Let's explore the world together.
I’m a little late with my end-of-year roundups but its still early in 2016 so I figure I’ll proceed with them nonetheless.
These were my four best ‘captured” sunsets of 2015, in no particular order.
Related stories can be found here:
Four great beach bars in the Bahamas Out Islands
Showering outdoors on vacation; have you or would you?
If you are away from home this Christmas, I can’t think of a nicer way to convey compliments of the season to persons you meet during your stay than by saying “Merry Christmas” in a language they will understand.
For this post, I chose the main languages of the countries I have visited so far.
Argentina, Colombia, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Spain and The Dominican Republic: Feliz Navidad
Brazil: Feliz Natal
Egypt: Mboni Chrismen
France and St. Maarten: Joyeux Noël
Holland: Vrolijk Kerstfeest
Hong Kong: Seng Dan Fai Lok
Italy: Buon Natale
Mainland China: Sheng Dan Kuai Le
South Africa: Geseënde Kersfees (Zulu)
Switzerland : God Jul
And for Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Dubai, England, Scotland, St Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks and Caicos and mainland USA it’s the tried and true…MERRY CHRISTMAS.
In my home country, Jamaica, we also say Merry Christmas, but for an extra special old-time greeting we inject more feeling into the wishes with ” Have a Boonoonoonoos Christmas!”
Here’s an audio guide to help you with your pronunciation of some of these cheerful phrases and more.
Enjoy the holidays!
Consistently ranked high by TripAdvisor users worldwide, Grace Bay Beach in Turks and Caicos is 12 miles of powder-soft sand and calming surf. It’s never crowded and the beach chairs are ample and comfy, plus the clarity of the water and cool Caribbean breezes are sure to take your breath away!
The fact that you can walk along the shoreline and stop to dine at many great beachfront restaurants is an added bonus.
This is what it looks like, even after a rainy night.
Today, high atop a fortified hill steeped in history and bordered by panoramic views, I had the pleasure of learning a little bit more about the origins of Calypso music in Trinidad and Tobago. Those of us who love to travel understand how customs, music and food can help define a culture. But no one appreciates how much those distinctions shape a country’s identity more so than a local.
Here is the abridged story of how calypso music – the energetic and signature beats of this dual island nation – originated. It is told by Andrew Welch, the managing director at Banwari Experience Limited, a destination management company that provides customized tours and other tourism services in Trinidad and Tobago.
Anybody else needs deep cleansing shampoo? Send me your order because I am heading to the pharmacy now. (smile)
It’s pretty obvious that having a fever or other ailments like an upset stomach, gastroenteritis and diarrhea during your vacation is no fun. Getting sick causes pain and discomfort and the time you lose recuperating also takes away from the thrill of new destination experiences. And let’s not forget that doctors’ visits and medication can add up too – especially if you decided to forego travel insurance. (Hey, I say that with no judgment as I sometimes skip it too)
So what are some very simple ways in which travelers can avoid getting sick while they are away from home? See 10 tips below:
Pack an extra bottle of Vitamin C tablets, Emergen-C packets in your purse or carry-on; they are worth their weight in gold. Having items like that handy can help to strengthen your immune system so your body can fight off airborne bacteria. Nasal sprays also work wonders, especially on long haul flights and in heated hotel rooms because they reduce the dryness in your nasal passage caused by the lack of moisture in the air. It sounds yucky but the truth is, a thin layer of mucus in your nose and throat is healthy because when the lining in your nose is parched, you are more vulnerable to infection. Keeping it moist enables your body to flush out bacteria and viruses.
Even if you do it at home, it is not safe to drink tap water when you travel because the types of bacteria vary depending on where you go. Your resistance threshold varies as well and there’s no way to tell when the germs you encounter may affect you negatively. So, always buy bottled water to drink and to brush your teeth. Oh, and even if you think you’ve got a voice like Adele or Usher, don’t sing in the shower either because you could end up swallowing Mr. or Miss E. coli that way. It’s safer to grab that hairbrush and belt out your tune when the water stops flowing!
