It strikes when you least expect it. It’s nasty and can completely ruin your trip if you don’t know how to deal with it. You hate Indian-style toilets but you find yourself spending more time in them than out… It’s called Delhi Belly. And it is by far the worst way to spend your trip to India. At least some kind of stomach ailment will hit you at some point during a trip east, especially if you’re not used to spicy foods and the habits around living in a place with generally unclean water.

While most will tell you to steer-clear of anything (food and drink) coming from the street, what fun is that? Who actually likes the continental breakfast served at their hotel? Boring! Especially when you can get freshly fried samosas around the corner or try some fish grilled on a metal barrel. These are the joys of travelling but how to enjoy the culinary delights without risking diarrhoea?

1 in 3 travellers get diarrhoea when travelling in India. At those odds, you’d better be prepared. The cause is poor hygiene and sanitation, especially when it comes to water and food but it’s no reason to totally put off the idea of booking flights to Delhi. Just think of it as a potentially essential part of the journey.

The golden rule, “Boil it, bottle it, peel it, cook it… or FORGET it.”

How to avoid it

With odds at 30%, there’s no sense spending your holiday in India locked up in your 7-star hotel room and refusing to leave or eat anything that you haven’t personally prepared. But there are some ways to lessen your chances of getting Delhi Belly. Don’t drink tap water unless it has been boiled or properly filtered. Avoid drinks with ice. As for veggies, cooked is always better than fresh. With fruits, make sure you peel it yourself. Cooked dishes that have been left at room temperature are prime targets, so when buying street food, order if hot and fresh!

How to treat it

First you need to stay hydrated. Water (bottled!) is great, but it’s even better if you mix it with some salt and water. Salty soups and sweet teas are also good. many doctors recommend going easy on antibiotics and drugs since if they are taken improperly can cause some serious backing up in you know where which is no good. Of course if you’ve got yourself a severe case which goes on for more than 72 hours, then head to the doctor.

Have you ever had a case of Delhi Belly? What did you do to cure it?

How to climb Mount Toubjal

Just a short jaunt away from Marrakech (90 minutes by car), Morocco’s Atlas Mountains are a compulsory escape for anyone heading to Northern Africa on flights to  Marrakech. They’re the tallest mountains in the northern part of the continent and reach diagonally across Morocco from Agadir to Algeria. The peaks are dotted with Berber villages while the valleys give life to walnut trees and terraced gardens. They’re majestic and awe-inspiring.

It’s the place where quiet ambling is completely allowed. Contemplate and meander along the trails, not another soul in sight.

Whether you tackle the trails on your own or you hire a guide (and a mule to carry your things), there are endless peak and villages to discover. The best place to start is Imlil, in the valley. Mount Toubkal is nearby, being the destination for many of the trekkers and travellers who congregate in Imlil before setting off into the mountains.

Average trekkers can make the climb in about two days. The first begins with relatively easy walking from Imlil along the length of the Mizane Valley, past the village of Aremd and then to Toubkal Refuge. This take around five hours. The next day another 3 days is required for the hike up to the summit where you can see as far as the Sahara. The descent takes around five hours.

The best time to attempt the climb is spring. In the winter the peaks are often snow-covered and the summer and autumn can get to be very hot making the climb almost unbearable. Any hikers should take the proper equipment with them: warm sleeping bags, first-aid kits, full-tread hiking shoes, rain gear, etc. There are two refuges on the way up, offering simple lodging for cheap.

As far as climbing experience goes, anyone who is reasonably fit can make the climb although it does help to hire a guide and a mule to carry up your things.

Images: Justin Woolford

What makes Thai massage so special?

One of the main reasons why people travel, apart from seeing new places, is to learn. When I have the chance, I love to spend a little time at least  learning the language or picking up a new skill while abroad. Some people travel to the ends of the earth just to study or take a course in their destination country. Cooking school in Italy, flamenco dance classes in Spain… when it comes to Thailand the top class for foreigners to take is in Thai massage, a technique revered around the world for relaxing and soothing the muscles. Of course the best way to learn it is to first book flights to Thailand and travel there to learn from the real masters.

Thai massage works with stretching and getting deep into the muscles. It is usually performed on the floor and the person receiving the massage is clothed in loose filling garments which allow for movement. Against popular belief, no oils are used in Thai massage. The person giving the massage guides their client’s limbs and muscles into different yoga-like positions, slowly stretching the muscles along the way. A full Thai massage should take around two hours.

