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Hey travellers!

How are you? We are happy to tell you about Haikugirl’s Japan. Her real name is Alison Muskett and she is passionate about Japan. Way Away interviewed Ali and here you have amazing recommendations when travelling to Japan:

– What is the most impressing place in Japan you have ever been? What advice would you give to someone who wishes to travel there?

It’s hard to pick just one impressive place in Japan, but one of my most memorable experiences has to be my trip to the Yuki Matsuri (Snow Festival) in Sapporo, Hokkaido. I had never seen so much snow in my life, and seeing gigantic snow and ice sculptures there was just unbelievable. As well as enjoying the festival while I was in Hokkaido, I was able to try local food, such as ‘soup curry’ (which certainly warms you up!), and visit other tourist attractions, including a chocolate factory. The Yuki Matsuri happens yearly in February, and it’s an unmissable experience. Dress for the cold weather – the snow will be piled high, and streets do become slippery – but remember lots of layers because inside it will be very warm.

Yuki Matsuri (Snow Festival) in Sapporo, Hokkaido

– What do you hate to forget in your suitcase when travelling?

I’m a big fan of lists, so I don’t think I have ever forgotten anything while travelling. I guess the one thing I would be gutted to forget would be my camera battery charger – I don’t know what I would do if I couldn’t take photos.

– What would you say to those travellers who are afraid to travel on their own, and end up going to a travel agency even if they do not like taking part in organized tours?

The first time I went to Japan in 2006 I was 24 years old and had never travelled alone before, but I had the best two weeks of my life. I travelled around Japan, using a JR Pass (a kind of train pass only available to foreigners) and, although I couldn’t speak any Japanese at all, I really didn’t run into any problems. The key to my trip was planning – I was nervous about travelling alone, so I planned everything meticulously before I went, and booked all my accommodation in advance. I spent months planning, and was then able to relax and enjoy myself for the whole of my trip. Now, there are so many blogs and websites giving advice about travel, and it must be much easier than when I went 7 years ago. So, if you’d like to travel alone but you’re feeling a bit scared, my advice to you is to just go for it! Plan, plan, plan – and then have the best time of your life.

– What kind of food have you tried on your travels around Japan and you found it delicious/surprising? Can you recommend us any place where to try it out?

I’ve tried a lot of interesting food in Japan, and I really think it’s the country with the best food in the world. As a pescetarian (I eat fish but not meat), it was sometimes difficult in Japan, but I could always rely on sushi. For a genuine taste of Japan, though, I would recommend trying takoyaki from Osaka. If you just walk around downtown Osaka you will come across a number of stalls selling freshly made takoyaki – a kind of dumpling with octopus in it – and you can just stand on the street eating it. It’s very hot inside – so be careful not to burn your mouth!

Good food from Japan!

– Finally, tell us something that happened to you travelling and that you will never forget!

This is another difficult question to answer, because I had so many amazing experiences in Japan. Something I will never forget, though, is attending a festival with my Japanese friend. The festival was called Oni Matsuri (Demon Festival), and it was a proper local festival, bound in traditions. At the climax of the festival, lots of white flour-like powder is thrown out into the crowd, and you have to dive in and try to grab these lucky bags. We got covered in flour, but it was so much fun, and incredible to be involved in something so traditional that must have happened in that town for years. When travelling, I like to try to get involved in local things as much as possible, and to try to see the country as residents must see it. One of the best ways to do this is to attend local festivals and events.

Oni Matsuri - Haikugirl's Japan with Kazue

Ali, thank you very much for your time and your advices. We are sure, travellers are going to take them into consideration!

Are you planning on travelling to Japan? See our suggested itinerary around Japan
Do you want to know the best time for travelling to Japan? Do you want to know if you need a VISA? Wondering about the best things to do? Where to sleep? See detailed information about Japan

Hola travellers!

Here we have the interview with Christine!! She is an American expat living in beautiful northern Spain after spending three years soaking up the Andalusian sun. Enjoy the interview and smile while reading! And know the importance of learning a little bit of Spanish when travelling to Spain! 😉

– What is the most impressive place in Spain you have ever been to? What advice would you give to someone who wishes to travel there?