Avoid putting ice in your drinks. This one is a challenge for me because I don’t enjoy drinks served at room temperature; I like them ice-cold. But when you think about it, skipping the extra chill factor makes perfect sense. Ice cubes are usually made from tap water and the same rationale applies – bacteria could be in it.
I’ll be the first to admit that fresh garden, Caesar, and Cobb salads are some of my favorite go-to meals but I also know I have to be choosy about where I order them as sanitation standards will vary. The same goes for unpeeled fruits that may still have remnants of soil with pathogens on them. There’s always the potential threat of contamination! You’ll never be able to verify if they were washed properly, or if clean water was used. So stick to the proven traveler’s mantra: “Cook it, wash it, peel it or forget it.”
Those glasses and mugs in your hotel room or in some spotty-looking roadside eatery? Back away from them, promptly! Sadly, cleaners sometimes take short cuts while working and you’ll never be able to tell if a glass was cleaned with a dirty rag or towel, or, even worse, got tainted by a toxic spray of some kind. Use straws so you can drink directly from the bottle and for that must-have cup of coffee or tea in the morning, wash the hotel glasses in very hot water first or ask for disposables cups, instead.
Airports, attraction bathrooms and hotel rooms are teeming with germs and when you touch public surfaces then touch your eyes, nose and mouth you are transferring microorganisms you cannot see. If you could, you’d be alarmed at variety of cold viruses present on remote controls, bathroom doors and light switches. I can’t count how many times I’ve seen someone wash their hands in a public bathroom then touch the door handle to exit. Not good! Use a paper towel to open that door or all the good you did with that rigorous hand washing will be erased.
Truthfully, I’m not a fan of sanitizer (although I know it’s popular) but I am a hand wipe convert. Sanitize when hand washing is not possible. As I’ve already mentioned, you’d be surprised at how many unhygienic surfaces your hands come in contact with during any one trip. Seat rests? Check. Tour bus door handles? Check. Airplane trays and seat pockets where mothers have been known to change and even rest used diapers? Check, Check.
Drinking healthy doses of water each day helps your body flush out toxins and aids your digestion. Be aware that your water intake gets more important when you are tired, run down and under siege by unfamiliar germs.
Along with hydration, being well-rested is your best defense mechanism against illness and sleep also helps in recovery if you are already infected. So the lesson here is: don’t shortchange yourself on some good old fashioned nap time when you’re on the go.
Eating local and trying new foods are definitely part of the travel experience but even then, you must still make smart food choices. Remember that cold meat platters, diary products that are left unrefrigerated, buffet lines and mayonnaise-laden foods are often home to flourishing bacteria. In addition, seafood dishes that are not freshly prepared are notorious for causing intestinal problems so ask the right questions before you place your order. And here’s one last tip – snacking on foods like yogurt that are high in probiotics (the “good” bacteria) may help reduce gas and bloating.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical practitioner of any kind therefore any tips given here should be subject to your discretion and the advice given by your doctor.
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Editor’s Note:
In my research to write this post, I came across an app called MedMap. It helps you find the name of your medication in the country you’re visiting and suggests words you can use to explain your symptoms to the local pharmacist when dealing with a foreign language. You can plug in the pills or syrups you need, have it translated and then show it to him or her without the need for hand signals! Sounds quite useful!
I’m thankful I’ve been lucky enough to have ridden a camel in the Egyptian desert; toured castles and palaces in Europe and China; gone on safari in South Africa, had drinks in the 7-star Burj Al Arab in Dubai; watched a football (soccer) match in Brazil and more. BUT none of those experiences trump the feeling I get when I go home. Every single time I go back, I find something new to appreciate about my little land of wood and water.
That’s because, to me, there’s no other place on earth where…
The food, like home-cooked salt fish fritters and a cup of bush tea or hot milo is as delicious and as filling.
