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.
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:
Vitamin C tablets can be mini lifesavers in an immunity crunch (Source: medmartusa2.com-)
Carry immunity boosters and nasal sprays
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.
Never swallow tap water
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!
Always avoid ice cubes even if tempted to ask for them (Image source: www.123rf.com)
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.
Don’t eat raw and unpeeled foods.
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.”
The best way to kill bacteria is to cause friction so use soap and rub vigorously. (Image source: blog.themedicalcenterofplano.com)
Shy away from drinking out of glasses.
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.
Wash your hands frequently.
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.
Sanitize, sanitize, sanitize.
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.
Always, Always make time to get enough sleep. That’s how your body replenishes itself (Image source: www.psychologies.co.uk)
Stay hydrated
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.
Treasure your sleep
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.
Make smart food choices
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!
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.
Today travel to see even some of the notable wonders of of the world can be dangeours.
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.
Tapping into the hotel WiFi to do a little online research on things to do in the area
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.
Local arts and craft vendors are a good source for neat shopping finds
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.
Hotel lobby at Jewels Dunn’s River Resort. It has multiple entrances and exits.
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.
Heavily trafficked street in Cairo, filled with licensed and unlicensed taxis and buses,
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.
Passports are important documents that are not easy to replace
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.
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.
Photo credit: www.freesocialicons.com
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
Photo credit: www.mashable.com
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
Photo credit: Screenshot by Joel A. Fineman/USN&WR
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
Photo credit: Maps.Me website
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.
Lately, it’s been a struggle for me to stick to a fitness routine at home, so try to imagine how hard it is to be disciplined about eatinghealthy meals and working out when I’m traveling. I don’t know about you but being on the road turns my personal routine upside down in so many ways. For example, I never know what my breakfast, lunch or dinner will be like and my mid-morning and afternoon snacks may or may not materialize depending on my schedule. And truthfully, whether I am traveling for work or vacation, the idea of pounding hard in a gym is not very appealing when I could be out exploring.
Basic workout material but you can use whatever is available
But at the end of the day, it’s about making adjustments and not excuses because it’s very easy to do nothing at all then watch your fitness level fade or the extra pounds creep on. Even after an exhausting or exhilarating day, you can exercise from the comfort of your hotel room to burn a few calories.
First, I always start my exercise routine with cardio. I am not a fan of running but I don’t mind skipping. Thankfully, I’ve discovered that it’s the fastest and most convenient way to get my heart rate up – anywhere. Even if I forget my jump rope, I can always simulate the action. So do that first, then move on to some toning exercises.
I’ve shared a few options below.
ARMS:
To achieve toned arms, you need to target the biceps (front of the arm) and triceps (back of the arm) from every angle. According to Franklin Antoian, ACE Certified Personal and founder of iBodyFit.com, “generally six to eight reps is good for strength, and 10 to 12 reps is suggested for muscle maintenance to keep the tendons strong and healthy.”
Push ups: Work at your own pace. I used to do 3 sets of 15 but now I’m working my way up from 3 sets of 8.
Bench dips but in this case, I’ve made them bed dips. With this one, I do 3 reps of 15.
Shoulder exercise that helps with your external rotation. Keep the elbow tucked into the waist for as many reps as you do.
LEGS:
Squats are some of the simplest exercises to include in your workout as you can use your own body weight to execute. Not only do they help you gain definition in your thighs and buttocks but when done correctly, they also can improve your posture, digestion and circulation..
Wall Squats: I do 3 sets of 10. (They get harder as you increase the reps) You can do it with a pillow or ball or back support.
Lunges – Lunges are a great way to strengthen, sculpt and build several muscles/muscle groups including your butt, hamstrings (back of the legs) and quads (four main muscles at the front of the thigh). You can do them in a stationary position or walking across a room.
Walking squats: 3 sets of 10 on each leg
Leg, Hip and Butt Extensions – Extension exercises strengthen the buttocks, outer thighs and lower-back muscles. There are variations that you can do while standing or bending.
Side and back extensions.
Butt lifts – whatever the number, I need double. LOL.
