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Friday, February 7, 2025

Just a Little Blog With a Fast Five! All Kinds of Stuff!

 


Been a long week, but here's a fast five for you!























1.   Ice Skating on the Rideau Canal, Ottawa, Canada.   We talked about renting a LeBoat and cruising this canal previously, but as we all know, Canada gets cold in the winter.  Does that bother the Canadians?  God no.


In Canada, the folks love the cold for the most part and have festivals and activities all winter long.  Ottawa, the capital, is no exception.  This is a vibrant city worth visiting any time of year, but in the winter, you can ice skate all along the canal.  Not only is the view of downtown great, but there are places to rent skates and all kinds of libations and snacks along the way.  It's a great activity, and it's a great bragging point to tell all your friends that you went there and partook in the local festivities in winter.



https://www.cbc.ca/lite/story/1.7444941?feature=random



https://www.uottawa.ca/campus-life/news-all/embrace-skate-everything-you-need-know-about-skating-rideau-canal



https://ncc-ccn.gc.ca/places/rideau-canal-skateway



https://ottawatourism.ca/en/see-and-do/rideau-canal-skateway



https://rideaucanalskateway.com/























2.    The Golden Temple, Amristar, India.   In Punjab, there are beautiful places.  India has beautiful places.  If you happen to be in Amristar, you need to take time to see this.  It's the central religious site of the Sikhs and it's just gorgeous.


India is one of the most exotic places in the world and Punjab sits in the north on the Pakistan border.  This is called the land of kings and it's a great part of India to visit.  It's much less crowded than the cities south of there and the architecture is historic and beautiful.  So, if you decide to see the less traveled roads of India, and you happen to be in the Punjab Province, check out the historic Golden Temple.


https://www.goldentempleamritsar.org/



https://www.britannica.com/topic/Golden-Temple



https://sgpc.net/sri-harmandir-sahib/



https://thenwewalked.com/visiting-golden-temple-amritsar/



https://www.viator.com/Amritsar-attractions/Golden-Temple-Harmandir-Sahib/d22306-a21608

























3.   Mizen Head Peninsula, County Cork, Ireland.  Sounds like a mouthful, but Ireland is a great place to experience the outdoors.  The weather can be a bit drab, but County Cork and the shore around it have some amazing places to spend some time outside.



You'll probably walk around 1.5 miles while enjoying this area.  It's a western shore peninsula, which is amazingly scenic with dramatic cliffs and endless views.  There's a lighthouse and a visitor center, a museum and a super cool bridge.  You'll learn a lot, see a lot and get a nice walk in the meantime.  There is an entrance fee at the visitor center and it is a seasonal attraction, so be aware before you go.



If you want to see the rugged west coast of Ireland, don't miss this place.



https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g551490-d672235-Reviews-Mizen_Head_Visitor_Centre-Goleen_County_Cork.html



https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/mizen-head/



https://www.mizenhead.net/



https://www.discoverireland.ie/cork/mizen-head



https://www.discoveringireland.com/mizen-head-peninsula/
























4.    Booking with apps!   This is something that I do regularly.  As most of you know, I like to take public transit.  I don't really care where I am, I like the train, subway, bus, ferry, tram, cable car, funicular and so on.  The great thing is that everyone has an app.


In this day and age, a lot of people worry about booking ahead and which company to book with.  You would have a heart attack if you saw me running around my local area.  I go to the train and use my app as I'm boarding.  I get off the train and head to the ferry and do the same thing.  I book an Amtrak and don't think about it much ahead.  When I'm in a city, I may get a subway and bus card, but I sometimes use an app.  It's amazing to just use Token Transit and get a day pass of a city's local buses.  Everything is so easy.


You may ask if I can do that in another country?  Why yes.  With lots of services offering their services in up to 120 countries around the world, you can easily look up and use the apps on your phone in whatever country you're visiting.  There's less to lose and it's so easy.  You scan or show it to the conductors, terminals or whatever and off you go.  I love it and I use it all the time.  The apps also help you with schedules, delays, track changes, connections and time of travel.  All in one place.


