Cate, Author at Girls Guide to The World

November 11, 2015 by Cate

Girls Guide To Turks & Caicos Islands

Need we say any more, girls?

Spanning 40 islands in the Caribbean Sea, the nation of Turks & Caicos has long been a popular getaway destination for families. With its proximity to North America and nonstop flights from many cities in the United States, Turks & Caicos offers everything from family friendly resorts and sublime honeymoon experiences.

However, the best reason to choose this exotic Caribbean locale is for a girlfriends’ getaway. Simply pack your bikinis and your sense of adventure, grab your besties, and head off for the trip of a lifetime.

Where to Stay

Deciding what type of cocktail you and girlfriends will have is the easy part, but deciding where to stay might be a bit more difficult. With options ranging from budget hostels to high end resorts, the choices are varied and diverse.

However, to maximize the time spent with your friends, why not consider renting a house or villa for your stay? Private luxury Turks & Caicos vacation rentals are the best way to ensure that you and your friends have the space you need while still maintaining the option to spend quality time together in a stunning, oceanfront location.

What to Do

If lying on the beach with a fruity cocktail in your hand is the idea of bliss for you and your girlfriends then you’re in luck. If you’d like to do nothing more than that don’t worry; this is strictly judgement-free zone. However, if you have a sense of adventure Turks & Caicos has you covered.

Snorkeling, sailing, horseback riding, SCUBA diving, and parasailing are just a few of the activities you can find during your trip. Throw in a zip-line experience or a bird watching hike and you’ll be able to truly experience the tropical magic of these islands.

What to Eat

As one might expect Turks & Caicos is serious about their seafood, and with some of the freshest fish and shellfish available just offshore, it could be considered a crime not to indulge. Everything from snapper to grouper will be on the menu, plus a few ocean delicacies that you might not be familiar with.

You simply must try conch fritters, which are slices of the mollusk battered and fried. The delicate flavor and the variety of sauces served alongside will have you begging for more. Also, if your menu offers lionfish don’t hesitate. This invasive species is destroying native fish in the region, so killing them is a very good thing, and they taste delicious when grilled with butter.

Girlfriends’ getaways are the perfect way to reconnect with your friends, or to celebrate a special occasion, and Turks & Caicos is the perfect place for so many reasons. Gorgeous white sand beaches, crystal blue waters, and a variety of activities keep people coming back time after time. Why not visit this beautiful Caribbean island chain for your next girls’ trip and you’ll know why this destination is one of the most popular in the world.

turk and caicos beach

Photo Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/sackton/

September 28, 2015 by Cate

5 Ideas for a Complete Family Holiday in Europe

A holiday in Europe is any family’s dream. Every country is worth visiting and each one has its uniqueness to offer that delights the different senses. Vacationing in Europe with the entire family can be a truly one-of-a-kind experience where you all build and share memories together. In order to have a complete family holiday in the old continent, then it is worth planning ahead of time. Doing so will make your itinerary more organized and you are bound to make the most of your time and resources. Here are some ideas how to achieve a perfect family holiday in Europe.

Plan your itinerary well. Europe is big and there is so much to see and experience. You won’t be able to see everything in just a few days or weeks. As such, plan your agenda so you will cover all the sites you really want to visit. Since you will be traveling with your family, you might want to consider driving around. Many car rental agencies can provide you what you need. If you are up to it, you could check out online for a luxury car hire in Europe that will give you space,safety as well as comfort and performance with all the features that families need .
Book air tickets in advance. There are literally millions of people visiting the continent and you might find it hard to book for the specific dates you were planning for your vacation. Make sure to make airline reservations ahead of time in order to get the seats and the dates you want. You might even find discounted tickets from some airlines.
Choose accommodations wisely and book in advance. While hotels and other accommodations are numerous, never forget that there are likewise other vacationers looking for the perfect place to stay during their vacation. Choose the ones that provide the kind of services your family needs, preferably near public transportation areas as well as in a safe neighborhood. Book in advance to avoid losing a good choice.
Consider the interests of your kids. Depending on the age of your children, it would be a great idea to put their needs as top priorities. For very young children, theme parks would be good places to visit in between trips to historical areas and buildings. There are also nature activities that will keep the kids excited and interested.
Don’t skip on your travel insurance. Your family is the most important thing that matters. When traveling abroad, especially with your children, travel insurance will cover for medical expenses and other unforeseen incidents such as lost luggage, flight accidents and other losses incurred during the travel either in your country or internationally.