The road side stops with random vendor interactions are as entertaining. Or where the fruit stall purchases are as fresh and as satisfying.
The natural landscapes are so lush and breathtaking.
The wildlife is as colorful.
The history of the country is as relatable and as poignant
The early morning ocean sprays and the warm water are as refreshing and enticing.
And for all those reasons and more, I am proud to call that place HOME.
Yes parri, JAMAICA nice yuh know!
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Editor’s Notes:
In case you’ve wondered about it, the yellow in the Jamaican flag represents our sunshine and natural resources; the black, the burdens borne by the people; and the green stands for agriculture and hope for the future.
If you aren’t an optimist by nature, making travel plans in today’s tense environment can suck the joy out of vacation planning. Not only does it zap the anticipation, in some cases, the scary realities actually mar the experience itself.
Case in point, I’ll never forget wondering what could have happened had I visited Egypt during the 2009 Cairo attacks as opposed to walking through the markets there some four months earlier. Nor can I ever fully expunge the shell-shocked and dazed feeling I had in New York City on September 11th, a day that started out quite innocently. One minute my sister and I were sitting quietly with other audience members on the set of the Live with Regis and Kelly show and in the next, we became increasingly traumatized as we watched a horrific event unfold.
Of course, predicting the future is impossible so working yourself into panic mode during the trip decision-making process will not solve anything. But while we can’t fully eliminate potential danger, there are some basic things you can do to alleviate some of the dangers in travel – especially in the busy holiday season. I’ve compiled a few pointers for you to note.
Do your research
Gone are the days when you only check the guide books or a great travel feature in your Sunday newspaper to select a holiday spot. Now, you must also stay abreast of the news. Check only fact-based and unbiased media sources – across print, television and digital platforms – so you can remain aware of potential areas of political, social and civil unrest.
Stay under the radar
Nothing screams ‘tourist’ more than gaudy jewelry and clothing that stands out from the local garb. And loud, obnoxious behavior that draws attention to yourself or your group has a similar effect too. It is always best to respect local customs and dress codes, to be courteous, and to speak in low tones that allow you to blend in rather than stand out.
Avoid clichéd tourist traps
Inevitably, the most written about festivals, shopping malls, outdoor concerts and busy street cafés top many travelers’ must-see lists but nowadays it may be best to avoid the areas sure to attract large crowds. Check with your hotel concierge or a local insider for recommendations on where to find the work of resident artisans, chic boutiques and entertainment venues. Also try to patronize the ‘Mom and Pop’ eating establishments over international chain restaurants with a distinctive Western brand. The one-off eateries are likely to be safer and your experience is guaranteed to be more unique as well.
Take note of the city and hotel you are in
Get a general idea of where the offices of the city’s emergency services such as the police and fire department are and get their numbers, then keep them close. Also, while you check-in, look around the lobby to note all the entrances and exits which, in an emergency, could be your best escape routes. Do the same thing when you step out of the elevator to go to your room and study any maps provided on the back of your door. You may have to evacuate the property in the dead of night, when panic is at an all-time high and visibility is poor, so having a good sense of where to go ahead of time will help.
Avoid unnecessary risks
Sometimes simple precautions can make all the difference in the world, so try to evaluate all levels of risk. For example, try not to accept rooms with a balcony on the first floor because they give the bad guys too much access. Also, never assume a knock on your door means it is housekeeping or room service. Call the front desk to check before you open up. Additionally, lock your doors behind you, select local transportation wisely and avoid keeping your cash and credit cards all in the same place. At least one money source should be away from your person. Use the safety deposit boxes provided; most are reliable and free.
