Travel

Why Haven’t You Visited Awesome Potsdam, Germany, Home of Frederick the Great??

August 13, 2018 By Tam Warner 5 Comments

*This post contains affiliate links, which means I will receive a small percentage of sales, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting me in my travels, and my mission to encourage others to explore this incredible world, experience other cultures, and help to make it a better place!

Potsdam is a lovely and quaint town. The shopping area feels like a movie set!

Why haven’t you visited awesome Potsdam when visiting Germany? Truthfully, I had never even considered it until I went on Elegant Elbe with Viking Cruises! I would certainly go again, it is so charming!

Get Out There To Find Yourself: The Two Sides To Expeditions

August 10, 2018 By Tam Warner 3 Comments

chronic pain, traveling with chronic pain, citizen science, travel solo — The White Continent was number 7 for me!

When you look back on your previous travel experiences, do you think you’ve learned a lot from each one? Those who get the travel bug end up learning, not just about other cultures, but about themselves. Many people want to vacation on a beach, relax, do water sports or hit the bars, and that is fine, but if you want to really travel, I recommend a travel expedition. Travel expeditions, in all of their various forms, can help you take a trip where you truly learn, not just about the destination, but about yourself. So, with that in mind, if you are looking for ways to improve your cultural palate, learn something new, or even rediscover something about yourself, what are the best ways to do it?

The Various Types Of Expeditions

Expeditions fall under various categories, but in a broad sense, they fall under the adventurous type, community-based type, or a scientific expedition. The adventurous expeditions are exactly what you think they are; they have a predominantly physical aspect so you have to be fit. They tend to have a beginning and end, for example, an expedition where you go kayaking. You start at a point in the river, and you end at a particular part of the river. These types of challenges are quite physical so if you are looking to, literally, flex your muscles, then this is a great way for you to do it. An adventurous expedition could be something that feels like a major ordeal, so be sure to check on the activity level of the trip. The same applies to hiking expeditions. There are so many stories about people who have wanted that challenge in life, especially when climbing mountains like K2 or Everest, but these are considerably tough objectives. Ask questions, because you need to be aware of what you are getting into!

Community based expeditions are for the benefit of communities, like education projects in rural countries. These expeditions aren’t as physical in nature, but can prove to be more of a psychological challenge. For example, if you are encountering people who are deprived in one way or another, it can have a devastating emotional impact on you. When I spent a day in Mozambique with the orphanage children on the beach, it really tore me up. Seeing the way people live in very poor environments can be very upsetting. Ask questions! Questions are necessary to really get the picture.

Photographing Mantas in the Revillagigedos Archipelago

Scientific expeditions consist of various experiences, you can go to the polar ice caps, or you can examine the coral reefs in many parts of the world. I have done scientific expeditions where scuba diving skills are necessary. I’ve done fish counts, photo identifications, and behavioral studies. I’ve also taken expeditions where I am learning from experts, such as my trip to Antarctica. When choosing an expedition, it’s important to ensure that not only is the destination something you are interested in, but the people you end up working with are on your wavelength. There is nothing worse than going away for months at a time, with people you don’t really get along with! I have met so many people who share my passion on my expeditions that I feel I have found my tribe. It is always interesting to meet people from different cultures.

Taking The Nomadic Approach

An expedition doesn’t necessarily have to consist of an official experience, you can take it upon yourself to go and see the world on your own. Backpacking is one of the simplest ways to do this, but there are other ways as well. I have enjoyed solo travel and I think it would be a great experience for many people, but it’s important that you get detailed information about your destinations, and learn ways to look after yourself properly. When you travel solo, you are relying on your own initiative and skill to get you around. It can be tremendously empowering and sometimes a bit nerve wracking.

My volunteer trips have brought me new friendships, new insights, and incredible experiences.

You can take the hostel approach, where you go from hostel to hostel, meeting fellow travelers and exchanging stories. Part of the reason to travel solo is so you can interact with different types of people. If you are interested in a nature trip, that can be a major undertaking, especially if you are looking to go camping or hiking. Luckily, for many travelers, there are numerous camping sites that ensure you can get a good night’s sleep and many amenities before you head back on the road, or on your trail. If you are camping it’s important for you to have an excessive reserve of supplies, and there are numerous guides online to help. The Best Backpacking Tents of 2018 is one such guide that can provide you with useful information on the most practical and durable tents for solo travelers. When embarking on any solo expedition, it’s imperative that you know exactly what you’re in for, and you have a thorough knowledge of the environment and the culture. You will learn as you go, but always err on the side of caution. When traveling by yourself you can throw off the shackles of your every day world, and look at things from a different perspective. Some people go traveling and end up never coming home! You might find a place where you think you belong, or where you’d like to stay for a while. When you are looking to discover who you are and what you want, it is helpful to appreciate what the world has to offer. Sometimes, this may open your eyes to what else is out there, or it may make you realize how lucky you are at home.