October 31, 2012 by Cate

Five Reasons To Visit Beautiful Krakow

Krakow old town courtesy of slickimages on Flickr

Krakow is Poland’s second largest city and one of its oldest. With soaring Gothic structures, ample green space, many museums, and a bustling nightlife, Krakow is a must-see for every visitor to Poland. While Krakow is not known as a very expensive city for tourists, it’s always nice to have options for free activities. Here we’ve listed five things to do in Krakow that won’t break your traveling budget.

Rynek Glowny

Covering ten acres, Krakow’s Rynek Glowny, or Main Square, has been the hub of the city since the thirteenth century and is the largest square in all of Europe’s medieval cities. This bustling area is filled with shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs and is known for its frequent open-air events, like concerts and plays. Nearby are the famous St. Mary’s Basilica, which houses a magnificent altar and is also free to enter, and St. Adalbert’s Church which dates back to 1000 CE.

Walking Tours

We have all seen the “free walking tour” signs in many cities, and Krakow is no exception. While these tour guides do work for tips, if you really and truly do not have any money, you can still join the tour. That being said, the walking tours in Krakow are delightful. Daily tours are available with a variety of parts of the city being focused on, such as a general overview and a tour focused more on the Jewish aspects of the city. Additionally, tours highlighting Krakow’s Communist history, and one focusing on Oskar Schindler are also available.

Wawel Hill

Located on the bank of the Vistula River, Wawel Hill is home to Wawel Castle and Wawel Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Sts. Stanislaus and Wenceslaus. The castle was built in the 13th and 14th centuries and the cathedral constructed and reconstructed from 1100 to 1400 CE. This area is the pride of Krakow and a very popular tourist destination. While entrance to the castle and cathedral does require a ticket, the tickets are free on Sundays from November to March.

Ulica Kanonicza

Still one of the most fashionable addresses in Poland, Kanonicza Street is a showcase of beautiful Renaissance homes. Noblemen, canons, and the man who became Pope John Paul II have all lived here, and the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul and the Church of St. Andrew have been here for nearly one thousand years. Take a free stroll down this fancy avenue to see how the “other half” lives in Poland.

Auschwitz-Birkenau

I struggled a bit with including this in the list. Not technically in Krakow, but fifty miles away, Auschwitz-Birkenau is still a very important part of Polish history, and the history of all mankind. Therefore, as a tourist to Krakow, I feel it’s a sobering duty to visit this place. The trip takes a full day, including travel by public bus, and the entrance into the camps is free, but there is a fee to hire a guide.

Poland is a beautiful country, and Krakow is a stunning city with a lengthy and fascinating heritage. With such a wealth of sights and activities, it’s no wonder that Krakow is fast becoming a very popular tourist destination, and one that doesn’t need to be expensive.

October 15, 2012 by Cate

Leaving the boys at home!

Machu Picchu, Peru

I love my girlfriends and my sisters just as much as anyone. They’re beautiful, smart and funny women and I love spending time with them. Despite this, I have always shied away from the thought of a girls’ only trip. They conjure of visions of healing sessions with crystals and in-depth discussions of ovaries and fallopian tubes over a campfire while sipping chamomile tea. At some point, someone will cry. It’s a given with my lady group.

Despite my wariness, I’ve been discovering more and more about travel companies and tour operators that specialize in trips and adventures for women, by women. Many of these trips offer once in a lifetime experiences in a safe, comfortable, female-only environment. Destinations and activities vary widely, from rustic camping trips to luxury spa getaways. Whether you’re traveling with your group of girls, or thinking about joining a group of other female solo travelers, there is a trip that is bound to appeal to everyone. Here’s are some of the trips that are most popular in this genre of travel.

