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Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Thanksgiving Week's Five!






 


1.    The War Tunnels Tour, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.  We, as Americans have a sordid history with Vietnam in that there was a war gone wrong.  During those times, Vietnamese soldiers and citizens made tunnels to hide in and live in.  In the modern era, Vietnam has become a tourist destination for travelers from around the world.  The Vietnamese haven't allowed their trying times to be forgotten, and for those who want to learn more about the conflict, there's a tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels.  It's an educational experience of  a lifetime when you're visiting Ho Chi Minh City.


http://en.diadaocuchi.com.vn/



https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/wars-and-missions/vietnam-war-1962-1975/events/combat/viet-cong-tunnels


https://www.history.com/topics/vietnam-war/cu-chi-tunnels


https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293925-d2005826-Reviews-Cu_Chi_Tunnels-Ho_Chi_Minh_City.html


https://vinpearl.com/en/tunnels-in-vietnam









2.    When and why to ask the locals.  I say always ask the locals.  I can't tell you how many times I've found the most amazing things because I asked around.  I ask staff at the hotel, waitstaff, guides at ticket booths, people I meet on the subway and whatever.  Locals, by definition are the people who live where we are only visiting.  Here's some things I learned by asking.  I found some of the best places in NYC to eat, and learned for sure that the Staten Island Ferry is free.  I found out how many boat tours were available out of Kingston, NY.  I learned almost everything I found out in St. Lucia from locals, including our fabulous landlords.  I found out about a hidden town in Switzerland.  I learned about Greenville, Maine from the locals.  I mean, I learned everything.  These people are a great source for activities, food, shopping, and transportation.  Always ask the locals.


https://nativenomadlife.com/travel-like-a-local/#:~:text=Reach%20out%20to%20a%20Local&text=It%20is%20also%20a%20great,ie%20tourist%20traps%2C%20etc).



https://goaskalocal.com/



https://www.thediscoverer.com/blog/the-best-questions-you-should-actually-ask-locals/XvHyVpKgiwAG5af3


https://www.travelmassive.com/posts/ask-a-local-218654114


https://www.toursbylocals.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&device=c&network=g&matchtype=e&campaignid=20205289907&devicemodel=&adgroupid=158088728788&utm_term=local%20guides&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA6vaqBhCbARIsACF9M6npxj-GrZUBIGbmvesIDV2hPf42hJKjvVlLeNZlAO_5KNiGNnnLhncaAgHhEALw_wcB










3.    The Light Show at the Marina Bay Sands.  It's called Spectra, and there are others too.  Singapore has a lot to do and a lot of ways to spend money.  It's one of the prettiest countries in the world and a tiny one.  It's clean, safe, and there are a lot of special rules to follow when in town.  One of the best ways to get some bang for your buck is to go to the Marina district and watch the evening light shows as well as the sunset before hand.  It's a necessary part of any trip to Singapore.


https://www.marinabaysands.com/guides/exceptional-experiences/light-and-sound-show.html


https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294265-d2281850-Reviews-Spectra_A_Light_And_Water_Show-Singapore.html


https://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/things-to-do/calendar-of-events/garden-rhapsody.html


https://www.fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-bay-hotel-singapore/around-you/new-light-and-water-show-on-the-marina-bay


https://www.visitsingapore.com/editorials/whats-happening-in-singapore/?cmp=SEM_STB-DC23-1015-SG-SEM_US_DC_ENG_NA_NONE_NONE_PM-Events-NA_NA_GOOG_SEA_AO_Cross_XTG&gclid=Cj0KCQiA6vaqBhCbARIsACF9M6mGE02JVatb4pM4Hh28P6HwXHB2BmQweyfAyX1icDhnnyQ5S3dxSWEaAq6xEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds










4.    Always check and keep an eye on the weather, and always check reviews.  I can't stress this enough.  We travel a lot, and we don't go to the same place over and over.  Therefore, it's all new to us most of the time.  I've found myself in some interesting situations, like the time I was stuck in a snowstorm in southern Arizona, the time we went to the French Quarter and needed to know where to eat.  There were times when there were storms coming, restaurants that advertised far better than they cooked, and less than satisfactory hotel stays.  Always check.  That's what the internet is for in my world.  I've been to many places where the weather will change at a moment's notice and it really comes in handy.  But don't let it stop there.  Check for the quality of guided tours, breweries and restaurants, public transportation, museums, and so on.  Always check.  Save yourself the pain.


