How to Use a Squat Toilet

You know you’re a long way from Kansas when you journey to Southeast Asia and a visit to the bathroom holds an unfamiliar sight.  You think to yourself "Where’s the toilet? Where’s the toilet paper?"  It is very likely for you to encounter a squat toilet, or a ‘squatty potty’ in Asia and Africa.  

Just a little background before we begin... Squat toilets were around before flush toilets were invented in 1596.  The toilet paper is also a modern day invention that became popular in 1900’s.  Squatting is an ancient practice and many people find that it is the most natural way to go.    

Although the explicit instructions might leave you feeling uncomfortable, it sure beats the embarrassment of walking away with messy clothes. Here are a few tips to help navigate this unfamiliar territory.

• Always pack toilet paper, hand sanitizer or sanitary wipes and a plastic bag in your backpack or handbag.  Even if the squat toilet is flushable, toilet paper can clog it.  Squat toilets are designed only for bodily excretions.  You will see later what to do with the toilet paper, plastic bag and hand sanitizer.

• Pour a little water in the toilet before you begin.  This will make it easier to clean the surface when you’re done.  There should be a bucket of water inside the stall.

• Roll up your pant legs, pull up your skirt.  Guys, take your wallet out of your backpocket.  Do not let your clothes touch the floor.  If they get in the way, they will get soiled.  Aim for the hole and make sure everything lands in said hole.  Use the onion pose from your weekly yoga class a template. Or roll up on the balls of your feet. Whatever your technique, be careful not to lean back too far.  

• If you have toilet paper, use it.  If you were remiss, use your right hand to pour the water on yourself and use your left hand to wash the anus.  This is why people in Asia and the Middle East don’t shake hands or eat with their left hands.  It’s the ass wiping hand.  Then place the used toilet paper in the plastic bag and dispose of it in a garbage can outside.  Use the hand sanitizer to cleanse. 

• If it’s a flushable toilet, then push the button or pull the string.  If it’s not, pour the water into the toilet until all your business is gone.  

Mastering the squat toilet will save you from a lot of embarrassment, awkward conversations and stomach pains.  You will feel like a liberated world traveler!

About the Author: Diana O'Gilvie likes to see the whimsy in travel. As a flight attendant for a major airline she's an avid traveler and observer.  Follow her blog, Traveler Writer Filmaker as she regales encounters with passengers and other travel stories. You may also follow Diana on Twitter @travelwritefilm and on Facebook.

Green Getaways Around The World

More and more people are wising up to environmental issues, and holidays should not be an exception.  Where to stay is as much as a consideration for thoughtful travelers as how to get there, as some businesses are guilty of things like draining the water from the local area or dumping rubbish on pristine ground. 

Tourism is a big business and it's not always ethical or environmental.  Luckily, others are more conscientious, offsetting their carbon and not polluting or consuming their ecosystems.  Here are some tips on where to stay when you worry about not spoiling the country you're visiting.  Let's start by looking at a Thai treasure, a hotel that suits a perfect romantic getaway without the guilt.

Aleenta | Photo Credit

If treading lightly is one of your priorities when choosing a luxury hotel, then no trip to Thailand is complete without a relaxing stay at Aleenta Phuket – Phang Nga.  Real peace of mind comes from knowing that your stay isn't taxing on the environment.

Ethical holiday making needn't mean compromising on quality.  The Aleenta is on the beach with breathtaking sunset views across the Andaman sea.  There is an incredible sea life to be seen diving, and with a host of neighboring islands, sailing is a another superb way to explore and enjoy azure seas, but from above the surface. There are natural wonders on land too, in Phang Nga Bay National park has extensive caverns and is an area of incredible beauty.

Aleenta | Photo Credit

Closer to home... there are now several environmentally friendly hotels in the UK and Europe. Fairmont are a classic and exclusive set of hotels with a select amount operating around the world.  There are two in the UK, the famous Savoy in London and one in St Andrews.  Fairmont have been recognized for their ethical and environmental practices proving once again that class and quality doesn't have to endanger the environment.

Farimont | Photo Credit 

Another option for travelers who tread lightly, there are Scandic Hotels all over Scandinavia and the environmental award winners are moving into Europe. The hotels are comfortable, well equipped and continue an ethical policy that has gained them accolades and respect. Scandic Hotels are great for a green getaway, so start looking for a responsible holiday now!

Presidential Suite at Scandic Hotels | Photo Credit

Rob is a keen traveler, designer and writer. He currently works for UK break and cheap hotel specialist Hotelshop, and is becoming increasingly concerned with environmental issues, and therefore more and more interested in green tourism. 

Travel Tips 101: Packing

What’s your best packing tip?

Share your advice in the comments section below and we’ll send the first 30 people a Where I’ve Been sticker! (Just be sure to include your Twitter handle or email address.)

Thanks!

5 Art Museums in France that are Better Than the Louvre

1. Villa de Rothschild: Part museum, part life-sized doll’s house, this is every girl’s childhood dream realized. Around 1905, Beatrice de Rothschild, member of a wealthy family and wife to a wealthy husband, decided that she wanted a place to house her art collection, porcelain, costumes, and dolls. She decorated the mansion in pink, lace, and vibrant fabrics, and the house boasts a costume room, a tearoom, her bedroom, and nine gardens wrapping around a giant courtyard, each garden representing a different part of the world. The entire structure is designed to look like the bow of a ship so that she could have the illusion that she was traveling forever.

