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MARCH 2020 ISSUE NO 241

VIAJERO

TIPS BEFORE TRAVELLING

MARCH 2020 | ISSUE NO 24 | $100.00

$100.00

editor's notes Travel is the movement of people between relatively distant geographical locations, and can involve travel by foot, bicycle, automobile, train, boat, airplane, or other means, with or without luggage, and can be one way or round trip. Travel can also include relatively short stays between successive movements.

Know every single thing before going off a trip.

China Babe

“BE FEARLESS IN THE PURSUIT OF WHAT SETS YOUR SOUL ON FIRE.” JENNIFER LEE

CONTENTS

Why Travel? p4 There are reasons why travelling is good foryou

What to do before travelling? p5 You must know what you have to prepare before travelling

Art of Packing. p7 There are a lot of things to pack, but not too much.

Creating an Itinerary. p10 You should know where you are going

Travel Journalling. p12 Must take notes, not only with pictures.

Why Write a Journal when Travelling? p.13 Let every place have a mark on your heart

How to Write a Travel Journal. p.14 Must know how, to be remembered.

Why travel?

WRITTEN BY CHINA BABE Not every trip needs an explanation and not every vacation needs a justification. People travel for all sorts of different reasons or for no reason at all, but you should know why you are travelling and know why this is the place you're going to.

There are different reasons why travelling is good for you.

Travel opens your eyes. You'll be able to appreciate the things around you especially the nature, keeping you away from work, stress, or even heartbreaks. Travelling will give you a new perspective in life and a new chapter to begin with.

Traveling helps you learn who you are. No matter how much you think that you already know who you are, there are still things you don't know about yourself.

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Travel creates meaningful relationships.

You may meet a lot of people when you travel, they might become your longtime friends or even your soulmate.

Travel helps you learn new languages.

It's satisfying when you learn something you don't know, and it will be remarkable and leave a mark in your heart.

Travel means adventure. Taking a speedboat ride in New Zealand, or hopping in a Land Rover and heading out to watch animals grazing in Tanzania: these are adventures worth having. People are hardwired for the excitement of adventure and travel may just be the best way to tap into it.

Even if you’re traveling for the sake of it, that is a reason worth talking about too.

to travel is to live.

What to do before travelling?

WRITTEN BY CHINA BABE Before travelling, there are a lot of things to do. Here's a small checklist for you to see if everything's prepared and what more do you need to prepare before going off.

Documents.

Get a passport; if you already have one, check its expiration date. If you need a new passport, apply right away, don't wait. Although we got ours in less than a month it has sometimes been known to take as long as 3 months to arrive.

Prepare the Visas. Depending on your nationality each country has different arrangements, and requirements can change. Waiting for a visa can take a month or more, so submit your visa application early and ensure it will be valid for your entire stay.

Medical Preparations.

Check your medications. If you use medication, ensure you have enough to last throughout the duration of your trip. Carry a copy of your prescription for added security. Also, if you are undergoing any special treatment, consider carrying a scanned copy of your records or a letter from your doctor detailing your treatment. ÉCHAPPER | 05

Financial preparations for traveling.

Ensure your credit card will work in the country you’re visiting. Does your card have a chip? Most foreign banks have switched to chip-and-PIN technology, and fewer businesses abroad accept the outdated magnetic-strip cards.

Check your credit card's additional benefits.Some credit cards cover canceled flights and lost bags if you've purchased your ticket using the card.

Research extra travel fees and taxes.

Some countries require travelers to pay an entrance or departure fee, which can cost as much as $200. These fees are not included in the price of your airline ticket, so budget accordingly.

Destination research Buy tickets before you arrive. Tourists can often get special discounts that locals cannot access, but some must be purchased before arrival. We've seen hefty savings for train tickets in some countries.

Search and download apps and maps beforehand. To avoid data charges from your wireless carrier, download all your travel apps before you leave and ensure that any apps you choose can be accessed offline.

Check multiple hotel sites before you book. From HostelWorld to Expedia, Booking, Hotels.com, Agoda and more.

Filter for prices, amenities, and ratings before you book.

take only memories leave only footprints ÉCHAPPER | 06

Know the climate and weather in the country you'll be travelling in.

Countries have different climates and weathers. You must know this in order to know what kind of things and clothes you'll be bringing in your travel.

Staying in touch while you travel.

Activate your phone’s global capabilities. There’s usually a charge for doing this, but it is much less than the roaming charges you’ll get if you don’t. There are 2 ways to avoid charges: purchase and use a local SIM card Rent a pocket WiFi Security while traveling Prepare for backup. It's peace of mind in the event your electronics are lost or stolen.

Home security. Have someone check on your place once a week and, if you rent, let your landlord know you'll be away.