Where to learn Thai massage?

Wat Po in Bangkok is the most famous school for learning Thai massage for those who just want to touch the surface briefly. If you’re just spending your holidays in Thailand and would like to take a class or two, just ask your hotel receptionist if there is a class taking place nearby. In big cities, there are generally several schools offering different types of courses. Book your place in advance. Day classes are just for personal use only though and in no way means you can open up your own massage place back home!

Travel forums advise to steer clear of Patpong, Soi Cowbow and Nana Plaza. These are part of the red light district and you can be sure you may be in for more than you were bargaining for.

Have you ever taken a class abroad or studied abroad?

1. Cheap airfare

It’s never easy saving money up for travelling. When the inspiration hits, you just want to hit the road. To bad if your pocketbook is looking a little thin… Saving money takes time and organisation but there are some things you can do to help in the process. At least these are 5 very smart ways to plan more holiday with less money and keep saving even while you’re travelling.

Scope out the coupons, discounts, promotions and cash in any frequent flier miles you have when you shop for air tickets. Email alerts and newsletters are the best way to stay informed all year-round. It’s the best way to follow price trends so you know exactly when to book.

2. Apartment rather than hotel

One of the smartest things I started to do while travelling is staying at apartments rather than hotel rooms. Where ever you stay, I can’t stress enough to make sure you read the fine print. If you’re staying at least a week in one place, think about renting out a flat. This way you can cook instead of eating out every night and have a more homey base to come back to at the end of the day. It’s usually cheaper per night as well if you double up with friends.

3. Sightseeing

Make sure you have enough to do and see everything that you really want to do. It would be a shame to arrive in Rome without enough to see it all, or at least you top 20. You can often book tickets and reserve visits online these days, making it easier to pre-plan. Just leave room for some spontaneity.

4. Souvenirs

It’s worth checking out what your destination is famous for before arriving, that way you know what you’re looking for when you arrive and shop for souvenirs. Try to avoid the “tourist districts” when shopping around. Also, you’d be surprised what you find at the grocery store: teas, speciality coffees, chocolates and other tasty treats. Because honestly… who needs another key chain with an Eiffel Tower on it that’s been made in China.

5. Know the limits of your budget

If you’re travelling tight, then know exactly how much you have for each day and stick to it. Also, it’s good to know what you’re willing to go cheap on and what you’re not. For example, youth hostels are cheap but you may end up sharing a room with 8+ other people (no privacy). If you have food allergies or a sensitive stomach then cheap street foods won’t be your first choice for dinner.

Have any tips of your own to share to fellow travellers? How do you budget for your trips?

image: sockrotation, ian koh, flickr cc.

Do you love to travel? Do you love to look good? If you think that backpacking around the world means giving up your heels and lipstick for hippy Birkenstocks and all-in-on trousers… forget it! That is so 1970s and it isn’t true. While travelling light does mean giving up on a few luxuries (like 3-4 pairs of shoes) it doesn’t mean you have to totally leave what you love at home. When air flights are involved you really have to considered what goes in your suitcase, and what stays out. Looking great on the road is easier than most think and a little lipstick definitely goes a long way!

Every travelling woman should have a few essentials, lets cover those first.

• several small photos of yourself (for visas, rail passes, etc.)
• folding paper fan (for humidity!)
• mini flashlight (for power outages and dark rooms)
• one-size-fits-all sink plug for washing your undies!
• emergency toilet paper
• minty chapstick (for fighting ugly public washroom smells)
• chewable vitamin C (stay healthy)
• eyeshades
• earplugs
• lavender oil for relaxation at the end of a long day

Once you have your essentials, you’re almost set. But you may be wondering, so how do I look good while travelling? Hydration and proper sleep do wonders, you already know that! As for clothing, it’s all about creativity, packing pieces of clothing that mix and match and accessorise well with scarves, simple jewellery, vests, etc. so that you can make a dozen outfits out of just a few neutral pieces.

For example, dresses that can be worn for a night out on the town and double as something casual with a cardigan. Coloured tights for a splash of colour in your otherwise neutral wardrobe and comfy shoes for walking and look good (this is a harder one to accomplish). LBD (little black dress) is, like at home, a stable on the road. Clothing should be easily layered so think: light sweaters, tank tops, cardigans, tights….