It’s so difficult to name just one place in Spain that has impressed me. I’ve been equally impressed by the Moorish history in Granada as I have by the natural beauty found in Basque Country. The pueblos blancos, Sevilla’s Cathedral, Madrid’s Royal Palace, Barcelona’s architecture, the medieval towns and castles…Spain impresses me as a whole.

The advice I’d give to someone wanting to travel to Spain is to definitely brush up on their Spanish before coming here. While a lot of people in the hospitality industry speak a little English, it’s always helpful to be able to ask for directions, order food, etc. in Spanish.

Christine in Spain
– What do you hate to forget in your suitcase when traveling?

If I ever were to forget my DSLR camera, I’d be so disappointed! I love capturing my travels through photos–they’re the best souvenirs!

– What would you say to those travellers who are afraid to travel on their
own, and end up going to a travel agency even if they do not like taking
part in organized tours?

I would tell them that everyone is afraid to travel alone at first, but once you do it, it’s one of the most liberating feelings ever. If you can find your way in a foreign country (bonus points if the local language is not your native tongue!) you’ll feel like you can take on anything alone. I would encourage them to get in touch with others who have traveled solo, to stay in hostels (makes it easier to meet fellow travelers) or to couch-surf and really get a taste of local life.

– What kind of food have you tried on your travels around Spain and you
found it delicious/surprising? Can you recommend us any place where to try
it out?

I am so in love with Spanish cuisine! Before coming here, I didn’t really know what to expect of the gastronomy, but I have been blown away by it! Some of my favorite foods are boquerones en vinagre (anchovies in vinegar, olive oil and topped with lots of garlic), carrillada (braised pork cheek) and alubias a la vasca (red beans flavored with pork fat). I’d recommend eating regionally when you’re in Spain. Every region has their own specialties that are made the best in their place of origin.

Christine in Spain
– Finally, tell us something that happened to you while travelling and that you will never forget …

When I first came to Spain, I took a solo trip to Jerez de la Frontera. I knew Jerez was famous for its sherry, and I wanted to go on a wine tour/tasting, so I walked around town following signs that promised a winery nearby. I was feeling pretty proud of myself that I’d found the place without a map and as I walked up to buy my ticket, I started rehearsing in my head what I’d say to the woman at the ticket counter. At that point in time, my Spanish was basically non-existent, so the fact that I had had made it through the conversation with a ticket in hand had me feeling a huge sense of relief.

As I was walking up to the museum, I was still convinced I was going to learn all about sherry, until my tour guide greeted me and asked why I was so interested in clocks. I quickly looked around and realized I had just bought a ticket for the Clock Museum! I was so embarrassed by my mistake, that I just went along with the tour because I couldn’t face the woman at the ticket office again. Easily the most boring tour I’ve ever been on!

Thank you Christine for your time with the interview! Do you want to know more about Christine and her adventures around Spain? You can follow her stories, photos and adventures at www.christineinspain.com

Way Away interviews Becky Ances, a writer, traveller and tea drinker living in China. Enjoy this interview about travelling around China and follow all her travels, advices and stories around China at her blog.

Becky Ances at the Stone Forest

In Yunnan province at the famous Stone Forest. The ‘forest’ is actually karst peaks jutting out from everywhere. In Yunnan they say that if you haven’t seen the stone forest, you haven’t really seen Yunnan.

–    What is the most impressing place in China you have ever been? What advice would you give to someone who wishes to travel there?

One of my favorite things to do in China is climbing mountains. Most mountains in China have spiritual and historical meaning in addition to being a beautiful natural place. You don’t just climb a mountain through the woods, but usually follow a stone path (with lots and lots of steps!) and you pass by temples, small villages, ancient stonework and more. It feels more like an adventure through time than just climbing.

The most important mountains (like Yellow Mountain and Mount Tai) are located outside of the cities, so you’ll need to travel to get there. But being as they are so famous there are plenty of buses and ways to get there. Sometimes it might feel daunting to get out of the big cities in China, but it is absolutely worth it.

– What do you hate to forget in your suitcase when travelling?