African Safari

A trip to Africa for wildlife viewing is on the bucket lists of most travelers, male and female. However, ladies only African safari trips are becoming more and more popular, and more widely available. Tanzania and Kenya are the usual destinations, and either country is perfect for the safari journey of a lifetime. Accommodations vary from simple huts or homestays to luxury tents complete with a classically trained chef to prepare the meals. Aside from the typical Jeep transportation, other options for transport exist, such as wildlife viewing from the air in a hot air balloon or helicopter. However you choose to see the creatures, this type of trip is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.

African Safari

Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail

While certainly not for everyone, a girl-group hike on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a great option for active women. Typically starting with tours in and around Cusco to allow for acclimation to the high altitude, these hikes are long and strenuous. However, local Inca guides and homestays with Incan families make these types of trips a very authentic archaeological and cultural experience. Since these trips are often five days or longer in duration they require a significant commitment, but the reward is a wonderful and moving experience to share with the ladies you love.

Captain Your Own Ship

Sailing schools are located all over the world, from the Greek Isles in the beautiful Mediterranean Sea to the lush, tropical Caribbean Sea and everywhere in between, and many of these schools are actively catering to groups of women. Experienced, and often female, skippers are eager to share their knowledge with would-be sailors, and provide an amazing vacation at the same time. Snorkelling, SCUBA diving, and island hopping are the added bonuses to this type of journey, as well. Plus, after you and your friends have completed the sailing course, you’re able to charter boats on your own, which will undoubtedly lead to more great sailing adventures.

No matter your taste, women only adventures have definitely made their mark on the travel market. Why not plan your next adventure around you and the amazing women in your life? Memories will be made, laughter will be had, and you’ll likely be planning your next trip before you’re even done with the first.

October 8, 2012 by Cate

Dealing With The Morning After On The Road

Let’s face it. Shit happens when we travel. A drunken night out can lead to a hookup, and we all know what that can lead to. An unplanned pregnancy is a fact of life, and, unfortunately, a reality for many girl travelers. Regardless of your personal feelings about the subject, abortion is still a legal option in many countries, and we can all agree that it’s best to be informed.

Asia

Given that the Middle East lies on the continent of Asia, the number of countries in which abortion is legal for all reasons is relatively small. Doctors in China perform the most abortions in the region, and is considered one of the safest places to have the procedure done. Abortion is legal in Thailand, but somewhat restricted unless the physical or mental health of the mother is in danger due to the pregnancy. Other countries with no legal restrictions or few restrictions on abortion include Cambodia, Singapore, Turkey, Japan, South Korea and Vietnam, among others. Abortion is illegal, or has poorly defined exceptions, in Laos and the Philippines. Abortions are performed for most reasons in India, but the World Health Organization has found their practices to be substandard and generally unsafe.

Europe

Most countries in Europe offer legal abortion on demand during the first trimester. Poland is an exception, and doctors there can perform abortions only if the woman was a victim of rape, or her health is in danger. Ireland also has more strict laws pertaining to abortion, but many women seeking an abortion simply travel to England for the procedure. Countries that offer legal abortion services in Europe also have well trained practitioners who work under excellent conditions.

Africa

Fourteen countries in Africa prohibit abortion on all grounds. However, many countries have inexplicit or poorly defined laws regarding abortion in the case of rape or maternal health. Only three countries allow abortion for any reason, and those are South Africa, Cape Verde, and Tunisia. Zambia also allows abortion for most reasons, including maternal physical and mental health. The World Health Organization has also found that the abortion practices in those countries with restrictive laws tend to be unsafe.

South America and the Caribbean

In general, South America has some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the world, perhaps due to religious issues and opposition to abortion reform is high. Abortion is entirely prohibited in Chile, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haití, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Suriname. Abortions are performed only to save the life of the mother or in the case of rape or fetal impairment in Brazil and Panama, and some countries, such as Venezuela, Paraguay, Uruguay, Costa Rica, ecuador and Colombia have exceptions for maternal physical and mental health, but, at times, the laws defining the exceptions can be subjective and vague. The quality of medical care in the countries that do provide abortions is generally good.