Share your travel plans with a trusted confidante
Whether you are traveling with someone or going solo, it’s always a good idea to make it easy for family and friends back home to get a hold of you in an emergency. So I recommend leaving your itinerary and contact information with one person you trust. It helps if that family member or friend has a clear idea of where you are supposed to be and when, and as much as possible, you should try to touch base with him or her regularly. With phone apps like Whatsapp, Viber, Skype and Facetime, it’s now easier and more cost effective than ever before.
Keep copies of your passport in a safe place
Always, always have a copy of your passport stashed somewhere safe! You can scan it and e-mail it to yourself or take a photo and save the image on your smartphone. Plus, you should have a copy at home. That way, if an unforeseen event happens, like a natural or a man-made disaster, you’ll have access to all your details. That copy will speed up the replacement process.
Register with your embassy or consulate
Embassies and consulates provide assistance for their citizens in emergencies so remember to register with them before you leave home and ensure you have their address and telephone number on you at all times. For instance, U.S. citizens and nationals planning to travel abroad can enroll in The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service designed to enable them to share trip details that would facilitate making easy contact in times of trouble. It also provides travelers with important updates on safety conditions in your destination country. Click link for more details here.
British citizens can subscribe to their Foreign Commonwealth Office (FCO) for travel advice alerts and follow FCOTravel on Facebook and Twitter for real time updates.
Other countries have their own emergency assistance systems in place so familiarize yourself with them before you go.
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Do you have any valuable tips you can share?
During Fleet Week 2015, I was able to interact with service men and women aboard the USS Wasp (LHD1), a multi-purpose assault ship that accommodates the full range of Navy and Marine Corps helicopters, conventional and new landing craft, and amphibious vehicles.
It was an informative experience where, by nature of a guided tour, I got a tiny hint of the equipment and technology used in battle and the magnitude of the sacrifice brave military personnel make for us to maintain our freedoms.
The horrors of war are numerous and the devastating effect it can have on lives, both at home and abroad, is unquestionable. Yet, thousands of people enlist each year. In spite of the risks, both veterans and those in active service say military training also teaches valuable life skills. Things like teamwork, attention to detail, self-discipline, how to function in stressful situations and leadership are some of the benefits of enrolling. Of course, persons in active service also get to travel the world!
During my tour of the ship, I spoke briefly with a navy officer and a marine about their trips abroad. We were in groups so I had to slip my questions in between the regular presentations and while my fellow tour participants were looking at the exhibits and learning about the rigors of active duty.
E6 1st Class Officer Jayme Graham is a ship serviceman who has been in the navy for 12 years. She is in charge of maintenance and materials management onboard which means she liaises with vendors and suppliers that repair the ship. As part of the navy, she’s traveled around the world to transport marines to their call of duty and has spent time in many far-flung destinations, including Australia and Malaysia. She liked Australia best.
Corporal Spader was newer to the service. He’s been a marine for just over three years and with his USS Wasp assignment, he had to quickly learn to live amongst the 900 other people onboard. State rooms for the officers are above board while everybody else lives below deck. His tours of duty have taken him to Thailand, Japan, Malaysia and the Philippines so far. With a shy smile, he told me he enjoyed Thailand best. I didn’t have enough time to find out if that was because of the tasty food, the friendly locals, the Instagram-worthy imagery or the women but at his tender age, I suspect it could be all of the above.
What do you think; would you enter military service?
Below are some images from my visit.
If you talk to me about most things web-based we can have a decent conversation. But ask me anything too techie that’s mobile-related and I am likely to sound – how should I put this delicately – planted firmly circa 2002. Other than my use of basic apps like Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube and Twitter, I am still one of the few people who primarily will use a phone to talk or send messages to family and friends, and to snap and edit pictures.
No, I am not a complete dinosaur. And in case you’re wondering, the answer is yes, I know there are many helpful and innovative apps that are only a few clicks away. I’m just extremely hesitant to turn over “complete access to my identity” in order to join the digital party.
Yet, I keep hearing about all the great travel tools that are available for free. I reckon I may have to break down my mental barriers soon to try a few. When I do, I feel these four apps are cool enough to entice me to hit download.