Deodorant! It is not commonly used in China so finding it if you forget it, or run out, is really difficult. I stock up when I go to America and ask my parents to send me some to make sure I never run out. And I also never go anywhere without a packet of tissues in my pocket, as toilet paper is not commonplace in China.

Becky Ances climbing TaiShan

Becky almost near the top of Tai Shan, one of the most famous mountains that the first emperor climbed almost 2,000 years ago and declared China one united country. Other famous climbers include Confucius, Chairman Mao and now me! I’m about to walk through the ‘Gate of Immortality.’

– What would you say to those travellers who are afraid to travel on their own, and end up going to a travel agency even if they do not like taking part in organized tours?

I am not a fan of groups. I have done a few organized tours in China because it saved me money on doing it on my own, but never again! You spend one rushed hour at the amazing site, then two hours at some stupid silk or jade factory. It’s not worth the small savings.

The thing to remember is that popular tourists sights want to get you to visit them, so there are always buses and ways to get there, and resources for English speakers. It takes a little bit of courage, it seems nerve-wracking at first, but it is ultimately much more rewarding to do it by yourself.

Also, if you feel really nervous about taking public buses to tourist sites, in the major cities you can always hire a car often with an English speaking driver. It’s more expensive (but cheap compared to western prices) and you have a car and driver at your disposal so you can take all the time you need at attractions and not worry about someone else’s schedule. Even in smaller cities I have rented taxi driver for the day to take me around.

– What kind of food have you tried on your travels around China and you found it delicious/surprising? Can you recommend us any place where to try it out?

The happiest surprise regarding food is street food. You can find incredibly delicious and cheap food just about on any street corner. Things like baked sweet potatoes (so delicious on a cold winters night), steamed baozi, barbecue chickens legs and sugar covered strawberries. I’ve eaten a lot of street food and never gotten sick as a result of it.

Each region has its own special dishes so if you happen to travel to Beijing you can go to the famous night market next to Wangfujie and try crazy things like grilled starfish or scorpion. But for normal street food in Beijing, head to the historical hutong areas. As you wander the maze of traditional homes you will pass by many vendors selling all different styles of food.

In Shanghai the specialty is spring onion pancakes and dumplings called xiao long bao. I’ve found the area near the Shanghai Library in the French Concession is a great place to wander and snack.

Becky Ances loves street food

Some famous grilled tofu in Kunming. As long as the food stand looks relatively clean, and many people go there, it’s probably safe to eat.

– Finally, tell us something that happened to you travelling and that you will never forget!

My best friend is a Chinese guy and one winter break he invited me to his hometown. His family lives in a very small village and I got to meet his parents, grandparents, cousins and more. I’ve never been in a more comfortable or hospitable environment despite me not being able to communicate very well with them.

One day my friend and I took a hike in a totally secluded gorge. There was not another soul in sight except some chickens. They followed us as we walked, and made soft clucking and cooing sounds. They also walked on tiles broken on the ground which made a very melodic tinkling sound. At one point a pair of herons flew by and landed on the jade green water below. The place was so peaceful and quiet I could hear their wings flap as they took off and flew away. It was the most peaceful moment I have had in China, a place not known for it’s quiet!

Becky Ances with her best friends grandparents in China

Becky with her best friends grandparents in their home in a small village in southern China. While we couldn’t communicate directly (my friend had to translate) me and his grandparents got along very well, and I felt really comfortable in their cozy house.

Thank you Becky for your time! Do you want to know a little bit more about the Becky? Here you have a little biography: Becky Ances is an American writer, traveller and tea drinker who has lived in China for more than three years. During the school year you can find her in Southern China teaching English to university students, but during holidays she is wandering and exploring. You can read about her adventures at www.beckyances.net.

Are you planning on travelling to China? See our suggested itinerary around China

Bethaney Davies is one third of Flashpacker Family – a semi-nomadic, globetrotting family from Christchurch, New Zealand. Bethaney, Lee and their toddler Reuben spend half the year at home and the rest out exploring and enjoying the world. Flashpacker Family is a family travel blog that has great tales from the road, tips on travelling on a budget & travelling with a toddler and information on living a location independent lifestyle.