Villa de Rothschild

2. Matisse Chapel: When Henri Matisse was living in the south of France, he became very ill and received care from a group of nuns. To show his gratitude, he designed a private chapel for them, a little while structure hidden away in the hills along the French Riviera. Typical of his minimalist design, the chapel is unusual in its modernity and simplicity, without any of the elaborate or medieval adornments that we are used to seeing in houses of worship. Visiting the chapel is a unique experience that will offer the traveler an intimate interaction with a selection of Matisse’s work that cannot be found in a museum corridor.

Matisse Chapel

3. Picasso Museum: Located in castle along the coast of Antibes, this museum is home to the series of works that Picasso created while living in that very building for several months. The family living there at the time allowed him to use the top floor of the building as his studio, and to show his gratitude he left all of the work he created there to the family after he left. The museum is now open to the public and includes the famous painting Joie de Vivre. Along with the paintings and sculptures throughout the castle, the structure’s patio also offers a gorgeous view of the Mediterranean.

Picasso Museum

4. Giverny: When a museum full of artwork just isn’t enough, head out to a museum that includes both the artwork and the gorgeous gardens that inspired it. Monet designed the entire garden himself, and visitors are able to traverse the bridge that appears in so many of his water lilies paintings. The house that still stands on the property has been preserved to resemble the way it was decorated at the time that Monet lived there with his family and includes prints of the artworks that he created there, as well as prints of the Japanese artwork that inspired many of his paintings.


5. Musee D’Orsay: Unlike many of the museums listed above, most people have heard of the Musee D’Orsay, but it always seems to be a second choice after the Louvre. Housed in a former train station, this museum has a visually interesting, open floor plan. Its collection focuses on modern trends rather than antiquity or the classical masters, which can all start to look the same after an hour. Many of the world’s most famous works are housed here, like Dejeuner Sur L’Herbe, Olympia, The Gleaners, A Burial at Ornans, and several works by the Impressionist painters.

Musee D’Orsay

About the Author: Jackie DesForges is a writer from Los Angeles currently living in Chicago. To date she has served as a student ambassador in England and France, a volunteer in Mexico, an art student on the Riviera, and a fledgling travel writer in Edinburgh. Currently she spends her time blogging about travels past and present at Misadventures of Travelgirl and saving her pennies for her next great adventure overseas. You can follow Jackie on Twitter at @jackie_travels.

How to Bargain in Bali

Bargaining is an unsaid way of life in Bali.  Tourists can bargain in many markets and street stalls on the island.  The bustling, multi-story Ubud Arts and Craft Market is the go to place for bargaining thrill-seekers.  

Westerners aren’t used to bargaining or haggling over the price. In fact, many presume that it makes them look cheap. Understand that you could walk away with a keepsake for 20%-50% of the asking price.  Bargaining is an art and it could take as long as thirty minutes because the Balinese like to bargain slow.  It is best that you do not buy any souvenirs the first three days that you are there.  Enjoy walking around and looking at what is available and familiarize yourself with the price points. 

Follow these tips and enhance your bargaining skills:

• Know the currency of the rupiah to your own dollar.  It is IDR 9,000 to $1.00 USD  This will give you a good footing in the bargaining process.  This way when you are being charged RPI 40,000 for a plastic fan you know it’s $4.44 USD and you may be willing to only pay $2.50 USD.  

• It is an insult to set your bargain price too low.  Many of the items are handmade and the craftsmen and women do need to get compensated for their time and skills.  This is not a good way to begin your bargaining relationship.  Say what you like about a particular item first (for example, its craftsmanship, color or feel).

• Ask the price.  This will be high, because they expect you to bargain.  

• Show hesitation or even distress. Once the seller sees that you like the item, but the price is holding you back from purchasing, you have the upper hand.

• Be prepared to walk away.  This is a good tactic because 100% of the time the seller will shout out a lower price.  This is your opportunity to pounce and present your first bargaining price.  Be prepared to go up a little, usually IDR 30,000-$60,000.  

• Bargain with a smile.  The sellers in the market are happy to bargain and give you the items.  They are much more likely to continue the bargaining process of you enjoying it.  Getting angry will definitely lose a sale.  Keep in mind that it is a game.  

• To make the game ever more fun, devise a plan with your friend that makes her the reluctant party in a sale.  Have her frown and say, “No that’s too much.  We can do better.”  If you are alone, fake a call if you have to -- OR, my girlfriend and I devised a plan of Good Cop, Bad Cop.  If either of us saw and item we wanted the other would be the reluctant party.  We each said, “No.  Too much.  Let’s go!”  That strategy worked so well the first time we went, we were back the next morning to score some more goodies!

Other Helpful Hints

The best times to bargain are when the market first opens at 9am or an hour before it closes at 7pm.  Sellers are anxious to make that first sale in the mornings so they can have good luck for the rest of the day. In the evening they are ready to go home and if it’s been a bad day at least they can make some money before they close.  

