freaking out? The very idea of 6 months on the road drives your family into shambles, regaling in anecdotes of muggings and gypsy conspiracies.

To their credit, a degree of caution is certainly warranted. Although traveling abroad is, for the most part, super safe and you should never be discouraged from exploring the globe, the unfortunate reality is that there will always be those who will attempt to victimize you. In our own journeys, we’ve been targets of scams, thefts and even confronted by those with shadowy agendas. In each case, the outcome could have been significantly worse had we not prepared and exercised good traveling habits.

Below are some travel safety precautions I personally go by, and if you follow them, you can ensure your own safety and keep on traveling:

Protect Your Documents and Your Access to Them

• Keep Important documents with you: Never leave your passport or any other related travel documents in your room. Even room safes are not impervious to an enterprising crook, or for that matter a persistent one. Passports are probably your most important document and the safest place, short of being kidnapped, is on your body in a hidden waist or chest belt. I’ve had my belongings rifled through far too many times in hostels. Fortunately all the would-be-crooks got was a handful of dirty socks.


• Make copies of passport, ID’s and other travel documents: Take photocopies of your passport, and never brandish nor provide the real one unless absolutely necessary. Which translates to only immigration officials and law enforcement. To make the copies even more acceptable, make a color one and laminate it. Also email yourself and your loved ones a copy as well. You can also use smartphone apps, such as Tripit, to keep track of all your important confirmation numbers so you don’t have to rely on hard copies.


• Never give passport to any hostel (provide photocopies instead): In some areas of the world, the hostel/hotel may request to hold on to your passport. This is standard policy for them, and nothing to be alarmed about, as an alternative to the actual document, I offer up photocopies instead (laminated color copies work too). Be persistent. Even the most stubborn hotelier will give if it means you’ll walk. My philosophy is to never part with my passport (unless it’s immigration). I’ve yet to part with my passport on any occasion.

Protect Your Money

• Go the bank machine once (or as little as possible): Withdraw enough for at least a week, but not so much where a potential theft will be detrimental. This is not only safer, but also practical. Withdrawing a reasonable amount at one time (instead of $20 to $40 each time, or as you need it) will minimize the chance of you being identified as a target. As well, it will save you on fees. If you must use the ATM, try to use Bank Machines that are inside and not located in random places.


• Cards, not Cash: Use Credit card whenever possible. I like using credit cards whenever I can. Not only do you get to collect points, but also credible card companies have incredible protection and limited liability. You are able to dispute charges, or just cancel the card if stolen. Word of warning though, when using the card, never let it out of your site. Either have the store owner bring the terminal to you, or walk up with them. Lastly, keep the toll free number on hand separate from your credit card.


• Keep money in different pockets, and hidden areas (like an empty chapstick tube) I’m sure you’ve heard of this safety measure a few times and the simple reason is because it’s good advice. Thieves are not trying to hang around any longer than they have to, and after deposing you of your money will high tail it out of there as soon as possible. By dispersing your money throughout different pockets and containers, you’ll mitigate the brunt of the robbery, and still have money to spare.


• Have a decoy wallet with fake cards and a little bit of money: Similar to the above, Thieves tend to go for the obvious. If you willingly hand them your wallet, who’s to complain? Make it look realistic and they’ll be out of your hair in no time.


• Don’t keep checking your pockets: Nothing is random. Chances are you’ve been profiled due to certain behaviors. By consciously, or even subconsciously, palming and checking the security of your valuables, you’re inadvertently marking the location with a big giant “X”. Don’t help the crooks hone in on your valuables by showing them where they are.

Protect Your Belongings

• Wear your backpack in the front and lock it: It’s not particularly attractive looking like a mommy kangaroo, but this will keep prying eyes and fingers away from your valuables.  Also, always lock your bag where the zippers meet.


• Don’t walk close to the road: High-speed snatch and grabs are practically commonplace in some countries. Perps ripping by on motorcycles, and in some cases cars, will tear off anything connected to you that their hands can get a hold of. Walk along the middle or closer to the buildings to avoid being targeted. If you have a side satchel, make sure to wear it across the body, and not just over one shoulder.


• Leave the bling at home: This is pretty self-explanatory. Don’t wear your jewels and expensive watch. If you’re flossing riches, then you’re just asking for it.


• BYOL (Bring Your Own Lock): Never use a lock that is provided to you. It’s a common scam; loan you a lock with 2 sets of keys where one set is given to you and the second set for your would-be stalker. Unbeknownst to you, however, once you’re out of sight, whatever was connected on the other end of that lock will miraculously disappear leaving you on the hook for its full value.


• Keep your eye on your bag: Crooks are always looking for the path of least resistance. An unsecured bag has got to be up there as one of their all-time favorites. Either have your bag in sight at all times, or have it wrapped around your leg or arm if under a table or anywhere without a direct line of sight.