Bethaney took the time to tell us about her family and travels in this inteview. Enjoy it!

Flashpacker Family - in Las Vegas

– What is the most impressive place in the world you have ever been? What advice would you give to someone who wishes to travel there?

As a family, the most impressive place in the world we’ve been to was the Grand Canyon. It’s a truly incredible site that must be seen to be believed. We spent six weeks living in Las Vegas last year and visited the Grand Canyon as our first stop on a three week South West road trip. The South West states of the USA are wonderful area to drive around. Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and California are all very different but the landscapes, food and sites to see are fantastic. If you’re going to visit the Grand Canyon, either take one of the helicopter trips from Las Vegas or do it as part of a road trip. Stay overnight in Tusayan, Arizona which is just outside the national park limits and therefore much cheaper. The admission fee to the Grand Canyon costs almost half the price of an annual national parks pass so if you’re planning on spending more time in the US, go the pass.

– What do you hate to forget in your suitcase?

My tweezers and a little magnifying mirror! I am a constant eyebrow plucker and do it almost every day. I have a great little mirror with suction cups that sticks to a larger mirror, the wall or window. I wouldn’t leave home without it. I also couldn’t leave behind my son Reuben’s special blanket. Even if it’s 40 degrees and we’re on a jungle trek in Thailand the blanket has to come with us!

Flashpacker Family - Swimming in the Perhentian Islands, Malaysia

– What would you say to those travellers who are afraid to travel on their own, and end up going to a travel agency even if they do not like taking part in organized tours?

If you’re afraid of travelling on your own, start with a tour. It can be helpful to have a local guide and a group to lean on when you’re in a new country, especially if that country is radically different to your home. Culture shock can be a scary thing. Once you realise how easy travel is and how much money you save by booking it yourself, you’ll want to go it alone. I think going on organized day trips are a good idea if you want to get the best of both worlds. They’re great for meeting other travellers and you can ask your guide plenty of questions about local customs, language, food, etc, but still head back to your own hotel room at night and do your own thing the next day.

– What kind of food have you tried on your travels and you found it delicious/surprising? Can you recommend us any place where to try it out?

I love Asian food. My son Reuben has eaten spicy food since he was a baby and loves Thai food. I was a vegetarian for 12 years and travelled a lot during that time. As a vegetarian, you can miss out on a lot of great food if you’re worried it might contain meat. I much prefer to travel as a meat eater. I’m not scared to dig into a big pot of “street soup” or eat “mystery meats” these days. One of the cuisines I have greatly enjoyed in my travels was that of Burma. A lot of people had told me the food in Burma wasn’t great but I really enjoyed it. It’s like a mix of Thai, Chinese and India food. Mohinga – a delicious noodle soup was my particular favourite. It’s sold in every restaurant, hotel and street corner in the country and is even eaten for breakfast.

Flashpacker Family - Bethaney with her friend the Buddhist Monk in Burma

– Finally, tell us something that happened to you travelling and that you will never forget…

On my trip to Burma I had the fortunate experience of meeting a Buddhist monk. It had started to pour with rain and I was caught without an umbrella so he offered to share his with me. He suggested we retreat to a tea shop and wait for the storm to pass. We drank tea and he practiced his English with me. He’s been taking lessons and I was the first foreigner he’d ever practiced with! A few days later, he invited me over to the monastery he lived at. I met the Abbott (head monk) who taught me a little about Buddhism, in limited English, then we had a home-cooked vegetarian lunch. After lunch we visited the orphanage for boys that was attached to the monastery and meet some of the kids. It was a wonderful experience!

Thank you Bethaney for your time and dedication in the interview. Do you want to know more? She also runs an online guide to Thailand and works with Lee on a Las Vegas travel guide. You can follow Bethaney on Twitter and Facebook.

Having spent 2 years in the working world, Dave and Vicky are ready to exchange their briefcases for backpacks, dress shoes for sandals, and beds for sleeping bags. Since September they have been embarking on a 2 year journey across Asia and Europe. You can follow along at A Couple Travelers where you’ll find travel reflections, blogging resources and restaurant reviews. Here you have the interview Way Away did to them:

Dave and Vicky - A Couple Travelers - South Korea October 2012

– What is the most impressive place in the world you have ever been? What advice would you give to someone who wishes to travel there?