So, don't hesitate.  Use the app.  I always do.  I've never been hacked.  I've never had a problem. It's the best thing I've done, especially in my local travels.


https://www.cttransit.com/fares/token-transit-app-download-ride



https://moovitapp.com/nycnj-121/poi/en



https://www.mta.info/guides/apps



https://transitapp.com/



https://www.amtrak.com/mobile




























5.    Two cities for the price of one!   I've been traveling a lot of years, and one of the things that I truly enjoy is when I visit a city and I get a twofer!   Recently, I visited Porto, Portugal and found that it was a twofer!  Villa Nova de Gaia is the city across the river that makes the area complete.  Porto is completely historic and scenic and a great place to visit, but if you really want to check out the sunset, cable cars, Port Wine, and less expensive everything; cross the river to the city affectionately called Gaia.  It's a great way to get two different cities in one spot, and I'm always on the lookout for this situation.



Years ago, I visited Budapest, Hungary.  I had no idea it was Buda and Pest.  There you go.  I learned a lot on that trip and the two cities are very different.  Buda is more traditional, but Pest has some great things to see and do.  Most people who visit don't even know that they're two cities combined until, as happened with me, a tour guide lets us know.



But you don't only see this situation in Europe.  I've enjoyed many a time in Cincinnati, Ohio, where sports reign supreme, while enjoying the arts across the river in Newport on the Levee in Kentucky.   There's even a pedestrian bridge or two that cross the river allowing us all to enjoy it as one.  Great place.


Another great city combo is Istanbul.  This is all one city, but it has a European side and an Asian side.  This is the only major metropolitan area in the world divided by a waterway and straddling two continents.  It's considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world and who wouldn't want to visit that?


And finally, one of my all time favorites is Niagara Falls.  Ontario or New York?  Either.  Most of the famous stuff is on the Canadian side, but there are some once in a lifetime activities and views on the New York side as well.  My advice?  Don't visit without a passport from either side.  You should visit it all when you're there.


https://www.lonelyplanet.com/hungary/budapest  



https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/400/



https://visit.istanbul/



https://portolover.com/sightseeing-attractions.html?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-5a9BhCBARIsACwMkJ6_9-ZARi010Ry04rr0VuZzxmYM4YNqls3AR48I3sU7x9LdK-xSMPAaAm0hEALw_wcB



https://www.visitportugal.com/en/destinos/porto-e-norte/73735



https://www.visitcincy.com/



https://www.meetnky.com/cities/newport/



https://www.niagarafallsusa.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=branded_local_NYS&utm_content=NFUSA&adara_campaignid=1073598394&adarapixelid=333264&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-5a9BhCBARIsACwMkJ6ERcndt5sNKOJXcd6L_Wm4BOqD0afhs_FzrZTRjrAsULz3xHY2FDUaAj56EALw_wcB



https://www.niagarafallslive.com/




There you have it.  A little advice, a little bit of ideas, and some great ways to get around.  Take it all in.  Spring is coming soon, so if you want to skate on the Rideau; get there soon.  It's time to plan, so hopefully this will help.  In the meantime, get some new luggage, book a great trip and enjoy!

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Thursday, January 30, 2025

From Miniature to Really Large on This Week's Fast Five!

 I preface this post by saying that there are a lot of things out there to see and do.  I just tend to run across some things that I think folks might find fun while they're traveling.  Hope you get some inspiration today!






















1.    Swissminiatur, Melide, Lake Lugano, Switzerland.   I've seen a few things like this while traveling, and there are two of them represented today.  I find them entertaining.  I've loved this idea of making a country or the world in miniature ever since I played mini golf around the world in Lake George, New York.  It's artistic, it's creative, and it exposes you to different cultures in a way we aren't normally used to.