Keep copies of documents on hand. If something happens to your passport or wallet, you'll need all of your identifying information. Use your phone's camera to take a photo of the important passport pages (personal information and visa) and photo ID so you will have it on hand in an emergency.

Consider a tour or local guide. Working with a local guide can ensure your “memorable experience” is a good one.

M R O F

M R O F

the art of packing China Babe

Packing for lots of unknowns can contribute to pre-trip

Toilet Paper: Many countries in Asia do not

stress. Most items can be purchased inexpensively once

provide it in public toilets. Always keep some

you arrive. You'll inevitably take advantage of cheap

handy for encounters with squat toilets. Don't

shopping opportunities in Asia, so your bags are

flush toilet paper unless you're certain doing so

guaranteed to grow. Leave room — being over packed

won't cause a problem.

isn't fun and will certainly make getting around a lot less

Hand Sanitizer: Those same public toilets that do

enjoyable.

not have toilet paper also will not have soap for washing your hands afterward.

Consider Bringing These Items With You, Although there

Smartphone or Small Camera: The most random

are exceptions, these items are best brought from home:

things can be seen when wandering the streets of

Rain Cover: Luggage is sometimes put on top of

big cities in Asia — be prepared! Although a larger

buses and on the decks of ferries. A pop-up storm

camera such as an SLR will help you to capture

could leave your stuff soaked, even if you're not

great pictures, you may not always have time to

traveling during the monsoon season. A lightweight

get it out fast enough.

rain cover comes in handy for protecting backpacks.

Appropriate & Enough Clothes: It is essential to

Medicines and First Aid: Pharmacies can be found

bring appropriate clothes when travelling

throughout Asia, but your prescription medications

especially depending on the climate and the

may be sold under different names and labels.It's best

weather.

to keep them handy wherever you go.

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M R O F

M R O F

the art of packing China Babe

Packing clothes for travelling depends on the country and the

Be conservative with shoes. Even shoes that you normally

person. Pack light--- the number 1 rule in travelling. Here are some

consider comfortable may pinch your feet or give you blisters.

tips on that, for women!

Go for the most comfortable yet neutral shoes you can find,

Packing light provides you and your trip flexibility. Therefore, I

and make sure they’re broken in. Bring cuter shoes for short

pack mostly black or blue jeans and clothes and provide color

outings or evenings.

with scarves and accessories. I am also a confirmed “roller”.

When in Asia, always travel with a scarf. It’s perfect for

Bring the jeans, leave the heels. Make sure you bring the right

places that use a bit too much air conditioning (you can throw

bras. When you’re stacked, it can be a real challenge to make sure

it over your shoulders) or wear it as a skirt if your clothing isn’t

the girls are locked and lovely. My fave combo is one everyday bra,

appropriate for temples. A scarf always makes clothing look a

one sexy bra, and one sports bra. A bunch of packing tips in one

bit more put together.

shot!

Bring versatile clothing that you can reuse in several

If you love your jeans, just pack them. No matter what else

outfits. Less clothes to bring!

someone tells you—they take too long to dry, they smell bad wet,

Trench coat or a jacket. There are a lot of cold places around

they are heavy—yes, they are all of those things…but they are also

the world. You'll never know when will it rain or when the cold

something you’ll likely wear every day on the road, just like at

winds will come!

home.

Have lip balm and your Speedo especially if you’re

Think twice about the hiking boots. Not only are they bulky and

traveling in Europe. Most hotels have swimming pools! And

heavy, but I find that even when I’ve packed them in the past, I’ve

always pack light is one of the golden packing tips!

felt more comfortable wearing a pair of Toms or Chucks. Unless you’re thinking about some serious hiking, you can get away with Always depend your clothing style to the place you'll be travelling a much lighter (and more fashionable) shoe

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to.

M R O F

M R O F

the art of packing China Babe

Packing clothes for travelling depends on the country and the

Be conservative with shoes. Even shoes that you

person. Pack light--- the number 1 rule in travelling. Here are

normally consider comfortable may pinch your feet or give

some tips on that, for men!

you blisters. Go for the most comfortable yet neutral shoes

Packing light provides you and your trip flexibility.

you can find, and make sure they’re broken in. Bring cuter

Therefore, I pack mostly black or blue jeans and clothes and

shoes for short outings or evenings.

provide color with scarves and accessories. I am also a

Bring versatile clothing that you can reuse in several

confirmed “roller”.

outfits. Less clothes to bring!