https://weather.com/?cm_ven=PS_GGL_Branded_04012019_1&par=MK_GGL&tpcc=mktg-search-Google-acquisition&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA6vaqBhCbARIsACF9M6nmQgXt_vKZMQ1W3461EqSd2Ipcj6bvrSlZxtZ-NU2_Z_-B6y6zStwaAvzMEALw_wcB


https://www.yelp.com/


https://www.travelstride.com/reviews/tours-trip-reviews


https://www.viator.com/?mcid=28353&tsem=true&supci=-635360974&supag=62312109527&supsc=aud-2226856787438:kwd-19993441&supai=636507945825&supap=&supdv=c&supnt=g&supti=aud-2226856787438:kwd-19993441&suplp=9003419&supli=&m=28353&supag=62312109527&supsc=aud-2226856787438:kwd-19993441&supai=636507945825&supap=&supdv=c&supnt=nt:g&suplp=9003419&supli=&supti=aud-2226856787438:kwd-19993441&tsem=true&supci=aud-2226856787438:kwd-19993441&supap1=&supap2=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA6vaqBhCbARIsACF9M6nmSKE7iAJXwGv7lHpWjKT24ExXBQaZHa4troRyvKwao-8Rz1izqI0aAkwfEALw_wcB


https://flight-report.com/en/index/


https://www.travelandleisure.com/hotels-resorts/hotel-reviews









5.    Horse Races in Hong Kong.  That's right, I said it.  There's so many exclusive activities in Hong Kong, and most of us want to try all the food and go shopping.  We want to watch the sunset and the lights at the harbor.  We want to go to the parks across the bay.  Well, you can go to the horse races too!  Sundays, Wednesdays and Saturdays are popular race days but check their calendar.  They have local and international races.  It's just that something that seems a bit different to do in the Orient.


https://racing.hkjc.com/racing/english/index.aspx



https://www.discoverhongkong.com/us/explore/culture/how-to-do-the-hong-kong-races.html



https://racing.hkjc.com/racing/information/English/racing/RaceCard.aspx



https://www.chinahighlights.com/festivals/hong-kong-horse-racing-season.htm



https://www.happyvalleyracecourse.com/


There you have it!  Some good advice and different activities to include in your travels.  Remember, if it's something you find in a travel guide for tourists, you can probably do better.  Always travel more like a local.  Learn as you go, ask questions and have a true adventure.  Pack your bags, expect the unexpected and enjoy!  Happy Thanksgiving!

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Wednesday, November 15, 2023

November 15th, 2023 Fast Five!


 
















1.    The Marble Mountains in Da Nang, Vietnam.   This is a wonder not far from downtown in this fabulous city.  There are five peaks named after the five elements; water, wood, fire, earth, and metal.  Mahayana Buddhists built temples, pagodas, statues and so much more to look at throughout these natural wonders.  It's a great day trip while visiting the area.




























2.   Let's talk some budget tips!   I traveled on Breeze Airways recently, and I am intending to travel on Play very soon.  We'll see what that volcano in Iceland does.  Breeze was wonderful.  I didn't expect pampering, and I was fine.  The staff was nice, there were basic drinks available.  You could purchase drinks and snacks.  There were movies available if you brought a device.  There was Wi-Fi.  The Wi-Fi was $8.00, but it was good.  I would happily fly with them again.

Other advice for right now.  Always check alternate days for flying.  If you can be flexible, you can save a lot of money.  Don't bother with traveling during the high seasons.  In most cases, the difference between traveling the day after Memorial Day and the week before is substantial.  Look into renting an apartment.  I've found this is thrifty!  You have a kitchen, maybe more than one bedroom, and sometimes washer and dryer.  This normally can be found for the same prices as a hotel room.  It will save on weight in your luggage, food costs, and so much more.  Catch me for more tips soon!



























1.   Arogonese Castle, Ischia, Italy.  Here it is, a massive castle begun before the time of Christ.  The history of this place is long and varied, and spans from moorish to Christian, to modern day.  It sits on the tiny island of Ischia, adjacent to Naples in Italy.  Not only can you visit this castle and learn about the museum, it's also the location for numerous events from plays to music and so on.  You can even stay the night or visit the spa.  It's a great addition to whatever you have planned if in the area.