This park holds 120 1.25 scale models of all the most famous places in Switzerland.  They also have models of all the transportation that they're famous for from trains to boats, funiculars to gondolas; and they all work.  For just around $23 per person, you can see all of Switzerland in a couple of hours, just small.  The park opens in March and runs through the fall, so if you're in the area, which you should be; it's gorgeous, check it out.



https://www.swissminiatur.ch/?lang=en



https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1079158-d198357-Reviews-Swissminiatur-Melide_Canton_of_Ticino_Swiss_Alps.html



https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-us/experiences/swissminiatur/



https://www.swissvoyages.com/swiss-excursion/swiss-miniatur/



https://www.luganoregion.com/en/commons/details/Swissminiatur/2768.html




























2.    Walk the Bamboo Forest on Maui, Hawaii, USA.   This is officially in Haleakala National Park on Maui.  There are a lot of conflicting reports as to whether or not you can hike this trail, because some say it's on private property, however, it's in a National Park, so I'm pretty confident its okay.  Just make sure you pay your fee and enter through the National Park Entrance.  That's always the key.  Normally, if there are reports that a trail is closed because the property is private, that's because people are trying to sneak in at another point for free.  Just pay and then you don't have to worry about all the problems.


National Parks in America typically Cost from $15 and up for entrance.  Haleakala, like any other National Park is free with the America the Beautiful Pass, which is a year's pass to all National Parks in America for $80.  If you plan to see a few, it's worth buying that pass.


The Bamboo Forest is along the Pipiwai Trail that also goes to some amazing waterfalls.  You can go with a guide or do the trails on your own.  There are maps available and you can download them to your phone as well.  It's a great way to enjoy an afternoon while visiting Maui.









































3.    The Rideau Canal, Ontario, Canada.   This is history and engineering at its finest.  This 202 kilometer canal with 29 working locks runs from Kingston Harbor to Ottawa.  It's beautiful, and its open for business from May through October.  I love boats and this canal offers a unique experience, that I'd only seen previously in parts of Europe.  You can rent a boat and take your own cruise up or down the canal.


LeBoat is the company that rents the boats.  They are reasonably priced.  They have multiple bedrooms and cooking facilities on board.  This is a totally immersive experience, and you can even do it if you've never captained a boat before.  They teach you to operate the boat and they made them special so that most people can learn how easily.


One of the great things about this canal is that there are operators during the day to open and close the locks for travelers, so you don't have to do it yourself like you do in some locations.  Maps to help you navigate are provided.  There are docking areas so you can stop at night when the locks are closed.  You can dock right in downtown Ottawa if you like.  It's a great adventure and really hands on.








































4.    Tobu World Square, Nikko, Japan.   Back to those miniatures, and instead of seeing all the cool stuff in Switzerland miniaturized, you can see most of the coolest stuff in the world miniaturized in this park.    


This place has 102 of the most famous buildings in the world, including 46 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and 140,000 miniature people figures; all in 1.25 scale.   The park's entry fee is less than $20 and less for kids.  It's accessible by train and has it's own station for ease of travel.  Make sure you check the website for the hours, as they aren't set in stone from week to week.
















































5.    The Tokyo Sky Tree, Tokyo, Japan.   If we aren't immortalizing the world in miniature, we're probably making things bigger.  The newest notable addition to the Tokyo Skyline is this 634 meter high radio tower.  It lights up at night, it stands out all day, and its sleek.



By the way, you can go up to the observation deck at the top.  So cool.  At 634 meters, the tower is the tallest tower in the world.  At 445 meters, you'll feel like you're walking in the sky; maybe that's where the name came from.  You can see everything from that observation corridor; even Mount Fuji.  It only costs around $20; less for kids and the view is magnificent.



















There you have it.  From little miniature people and the buildings they live in to the tallest tower on Earth.  There's always a little something for everyone on Adventures for Anyone!  So, whether on a tropical island looking up at the falling water or going through locks on your own rented boat, take some time to check out that world at large.  Don't forget to follow for my weekly blogs right here, and then pack your bags and enjoy!
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Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Let's Chat About Where I Learn Some Great Travel Tips and Ideas


 


Is it any surprise that I've learned a lot from watching YouTube?  I've been traveling since before YouTube existed, but as with most things in this world, travel changes with the times.  It's more than just who's at war, where the border is, and things like that.