All of the sellers we encountered had a look of distress when we told them our prices.  Don’t let this stop you holding your ground.  You have a fair price in mind, stick to it, but be polite.  Don’t feel bad because these looks of anguish.  

About the Author: Diana O'Gilvie likes to see the whimsy in travel. As a flight attendant for a major airline she's an avid traveler and observer.  Follow her blog, Traveler Writer Filmaker as she regales encounters with passengers and other travel stories. You may also follow Diana on Twitter @travelwritefilm and on Facebook.

The Four Lighthouses of New Zealand’s North Island

Written by Shauna Roughley

A year in New Zealand with no set plans, no agenda, no ties. My husband Gareth and I came to New Zealand with one objective: to explore. We bought an old Mazda camper van, and we were ready.

As professional photographers, we quickly realized we had landed in our dream country. Stunning views, varied coastlines, sandy beaches and snowy mountains. There are so many things about New Zealand that we have adored so far. The people. The food. The hot summer. The scenery. We have seen and done so much, and we still have time left!

Cape Palliser

Once we started out, we decided on an objective that we needed to reach: to visit the most northern, eastern, western, and southern lighthouses on the North Island. We started doing this by accident, but it quickly became a “thing” of ours. Something we were determined to achieve. We all need goals, right?!

My friends, I give you the four lighthouses from the far corners of New Zealand’s North Island.

Cape Reinga

Cape Reinga

First up was Cape Reigna. We spent a few months living up in the Bay of Islands, working part time, soaking up the summer sun, and exploring this incredible region. It was essential we visited  the far north, and more specifically, Cape Reinga.

Cape Reinga holds huge spiritual significance to the Maori community, New Zealand’s aboriginals, as they believe that every person’s soul must travel up the coast along 90 mile beach, to the Cape. Here, the person’s soul is released.

We spent a few days around this lighthouse. We woke up for sunrise, we stayed for sunset. The whole area is stunning, and in the summer months, it’s hot, sunny, incredible.

Cape Reinga

East Cape

East Cape

After spending a glorious summer in the Bay of Islands, we packed up our camper van and hit the road. East Cape was an absolute must-do, as it’s the first place in the world the sun rises, and that’s just cool to see. It felt like nature was showing off for us, giving us its very best. We dragged ourselves up the countless steps to be there for the view at sunrise; we didn’t regret the effort for a second.

East Cape

Cape Egmont

Cape Egmont

We soon headed inland towards the West coast. It’s absolutely amazing for a prairie girl like me (I’m from Edmonton, Canada) that in New Zealand you are never more than a few hours away from the ocean. We reached the opposite coastline in Raglan, then travelled further south through New Plymouth to the regal Cape Egmont. It was a blistery, windy day when we visited, the wind howled while the rain pelted down on the van. We waited for a break in the weather, then checked out the lighthouse and the views out to sea. 

Cape Egmont

Cape Palliser

Cape Palliser

Last, but certainly not least, was Cape Palliser. We settled in Wellington for the winter, and on a lovely day we took a drive through the rolling hills of Martinborough to a coastline dominated by black sand, breaking waves, and lazy, sleepy seals.

We spent the day hopping rocks, hanging out with the seals, and climbing the 250 steps up to the lighthouse. The sun was shining down on the candy-striped lighthouse as we clambered on the rocks around it, taking in the splendid view. 

Mission accomplished!

We saw so many amazing things on the North Island.  Now, we need a mission for the South Island. Help us out, what shall it be?

Cape Palliser

Shauna and Gareth Roughley are Canadian-based professional photographers travelling New Zealand for one year. Follow their adventures:

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Did you know about the Kingdom of Haiti?

Haiti is know as the first black nation in the world. Most of what is known about the Caribbean island nation is the chaos in it's capital city Port-au-Prince. Which has been the most affected by the 2010 earthquake.

What is not known is the glorious and historic sites located in the colonial city of Cap-Haitien, also known as the Kingdom of Haiti. The kingdom was established shortly after independence under the rule of King Henri Christophe. The king built an iconic, 108,000 square feet structure atop a 3,000 ft high mountain called Citadelle Henri. His royal residence, the Sans Souci Palace, is equally impressive.

City of Cap-Haitien

King Henri Estate, a recently founded tour operation service offers a 4-day exploration of the Kingdom. All aspects of the trip has been arranged by the staff from the Hotel -- food, chauffeured vehicles, guides, access to the different destinations, entertainment and airfare. And they have all been negotiated by the Privy Council. For one price, it's like going to London and having the Queen's Guard prepare your trip and show you around!

Upon your arrival at the Cap-Haitien International Airport, you will be greeted by the estate's Royal Guard who will escort you to your hotel in official vehicles. No buses, because every client is a royal guest. You will first visit the city of Cap-Haitien. It was founded in 1711 under French rule, then known as the Paris of Saint-Domingue, (colonial name of the city) it later served as the Capital of the Kingdom. Sightseeing includes the majestic City Hall, the Cathedral, old houses, boulevard strip and more. 