If you love your jeans, just pack them. No matter what

Trench coat or a jacket. There are a lot of cold places

else someone tells you—they take too long to dry, they smell

around the world. You'll never know when will it rain or

bad wet, they are heavy—yes, they are all of those things…

when the cold winds will come!

but they are also something you’ll likely wear every day on

Coats and slacks. It doesn't matter whether you're going

the road, just like at home.

to somewhere formal or not. In this generation, it doesn't

Think twice about the hiking boots. Not only are they

matter, may it be for special occasions or not.

bulky and heavy, but I find that even when I’ve packed

Have lip balm and your Speedo especially if you’re

them in the past, I’ve felt more comfortable wearing a pair

traveling in Europe. Even males can use lip balms, since

of Toms or Chucks. Unless you’re thinking about some

cold weather can make your lips chap. Most hotels have

serious hiking, you can get away with a much lighter (and

swimming pools! And always pack light is one of the

more fashionable) shoe

golden packing tips!

Hats and caps. For both fashion and comfort, and also to

avoid the heat!

EL VIAJERO | 09

creating an itinerary Annette

Being tied to a strict itinerary will cause you anxiety, but it also can

Do Your Research

waste precious time when you don’t have a plan. I never want to

If you want to get the most out of your experience, you need to

be spending hours in my hotel room trying to figure out what to

know what you want to do and what will make the ultimate

do for the day, when I can actually be out there doing it!

travel venture for you. Are you fascinated by a town’s history, culture or food? Do you want your trip to just be about crazy

In the beginning of my travel career, I spent a couple months

adventures and a city’s vibrant nightlife? Answering these

creating a London itinerary, not wanting to miss a thing. I

questions means that you need to do some research for the area

purchased an expensive map and spent hours putting little

you are visiting.

numbered stickies on all the places to be visited. These numbers coordinated with an Excel spreadsheet that listed the attractions

Prior to traveling anywhere I do an online search of “unique

by name along with other essential information.

things to do in XYZ”, “traditional foods of XYZ” and “best restaurant in XYZ”. I then scroll through dozens of the result

It was foolproof—so I thought.

sites quickly, making a list in Evernote of all the things that even

On day one, while walking to Abbey Road, the map fell

slightly interest me. It is important to get past the first few

out of my purse and was gone. Countless hours of

pages of the Google results to find more personal stories and

planning were down the drain in a matter of minutes.

Since then I have never bought a paper map, (especially since almost every airport and hotel has a free one you can pick up when you arrive).

I create and store all my itineraries with the Evernote app. The app can keep maps, photos and links to important websites that can be accessed on any of my devices. You can also set up an offline notebook in order to see your notes without Internet access, but keep in mind that you will need Wi-Fi to access any links.

blogs, instead of large generic sites that can give you only a touristy perspective.

If the city or country’s Tourism Board website does not come up within the search results, I always check their site for recommendations. I may also see if Netflix has any documentaries on the destination that can be rented, plus browse a few travel guides at the bookstore.

After there is a rough list, more elaborate research is done on each attraction and restaurant to determine what will be kept on the itinerary versus what will be deleted. Keep in mind that you can’t see and do it all, so put an asterisk by the items that are absolute must-dos.

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Divide a City into Sections

Many large cities will be split up in districts, like Paris with its arrondissements or the London boroughs. Look at an online map and determine

This way you will have plenty of options on what to in the district that you will be in without having to be strict about the time.

the sections of a city you are traveling to. Create a Leave Room for Opportunity & Be Realistic header in Evernote for each district; if a town Even when I am in a location trying to make a tick doesn’t have sections, it can be zoned into four off the bucket list I create loose itineraries, ones quadrants (NE, NW, SE, SW). If your travels will be through several small villages, your headers can just be the name of the village.

Start taking the items from your master list and placing them in the sections that they are located in. This will make planning your day easier when you know what area you will be headed to and all the things you can do there.

Create a Calendar

Make a calendar for each day of your vacation. You can either do this in a simple list format or create a table. Take a look at your “things to do” list, there are bound to be certain attractions/events that have to be done on specific days due to limited open hours or reservation availability, so put those on the calendar first under the appropriate day and time.

If there are free hours on that specific date, then add anything that is in that same district to it, starting with the important items that have an asterisk next to them. Don’t put specific times on these other entries just squeeze as many as you can in before or after you scheduled event.

that leave room for unexpected opportunities, because a bucket list is just as much about the journey as it is the checkmark.

There are always times while exploring a city that something incredible sidetracks you, and if you are scheduled with events back to back you may have to miss out. Of course you’re going to want to see and do everything on your trip, but also be realistic.Don’t expect to land in Europe, after twelve hours of travel and hit the ground running jam-packing your itinerary from sun up to down.

Leave room for meals, sleep, jetlag and rest. Plus expect a few hiccups along the way; flights can be delayed, restaurants can lose reservations and an attraction may pale in comparison in person to the photographs on the Internet.