Make Friends, But Be Cautious

• Don’t trust everyone in uniform: Be aware of the Fake Police. In some places around the world, they’ve taken identify theft to whole new levels by impersonating local law enforcement. Demand identification loud enough for others to hear and do not hand off your passport until identified. If it appears to be a shakedown, offer to accompany them to the nearest police station.


• Watch your drinks: Males and females alike should be cautious of spiked drinks, as either sex can, and have, been victimized. Cover your drinks, don’t leave them unattended and never accept a drink from a stranger. It’s unfortunate and can be perceived as rude to refuse a gift, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.


• Be and look confident: A lot can be said for perception. Ambling around lost and confused can open the door to unwanted attention, giving the appearance of an easy target for scams, theft or even attack. Try to review your maps, phones or guides in coffee shops or less conspicuous surroundings.


• Pay attention to people and surroundings: Meeting new friends on the road is an undeniable pleasure while traveling. 99% of the time those you come across are amazing, generous individuals, however, the unscrupulous will always be hovering in the shadows. You don’t need to be like 007, but practice situational awareness by keeping your head up, make friendly eye contact, and know your surroundings. Crooks will always go the path of least resistance.

Know Your Destination

• Know your Embassy: Keep the address and contact number of your respective Embassy on hand as it will be a lifesaver when the shit hits the fan. Embassies can help you secure and replace travel documents; contact loved ones, assist in legal issues, and other non-emergency services. Check with your local embassy to get a full list of what they are able to help with before hitting the road.


• Know of funding help from home country – This tip is from Hannah Logan, a dedicated solo female traveler, and blogger over at Eat, Sleep, Breath, Travel. I confess that I wasn’t even aware of this tip until recently and I’m thankful that it was introduced to me. Apparently Canada and the U.S have “emergency programs for citizens victimized abroad” that provides funds and assistance for items such as medical, travel, evacuation and even funeral expenses. You can read more about it here – Planning It Safe: How to be Prepared if you are Victimized Abroad


• Be aware of travel alerts: Part of knowing your destination is staying abreast of current and potential dangers. Things such as political strife or natural disasters can put a wrench in even your best-laid plans.   If you’re from the U.S you can stay informed by signing up with STEP (Safe Traveler Enrollment Program) and even if you’re not, you certainly can still refer to the Travel.State.Gov site for country specific updates.


• Learn about local laws and customs: Don’t be the quintessential obnoxious tourist. Do your best to familiarize and immerse yourself with the culture and traditions of your destination. Not only will you enrich your own travels but you’ll also navigate amongst the locals more comfortably, avoid offending others, and avoid unknowingly breaking the law. Remember, ignorance is not a viable defense.

Good Sense and Preparation:

• Get travel insurance: Recently I blogged about the importance of travel insurance and how you can purchase complete piece of mind for what equates to a cup-of-coffee a day. Accidents do happen and are completely unpredictable. Buy Travel Insurance! Read my full post here – Should I buy travel insurance? Yes and Here’s Why


• Get Vaccinated: Like travel insurance, vaccinations is that extra layer of peace of mind.   It doesn’t make you bullet proof, but it’s one of those things where it’s better to have, than have not.


• Leave stray animals alone: I’m a dog lover, and it pains me to see them roaming alone and starved. But the truth is, as cute as they seem, they may carry diseases or maul you unprovoked. Give them a wide berth to be safe.

And finally and most important of all, always trust your instinct! If it doesn’t look right, then you’re probably right. Hone that sixth sense and certainly don’t cut through that dark alley! More often than not, if it looks or feels sketchy, there’s a good chance it is. Trust your gut, practice presence of mind and situational awareness and you’ll take home only great memories!

Special thanks to Hannah over at Eat, Sleep, Breath Travel who provided some incredibly succinct advice. Please do visit her blog – Amazing stuff.  www.eatsleepbreathtravel.com

 

Share this article with all your friends and families and if you have any great travel safety tips that I may have missed, I’m all ears…

 

Travel Safety Is Not Guaranteed

Sri Lanka: Buckle up and Enjoy the Ride

There are three things you need to know as a driver in Sri Lanka: 1. The horn is the most important asset in the vehicle and you will use it liberally, 2. Passing into oncoming traffic is encouraged and even better if you only have seconds to get back into your own lane, and 3. If you’re a bus, you can do whatever you want. On the other hand, there is only one thing you need to know as a passenger. Don’t look. After all, ignorance is sometimes bliss

Our journey through Sri Lanka found us traversing coastlines, hill country and the cultural triangle. Sri Lanka is a relatively small country, but can boast some pretty spectacular sights. Its diversity allows you to meander through old colonial towns, go whale watching, spot leopards in trees and explore ancient ruins, all in one week. The roads however have yet to catch up to the progress their tourism has made, so relatively short distances take a long time to travel. As we spent a significant time in our van, it made getting out to explore by foot that much more enjoyable.

Galle is one such place that lends itself to pedestrian traffic perfectly. Situated on the coast, the Old Dutch quarter known as ‘the Fort’ allows you to transcend the boundary from past to present, offering up a glimpse of an old colonial townscape. A pleasant walk through the cobblestone streets and along the ramparts edging the town was an ideal way to spend half a day.