The second day is the visit to the Citadel Henri. We get there on horseback and ride up to the 3,000 ft high fortress. Staring next year, we will offer aerial tour of the Citadel. Inside you will discover over 365 different cannons and thousands of cannon balls. Built in 1805, it was designed to hold a year's supply of food and ammunition for 5,000 soldiers. There is a museum inside as well. It is also the largest fortress in the Caribbean. The royal residence of the King, Sans Souci Palace, is also visited.

Citadel Henri

After visiting this enormous compound, the third day calls for relaxation. You will be taken to Labadee Beach Village; the world famous tourist port-town. It is a popular stop for cruise ships and is Haiti's number one tourist destination. The water, the mountainous rocks, and sand surely make your experience unforgettable.

Labadee Beach Village 

And the following day, you will be accompanied back to the airport. The Guard will wait with you until your plane takes off.

For more information on this tour please visit our website.  Follow on Twitter @theprinceroyal or like  on Facebook.

All photos are courtesy of Dominique Pierre. 

How to Spend 24 Hours in Milan

Let's face it - most travelers spend time in Milan only because they're flying out of Malpensa at an early hour. Those cheap flights to Milan may be hard to resist (for some reason they're often cheaper than flights into Rome, Italy's largest international gateway), but Milan isn't exactly what most people dream of when they dream about Italy. Milan is busy, noisy, and expensive - and it can also be a fun city in which to spend your last 24 hours in Italy before going home.

Milan Duomo

Photo Credit | Wikipedia 

Here are my top five tips for spending one day in Milan.

1. Stay Near the Airport for that Early-Morning Flight (or Get On the Super-Early Bus)
With a short visit in a city, it's almost always best to find a hotel in the center of the stuff you want to see; when you're flying out of Malpensa in the early morning and you want to see Milan, however, you might be better off booking a hotel near Malpensa airport and just planning to spend the day in the city center. The airport is 45+ minutes away from the city, but you can get back and forth easily via the Malpensa Express train (7E one-way to the central train station) or coach (7.50E one-way to the central train station). If you opt to stay in the city center, just make sure there's a coach running early enough to get you to your flight - the Malpensa Express trains don't usually run early enough.

Milan Malpensa Airport
Photo Credit | Luigi Rosa

2. Book "The Last Supper" In Advance (or Take a City Tour)
Milan's main sights can easily be seen in a day - even less, if you're quick - but Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper" painting (the city's most famous attraction) is notoriously difficult to get into, so your best bet is to book ahead or take a guided city tour. A visit to see the famous fresco is a mere 15 minutes long, but tickets can sell out months in advance. Either reserve your spot before you leave home (8E, including advance booking fee) or sign up for one of the city tours that includes admission to see the "Last Supper" as part of the itinerary.

Santa Maria delle Grazie

Photo Credit | Sergio Calleja

3. Walk Around on the Duomo Roof
The iconic image of Milan is that of its Duomo, the grand cathedral in the very center of the city, and as is the case in any great Italian city Milan's big cathedral is one of its must-see attractions. The Duomo's many spires give it a distinctive look, but more than the appearance it's the fact that you can take an elevator up to the roof of the cathedral (10E for the elevator trip, 6E if you want to take the stairs instead) and wander around up there that makes a visit to Milan's Duomo truly special. The inside of the church is worth a visit (and it's free!), but it's so much more fun when coupled with a trip to the roof. If you're lucky, the weather will be clear enough that you'll be able to see the mountains that loom on the horizon.

Roof of the Duomo

Photo Credit | Oleg Sidorenko

4. Enjoy the Window Shopping
If you know anything about Milan, it's likely to be the city's status as the fashion capital of Italy - and while you may not be able to afford to buy any Prada- or Gucci-stamped souvenirs, you can certainly get into the spirit with some window shopping. Some of the nicest neighborhoods in Milan for simply wandering around are also great for shopping - the Brera and Quadrilatero d'Oro near the Duomo have some charming streets (sometimes lined with designer boutiques), and south of the city center in the Navigli neighborhood you can get a peek at Milan's canals in between visits to art galleries and other shops.

Shopping in Milan

Photo Credit | darkensiva

5. Do an Aperitivo Crawl Instead of Dinner
One of Milan's best contributions to the world of dining has to be the aperitivo - that nightly ritual when locals stop at their favorite bar en route from work to have a drink and some snacks with friends. The locals are most likely going on to dinner afterward, but there's no reason you can't hop from one aperitivo bar to another and call that dinner. The best aperitivo bars will charge a bit more than usual for the drinks, but they make up for this by laying out extensive buffets of real food (not just chips and pretzels) that costs absolutely nothing extra. The Milanese don't gorge themselves on aperitivo, so don't go overboard, but feel free to load up your plate and enjoy the goodies before moving on to the next bar. I can't think of a better way to end your day in Milan.

Aperitivo

Photo Credit | Jeroen Moes

Come back for more!
Of course, there are far more things you could do during your 24 hours in Milan - visit the famous La Scala opera house, soak up some culture at the Pinacoteca di Brera art museum, see a soccer game at the enormous San Siro stadium, wander through the pretty Parco Sempione behind the castle, and spin on the bull's balls (yes, really - see the video below) in the Galleria for good luck. My hope is that after making sure you've squeezed in my top five suggestions you'll have enjoyed your visit to Milan so much that next time you'll plan 48 hours in the city - at least.