North America

Obtaining a safe and legal abortion is relatively simple in the United States and very simple in Canada. Canada’s laws regarding abortion are very liberal, and most abortions are performed on demand and with no time limit. Each individual state in the USA has varying laws regarding a time limit (usually the first trimester), a mandatory ultrasound, and a mandatory waiting period after the ultrasound before the patient can undergo the procedure. Abortion laws in Mexico are different from state to state, and Mexico City is the only area where access to an abortion is widely available. Other areas in Mexico provide abortions in the case of risk to maternal health, fetal malformations, rape, and poverty, but facilities in these areas are few and far between, and may not meet safety standards.

Making tough decisions is a part of travel, and a part of life. Having factual information to use when making any decision is an important aspect, and helps ensure that the outcome is one that is right for the individual. When it comes to a woman’s sexual health, she is the one who must decide what is right for her, no matter where she is in the world.

Please remember that laws in various countries can and do change without notice. This information was sourced from the Guttmacher Institute, a world leader in public health statistics. For more information, please check carefully the laws in your particular area, or speak with your healthcare provider.

October 1, 2012 by Cate

Five Common Sense Rules To Follow

For most travelers, learning about and following quirky or obscure rules and customs of their destinations is not usually a problem. A few quick google searches or a read of a blog or guidebook typically answer the question of do’s and don’ts. However, some of those may be so strict or so obscure that some people question their logic and very existence. Let me assure you that many of these laws do exist, and people suffer the consequences of breaking them all the time. Here’s a few laws that are best left untested.

Conversion in Malaysia

Malaysia is a relatively devout Muslim country, so many of its laws are similar to those in the Middle East, otherwise known as Sharia Law. Sharia Law most commonly restricts Muslims from drinking alcohol, engaging in premarital sex, etc. However, if a Westerner is found to have influenced a Muslim to break Sharia Law, or a person of another faith attempts to distribute literature and/or engage in an attempt to convert Muslims away from their faith, arrest and imprisonment are bound to follow. It’s best to keep your personal beliefs as just that… personal.

Stoned in Singapore

Many people still remember that American student who got caned in Singapore back in the 90’s for tagging a car. Yes, that was a really dumb thing for him to do, but it should have also opened the eyes of many travelers to Singapore’s very strict laws. Especially concerning drug laws. Singapore mandates the death penalty for smugglers, and a smuggler is anyone possessing more 0.5 ounce of heroin or 1.0 ounce of cocaine is considered a smuggler. Marijuana possession is a little more lax at more than 17 ounces, but it’s still a good idea to leave your stash at home, since Singapore hanged 400 smugglers between 1991 and 2004.

Sake Bombed

With the very pervasive drinking culture embraced on all sides, it’s strange to think that Japan would have some of the most strict drunk driving laws in the world, but they do. A driver only has to have a blood alcohol content of between to .03% and .05% to be convicted, and a prison sentence of one year to three years is common, although a fifteen year sentence is not unheard of, and is sometimes accompanied by deportation. It’s probably wise to stick to taxis and trains when the Sapporo and sake come out.

Getting Amorous in Abu Dhabi

The UAE is a glitzy country known around the world for its sexy nightlife and lavish accommodations. Although it is a Muslim country, it is legal for foreigners to drink at hotels and clubs, but don’t get carried away. Emiratis get very offended at the shenanigans of drunk foreigners, especially when the PDA pops up. Tourists have been arrested, jailed and deported for getting frisky at a beach, in the back of a taxi, and in restaurants. This can also include an adultery charge if the offenders are not married. When visiting the jewel of the Arabian Sea, try to keep it clean, or at least private.

Beyond Borders

It’s not often that a traveler crosses a border unknowingly, but it does happen, typically for hikers. The plight of the US hikers arrested by Iranian officials for allegedly crossing the border from Kurdistan illegally in 2009 was well known around the world and very important to the travel community. The Middle East has incredibly strict immigration laws even you cross the border properly. Crossing illegally or even accidentally will land you a heap of trouble. The same can be true for other parts of the world such as Southeast Asia and Africa, as well.

Travel doesn’t have to be dangerous or frightening, and it rarely is. By following a few simple rules and customs and staying on the right side of laws, your trip will be everything you wanted, and probably more. Unless you wanted to be featured on Locked Up Abroad, in which case, simply ignore everything you’ve just read.