Galle

Mirissa

Further along the coast you will find yourself in Mirissa, the gateway into Sri Lanka’s whale-watching center. As a serious landlubber it takes quite a bit to convince me to get onto a boat. The allure of sperm and blue whales, in addition to spinner dolphins was just too good to resist though, so armed with sea-bands and anti-nauseous tablets, I was optimistic when I hopped on board. Five hours later, with no whales or dolphins in sight and a bag full of fish food (a.k.a. vomit) I was never so happy to step back on land. In the future I will have to leave my mammal spotting strictly to those with fur, hiding in a tree or behind a bush.

This goal was quickly achieved when we arrived at the Yala National Park. Home to various animals such as elephants, crocodiles, spotted deer, buffaloes, wild boar, jackals and mongooses; we saw them all. In addition there is the super elusive leopard: difficult to spot because of their solitary nature and largely nocturnal habits. Because this park claims a higher concentration of these felines more than anywhere else in the world, we were hoping to get lucky. And we did – 7 times lucky to be exact. Hidden deep in the brush or high in the trees, they didn’t make the task easy, but it was incredibly rewarding to spot their golden coats patterned with black rosettes. They are beautiful creatures. If you have been on other safaris you might be slightly disappointed to find that the ones in Yala are not quite as sophisticated as other operations. I was certainly happy with what we saw, but I felt in an effort to please the clients the drivers had a blatant lack of respect for the animals. When a leopard was spotted, every vehicle in the park made a mad dash to descend on its location and chaos ensued. Given that only 1/5th of the park is open to the public, if I were a leopard I might be tempted to explore the other 4/5ths for some peace and quiet. Hopefully with time, more regulations will be put in place that can satisfy both visitors to the park and its inhabitants.

 

Elephant and Reflection

Leopard in Tree

Elusive Leopard

Crocodiles

One of the great things about Sri Lanka is being able to experience a change in climate and landscape. Travelling from the humid coastal lowlands up to the mountainous green hills of ‘tea country’ was a welcome reprieve. We stayed in Nuwara Eliya at one of their old colonial hotels. Full of charm and character, but with beds and linens as old as the hotel itself, I was glad we were only there for one night. We did a short tour of the town including a pleasant walk through the golf course. It was relatively well manicured but the people washing their clothes in the water hazard on the 9^th hole and burning garbage on the periphery detracted a little bit from the majestic scene that I’m sure it once was. In spite of this the surrounding area was full of beauty in its own right, with waterfalls cascading against a lush background and tea gardens carpeting the hills in perfectly manicured rows. En-route to the Cultural Triangle we stopped in Kandy to see The Temple of the Tooth. The temple houses the legendary Buddha’s Tooth, however like most legends it is surrounded by mystery and intrigue… Buddha’s Tooth or a Buffalo’s? Hidden under lock and key, we weren’t able to register a vote…

 

There is a lot to see in the Cultural Triangle and I have to admit our ambitions were cut a bit short when I got heat stroke, but I still feel like we saw the highlights, including Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and the rock temples of Dambulla. Sigiriya (“Lion Rock”) was home to the royal capital and palace. A spectacular outcrop, it is 1200 steps to the summit and in blistering heat (which contributed to my downfall) you can feel every one of them. To distract you along the way there are some incredible paintings of celestial nymphs and remaining paws of the lion statue. Polonnaruwa is an ancient city that is spread over an exhaustive woodland area and cradles the ruins and monuments within a protective womb. One of the most impressive sites here was the Gal Vihara (“Stone Shrine”). A most admirable carving, four Buddhas are chiseled from the same massive granite rock. In case we hadn’t seen enough Buddhas, the temples of Dambulla represented hundreds of the revered statues and were decorated with miles of artistic murals.

 

We spent our last evening in Colombo and were fortunate to witness the locals celebrating Poya, a full moon day. Occurring every month, it is a holiday for most and the sale of alcohol is prohibited. Next door to our hotel hordes of locals were gathered with their families to celebrate with picnics, kite flying and swims in the sea. The energy was palpable; a trait that is a common thread throughout the various aspects Sri Lanka has to offer, including the driving. So if you visit her fair land, just sit back, take in the scenery and enjoy the ride. And when you arrive safely at your destination you can thank Buddha for your bit of luck.

 

 

 About the Author

Hi, I’m Lori. A giant map on the wall of my childhood bedroom ignited the desire for travel at an early age. Having spent the past 13 years living overseas, the places I often dreamed about visiting became a reality. Now that I am settled back home I have no intention of slowing down. Wildlife is a huge draw for me so any trip that involves spotting animals is going to be a winner. I also love historical sites for providing a connection to the past. And I’m not opposed to hanging out on a beach. Basically if you spin the globe and point a finger, I will be game!

 

Sri Lanka: Buckle up and Enjoy the Ride