Spinning on the bull's balls in Milan


About the Author:
Jessica Spiegel is a Portland-based travel writer for indie travel experts BootsnAll, for whom she writes the WhyGo Italy travel guide. She loves Milan, strongly encourages having gelato at least twice a day when traveling in Italy, and is thoroughly in love with Twitter (you'll find her there as @italylogue).

Traveling Tips in Mongolia

The country of Mongolia is one of the least densely populated countries in the world with 1,566,000 square kilometers of land and 2.8 million inhabitants, and about 1.2 million live in the only city there, called Ulaanbaatar or Ulan Bator. There are few towns besides that, and very few paved roads, as most Mongolians are nomadic herders.  It is known for its wide-open spaces, lush forests, expansive deserts, and crystal clear lakes, and in the past the main Mongol deity was their marvelously vast sky. As a result, Mongolia is the perfect destination for those travelers who want to experience true wilderness.

The best time to travel to Mongolia is between the months of May and October for all types of tourism, with the exception of visiting the Gobi Desert. During these months, the weather is more comfortable and the risk of dust storms is reduced. The months of July and August are considered the rainy months, so those hoping to spend a great amount of time outdoors may want to avoid traveling during that time. If one wishes to visit the Gobi Desert, the months of June and September are thought to be the most desirable months to travel due to the lower temperatures, although they can still be up to thirty degrees celsius.

Photo Credit | Cameco.com

Every person who visits Mongolia, unless they come from over the Russian or Chinese borders, will begin in Ulaanbaatar. Ulaanbaatar is one of the very few areas in Mongolian with Western-style hotels, and restaurants serving food from various nations. Ulaanbaatar is also the home of all the Mongolian banks, and any travelers wishing to convert their currency to Mongolian tögrög (also known as tugrik) should do so before leaving Ulaanbaatar.  

Speaking of Mongolian words, most people speak some basic English and Russian in Ulaanbaatar, but outside the city it is rare to speak anything other than Mongolian. Before you go you can go to online school to learn some basic phrases, as pronunciation guides in many guidebooks prove unhelpful. Ger to Ger, a popular tour company, has a very useful podcast to this effect. 

Once out of Ulaanbaatar, accommodations and dining opportunities are more in line with traditional Mongolian culture. Restaurants outside of Ulaanbaatar will typically serve Mongolian-style cuisine, which tends to be high in both protein and fats. Meat and dairy products are the focal point of traditional Mongolian meals, as the culture focused more on herding than agriculture. While touring the countryside, travelers will likely stay in tent camps constructed specifically for tourists. These camps feature Mongolian ger (pronounced like air), which are the traditional round felt houses that are used by the nomads. The more familiar term for these homes are yurts, but Mongols can get offended by that term so be careful using it. Separate facilities in the campground are available for toileting, washing, and eating, but they may be as basic as holes in the ground with three walls for privacy. Tourists are also welcome to set up camp in most areas of the country, with the exception of settlements and government protected areas.

If you read the official tourism website of Mongolia, you'll note that options for traveling within the country to various tourist destinations can be rather limited due to the nation’s sparse population and poor transportation infrastructure. While in the city of Ulaanbaatar, tourists will have access to a fleet of approximately 3,000 taxis and public bus services. However, outside of the city, there are very few options for transportation outside of a private driver or tour guide. There are buses that go in each of the four directions, but they are hard to get tickets to or even ride on without speaking Mongolian, so it is best to book those through a tour. There are some domestic flights and rail services available to specific destinations. If one wishes to visit more remote areas, or areas outside of the typical tourist destinations such as the old Mongol capitol made famous by Marco Polo, it is recommended that the traveler book a tour guide who is able to coordinate safe and reliable transportation services. More adventurous travelers can request special-interest forms of transportation, including camels and horses. These forms of transportation are common in the very rural areas of Mongolia, including the Gobi Desert. As a warning though, Mongolian horses are somewhat smaller than horses in the West, but a Mongol will take great offense if you dare call their horse a pony. They are a very proud people, and their love of horses is legendary.

Now, most tourists worry about theft and other crime, but for all the West thinks of their barbarism in centuries past Mongolia is one of the safest countries in the world to visit,.The highest rate of crime in Mongolia is in Ulaanbaatar due to the high tourism rate and increased population density. Violent crimes and crimes against tourists are relatively rare occurrences. However, the US Department of State warns visitors that United States citizens have been the victims of petty thefts and pickpocketing in Mongolia, so keep up normal precautions as you would traveling anywhere. The Department of State also warns that inter-racial couples are often targeted; this is mainly because Mongolian men think that foreign men aren't good enough for their women, but there are other instances of aggression against single tourists of other Asian descents as well. Mainly, male tourists should avoid carousing in bars as that is where most fights will happen, although everyone should try the Mongolian mare's milk alcohol, airag. Outside of the city, the risk of crime decreases drastically in large part due to the fact that  population is very sparse.