4.  The Tibetan Market and Monastery in Delhi, India.  This is one of those hidden treasures in a city so crowded it's pure madness.  Delhi is hot, crowded, busy, and can often be downright confusing to navigate.  But, there's an entire neighborhood that's a bit calmer and has a different atmosphere than any other.  Tibet was absorbed by China, and that created a lot of expats.  No surprise there.  This community has settled in Delhi and has set up their own way of life.  Not only is the temple beautiful, but it is the only place in the city where you can buy sturdy outerwear for cold weather.  Something different in the city!


































5.   Travel Hacking?  This is all the rage.  I'm still learning how it works.  It involves getting travel credit cards and racking up the points to travel cheap.  It does work.  I'm still learning how.  There are also chances to upgrade, join luxury lounge clubs and on and on.  There are some apps, YouTube videos, and even classes offered online to learn how to save a lot of money and be able to afford to travel more!  Can't wait to use it!









There you have it.  Some ideas for places to visit and things to do to save money.  Some sites to check out to learn how to travel more cheaply.  I want to mention something very important here.  Lots of people go nowhere, because they believe travel is expensive.  If I had a dime for everyone I knew who went to Disney World every year, but believed that Europe was out of their range; I'd be rich.  You don't have to spend a bunch of money.  Go at an off time, book a budget airline, take the subway instead of renting a car in the city.  There's lots of way to save money and go out and see the world.  It might take some work or learning something new, but imagine the wonderful things you can see and do, and imagine what it would be like to truly live your life and enjoy!
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Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Election Week's Top Fast Five!


 














1.    The Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park, Grenada.   What can I say?  Sometimes weather can change the world.  Hurricane Ivan wiped out a lot of the underwater life off the shores of Grenada, an island in the south Caribbean that is constantly increasing in popularity in 2004.  In 2006, Jason de Caires Taylor began the sculpture park to help restore the balance of nature and create an artificial reef to enhance underwater life in the area.  The sculpture garden is the first of its kind and has really caught on around the world since.  I don't dive, but if you do, this is a great place to visit while visiting Grenada.



























2.    Sandy Island, Carriacou, Grenada.  Yes, I found a few cool things to check out in Grenada.  This island is a five minute boat ride from Carriacou.  It's quiet, breezy, beautiful and natural.  It's a great day trip to just relax and bask in the sun.  You'll find just a few places to get snacks and food, and you'll need to make sure you catch a boat back at the end of the day, but it's one of those places that will make you feel like a movie star, steeling away to get some privacy.






























3.    The abandoned Soviet Planes at Pearls Airport, Grenada.   In 1979, Cuba decided to for lack of a better term, invade Grenada and they held a presence there until 1983.  Then, the United States got involved and yadda yadda, a lot of things changed.  Part of the reminders of the era are some Soviet planes that were left behind by the Cubans.  Pearls is an airport that is no longer used, except for some drag racing, but visitors can root around and see these old planes left over from the times when the Communist battle came to Grenada's doorstep.

































4.   Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Tokyo, Japan.  This is literally one of the most famous intersections in the world.  We've seen it in Fast and Furious; We've seen almost every travel host in history visit it.  Thousands and thousands of people, both tourist and resident, walk through this intersection every single day.  Tokyo is known for it's strange neighborhoods, funky bathrooms, and lots and lots of people, amongst thousands of other things.  This intersection is one of the places you have to visit if you come to this iconic city in the east.































5.   The show at the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.   Vietnam is one of the most fascinating countries in the world.  Ask anyone who's been there.  The Golden Dragon puppet show is just another of the fascinating things you'll only see there.  It's a great addition to any visit to Ho Chi Minh, and is a unique experience you'll never forget.  It's a good idea to take a guide for this one, however.  Translation may be a bit necessary.











There you have it; this week's fast five.  Hope it helps enhance your visit to your chosen location.  I did find a few things in Grenada alone, but I couldn't resist.  I'll be back soon with another fast five of activities that could enhance a trip you've already planned.  Just remember, look for that unusual thing that goes along with the famous thing you're traveling to see or experience.  There's always that something else, and sometimes it's a something else you truly have to see.  Travel is an adventure, and it's the Atlas Obscura style items that can really make the trip.  Enjoy!



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