You never know who you’ll meet, and when you meet people who share your interests, it is a gift!

“Finding yourself” is one of those hippie terms that can be met with a raised eyebrow or two, but if you haven’t done much in the way of serious traveling, it’s a great way for you to figure out your place in the world. A lot of us don’t ever discover what we’re made of. Understanding your place in the world by going out and seeing what other cultures and locations have to offer is a tremendous learning experience.

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New York For Newbies: A First Timer’s Guide To The Big Apple

July 26, 2018 By Tam Warner 22 Comments

island in the hudson, big apple, 5th avenue, statue of liberty — New York!

New York For Newbies: A First Timer’s Guide To The Big Apple

Visiting New York is one of the most popular places on travel wish lists and bucket lists. After all, the skyline is iconic and there are many famous sights to see and cultural activities to indulge in. It is a relative smorgasbord for tourists! The Big Apple can be a little intimidating for first time visitors because of its size, but luckily, even if you are a first-time visitor, you can have an amazing trip!

Getting your bearings

New York is a surprisingly simple place to get the hang of geographically. This is because it is split into just five districts, called boroughs. The first is Manhattan, probably the most famous, and the one that is located on the island in the Hudson. Then there are Queens, Brooklyn, The Bronx, and Staten Island.

With New York’s excellent subway and bus transport system, it shouldn’t be too tough to find your way around, even without a car. In fact, the roads in New York are known to be somewhat hair-raising, even for the most confident driver, so newbies visiting the city may wish to skip hiring a car for their first visit entirely.

Safety

Another surprise for first time visitors to the Big Apple is that New York is one of the safest cities in the world! Of course, there are still the usual risks that you will encounter in any big city, and one in particular to avoid are pickpockets. I know all about pickpockets, as I have been a victim of them twice! They are good at what they do, so watch your bags and do not leave zippers exposed!

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A post shared by Jenny ????✨???? (@smashbandicute) on Jul 24, 2018 at 9:08am PDT

Pickpockets in New York operate on the subway or in crowded spaces like in Time Square or where street performance is occurring. They often use a bait and switch scam which is when one person creates a scene and while someone else relieves you of your wallet, smartphone, and valuables. With this in mind it’s best to avoid keeping things in trouser or coat pockets, and instead, use a bag that is worn and accessible only to you. I’ve had people get into my backpack, so keep your stuff on your front!

Also, concerning safety, it’s always smart to not mark yourself out as a tourist or newbie as much as possible. What this means is that if you need directions, ask a storekeeper rather than a stranger on the street, or use your headphone for Google Maps.

Lastly, keep the guidebooks to a minimum, and carry minimal cash, who doesn’t take credit or debit cards these days?

Don’t miss sights and attractions

Which of New York’s famous sites and attractions you should visit on your first trip? There are plenty of choices!

Be sure to head to the center of the city where you will be able to marvel at the structure of Grand Central Station, take a walk in the famous Central Park, and head over to 5th Avenue for some high-end shopping.

Then there the famous Lady Liberty herself, a gift to America in 1886 by the French and located on Liberty Island in the Hudson River. The Statue of Liberty is an iconic attraction that all New York Visitors must see, and you can access the site via a ferry tour, although it is worth considering booking before the day you go, to avoid long queues.

If you are up for a bit of culture on your Big Apple Visit, then there’s nowhere better than the rather spectacular MOMA or Museum of Modern art on 53rd street in Manhattan. You can make it a triple whammy by taking a trip to the Metropolitian Museum of Art, on 5th Avenue and the Guggenheim, designed by Frank Lloyd-Wright, also on 5th Avenue on, as well!

Last of all, if you are looking for some high energy fun, why not head on over to the theatre district and take in a show like Anastasia on Broadway, now showing at the Broadhurst? Such musicals are known for their stunning costumes, and substantial production values, making them a very entertaining activity to partake in.

Alternatively, if you would rather be out and about why not take a walk around The Bustling street of Chinatown? There you can visit the very vintage Nom Wah Tea Parlor, or The Golden Unicorn, and treat yourself to an authentic chinese meal.