September 24, 2012 by Cate

Getting Off The Beaten Path In Paris

There is more to Paris than the iconic Eiffel Tower

Ah, the City of Light. Nothing seems to capture the imaginations of travelers better than Paris. Visits to the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre often require hours of lines, and a stroll on the Left Bank is typically an exercise in dodging the rest of the crowds who had the same brilliant idea as you. However, Paris is filled with many lesser-known and very cool places that will get you off the beaten (and crowded) path and into a parts of the city that will make your visit truly memorable. Let’s explore, shall we?

Cemetery of Dogs and Other Pets

Initially built in 1899, the Cemetery of Dogs is the final resting place for hundreds of beloved Parisian animals. Dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, chickens, and a monkey were all buried here by their loving owners. The cemetery is also home to two canine celebrities. A World War II trench dog named Barry received a hero’s burial after rescuing 41 wounded people from a battlefield. Rin Tin Tin, one of the first canine film stars, is also interred here. After he died in 1932, Rin Tin Tin was returned to his native France for his funeral.

The cemetery is about 20 minutes by Metro from the city center and is perfect for a quiet afternoon away from the crowds.

The Paris Sewer Museum

While a tour of a sewer system does not initially sound like a good time to many, if you happen to be a fan of Les Miserables, this is right up your alley. Or if you’re an engineer this is also boubnd to appeal to you. For the rest of us, the chance to walk around under the streets of a huge city is appealing for no reason other than it is a cool and unusual way to spend an hour or two. The museum offers guided tours, but visitors are also free to explore on their own. The museum is open Saturday through Wednesday from 11 am to 4pm.

Catacombs

The catacombs beneath Paris are the stuff of legends. Originally built to house the skeletons of the thousands of dead for which there was no room in the cemeteries, the catacombs are now a creepy tourist spot to satisfy our love of the macabre. While sometimes a bit crowded, visiting on the early side of their 10am to 5pm open hours is advised.

In addition to the catacombs that the tourists parade through, there are also numerous urban legends regarding the reported 100 kilometers of additional tunnels beneath the city. Supposedly Parisian teenagers sneak in at night, drug dealers use the catacombs as a creepy lair, and entire communities have been reported as living a relatively normal life underground. Very interesting.

Museum of the History of Medicine

Another institution that toes the creepy line, and probably hops over it, is the Museum of the History of Medicine. Stocked with antique medical instruments, prosthetic limbs and additional weird items, this is another Paris location that you might have all to yourself. However, the main reason to visit here might just come in the form of the strangest table in the world. A gift to Napoleon by an Italian doctor, the table is made of various human organs, bones, and blood.

Jim Morrison’s Grave

The mysterious deaths of famous people hold a certain fascination for many, and the death of Jim Morrison is no exception. In fact, some say he isn’t dead at all, but there is a gravesite reported to be his in the Père Lachaise Cemetery. Often difficult to find due to the fact the grave markers are consistently defaced or stolen, the grave is visited by thousands of fans every year, and is also reported to be haunted.

Creepy, weird, and scary places abound in Paris, and while they may not exude the romantic charm typically associated with the City of Light, they are still worth a look for those who enjoy something a little off-kilter or downright strange.

September 17, 2012 by Cate

The All American Road Trip

There is little in the travel world that is more iconic than the American road trip. It is glamorized in countless movies, is a rite of passage for most young people in the United States, and a frequently realized dream for travelers from all over the world. With such a huge expanse of space and widely varied landscapes, the USA presents an opportunity to explore many different areas. Whether your thing is cities, beaches, forests or mountains, the United States has it all covered.

There are many things to keep in mind when preparing for and executing an epic road trip. Here are five helpful tips for getting the most out of your journey.

Back Roads:

Absolutely forget the interstates. They are designed to quickly move high volumes of vehicles and goods from Point A to Point B with minimal fuss, thus they utterly lack any charm and give no indication to the real nature of the area that you’re in. A two-lane road winding through small towns is where you’ll find the character. Stop in the small roadside attractions,shops and dive bars and meet the people who really live in that particular area. You’ll meet new friends and have a much better experience.