ABDOMINALS:
There are like a gazillion exercises that you can do to burn belly fat, flatten your tummy,and strengthen your core without access to any equipment. Success depends on your fitness level and the strength of your core (which is a set of interconnected muscles that run up the back and stretch down to the butt and the front and inner thighs). The most common ab workout is the basic crunch but you can up your game with reverse crunches, oblique twists, planks and more.
Top image – basic crunch. Lower image – oblique crunch. (Your oblique muscles are at the side of your waist).
Reverse crunch
Oblique twist – go 90 degrees to the side, then back to center
An oblique stretch
The dreaded plank
And of course, you have to stretch at the end!
Do you have any neat exercise tips you’d like to share?
Editor’s notes:
I usually work out in sneakers but although I’d packed them for this trip, I forgot the bag in my rush to get out of the house for my little weekend getaway. Since I’d planned to use the opportunity to demonstrate these workouts I had to make do with bare feet. Of course, germaphobe that I am, I had to wash my feet thoroughly afterwards.
For longer trips, I’ve been known to pack my jump rope and resistance bands just in case I can’t make it to the gym or don’t have one where I am staying. But that was when I was on top of my game. True confession? I don’t do that nearly enough nowadays..
I am PROUD to be Jamaican. It’s a non-detachable part of my psyche and my socialization. My national pride is reflected in my distinctive accent, my “we-can-do-all-things-we-set-out-to-do” confidence, and a hearty appreciation of our indigenous delicacies like patties, jerked meats and the national dish – ackee and saltfish. Regardless of where I go, and the pleasure I derive from exploring far-flung destinations, there’s just no substitute for our food, our culture, the landscapes, our people and that irreplaceable island swag.
But sometimes, just sometimes…I wish I carried a second passport.
The evolution of the Jamaican passport
The challenges and inconveniences some passport holders like myself face when planning trips can be disheartening and downright annoying. Not only does the need to apply for a visa limit spontaneity in vacation trips, it also can impede our ability to work as well. What’s more, the process is costly and quite invasive. Depending on the country and category of visa needed, application requirements may include all or some of the following:
a job letter
a bank statement
police background checks
biometrics (i.e. fingerprinting)
proof of itinerary (airline and hotel reservations)
an invitation letter, conference attendance documentation etc.
And, let’s not even talk about the fees!
It gets on my nerves occasionally, because sometimes I just can’t be bothered with the hassle. Thankfully, I’ve never been denied a visa but the hoops I have had to jump through to travel to Egypt, London, Brazil, China, Europe, and the Cayman Islands are noteworthy. The easiest process I ever had was with Dubai. It wasn’t even a stamp in my passport; the entry visa was delivered via email.
In former roles, I also missed two opportunities to go on work-related trips to Anguilla because it is a British Overseas Territory, and I needed a UK visa to get in. Yet, I was able to travel to the Turks and Caicos (another UK Overseas Territory) multiple times with my Jamaican passport and US resident card. So, clearly the rules are not consistent.
In a recent study, Jamaica ranked 98 in the Global Passport Power Rank 2016 index, with a visa-free score of 77. That means Jamaican passport holders have visa-free access to 46 countries and can obtain a visa on arrival at an additional 31. Other Caribbean neighbors rank much higher: Barbados (132), Bahamas (129), Antigua & Barbuda (124), St Kitts and Nevis (124), and Trinidad and Tobago (12). See the link with a full country listing here.
Where does your passport rank, and have you had any challenges getting to where you need to go?
I suspect the June 2015 news of the removal of the famous “love locks” on the Pont des Arts bridge in Paris took a lot of people by surprise. I mean, really, with an estimated total of more than 700,000 locks similar in weight to that of about 20 elephants it means a lot of lovers must have journeyed to that site to etch their names onto specially or hastily bought locks before fastening them to the bridge.
The former Lock Bridge in central Paris, France (photo courtesy of englishcntv.com)
Who knew that such an innocuous practice, believed to have started in Rome after a 2006 Italian novel-turned-film aired would have mushroomed into such a symbolic sign of “ironclad” affection? So great was the movement, it eventually converted a regular bridge into a world-renown point of interest arguably as famous as the Seine River over which it flowed.