New York delicacies

Talking of food, it would be a crime to visit New York without partaking of some of the particular delicacies that are “street food”.First and foremost this means hot dogs, which are pretty much available on every street corner, especially in central New York. Although Crif Dogs and The Cannibal Beer & Butcher are rated among the best.

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There are other places to eat as well as thehot dog carts, and particularly popular right now are the food markets, and the Heartland Brewery on 8th Avenue. Try the soft pretzels with cheese dip, pulled pork sandwich, or the pastrami egg rolls which are getting rave reviews!

Alternatively, if you fancy something with a little more kick then why not head on over to Los Tacos No. 1, on 9th Avenue? There is often a long line! Luckily it moves quickly and is a favorite with locals for tacos, tortillas, and carne asada. Yum!

Last of all, with a strong Jewish heritage, it’s no surprise that you will find some fantastic bagel joints and delis in the Big Apple as well. You probably won’t have time to try everything on the menu as they are so vast! Don’t worry though because a classic pastrami Reuben is always a good choice, as is cream cheese and lox. Just remember to ask for it ‘easy on the pickles’ if you’re not into gherkins! Plus, no one will spot you as a newbie if you start to master the local lingo!

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and don’t forget to check out CITYPASS

Savoring Jakarta, also known as The Big Durian

July 16, 2018 By Tam Warner 3 Comments

Some people call it the Big Durian, others simply Jakarta, and if you are familiar with this specific fruit, you also understand that people are mainly divided into two groups. You either hate Jakarta or absolutely love it. Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia, and it’s substantial. With a population of over 10 million people, it is the largest urban area after Tokyo. Jakarta is a province with special capital region status, but most refer to it as a city. It is large, crowded and an assault on the senses for the unprepared. Just like the durian fruit, once you get past this, you might really enjoy it.

Jakarta is not only a vacation spot. Expats in Jakarta generally are employed in oil, gas, telecommunications, engineering, and education sectors. The process for getting a work permit and visa for Indonesia is often arduous; there are strict rules regarding giving employment to foreigners due to massive unemployment already present in Indonesia. If you are able to get a job, housing is relatively cheap, with apartments available for less than 200M Indonesian Rupiah (14K USD), see more here https://www.rumah.com/apartemen-dijual/di-area-jakarta-barat-idjk01/dibawah-200juta-rupiah.

Jakarta is a real melting pot with many communities and cultures and is the center of Indonesia when it comes to economy, culture, and politics. The primary religion in Indonesia is Islam, which is reflected in the architecture and cuisine. Jakarta has not necessarily been put in a favorable light over the last few years, and you might think it’s not a safe place to travel due to media overexposure of violent crimes. Violent crime is quite uncommon, most of the crimes are non-violent and involve pickpocketing and credit/debit card fraud. Another tip would be to be cautious before and during the Ramadan, with theft and pickpocketing spiking at this time. There is pressure of providing gifts for family members and obtaining money for the Eid Al-Fitr holiday.

The short of it is that you need to use common sense in protecting yourself and your belongings, as you would in any large urban destination. In that sense, Jakarta is no different than a Bangkok or a Ho Chi Minh City. Be sensible, and Jakarta is an excellent destination for your travels.

The nightlife in Jakarta is vibrant and unpretentious. With a wide variety of bars, clubs, and other late-night venues, it holds its own against the upmarket establishments in Singapore and the underground party scene in Bangkok. For most places there is not a strict door policy as you might expect in Singapore, giving it a relaxed and rebellious attitude. A few nightclubs to check out are Jenja, Immigrant, Dragonfly, Fable, and Blowfish.

Jakarta is also a great destination for music lovers without the desire to party till the early hours. The Big Durian also hosts entirely a few major music festivals such as Java Jazz, We The Fest and Djarkarta Warehouse Project, most of them carrying international names. If you are looking for something more local, check out Archipelago Festival. Also, in terms of art, Jakarta is making waves, with Art Stage Jakarta receiving critical acclaim in the last few years.

The food and drinks are as diverse as the cultural melting pot would suggest. There is truly no shortage of availability of something to eat or drink, with pretty much any budget covered. Food stalls can be found everywhere you turn and if street food is not your thing, you can see most international food franchises in Jakarta. Indonesian dishes might not immediately come to mind as favorite cuisine, but nasi goreng and rendang usually feature in most top foods lists. Going to a good restaurant will also be lighter on the wallet than Singapore or most Western cities.

And if you like shopping, you will be able to get your fix. Like most of Asia’s top cities, malls have been appearing everywhere. Jakarta is no difference with 173 malls, more than any other city in the world. The Jakarta malls are huge, comfortable, and filled with shops. If you want entertainment, most of them will also house a cinema. And as we were talking previously about food, don’t forget the food courts in these malls as well.