In today's world there are all kinds of amazing things you can learn to help you travel better, and most of them are readily available on YouTube.  I watch an amazing young man who independently reviews airlines.  


https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrLe85KbtkqnnSnIVc-KLjA


He's Nonstop Dan and he knows more about most airlines in the world than most of the people who work for airlines.  This guy has been flying all over the world since he was 12 years old.  He's flown hundreds of thousands of miles on countless airlines.  He knows all the ins and outs of credit cards and points.  There's a lot to learn about how to get where you're going from him.  He tells you about the little things that can make travel better or worse.  He'll tell you about pricing, amenities, scheduling, points, and my favorite since my husband and son are tall; legroom on different airlines.  I never would have believed it, but it's made a big difference to me in what I'm looking for when I fly.  Remember, a horrible flight can really get your vacation off to a dismal start.









Kara and Nate have been traveling full time since 2016.  I've watched them grow up on this channel and travel all over the world.


https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4ijq8Cg-8zQKx8OH12dUSw



This couple not only has traveled to over 100 countries, but they've taken us all on their journey.  They're experts in points and sponsors.  They traveled in their van through the pandemic.  We've seen their friends, family, trials, tribulations, challenges and on and on.


One of the things that these two have done is started internet companies which have flourished.


https://www.dailydrop.com/


https://karaandnate.com/


Daily Drop is a great newsletter and Daily Drop Pro is a great way to find deals on travel.  Visit the Kara and Nate website to see all the other things they have to offer.  They each have online courses; Nate's is about points and travel deals.  Kara's is an excellent video editing course.  And there's more, like the interviews with others on Travel Hustle.  All are accessible on their website.


If you like to see challenges, they are your vloggers.  They've been to both the north and south pole.  They've run marathons and done all kinds of crazy challenges all over the world.  They are my personal favorite on YouTube.











Drew Binsky is the quintessential travel vlogger.  He's been at it for 12 years.  He's lived in multiple countries.  He's worked in multiple countries.  He's been to every country in the world.  He's even broken a couple of world records.  


https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0Ize0RLIbGdH5x4wI45G-A



He's been to places that no one else has been to and he learns something everywhere he goes.  He tells a great story, he's not judgmental, and he is the true essence of the world traveler.  He is by statistic the most popular travel vlogger on YouTube, and when you see him, you'll understand why.  I've learned so much about the real world from him it's incredible.









Mark Wiens has been on YouTube for 15 years.  In that time he's been all over the world, and tried a lot of different foods.  He's somehow mastered eating the Durian Fruit, which is an amazing feat in and of itself.  He's an icon on the service, and has more than one channel.  He has what is largely a foodie channel which covers the world, and there's also a travel channel that branches out more.  He has his Migrationology website and merchandise and currently is fielding a show on Max.


https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyEd6QBSgat5kkC6svyjudA


https://migrationology.com/


https://www.youtube.com/@MarkAbroad


If food is your passion, he's a great place to watch.  He also sets up some tours and has city guides on his website to help you plan your next great trip.











Bald and Bankrupt is Ben Rich from the United Kingdom and he's been on YouTube since 2018.  He's wildly popular for a number of reasons.  Bald is amazingly friendly and has an uncanny ability to learn languages.  He's normally his own translator.  He travels in what most of us would call no fly zones a lot of the time, spending a lot of time in India and Russia.  Also known for traveling with Venezuelans through the Darian Gap on the route to illegally enter the United States, and for visiting countries like Afghanistan and Syria.  He's always on the cutting edge. 


https://www.youtube.com/c/baldandbankrupt



He does like to get off the beaten path and occasionally in down right trouble, which eventually led to him be asked to leave Russia and not come back.  But, he often travels with other vloggers that I like and he goes to fantastically different places.  He is masterful at making his vlogs look as though everything happened by accident, and is a great presenter.