Hmm, this is very difficult. We really enjoyed Tokyo, Japan, though. We like big cities, however, I realize this is not for everyone. The key is to take your time and not try to do too much in one day if you can spare it. Have people write things down for you like directions and show them to pedestrians, they will help you find your way.

– What do you hate to forget in your suitcase?

We carry two backpacks one of which we always take carry on. In order to limit major inconveniences the most important things are always taken carry on. Still, we lose things all the time, like recently one shoe (rendering the other useless). Above all though I think medicine is the worst to forget. It’s difficult to get elsewhere and you can’t be sure of the quality.

Vicky from A Couple Traveler at Lurray Caverns

– What would you say to those travellers who are afraid to travel on their own, and end up going to a travel agency even if they do not like taking part in organized tours?

I guess I don’t understand why you would choose to do something you don’t like in place of something you may or may not like. It’s true that sometimes you want to minimize risk, but I don’t think it is worth possibly sacrificing an entire trip to do so. Better to go someplace else where you feel comfortable on your own.

– What kind of food have you tried on your travels and you found it delicious/surprising? Can you recommend us any place where to try it out?

Surprisingly we are not particularly venturous eaters, though recently in Vietnam we tried a few things that many might consider strange, such as worm paddies as well as coffee beans that are essentially weasel feces, both of which weren’t bad. My biggest recommendation is to give street food a try. It can be very tasty, cheap, and clean. Look for stalls with high turnover where they prepare the ingredients in front of you.

Dave from A Couple Traveler at Cherry Blossom DC 2011

– Finally, tell us something that happened to you travelling and that you will never forget…

I’ll never forget the time we were eating at a restaurant in Santorini, Greece. We tried to get a cab but it was in a remote part of the island. It was getting late and we were about an hour’s walk from home. Just as we were about to leave, the restaurant manager offered to have his son give us a ride home. It saved us quite a long walk and was incredibly kind, considering we were just customers at his restaurants and not close friends. I think you remember hospitality above all else.

Thank you guys for your time and your advises!

Kate blogger for 30Traveler - Perhentians Impossibly Blue

– What is the most impressive place in the world you have ever been?

The first place that comes to mind is the Perhentian islands off the east coast of Malaysia (just south of the Thai border). This is the most spectacular beach destination I’ve been to.

– What advice would you give to someone who wishes to travel there?

Avoid traveling there in the monsoon. June to August are the best months for great weather and calm ocean. The water temperature is bath-like. It’s amazing.

To get there is a bit of a trek but worth it.  You can fly into the closest airport at Kota Bharu, Malaysia from either Kuala Lumpur or Penang, Malaysia. From the airport you take a taxi ride to the pier and a boat trip of around 30 mins. Tuna Bay resort have the largest, safest, and most comfortable boat, so I would recommend booking your boat trip with them, especially if you’re traveling with children or have back or neck problems (the other boats travel fast and bumpy!).

– What do you hate to forget in your suitcase?

A pair of nice headphones. I use Sennheiser PX-200s. They’re small and lightweight but fit over the ear so they’re comfortable. Earbuds hurt my ears. I like to listen to audiobooks while traveling. One I recommend as a great travel listen is Cheryl Strayed’s Wild – about hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. It’ll help you find your adventurous spirit.

Kate blogger for 30Traveler Perhentian Islands

– What would you say to those travellers who are afraid to travel on their own, and end up going to a travel agency even if they do not like taking part in organized tours?

City walking and biking tours are often great, but I generally avoid any tours that involve a bus. There are a few times when going on an organized tour makes sense, but you can pick these up as day tours rather than signing up to be on a tour your whole vacation.

I often feel terrible the first couple of days after a long flight e.g., inexplicably tearful. At the beginning of your trip, give yourself a few days in a nice hotel to adjust to culture shock and get over your jetlag.