Eat the Local Food:

America’s immigrant history means that you’ll find different types of cuisine everywhere. While the regional culinary differences are very noticeable, sometimes a span of less than a hundred miles means a vast shift in the foodie poles. Americans are very proud of their cuisine and love to show it off. Familiarize yourself with the local specialties and feast on gumbo in Louisiana, barbecue in Texas, lobster in Maine and all seafood in Florida.

Explore the Culture:

The USA is a huge area, and each part of the country has its own distinct identity. New England is home to fishermen and Red Sox fans, the American south has a delicious and rich food history, the west offers an insight into Native American culture, and the major cities all shine in their own way. Don’t forget to investigate the local culture in the parts of the country you choose to see.

Buy a National Park Pass:

One of the greatest accomplishments of the United States government, in my opinion, was the establishment of the National Parks System. With 58 protected areas showcasing ecosystems ranging from a volcano in Hawai’i to glaciers in Alaska to geysers in Wyoming, these parks are a wonderful opportunity to see America’s diverse landscapes. Entrance fees can range from 20 USD to 30 USD, depending on the park. However, the National Park Service offers a pass that allows up to four people in one car to enter multiple parks in one calendar year. The cost of the pass is 80 USD, which is huge savings if you want to see more than one park, and well worth the money. The National Park Service also offers several days per year when all parks are free of charge. Make sure to check their website for more informations.

Pack Light:

It may be tempting to bring things you normally wouldn’t since you have the luxury of space in a car, but don’t. More things in the car simply mean more things to keep track of. Pack a few clothes for all temperature, and shoes to match. Keep food and water at all times, and if you’re using a rental car, make sure there is a basic safety kit included. Keep your phones charged and your insurance cards and driving license within easy reach. And never, ever forget the iPod, pre-set with the epic road trip playlists you’ve been compiling for months.

So pack up your gear, your friends, your music and set off. The open road is, well, open. What are you waiting for?

September 10, 2012 by Cate

Let’s Get This Party Started – Five Spots in South East Asia

Nha Trang, Vietnam

It’s no secret that a big part of hitting the backpack trail is seeking out the hottest places to party and dance the night away with strangers and friends. With Southeast Asia’s budget friendly destinations, it’s no wonder that some of these parties are the stuff of legends, as is apparent by countless blog posts and incriminating facebook photos dedicated to the phenomenon.

However, some of the best places to drown in alcohol and nightlife may not be the ones you’ve necessarily heard of. Let’s take a look at some of the best lesser-known places to throw down in SEA.

Kenting, Taiwan

Of course Taiwan has beaches. It is an island after all, and it also lies on the same latitude as Hawaii, so it has a great tropical climate. One of Taiwan’s best beach towns is Kenting, on the southwest coast. Beautiful, wide sandy beaches are populated by beach shack bars dishing out beer and cocktails as fast as they’re ordered. The hostels and bars fronting the beaches are jam-packed at night, and the crowds spill out onto the streets and beaches. If a trip to Kaohsiung in April is on your itinerary, don’t miss the Spring Scream music festival. A three day music and culture festival, Spring Scream is THE place to party in Taiwan. Since it is a popular event, don’t forget to get your travel accommodations reserved in advance through sites such as Expedia.

Vang Vieng, Laos

Not necessarily an “off the beaten path” destination any longer, Vang Vieng is still the perfect place to unleash your inner hedonist. Now famous the world over, tubing on the river in Vang Vieng is a rite of passage for any backpacker. In short, an innertube is rented, and you simply spend the day floating from riverside bar to riverside bar, stopping for shots and beers and a leap off the diving platforms or rope swings into the river. You’re likely to share the river with hundreds of other travelers with the same drunken intentions as yourself, and great times are had by all.

Note: Several tourist deaths are reported here each year. Drink and swim responsibly.

Sihanoukville, Cambodia

A ramshackle gem of a city on the coast of the jewel-like Gulf of Thailand, Sihanoukville is one the most underrated travel destination in the area. With beaches as beautiful as any in neighboring Thailand, Sihanoukville also sports an amazing party scene. With a wild west, anything goes atmosphere, it is easy to get lost in the row of bars and dance clubs fronting the beach. Simply wander from one to the next, taking advantage of the plentiful and cheap booze. Many parties spill over onto the beach, and revelers tend to sleep where they fall, waking up with the gorgeous sunrises to start all over again.