Findery
Findery is a user-generated guide that helps you gain insights from travelers who have been in a destination before you. Quite different from a mere restaurant recommendation or hotel rating tool, it is a compilation of tips made up of unexpected, spontaneous and personal notes that enhance your local knowledge beyond what the regular guidebook says. Anybody with the app can add his/her own notes.
Available on iOS, Android, and Windows.
Hipmunk 
Fundamentally a flight and hotel aggregation search tool, Hipmunk sets itself apart by including accommodation listings from non-traditional lodging platforms like Airbnb and HomeAway in its results. It also allows you to bookmark searches to return to them later. Its newest feature, “Discover”, gives users the option to research your trip according to vacation themes. So, if skiing, diving, or hiking is your objective it will help you narrow things down.
Available on: Android, iOS, Web
Goby
I was in NYC for a conference in September and I missed the free Global Citizen concert headlined by Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Beyonce and others because I had no clue it was happening. Perhaps if I’d had the Goby app such a royal travesty could have been avoided. Goby goes beyond listing attractions and eateries, and drills down to the minute detail of helping you find concerts, plays, and other events happening around you.
Available on Android, iPhone/iPad
Maps.Me
The feature that appeals to me most about Maps.Me is that I’ve read you can download detailed maps ahead of time and use them at your destination- even without an internet connection. That’s great news for those of us who get annoyed with spotty Wi-Fi connections and who shy away from racking up huge roaming fees while overseas. I’ve also heard their maps are more reliable than Google Maps for places on the road less travelled.
Available on: Android, Amazon Fire, BlackBerry, iOS
OpenTable
I am a mood-driven eater so I rarely make dinner reservations well in advance of meal times. According to all reports, the OpenTable app seems perfect for persons like me because it would save us the hassle of walking and driving around a city in search of a decent restaurant to suit our then frame of mind. When I approach things that way, usually the lines spill out onto the sidewalk for the good places. With this app, I could use it to vet the hotel concierge’s recommendations before I leave the lobby and simply book my dining experience online.
Available on: Android, Amazon Fire, BlackBerry, iOS, Web, Windows Phone
Which ones would you recommend?
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I have exciting news!! My Travel Stamps has partnered with GPSmyCity to offer 20 FREE promo codes of one of their FULL VERSION city walk apps to my readers. For a chance to win, all you have to do is go to the comments section below to tell me your predictions for the best travel apps for 2016 (one that is not already mentioned) AND if you have not already done so, also subscribe to my blog. Winners will be selected on November 30, 2015.
Please note that the promo codes are good for iOS devices (iPhone and iPad) only at this time. [And in case, you’re wondering, I am an Android girl so that’s the only reason they weren’t included in my list.]
About GPSmyCity:
The company makes popular apps that feature self-guided city walks in over 470 cities around the world. Each app contains anywhere from a few to over a dozen self-guided walking tours per city and each one enables you to explore the best sights and attractions on foot – at your own pace. Yes, minus timelines and without distracting group members! For a list of cities that are covered, click here.
The app has been featured in major publications like The New York Times, Marie Claire, Philly Voice, TimeOutDubai and the Atlanta Journal Constitution, among others.
Until last week, I wouldn’t believe it if you told me one day I’d find myself running through an airport like a crazy woman with just 40 minutes left before my flight was scheduled to depart. Okay, let me be honest. Sometimes I run a little late but oh my goodness, I’d never ever been THAT late.
Please note, I didn’t say 40 minutes before the flight closed or 40 minutes before boarding. I said – and meant – 40 minutes before take-off! While you’re working out the logistics in your head, do me a favor, will you? Please try to figure out how you’d manage to accomplish that feat in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International – the world’s busiest airport.
Stumped? I’d be too, if it didn’t miraculously work out for me. I was in Atlanta for business and my luncheon and final meeting ran longer than anticipated. So, by the time my colleague and I got off the highway and onto the airport exit, our watches said “oh, no” while our frantic minds were saying, “you better press the gas and go”.