As for beauty products, travel-size everything so you can take more of those products you love. When you buy your make-up, ask for samples so you don’t have to carry the full thing when you go away for just a weekend. A tube of red lip-gloss never goes unappreciated (unless it’s just not your colour) and can take you from sloppy mess to wind-swept chic in seconds. Moisture packed facial wipes are great for when you’re in transit on long bus rides, flights and train trips. When washing your face isn’t always possible, grab some of these. Tea tree oil ones are especially good since they unclog pores and fight potential blemishes.

What are your secrets for packing light and looking good while on the road?

image: dbl90 flickr creative commons

 

Top 10 cheap cities in Asia

Part of travelling around the world is exploring new continents. While I haven’t made it to Asia yet, I certainly indent to do so in the near future (not this year, but at least in the next 5). Backpacking is so expensive, I’m talking long-term here, and I don’t know how so many people are able to save up enough money for round-the-world trips! I guess I still have a lot to learn about budgeting for trips.

Anyways, I thought I’d post this for those on their own backpacking trips or planning one, these are the cheapest cities to visit in Asia. Because who doesn’t like to see more… for less?! Now all I need now are some low cost flights to get me to Asia.

So here you have them!

10. Kuta – Bali

Tourism is way up in Bali, thanks to the recent film Eat, Pray, Love with Julia Roberts and the world-wide bestselling novel that its based on. Find a room in a guesthouse rather than a hotel, they’re cheaper and if you’re looking for am ore local experience, rent a room in a family home in a village, outside of the main tourist areas.

9. Phnom Penh – Cambodia

So many expats live here, it’s no wonder when you can visit for so cheap. The Cambodian capital has some sketchy districts that should be avoided. The cheapest hotels are located a few blocks away from the banks of the river, instead of the ones that look right out onto the water.

8. Luang Prabang – Laos

This city is quite colonial in style and while there are a lot of classy hotels and restaurants to lure tourists, you can still stay here for cheap if you stay away from these ritzy areas.

7. Chiang Mai – Thailand

You might be surprised when you arrive in Chiang Mai at the sheer number of expats living here. The life is sweet and cheap! The climate is also a lot nicer than in Bangkok, a big part of the appeal.

6. Manila – Philippines

For some reason the Philippines doesn’t rank too high on most traveller’s lists. Those that do happen upon Manila are usually surprised how affordable it is. Grab a charter plane to one of the islands if you want to really relax.

5. Ho Chi Minh City – Vietnam

Also known as Saigon, this place is uber cheap when compared to other big cities in Asia. The city is constantly under development which is good news for Western travellers.

4. Vientiane – Laos

Compared to the other cities in this list, Vientiane is perhaps the most modern of all. It has the complete spread of amenities that a traveller would need. While quite modern on the outside, the city moves at the pace of a sloth. No one is in a hurry, I find this refreshing, don’t you?

3. Hoi An – Vietnam

While this little city is only known as a fishing town, it’s surprising popular on the traveller’s train in Asia. It’s quaint, has great food, is cheap… you can get a full meal for less than 1quid! There is also a nice beach closeby.

2. Goa – India

Goa is an entire state in southern India but the whole region is really cheap for backpackers. There are endless beach towns that put up crowds of backpackers during the peak travel months (December through April) when the weather is great for Westerners. Prices during this time also rise with the demand.

1. Hanoi – Vietnam

It’s safe to say that with three cheap cities on this list of ten Vietnam is a bargain country for travellers looking for a cheap trip. Hanoi, being a bigger city, can turn you for it or against it in a single taxi ride. Most foreigners you’ll meet are either teaching English in the city or just passing through.

Have you been to any of these cities before? How do they stack up to the list in terms of price?

History of the macaron

If you’re not on the macaron bandwagon, you’ve got to join. These exquisite tasting sugary delights are incredible. They’re the perfect marriage of egg whites, sugar and almond powder. Are they worth a trip to Paris for? Absolutely. Lucky for me, Paris is just a short jump away, over the English Channel and double luck that it’s so cheap to buy flights to Paris I have no guilt when I go for just a few days at a time. Thank you easyJet! But let’s get back to business.