– What kind of food have you tried on your travels and you found it delicious/surprising? Can you recommend us any place where to try it out?

I’m a vegan. I recommend trying sticky rice mango in Thailand. Near Los Angeles airport (LAX), there is a place called Veggie Grill where they make an amazing vegan cheeseburger. It’s about 3-4 miles away from the airport, so an easy taxi if you’re on a layover. I also love the vegan cakes at a bakery called Life Thyme in NYC. The bakery is inside a grocery store.
If you are interested in how I manage traveling with special dietary needs, they can read a guest post I wrote for HerPackingList.com on traveling vegan.

Kate blogger at 30Traveler recommends Vegan Cupcakes in SanFrancisco at Wholefoods

– Finally, tell us something that happened to you travelling and that you will never forget…

Sitting front row at a Broadway show for $25! For example, the musical Wicked has a ticket lottery where if you win they will sell you two front row tickets for around $25 each. It’s super fun to hear your name called and then be so close to the action in the theater.

Thank you Kate! You can find more information about Kate at her blog: 30Traveler (focused on vegan travel) and RTW travel guide (focused on backpacking and flashpacking).

Twitter @30Traveler
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/30Traveler

Hiking in New Zealand, Our Oyster's picture

– What is the most impressive place in the world you have ever been? What advice would you give to someone who wishes to travel there?

It’s hard to say, for natural beauty I would have to say New Zealand. People who love the great outdoors and especially those you love hiking will LOVE New Zealand. New Zealand has a bunch of amazing multi day hikes called the great walks and they are really well set up. There are huts all along the track and they usually have running water and gas stoves for cooking. My tip for people wanted to travel to New Zealand for hiking is to bring all your gear with you, because outdoor equipment in New Zealand is very expensive when compared to North America for example.

In terms of impressive culture, I would have to say Angkor Wat in Cambodia. This ancient temple complex is HUGE…absolutely massive. And I had not even heard about it until just before my trip. Everyone hears about the pyramids, but I think this is just as impressive… if not more so. I actually wrote a blog post about tips for visiting Angkor – all based on the mistakes that I made 🙂

Angkor Wat, Cambodia. Picture taken by Our Oyster

– What do you hate to forget in your suitcase?

I always forget a towel. I usually remember it for longer trips, but when I am just packing for a weekend or a week or two, I somehow ALWAYS forget to pack a towel. I don’t know why since a towel is a pretty important thing to have with you! Now my husband is on towel duty when ever we are going somewhere, to make sure we have at least one with us!

– What would you say to those travellers who are afraid to travel on their own, and end up going to a travel agency even if they do not like taking part in organized tours?

I used to be weary of travelling alone. I had always travelled with friends or boyfriends, and whenever I did travel alone it was when I was moving to a new country so I wasn’t constantly on the move. My first proper solo backpacking trip was a 6 week trip around the Pacific Islands. I actually found it really easy to meet people, and I found that I was more open to chatting to new people since I wasn’t in a “group” already.

I still do prefer to travel with someone else (means I don’t have to have all the planning responsibility!), but for sometime if you don’t just go and do it alone, you will never do it.

– What kind of food have you tried on your travels and you found it delicious/surprising? Can you recommend us any place where to try it out?

I really loved laap when travelling in Laos. I found it surprising because unlike other foods in South East Asia, it is not spicy at all! Laap was traditionally a raw meat salad, but now it is usually cooked. It is actually really refreshing and has a nice balance between two main herbs – mint and coriander. I prefer to get the chicken laap, which of course is always served cooked cause otherwise that would be dangerous – and I have already had to deal with Salmonella poisoning once while in South East Asia!

Swimming with turtles in Samoa. Picture taken by Our Oyster

– Finally, tell us something that happened to you travelling and that you will never forget…

One of my most amazing travel experiences happening when I was travelling through Serbia and Hungary. I was travelling with two friends, but they both had to leave the trip early. But I didn’t want to cut my trip short, so I continued on without them. At one point I was taking a train from the south of Hungary to the town where the airport was located. It was a long journey, and overnight. It was also the middle of winter. Well my train ended up getting delayed, so I missed my connection and ended up stranded in a small town station somewhere in Hungary. The waiting room was closed so I settled in to sleep outside even though there was snow on the ground. Eventually some people came up and tried to talk to me but we didn’t have a common language. Eventually one man came back with a cell phone and the man on the other line told me that this guy was his father and he was a train driver. I explained my predicament and the guy decided to take matters into his own hands, led me across the tracks to a train engine not connected to any cars, and actually drove me himself!! If it wasn’t for him I would definitely have missed my flight!