Koh Chang, Thailand

Often overlooked in favor of the more famous parties on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, Koh Chang has emerged from hippie enclave to superb travel and party destination. White Beach is the place to be, with many bars packing the sand and offering their own version of Thailand’s famous “bucket”. The parties rotate nightly between the bars, so you’re guaranteed never to miss an epic event. Not to be outdone by its raucous neighbor islands, Koh Chang also hold the infamous Full Moon Parties, Dark Moon Parties, and any other moon parties that can be imagined.

Nha Trang, Vietnam

One of Vietnam’s first beach resorts catering to foreign tourists, Nha Trang is still a great spot for revelry of all kinds. While some of the more legendary places like The Sailing Club may have gone rogue and become fashionable and expensive, one of the best ways to throw caution, and your sobriety, to the wind is still the famous Nha Trang boat trip. An all day booze fest disguised as a snorkel trip, the boat trips offer visitors a great way to see the coast from the water and get fantastically drunk. Floating bars, hilarious musical performances by lady boys, and ample dancing opportunities, an afternoon boat trip in Nha Trang is a revelrous adventure not to be missed.

So pick your destination and pick your poison. As you’ll see, other people aren’t holding back at all, so what are you waiting for?

September 3, 2012 by Cate

The Great Outdoors in Vancouver

Lions Binkert Hike Trail near Vancouver

Gorgeous Vancouver, on Canada’s Pacific coast, is a cosmopolitan city, full of museums, parks, and historical downtown hotels, and perched right on the edge of wilderness. A vibrant urban atmosphere coexists perfectly with a wonderful, natural playground that is easily accessible from anywhere in the city. Take a break fromthe sometimes hectic city streets and venture out and experience Vancouver’s multitude of outdoor activities.

Hiking

Hiking trails abound in Vancouver, and they range from very easy paved routes to strenuous ones for the experienced hiker. A trip around the perimeter of the famous Stanley Park is a great way to see the sights, and a hike up Grouse Mountain offers sweeping views, as well as an optional gondola ride back to the bottom. Lynn Canyon Park serves up adventure with a suspension bridge, waterfalls, and a swimming hole. Whatever your choice, any of the city’s hiking trails will suit your fitness level and each offers a different perspective on Vancouver’s wild side.

Whale Watching

The waters around Vancouver are teeming with wildlife. Porpoises, bald eagles and seals are plentiful arund the islands near Vancouver, but whales are what most people come to see. During the long summer days, pods of orcas, or killer whales, arrive to feast on the salmon, and tourists and locals flock to the water to see them. Join one of Vancouver’s many whale watching boats for a lovely day on the water, and a virtually guaranteed sighting of one of Vancouver’s famous aquatic residents.

Kayaking

A kayak is a great way to explore, and Vancouver’s many kayaking tours and outfitters have mapped out water routes to suit any taste. Explore the waterways of the city, paddle around nearby islands, and even get up close and personal with ocean life, like the famous orcas. Many of these kayaking trips also include hikes and other land based adventures, making them a great way to combine several activities into one day.

Lions Gate Bridge

Horseback Riding

A great way to experience any landscape is from the back of a horse, and Vancouver is no exception. Trail rides, beach rides, and overnight wilderness trips are all available from the many stables in the Vancouver area. Guided by experienced horsemen and women, trips are tailored to suit various riding abilities and needs. Most stables also offer lessons on riding and horse care, as well as multi-day camps. Take advantage of Vancouver’s great outdoors and enthusiastic equestrian community for a one of a kind adventure.

Deep Sea Fishing

Vancouver’s close relationship with the ocean means incredibly fresh and delicious seafood lands in virtually every restaurant in town. Why not try your hand at catching some of those fish yourself? Fishing charters are a great way to spend time on the water, and with the abundance of salmon and halibut in the area, coming home with your own fresh catch is practically a guarantee. This is also a great opportunity for a group of people to spend a day together, even if only some are fishing. Whales are bound to make an appearance making this a great adventure for everyone.

Vancouver is certainly one of those cities that just screams “Get out and explore!” If you hear that order while you’re there, you should probably listen. Vancouver knows what she’s talking about.