These delicious and colourful little confections are known as the French treat but some believe that they actually were first created in a small convent near Cormery as far back as 791. They made their first appearance in France when Catherine married Henry II and brought her Italian pastry chefs along with her. Today they are widely known in Paris and are primarily made by the French patisserie Laduree, although there are many knock-offs as well. You even used to be able to get them as a dessert at McDonalds!

Where to get them in Paris?

Arnaud Delmontel
Arnaud Larher
Carette
Dalloyau
Fauchon
Gérard Mulot
Grégory Renard
Jean-Paul Hévin
La Maison du Chocolat
Ladureé
Lenôtre
Pierre Hermé
Sadaharu Aoki

How to make macarons

If you’re talented even the slightest bit in the kitchen then you should give macarons a try. While they’re a little bit more difficult than your standard chocolate chip cookie, they aren’t impossible. Some tips are definitely helpful. While there are plenty of recipes floating around the web for these delicious little cookies, this site does a good job at explaining how to make them.

What’s your favourite flavour?

I love movies that inspire me to travel. I could name dozens of them but while others judge movies on character development, stunts, romance factor and other such things, I judge solely on destination. After watching the movie, do I want to go to the places they depicted? This happens a lot of the time anyway, but my all-time favourite travel-inspiring movie is Lost in Translation.

You’ve all seen it, haven’t you?

I’ve always wanted to go to Japan, but now I want to more than ever after catching this Bill Murray flick on TV the other night. So here’s a little tour of Tokyo if you’re also a fan of getting lost in big modern cities, or even just a fan of the epic film. Getting to Tokyo is the first priority though, it’s a long-haul from London and unfortunately I’ve never been (but oh I want to so much). The best time to book flights is at least six months in advance of the trip and try to head there during spring or fall, when the city is still cool but not so rainy. Tokyo is hot and sticky in the summer, which can be more than uncomfortable.

Sinjuko

The business and entertainment district of Tokyo played backdrop to a couple scenes in the film. The first scene in fact, when Bill Murray wakes up in the back of a taxi and there are great views of neon lights, it’s really impressive isn’t it? That is shot on the Kabuki-cho side of Yasukuni-dori.

Park Hyatt

Of course, the hotel where Scarlett Johansen and Bill Murray are staying is the Park Hyatt in Tokyo. Although, it looks like a lot of hotels in Tokyo, if you want a view of the city, this is the hotel to stay in. The hotel is located on the top 14 floors of a high-rise in Shinjuku. The hotel’s bar in on the 52nd floor, a must-visit even if you don’t stay at the hotel but beware, it’s mighty pricey! So maybe just ask for a water….?

Karaoke-Kan

The karaoke bar which was used in the film is near Shibuya’s Hachiko station in the heart of Shibuya’s Centre Gai district. It costs around £20 an hour to have a room there and the actual rooms used in the moves are 601 and 602. The place is actually part of a Japanese franchise, so even if you don’t go to the exact one (Karaoke-Kan, K&F Building, 30-8 Utagawacho, Shibya-ku), you can find one just like it.

 

Sushi Restaurant

The one from the film is not easy to find, it’s called Daikanyama Ikkan Sushi and it’s apparently amazing, if you can manage to find it. The head sushi who was actually used in the film works there nightly and it happy to entertain guests is they come. The menu is totally in Japanese, so maybe bring a local with you help you order.

Air

One of Tokyo’s best nightclubs is just a few minutes walk away from the sushi place, it’s in the basement of the Nakagawa Building (Sarugaku-cho 2-11) and although it looks dingy at first glance, it’s really not that bad. Mostly popular on weekends with twenty-somethings.

Jugan-ji Temple

The Japanese temple that Scarlett Johansen goes to is within walking distance of the Park Hyatt Hotel. It’s called the Jugan-ji Temple, and is pretty off the beaten path as far as tourists are concerned. It’s a perfect spot to slow down the pace after a day out in the city.

Images from: yeraymuaddib, Creative Commons Flickr.

 

It’s overdone, isn’t it? The whole royal wedding thing. London and the whole of England is obsessed with the engaged couple, with the prospect of a wedding in the coming spring. Are we really that fevered? We follow their every step in the present and retrace their every step in the past. It’s not enough that couples have flocked to Kenya to enjoy their own stay in a rustic cabin and re-enact an intimate engagement, but now you can even hop on a royal romance walking tour of London.