Backpacker Ben.  Ben is from the United Kingdom as well and has been making YouTube videos for a mere three years, but as he puts it; he goes places you probably shouldn't go to.  He's worked with TrovaTrip group travel and spends a lot of time traveling with Bald and Bankrupt as well as other vloggers and travelers.


Ben is the type who likes to see how the locals live and it gets him into some crazy places.  He's quickly become wildly popular and you never know where he (and possibly Bald and Bankrupt) might end up next.  Always exciting, mostly because he's a bit dangerous.  If you've ever wondered what it's like to take local public transportation in a country; you can find out with Ben.


https://www.youtube.com/c/BackpackerBen



https://trovatrip.com/










The Planet D is one of the oldest vlogs on YouTube, starting in 2006, but inspiring travelers since 2009.  These two Canadian adventurers have seen it all.  They've been all over the world, and had some amazing adventures.  They not only tell you where to go, but they tell you about activities that you'd never imagine.  They've followed a Game of Thrones trail, gone houseboating on more than one set of canals and gone on some of the most amazing hikes and road trips I've ever seen.


https://www.youtube.com/ThePlanetD



https://theplanetd.com/


Their travel site will help you choose a destination, plan an itinerary and make it happen.  They've been at this a long time, and if there's something they don't know, I'd be very surprised.  They also have entertaining vlogs about what it's like to be Canadian and so much more.










Lucas World Travel is Kendra and David Lucas out searching for their forever home.  This couple decided in 2019 to leave their home and travel the world in hopes of finding a place that they wanted to call home for the rest of their lives.  They do what is called slow travel where they spend a significant amount of time in a location to see what it's like to live there.


https://www.youtube.com/c/lucasworldtravel



What I like about this couple is the information.  They break down costs.  They tell you what it's like to get around.  They tell you what life is like in a location.  They talk about medical, cars, food, utilities, and so much more.  When they go somewhere, you not only see what there is to do for fun, but what life is really like there.  They also give you tips on how to become a digital nomad so you can travel as much as you want to.









And finally, Oskar and Dan.  Dan is nonstop Dan, and Oskar is his life partner.  They've been together for years and hail from Sweden, although Dan's father lives in New York, so he's dual citizenship.  Starting four years ago, they went on a quest to live their best life and travel to 100 countries.  


https://www.youtube.com/c/OskarandDan



Oskar and Dan are also now trying to decide where their forever home should be, which makes it a lot of fun to watch their post 100 country life.  They have criteria which they rate places on in order to ultimately decide where to call home.  It teaches me a lot about places and I like that.


Oskar and Dan, being a couple have made it clear that prejudice shouldn't get in the way.  They've visited countries that are legendary for their stance on same sex couples and relationships, and they've had a great time and made friends.  They show us that people are people, and most people are not representative of their country's politics.


While most vloggers that I watch lean toward being vegan anyways; Oskar and Dan are devout vegans.  This gives a view into what it's like to travel and find places to eat and groceries to buy as vegans.  


They give good information and bring their family and friends into the mix for good story telling.  They also once in a while organize group trips around the world.



There you have it.  There are probably millions of vloggers on YouTube, but being a travel enthusiast; these are some of my personal favorites.  I find that watching these guys on YouTube brings a raw, unabashed view of what traveling is like.  They tell you things that they pack that help make life easier, they advertise things that I never knew about, but they are geared for travel and not on standard TV.  They give insights that you'd not normally get on a travel program.  And always remember to look these guys up and also look into their blogs, web pages, social media sites and so on.


In short, the ever growing list of travel vloggers on YouTube are what make my travels more fun and more affordable.  I'll bring on another list at some point, because these are not the only vloggers I watch.  So, break out the YouTube, get some ideas, learn how to afford them, pack for them, make time for them, and enjoy!

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