Sounds incredible, right? Let me reenact it for you..
3:20 p.m. Pull up to the car rental return area, hand over the keys and as there’s simply no time to wait, you ask for the receipt to be sent via email. Grab your luggage from the trunk and simultaneously ask the attendant to point you in the direction of the terminal building.
3:25 p.m. Climb, not stand patiently, on the escalators to the SkyTrain that will take you to the main processing area. Respectfully ask the persons ahead of you to move to the right in order to give you space to ascend – quickly!
3:27 p.m. Ladies, forget about business attire and its accompanying proprieties because subconsciously you know this dash is not going to happen with heels on. So while the train is still moving, open your carry-on and switch the fancy shoes for flip-fops. Make sure you do it with some ‘I know what I am doing’ aplomb and don’t miss a beat when the well-dressed guy standing next to you jovially asks if he can change his shoes too. Just incline your head and smile sweetly while you point to his two-toned wingtips and remind him he’s not the one wearing heels. You, on the other hand, need to go low as you’re getting ready for a race against the clock that would make Jamaican Olympian sprint queen Shelly-Ann Fraser proud.
3:33 p.m. Haul your bag and lost pride down the next set of escalators in close pursuit of your colleague who you told to go ahead because he was familiar with the layout. In an airport that serves 225 domestic and international destinations combined, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize it will be easier to follow his profile than try to read a gazillion signs. But just before you round the bend, pause to lock eyes with the guy who is still checking you out and tell him to wish you luck. He does so with a nod and a smile and PRONTO – that adds a little more pep in your, let’s be quite frank about this, less than graceful step!
3: 35 p.m. Thank your lucky stars for the wisdom of online check-in as it gets you to where you need to be in about two minutes flat. But then you see the queue ahead of you and stop abruptly. You look down at your watch and look back at the line quizzically. In between wondering how to get into a fast track lane you’re mentally calculating exactly how many of the average 250,000 passengers a day that pass through this airport are standing between you and your gate right now.
3: 37 p.m. A glance at your watch underscores that the time for shyness and political correctness is long gone, so you rely on your Caribbean go-getter instincts and ask the attendant in the Delta Priority line to let you through. She explains she is not supposed to do that and she also feels the need to let you know your chances of making your flight are slim to none because even after this checkpoint, you have another train to catch. You politely tell her you are aware of that but you’d appreciate it if she could still try.
3:41 p.m. The attendant moves off to speak with some other colleagues while the clock keeps ticking. She eventually saunters back and motions for you join her line which is significantly shorter but still has quite a few people in it. Then, the other agent who greets you at the top tells you he can’t put you ahead of the persons at the front of the line. There’s no room for shame in your game at that point so without skipping a beat, you make eye contact with middle-aged gentleman and explain your dilemma to him and anyone within ear shot who will listen. He acquiesces and thankfully, the people ahead of him allow you to move ahead of them too.
3:45 p.m. Go into full throttle sprint mode to catch the other train that will get you to the departure gate. Try not to erupt in nervous giggles when you glance behind you and see your colleague “bussing it” in full jacket and tie, with his shoe laces still undone because he didn’t have time to red-do them after the security check.
3: 51 p.m. Approach the gate, greet the agent and swipe your mobile bar code as directed. With very little breath left, you simply nod in agreement when she says you’ll have to check your bag at the gateway.
3:52 p.m. Leave your bag, as directed.
3:54 p.m. Enter the plane and go directly to the restroom to assess the full level of your dishevelment.
3:55 p.m. Find your seat and sit down right as they announce the door is closing. Expect your chest to be heaving, your heart to be racing and your body to be lightly covered in sweat. Finally, let out that breath you’ve been holding, then lean back in your chair, secure your seatbelt and close your eyes.
You did it!
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