That’s right. Tourism boards, tour operators and agencies are jumping at the chance of novelty profit while it’s hot and that includes speciality tours of our own lovely London. I wouldn’t want you to pay for a tour like this, so I’ll let you in on the route, what you’ll see and then we can both ponder how we all got so obsessed with the royal family.

Queen Elizabeth II’s birthplace – it’s not just about the Prince but where he came from.

Garrard’s Jewellers – since 1843, this has been the Royal Jewellers. Think you can afford anything in the display window? This is where Prince Charles bought that diamond and sapphire ring for Princess Diana the whole world’s been gawking at since the engagement. When Diana died, the ring was passed onto William and it’s now on Kate’s finger.

Jigsaw Store – one of Kate’s many past employment places, she was working here in 2007 when Prince William got cold feet and phoned to tell her he just wasn’t that into her.

Mahiki – young Royals can be spotted here on any Saturday night, it’s their favourite night club in the city. After the couple broke up, Prince William racked up a whopping £11,000 bar bill here the following week.

Richard Noel Middleton’s Offices – getting closer to Kate’s roots, this is where he great great grandfather, a wealthy industrialist, used to work. It’s thanks to him and his trust funds she could attend the country’s most elite schools.

Westminster Abbey

The Ritz Hotel - considered one of the finest hotels in London, only one film has ever been allowed to be made here, “Notting Hill.”

White’s Gentleman’s Club – elite and well, elite. Prince Charles had his bachelor party here in 1981. Will Prince William follow in his father’s footsteps?

John Lobb Bootmakers – this humble shop has some very special clients including the Queen, Prince Charles, Prince William, his brother Harry and the late Princess Diana.

St. James’ Palace – the oldest palace in London, a leper colony once stood where this palace is now built. It’s fit for any Royal, but the two little Princes, William and Harry, call it their home.

The Queen’s Chapel - this is the location where Kate attended her second Royal wedding, her third will be her own.

Clarence House – the official residence of HRH The Prince of Wales and HRH The Duchess of Cornwall.

Buckingham Palace - since 1836 this has been the official Royal residence, no sense leaving it out.

Westminster Abbey – Will and Kate will tie the knot here on the 29th of April, 2011. Princess Diana’s funeral was also held here.

Images: esther1616 and manicuredcorpse, Flickr cc.

Museum of Bags and Purses

I love going to Amsterdam, even if it’s just for a couple of days. There is always so much to see/do with new exhibitions, special displays that come and go with the seasons. It’s great because I can always find a cheap flight London to Amsterdam pretty much any time of the year because so many low cost airlines fly the route. I never really noticed though that Amsterdam has some quite unusual museums, a couple of which I thought I’d share with you.

Some believe that what you carry in your bag or purse can say a lot about who you are. The accessories on display at this quaint little museum tell the story of history and the social change that happened in Amsterdam from the First World War through the 1970s. The current exhibition is on display until January 30th.

Tassenmuseum Hednrikje

Address: Herengracht 573

Open: daily 10:00-17:00

Admission: €7.50

Our Lord in the Attic Museum

Amsterdam’s second oldest museum is a strange one indeed. It’s housed in a 17th century canal house that has a church in its attic. In the 1660s a merchant family bought a house along the canal and transformed the upper level into a secret church during the Reformation. There is even an organ and some very stunning artwork.

Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder

Address: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 40

Open: daily 10:00-17:00, except Sundays when it opens at 13:00

Admission: €7

The Cat Cabinet

There are no real cats here, just artwork of cats but for any feline lover, this is a must-stop. The museum was started to commemorate the life of Tom Cat John Pierpont Morgan, a most-esteemed feline who was the close companion of Bob Meijer, the founder of the museum. This cat even had a portrait painted of him by Ansel Sanberg, then later a bronze statue. This frisky cat had its own art collection before long and the museum doors opened soon after.

Het KattenKabinet

Address: Herengracht 497

Open: Mon to Fri 10:00-16:00, Saturdays 12:00-17:00

Admission: €6

Know any more unusual museums in Amsterdam that I could add to my list? Have you been to any of these museums before? This kitty museum is definitely on my itinerary the next time I’m there and I bet I can even find hotels in Amsterdam nearby.