When in the more rural areas of Mongolia, it is best to pack light and only carry what you use on a daily basis. Unlike hotel accommodations, ger are not designed to store large quantities of luggage. In addition, the typical Mongolian tourist will be engaging in frequent hiking trips, so if you've got a compact tent it is good to bring along. It is advised that tourists wear hiking boots and dress in layers in order to be comfortable in the natural terrain and frequently changing weather. Travelers should be sure to pack mosquito repellent, sunblock, sunglasses, a flashlight, and a personal first aid kit, as travel supplies and medications are difficult to find in rural areas if not impossible.

Mongolia has a fascinating culture and lifestyle, hardly changed from that of the Mongol conquerors centuries ago. Visitors to Mongolia should be have a sense of adventure, and be prepared to go places without Western-style transportation and accommodations. From the wide open steppes and trackless wastes to lush forests and snowy fields, a trip to Mongolia can be a incredibly unique and absolutely unforgettable experience!

Elaine Hirsch is kind of a jack-of-all-interests, from education and history to medicine and videogames. This makes it difficult to choose just one life path, so she is currently working as a writer for various education-related sites and writing about all these things instead.

The Top 5 Hazards on Public Beaches

Ahhh, the beach, pure relaxation; the sea gently washing in and out in the background, the warm sunshine beating down and the feel of the soft sand against your skin. These are all reasons that many of us spend the majority of our time on the beach when we go on holiday, it’s the perfect antidote for the rat race.

Although beaches often seem like a sanctuary of tranquillity and relative safety, there are many dangers. If you take the necessary precautions, a day at the beach can be full of frivolity, and you’ll come back in one piece, ignore the risks however and you could seriously regret ever laying that beach towel down.

Here are five things to watch out for next time you head to the coast:

1. Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is on the rise, particularly in the UK where we are understandably a little less sunshine savvy than warmer countries. It is tragic that there are any deaths from this type of cancer, especially when it is so easily preventable, you’ve heard this a thousand times, and at the risk of sound like a nagging, albeit wise mother (or Baz Lurhman), WEAR SUNSCREEN! Don’t fret, you’ll still get a tan and you won’t look like a square, but you will be protecting yourself from harmful UV rays. Slather up…

Photo Credit | SkinCancer.org

2. Sharks

Remember, that when you go for a paddle in the sea at the beach, you are invading the home of millions of different species of marine life, and in the watery depths (and even the watery shallows), they make the rules. The past year has seen a number of high profile fatal shark attacks, one in Egypt and two in Mauritius, venturing out into warm tropical waters is clearly as much of a risk as it’s ever been and extreme caution should be exercised in areas where sharks are known to venture into.

Photo Credit | 3.bp.blogspot

3. Sewage

A more passive threat than predatory sea life perhaps but one that is just as dangerous. Sewage is a prevalent issues on a surprisingly high number of beaches, especially ones near towns and cities. Obvious it may be, but take care to avoided beaches with sewage overflow pipes which pump gallons of human waste into the water. The most unhygienic time to go for a paddle? Right after it’s rained; rainwater can wash a fresh influx of junk into the sea, turning it into a veritable cesspit. Taking a dip in such dirty water can lead to vomiting, diarrhea and eye infections, and that’s if you keep your mouth closed…

4. Tides

We often underestimate the power of the sea, perhaps because of it’s stunning beauty (when it’s not full of sewage),  it’s soothing docile tones as it washes in and out, and the fact extremely slow moving . As we’ve already learned, underestimating the sea can be a big mistake and getting caught out by rising tides is one of the most common mistakes people make on the beach. Familiarise yourself with the high and low tide times lest you’ll find yourself in deep trouble

Photo Credit | The Milgis Trust

5. Sand

What? You’re kidding right? The stuff you make sand castles out of and dig big holes in? Nope, sand , or more specifically, ‘sand holes’ can pose a huge risk, especially to children. As kids we’ve all vowed to spend all day digging a hole ‘to China’ when at the beach, but such endeavours can be fatal. A sand hole is just what it sounds like, but when a small child cleaners in and the hole collapses, disaster can ensue.

Some even suggest sand holes are more deadly than sharks, and the stats back this claim; in the period 1990-2006, there were 16 sand hole deaths compared to 12 deaths as the result of a shark attack in the U.S according to University of Florida figures. These deaths are not just among youngsters either, in one instance, a 21 year-old met his fate in a sand hole incident.

Clearly the beach is not all fun and games, and, as with most aspects of life, safety should be a paramount consideration. Of course most popular tourist beaches are well cared for, relatively risk-free and well patrolled by lifeguards and coastguards meaning you can enjoy the sun sea and sand without having to worry. They might even rub your sun cream in if you’re lucky!

Joe is a travel blogger and sun-worshipper, you’ll always find him applying his own sun-cream! He will be as cautious as ever on the beach when he goes on his upcoming Cuba holidays. You can follow Joe on Twitter @joe_johnson_

Cheap Hotels and Great Destinations in the UK

Britain, our fair Isle, is a land mass replete with natural beauty, effervescent cityscapes and historical significance. For many of us, it constitutes the perfect budget holiday, but the recession has hit the 60 million population hard, and suddenly, getaway options previously considered as affordable have crept beyond our price range.

Yet, with a little extra research, finding that cheap hotel is still a possibility. With a diverse range of destinations available via a simple car or train journey, the budget holiday you need is at your fingertips.