Thank you very much Jade Johnston for your time and expert tips. If you want to know more about the blog here you have a description: OurOyster.com is the blog of travelling expat Canadian Jade Johnston. She has travelled to more than 30 countries and now lives in Australia with her husband. She plans to explore every inch of Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands before moving on to conquer more of Asia. She blogs about adventure travel, budget travel, and soon to be family travel as well.

You can also, follow her on Twitter: @our_oyster and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ouroyster

Johnny Jet Blogger Travelling around Argentina

– What is the most impressive place in the world you have ever been?
I’ve been to many but what first comes to mind is Iguazu Falls in South America. It’s on the Argentina and Brazil border. It’s just so amazing and huge that it makes Niagara Falls in North America look like a water fountain.

– What advice would you give to someone who wishes to travel there?
If you’re pressed for time, you could go do a day trip from Buenos Aires, Rio or Sao Paulo. However, it would be easiest from Buenos Aires since the Argentina side is the most developed with pathways and excursions. The Brazil side supposedly has the best views but one way to bypass a trip there and having to get a Brazilian visa, is by taking Argentina’s Iguazu Jungle Excursion (150 pesos per person = $40).  http://vintage.johnnyjet.com/folder/archive/wheresjohnny052020093.html

– What do you hate to forget in your suitcase?
I hate forgetting my battery charger(s).

– What would you say to those travellers who are afraid to travel on their own, and end up going to a travel agency even if they do not like taking part in organized tours?
Traveling by yourself is intimidating – at least just it is for most people who are just thinking about it before a trip. But once you do it you realize it’s so much more relaxing. You can do what you want, when you want and don’t have to compromise. If you want to find friends then stay in places where it’s easy to meet them like hostels.

Johnny Jet and his mom on plane to Frankfurt
– What kind of food have you tried on your travels and you found it delicious/surprising? Can you recommend us any place where to try it out?
My favourite foods are usually in Southeast Asia. I especially love the fruit like Mangosteens and Rambutans. Ummm Ummm!

– Finally, tell us something that happened to you travelling and that you will never forget!
My best travel memory was taking my mom to Europe. Here’s the story.

Thank you Johnny for your time answering the questions and thank you for the advises as a professional traveller.

You can follow their adventures at their blog: http://www.johnnyjet.com/

Heather_Heather on her Travels

– What is the most impressing place in the world you have ever been? What advice would you give to someone who wishes to travel there?

There are so many places that have something to offer to the traveller and each has it’s own charms. Also it depends on your style of travel and whether you don’t mind roughing it a bit or whether you prefer to have a bit of comfort. Of the places I’ve visited since I started writing my blog, I’ve especially enjoyed the following;

Ecuador – to get a taste of South America in a manageable way. Because the country is relatively small you can see the coast, the Andes and the Amazon basin all within a few hours of each other

The Alps around Mont Blanc – for the last couple of years I’ve been walking the Tour de Mont Blanc with a friend bit by bit and although I never thought of myself as a mountain person I was blown away by the magestic Alpine scenery

Greece – because my sister lives on the Greek island of Zakynthos I visit every year and you can’t beat it for a relaxed holiday with beautiful beaches and reliable sunshine.

– What do you hate to forget in your suitcase?

Because of my blogging I tend to travel with more technology than the average traveller, but even if I were to forget my laptop, audio recorder, video camera and mobile I don’t think I could do without a camera to capture everything I see.

Heather_Heather on her Travels

– What would you say to those travellers who are afraid to travel on their own, and end up going to a travel agency even if they do not like taking part in organized tours?