In the Bahamas our tour guide forgot to pick us up at the hotel, it rained for 24 hours straight and the buggy we rented got a flat tire in the first half hour. Yes, it changed our itinerary a bit, but instead of the original plan we met a lovely Bahamian couple that graciously drove us to the local fish fry where we ate cracked conch and drank bottles of Kalik beer.

Sometimes the unexpected is the most memorable part of the journey.

Don’t Forget the Extras

Add your flight numbers, hotel addresses, maps, etc. to your itinerary file for easy access. All my itineraries include this information, plus the currency exchange rate (so I know how much 1 US dollar is worth in the country). It is much easier to look at one file then have to scroll through dozens of emails or check different apps to find what I am looking for.

Happy Traveling!

EL VIAJERO | 11

Travel Journalling WRITTEN BY PENZU

Traveling has the potential to be wildly fulfilling. It exposes you to new cultures, different perspectives and unique experiences.

The further you travel the more you are pushed out of your comfort zone. And the more you are pushed out of your comfort zone, the more you learn about yourself and the world around you.

One of the most popular types of journals is a travel journal. By having a travel diary, you can keep all these new experiences and knowledge in one place where you can reflect on them.

What is a travel journal?

Travel journals are a place where you can write about trips you have taken, what you learned during and the experiences you had. It is a collection of adventures, stories, memories and discovery. It doesn’t matter where you're going or who you’re traveling with, an online trip journal can come anywhere.

ÉCHAPPER | 12

Why Write A Journal When Traveling?

WRITTEN BY PENZU There are many benefits of keeping a journal when traveling, but here are a few to start with: Remember More By writing down the things you want to do on your trip and the things you have done during it, you won’t forget the reasons you wanted to go and will remember more of your visit.

Learn More When traveling somewhere new, you will learn a lot about that place’s culture, customs and people. By having a place to write down your observations, you will absorb more of your surroundings.

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Reflect More A journal is a place to record new things you have discovered while exploring various places you visit. By having all these new findings in one place, you will be able to look back and reflect on what you have learned and apply it to other parts of your life.

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”

St. Augustine

How to write a Travel Journal?

WRITTEN BY PENZU You don’t need to be traveling to Timbuktu to write a travel diary. Your writing can start with a family vacation or a weekend getaway. All you need is a destination and your holiday journal can begin!

Use your journal to plan your trip Your trip journal can begin before your trip has even started. Use your journal to start planning the things you want to do. It can be anything from a cool restaurant you want to eat at, a hike you want to go on or different sights you want to see. Write down whatever is on your trip check-list, so you don’t forget it.

Once you know what you want to do, do some research and figure out the best way to do it. If you want to go see a special monument, figure out the best way to get there and put it in your journal. If you want to do some cool activities, write down the contact information of the people, places or tours that facilitate them. Your journal is also a great place to keep the contact information of your accommodations and transportation.

take only memories leave only footprints ÉCHAPPER | 14

Write about what you imagine it will be like Sometimes when you travel, your destination is wildly different than what you expected. Maybe you expected the local food to be bad and it turned out to be delicious. Maybe you imagined the town to be smaller than it actually is. Maybe you thought you would be more comfortable with the language. Whatever it is, think about writing it down before you arrive. It will be interesting to compare these predictions to what you actually experienced.

Write during your trip It is always easier to remember things when they are fresh in your brain, so try and write as much as you can while traveling; every day if you can.

Your journal entries don’t have to be long, but let them highlight what you feel was most important or exciting.

How did you feel during your visit to the local market? What did you smell, taste and hear? Did you learn something new from the person you spoke to at the bar?

Were you surprised by the clothes

Write about your trip after you leave

people were wearing? What was

Since you write about your trip

the view from the top of the

before you arrive, you should also

mountain like? Before you go to

write about it after you leave.

bed, try and recall what you did

What was it like?

that day, what you thought and

What did you learn?

how you felt. This will serve as a

What surprised you?

great way to remember more from

What disappointed you?

your trip, but will also help you reflect and grow from what you

It is important to reflect on your travels, so

encountered.

you can retain new understandings and

Add pictures to your journal

apply them to future adventures. This is

Even though your journal is meant

also a great way to learn about yourself,

for writing, pictures are still worth a

other people you may have travelled with

thousand words. Combining

and how you can grow. Step back from all

pictures with your first-hand

the things you did and try to see the big

accounts of what they represent, or

picture. It may surprise you.

what happened when they were taken, will make for an even more comprehensive narrative of your travels. Don’t worry about glueing or taping anything either. Penzu allows you to upload pictures straight into your online travel journal, so you can keep your pictures and words connected and organized.

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“Not all those who wander are lost.”

― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

“Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.”

A N I T A

D E S A I