Now, whilst on the face of it a cheap hotel sounds great, you want value for money. A location 20 miles away from the nearest beauty spot and only accessible via a taxi and ring road is not our idea of good value, nor is a room that harbors dirty bed sheets and a malfunctioning shower. You want a hotel that will add positively to your holiday experience; a place you’re comfortable in. With these simple requirements in mind, consider the following options...

Fancy a trip to Bath? The magnificent world heritage sight boasts some of the most resplendent examples of English architecture in the country, with the Royal Crescent in particular a sight to behold. Should this and its milieu of beautiful, rolling hills; complete with roman baths, interest you, you could set up base at the very affordable Mecure Francis hotel in Georgian Square, right in the heart of the picturesque city centre.

Bath Royal Crescent

Photo Credit | James Stringer

Should you desire something of a more vibrant atmosphere, Liverpool may pique your interest. Entrenched in a culturally rich history, the city offers a fizzing nightlife and charming landmarks, with the Novotel situated smack bang in the centre of this zealous sprawl. Ten minutes walk from Lime Street Station and the Echo Arena, this cool yet cheap hotel ticks all the boxes needed for an enjoyable break.

Now, to London. Notoriously expensive, the capital nevertheless radiates a disarmingly special aura. One of the greatest cities in the world, its cultural diversity and forward-thinking spirit marks it out as a must for anybody wishing to experience Britain at its finest. And, contrary to popular belief, cheap hotels do exist in the city. The Travelodge in Covent Garden rubs shoulders with the famous Drury Lane theatre, whilst the vibrant shopping districts of Carnaby Street, Oxford Street and Regents Street are just a stones throw away. And the rest of this magnificent metropolis? Just hop on the efficient tube network and its at your fingertips. A glorious weekend is guaranteed.

Carnaby Street

Photo Credit | Vicente Alfonso

These hotels are just three of an extensive and varied range of cheap accommodation scattered across some of Britain’s most attractive destinations. Make the most of the sparkling locations on your doorstep; a cheap hotel is always around the corner.

Rob Thomas a freelance travel writer and blogger working for HotelshopUK. He loves going around different parts of the UK on family holidays, and spends a lot of his time writing about his experiences. You can follow him on Twitter @hotelshopuk_com.

Adventures, Food & Fun In Northern California

When I travel, I like to experience as much as possible. This time, I experienced more in a little over two weeks, than in past visits going back months. I dined like Guy Fieri, took a ferry across the San Francisco bay, received the Zagat “foodie” FourSquare badge, visited a real California gold mine with dangerous mountain lions lurking, enjoyed the most awesome apple pie, and visited a casino.

The first stop was Putah Creek Cafe for lunch, in the city of Winters, because family suggested it. They had seen the show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives with Guy Fieri. He went to Putah Creek Café and really enjoyed their fare. This town is a lot of fun for picture taking opportunities. One family member ordered the egg scramble pictured here and I ordered the open-faced steak sandwich. 

We then decided to take a ferry trip across the bay from Vallejo, to Pier 41 and stay on the ferry until we reached the Port of San Francisco. We arrived to the waterfront marina area in Vallejo, CA around 2:00pm. The marina has the most convenient free parking I've experienced for any transportation in and around the San Francisco Bay Area. They even allow the vehicle to sit overnight, in case your time in San Francisco goes all night long.

I picked up the ticket to the Bay Link Ferry, which cost $24 for the Day Pass. A reduced fare pass is $13. They also offer passes to Angel Island, SF Giants Game's, and Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. To find out more about the tickets and their current pricing at this link. 

Everyone boarded the Bay Link Ferry at 3:30 pm and I was told that the second story, especially outside, is fun. I noticed that there is an area on the Ferry where it's perfect to take photos while en route. There were several abandoned buildings; the Vallejo Shipyards, C & H Sugar Co and Carquinez Bridge were in range of my point-and-shoot camera; see the pics here. If you do decide to stay outside during the trip, be careful the wind is very strong. 

The best shots I was able to get were when we passed the East Brother Island Lighthouse Inn, Angel Island complete with rolling fog, went under the Bay Bridge and then, past Alcatraz. 

San Francisco Bay Fog

Alcatraz 

We arrived first at Pier 41. You can get off here, which is convenient for people who want to visit the hustle and bustle of the famous Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf and the most excellent Ghirardelli Square. Pier 39 is most known for their various shops, sea lion watching, street performers, while Fisherman's Wharf is known for the seafood restaurant's and a real working bakery inside of Boudin, who’s known for their chowder in sourdough bread bowls. If you haven’t enjoyed chowder inside of a bread bowl, try this restaurant first.

San Francisco, CA

If you feel adventurous, walk a few blocks towards Ghirardeli Square. Be sure to get a sundae when you visit Ghirardeli, I got the Strike It Rich. My version of the sundae includes delicious layers of peanut butter, fudge, nuts, rocky road and mint chocolate chip ice cream topped with whipped cream, a chocolate square the ever-important cherry. 

YUM!