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with booking an organised tour – it works for many people who are pressed for time and don’t want any stress when they travel. However I would recommend that if this is the route you go, that you choose a specialist company that knows their field and tries to provide a great experience for their customers, perhaps including more unusual or authentic things to do in the tour.

If you are an independent traveller who has no-one to travel with, then I would choose your accommodation carefully – for instance small family run hotels or bed & breakfasts can give you a more personal welcome than larger chain hotels. You might also consider organisations such as couch-surfing or hospitality club where you have the benefit of a friendly host to give you local advice and hostels are always great for making connections with other travellers whatever your age and many have private rooms.

– What kind of food have you tried on your travels and you found it delicious/surprising? Can you recommend us any place where to try it out?

I love good food and always like to try the local specialities. In Gothenburg I loved the seafood which is outstanding on the West Coast of Sweden – I’d suggest Restaurant Gabriel in the feskekörka fish market. On Guernsey look out for the hedge veg stalls where locals sell their local produce in small stands outside their houses and you leave the money in a box – great if you’re self-catering and need some eggs or new potatoes. I did try fried winged ants in Ecuador once but I’m not sure if I’d recommend it – it was like popcorn without any substance.

Heather_Heather on her Travels

– Finally, tell us something that happened to you travelling and that you will never forget…

I have many magic moments locked away in my memory – such as my first trip on the Tour de Mont Blanc where we stayed in a very basic mountain refuge with one big dorm and no shower and I spent a restless night in close proximity to a man who stank of stale tobacco. In the morning I took my breakfast of French bread and milky coffee onto the terrace and watched the sun come up over the mountain range and light up the peak of Mont Blanc opposite and gradually the valley below came to life. That was one of those magic moments that made the aching legs worthwhile.

Thank you Heather for your time answering the questions and thank you for the advises as a professional traveller.

You can follow their adventures at their blog: Heather on her travels

Lauren in their 2010 Mongol Rally trip
What is the most impressing place in the world you have ever been? What advice would you give to someone who wishes to travel there?
By far the most impressive place we have been is Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The city continues to thrive and yet it holds some of the most amazing cultural and historical relics. The Registan is impressive for it’s architecture alone, but the artistic tile work, and its significance is humbling. Anyone wishing to travel to Uzbekistan needs a lot of fortitude. There are different prices for tourists, which are higher, and being ripped off is just part of travelling there. Still, it’s a great place.
– What do you hate to forget in your suitcase?
We’re always finding ourselves without batteries or chargers. It’s a rookie move to forget a charger in a hostel, and yet we keep doing just that.
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Mike in their 2010 Mongol Rally trip (Abandon the Cube)
– What would you say to those travellers who are afraid to travel on their own, and end up going to a travel agency even if they do not like taking part in organized tours?
If you’re really too scared to go it alone, tours are not a horrible option. However, you will miss out on a lot. And some of what is great about travel is facing your fears and coming out okay. Test yourself, try yourself and know that most of the time you’ll be okay even if the outcome isn’t what you wanted.
– What kind of food have you tried on your travels and you found it delicious/surprising? Can you recommend us any place where to try it out?
Turkey had amazing food, but most people already know that. On the inverse, Mongolian food was horrible. We ate dog, dried vegetables, goat and donkey. Not exactly appetizing cuisine. The land there is just so barren that it must be difficult to graze cattle or grow more than the most bland of veggies. Still, they do the best with what they have.
Mike&Lauren in their 2010 Mongol Rally trip (Abandon the Cube)
– Finally, tell us something that happened to you travelling and that you will never forget …
Mostly people like to hear stories of being held at gunpoint or nearly drowning. Those things did happen, but they weren’t shocking. That’s sometimes part of travel. What surprised us and what we’ll never forget were the people who went out of their way to help us for no reason. We were picked up by a Chinese truck driver when we were desperate and lost in Ganzi. We were helped out by an amazing man in Baku when we were hostel-less. And we were treated amazingly by a friendly bus driver in South Carolina. Random acts of kindness are amazing, and they really impact a person in a special way.
Thank you guys for your time answering the questions and thank you for the professional travellers’ advises. You can follow their adventures at their blog: Abandon the Cube