And if the hustle and bustle of Jakarta is a bit too much, just remember that paradise is only a few hours away. There are several flights a day to get from Jakarta to Bali, where you can unwind from the sensory overload of the Indonesian capital. And if Bali is too touristy for you, there is Lombok, which some call ‘the new Bali.’ Yogyakarta is your destination if you want to experience something authentic and majestic. It has numerous art galleries, museums, heritage structures and street art spots dot this friendly city. It is also home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Hindu temple of Prambanan and the Buddhist complex of Borobudur. If you want to embark on an adventure and are a nature lover, consider Flores. The island is known as the jumping-off point to the islands of Komodo and Rinca, which are home to Komodo dragons, the largest lizard species in the world. The dragons are pretty impressive, let me tell you! A real gem is Belitung, a little-known destination east of Sumatra. It is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and a rich underwater life. Given its low-key charm, it’s perfect for wanderers looking for a laid-back holiday amidst breathtaking views of the seas, capped by a beautiful sunset at the end of the day.

If you are moving to Jakarta or coming for a short stay, it is a destination with many treasures to uncover. And when you go, remember the Big Durian, it might be a bit much at first, but if you persist, you will love it.

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Here are the 5 Best Camping Spots in Ireland for Nature Lovers

July 7, 2018 By Tam Warner 1 Comment

Here are the 5 Best Camping Spots in Ireland for Nature Lovers! If you are an outdoor lover, as I am, I have heard and seen incredible things about the natural beauty and pristine forests of Ireland. Whether arriving to taste traditional drinks at a local village pub or taking part in one of the summer festivals, there are always things to do. Ireland has some amazing camping spots that will help you relax and take a break from civilization. Here are some of the ones I have heard of!

Sherkin Island, Cork

Not far from Baltimore, a small fishing village lies Sherkin Island. You can explore the small island by foot, enjoy the clear waters, the pristine environment, and the local hospitality. The island can be reached by a ferry, and is great for a camping trip or a hiking expedition. During the summer, you will find the place crowded, but in the fall and spring you can enjoy the tranquility of this place.

Beara Peninsula

In Co Cork and Kerry, you will find great camping spots in the mountains. If you would like to visit Ireland and connect with the land that was the home of your ancestors, this is a great place to start. You can hire a bike and cycle around the peninsula, or drive up the slopes and camp up. Don’t forget to check out the hiking routes around the area, including the over 200 kilometer long Beara Way, consisting of a variety of terrain.

Black Valley

In the Black Valley, nestled between the Moll’s Gap and the Gap of Dunloe, you will find plenty of spots to pitch your tent. As you will be in one of the most remote parts of Ireland, don’t be surprised if you meet fairies and leprechauns on the way. You are not likely to get disturbed by civilization here, as even phones and electric points are rare in the area.

Sperrin Mountains

This mountain range is a perfect spot for adventure travelers. The untouched landscape will capture your heart, and you will hear the sound of nature better than anywhere else. You can go fishing by visiting the Glenrandel river, and even camp by the water. The Ulster Way hike is challenging, but will reward you with wonderful scenery.

Blacksod Bay, Belmullet, County Mayo

If you are looking for a lovely village with a beach, you will love this place. You can ride donkeys, shop at family run businesses, and jump on the ferry to explore the shoreline of Ireland. You will need to be careful with the weather, though, as if you camp here, you will be exposed to the wind and the rain, as you are in a remote location. You should get some professional Tents and Camp Gear if you are serious about spending the night here.

If you want to enjoy the untouched pristine scenes Ireland has to offer, you might get your camping gear ready, hire a car and explore some of these remote locations where you can really connect with nature and the spirit of the place. I know I want to!

Photo by Gerard Lovett from ireland – Arigna- Lough Allen- Glangevlin-24.jpg

Collaborative post.

Having Fun, Fun, Fun on the Island of Cozumel!

July 2, 2018 By Tam Warner 7 Comments

Fun on the island of Cozumel!

I always have fun, fun, fun when I come to my second home, the island of Cozumel in the Mexican Caribbean! From friends to fabulous restaurants to great boat dives and great shore dives and tourist attractions like the awesome Cozumel Pearl Farm, there is always something to do! My 2018 summer trip is almost over, but the memories will last forever. Take a look at what I’ve been up to on Cozumel! [Read more…] about Having Fun, Fun, Fun on the Island of Cozumel!

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