Port of San Francisco Ferry Building

The second stop for the Bay Link Ferry takes about a half hour and you will end up at the San Francisco Ferry Building. There is a nice plaque and gateway once you exit the ferry. Below is my post from Instagram about the experience of stepping through Gate B: 

“As I stepped through Gate B at the Port of #SanFrancisco, I understood a little bit of what my great, great, great grandparents felt arriving at Ellis Island. I had a sense of excitement as I breached the granite & metal doors to new possibilities. Today, I was an immigrant. #travel”

Then, it was time to find a few more photo opportunities inside and around the Ferry building. We explored the Ferry building, plus its many shops. We ended up at Gott's Roadside Restaurant for dinner. Or as they say, “tray gourmet.” You can't miss Gott's, it has a giant red neon G at the front door. 

During the trip, I checked into places on FourSquare to keep track on "where I've been." After checking into Gott's, I received the Zagat "Foodie" badge. This was exciting because I had been trying to earn it while in Las Vegas.

Now nearing the end of the Northern California trip, the family and I decided to go for brunch in Auburn. Auburn is one of California’s former State Capitals and was the scene of a real gold rush that started in 1849. Quaint shops, old time bars, a central post office and antique stores dot a hill that goes up towards the fair grounds. Many years ago, the fair grounds were where the California State Gold Panning Championships was held. 

Auburn, CA

Visiting Auburn gave me gold fever. I’ve felt gold fever before and the only way to cure is to get more cowbell. More cowbell is a visit to a real California gold mine. We went to Placerville, which is an hour drive from Sacramento, then made it to the Gold Bug Mine. It was a cool place to see, but we arrived there a little later than we wanted, so we didn’t get to see much of the mine. The gift shop has some cool gold specimens for sale and gold prospecting related literature. If you want to have a picnic in the area, be aware that mountain lions have been seen around. 

Gold Bug Mine

The weekend is a great time to be in the Placerville area. This city is also near an area known as Apple Hill. I’ve been to the area a few times, for the most amazing apple pies. Several places sell apple pies, but the best I’ve had yet is from Boa Vista Orchards, at their shop, called the Pie Tin. The apples, in their standard pie, literally melt in your mouth and that’s when the pie is cold!

Boa Vista Orchards, Apple Hill, CA

The final stop on the way back from Placerville, was a new casino called Red Hawk. It has a lot of parking, a generous player’s club for new members. Red Hawk is clean and is similar to those that you would find in Las Vegas, which cater to locals. I would definitely go back and bring friends, especially for the view from the parking garage. You can see miles of rolling hills and if you are there at sunset, it’s an even more amazing.

Sunset at Red Hawk

This was one of the best adventures through Northern California that I have experienced in years. It was fun to enjoy time with family and friends, while sharing all of the experiences through Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, FourSquare and many other social networking sites. Being able to connect with multiple different groups on each service and via the social web was one of the best parts. Friends online shared their tips with me, while headed to or after arriving at the destination. This made my Northern California trip one that family, my friends, followers and I will remember for many years to come.

Christopher Rauschnot is an accomplished social media and engagement consultant. He has made a positive impact in the hospitality, travel, nightlife, entertainment and technology industries. He has been directly involved with the creation of several corporate media policies and is a conference speaker. Most recently, he participated in a panel at the 2011 CES titled “Social Media In Action: Philosophies, Strategies and Tactics That Consistently Win.” He is an active user of Twitter at @24k and @24kMedia and he has a  24k Media Facebook Page. He blogs about technology at TheMacWizard.com and social media on the Huffington Post.

5 Strange Things You’ll See in Bratislava

1. This statue, called The Watcher, is one of the main sights in the old town portion of Bratislava. I’m not sure which of these three things is strangest: this statue’s fame, the lack of attention paid to its voyeuristic nature, or the way every tourist who sees it seems to find it too fascinating to resist taking a picture.

2. These voodoo dolls are for sale in several of the gift shops throughout the city. Not sure what message that would send if you were to bring one home to a friend.

3. There are a few other cities that come to mind first when communism is mentioned, but Bratislava’s landscape is perhaps one of the more overlooked picture-perfect examples of communist architecture. For a great view of hundreds of nearly identical buildings stretching out as far as you can see, head up to the medieval castle on the hill.

4. The coffee that is served in the McDonalds on one of the main streets in Bratislava looks like what one might expect to receive in a four star hotel’s café. Travelers and locals alike sit in the McCafe with their newspapers and laptops enjoying the afternoon, as though this were any other quaint coffee shop in town.

5. When venturing out on the town at night, you will probably run into a bachelor party or two. Bratislava is probably not the first locale that comes to mind when Americans are thinking about where to throw a great pre-wedding fete, but it is not an unusual choice for bachelors from nearby European countries and Britain. Perhaps this is because there isn’t much to do in Bratislava, and therefore not too much trouble to cause once you’ve had a few drinks too many?  The above-mentioned statue is also probably much more interesting to visit once the party has started.

About the author: Jackie DesForges is a writer from Los Angeles currently living in Chicago. To date she has served as a student ambassador in England and France, a volunteer in Mexico, an art student on the Riviera, and a fledgling travel writer in Edinburgh. Currently she spends her time blogging about travels past and present at MisadventuresofTravelGirl.blogspot.com and saving her pennies for her next great adventure overseas. You can follow Jackie on Twitter at @jackie_travels