I found the concept fascinating. In fact, it spurred me into thinking about other unusual traditions that I’ve seen throughout my travels. At each place, I’ve always paused to wonder about the origin of these unusual practices. Two examples immediately sprung to mind:
Cayman Shoe Tree
Any visitor to Grand Cayman should drive, jog or walk to South Sound Road and witness the spectacle of the Cayman Shoe tree in person. Reportedly the brain child of an expat couple who lived and worked on the island for a few years, it began as a means of them clearing litter from some of the beaches they liked to frequent. Deciding they wanted to do something that would draw attention to the need for recycling, they collected more than 300 discarded shoes on the first night they started rounding up garbage. They then secretly nailed the flip flops and sandals onto a tree over the course of two nights. They were aiming for shock value, so they stopped what they were doing whenever any cars drove by to ensure that early discovery would not spoil their big reveal.
Cayman Shoe Tree on South Sound Road, Grand Cayman
By the time they were finished hammering shoes to the tree, their unusual display was 12 feet high. Since then, people have continued to add to it. The couple have since left the island but either them or someone else was kind enough to leave a hammer and nails in a wooden box at the base for you to leave your own footprint on their initial design.
The Egg Plant in Nevis
I heard covering trees with egg shells used to be a common practice outside traditional households in Nevis but the only evidence of it I witnessed was one small plant on the grounds of a cute little eatery by the waterfront in Charlestown. Nestled among the colorful tables, chairs and foliage at the popular breakfast and lunch spot called Café de Arts, there sits a small spikey plant covered in brown and white egg shells. The art of properly positioning them lies in the level of skill in the cracking method. You must make a small incision at the tip of the egg shell so that it can be affixed to the prickly and pointed ends of the plant. Most of the shell must remain whole in order to achieve the full peacock-like effect.
I stood there dumbfounded. I just couldn’t outrun that eerie sense of déjà vu that came over me because I was immediately reminded of the reaction I had when I first saw the flip flop tree in Cayman. Shaking my head to clear it, again I wondered who had started this unusual trend.
Egg plant in Charlestown, Nevis
I was with a small group on a walking tour so I couldn’t stay to dig deep into the back story. All I know is that the eggs that patrons order for breakfast are likely to end up on the plant. After I left, I called the restaurant owner to ask about the practice but she was an expat-turned-resident and told me she really didn’t know the origin of it. I’ve made it a point of duty to find out. After all, this popular food spot sits next door to an important part of history – the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton; one of the writers of the United States Constitution and the face on its 10 dollar bill. From farm to table to plant décor, it is only fitting that the history of these eggs must also be told.
Have you ever come across any unusual country traditions that have become visual points of interest? Please tell me about them.
Some people have to deal with the occasional accident while others, like me, live with the unsettling knowledge that frequent mishaps will occur. I won’t mince words here: I am a walking disaster. Full stop.
Suffering from involuntary awkwardness isn’t a good thing. This unwelcome ‘malady’ is even more bothersome when you travel because accidents take on more significance and have a greater ripple effect when you’re on unfamiliar ground. Based on some of my most noteworthy klutz-inspired experiences, I decided to share a few easy and effective tips that may help other accident-prone travelers like me.
Remain stationary when you’re in transportation that is moving
That rule applies to convertibles, buses, trains and boats. Take my word for it because I know the dangers of which I speak.
Like I shared in my blog intro, I fell headfirst down the steps of a packed double-decker bus in London and that happened because i began my descent from rhe top level while the vehicle was still moving. I’ll be honest, I made such a ruckus during my Olympic-worthy dry dive that in between righting myself and trying to figure out where I was bleeding, the shocked passengers had to yell for the erratic driver to stop. The next day, I ended up in the emergency room to have the narrow yet deep gash near my eye closed.
Stiches received after my bus free fall
10 days later, I got the stitches removed in a private doctor’s office in Madrid, the city that I had scheduled for the next leg of my European trip.
Wear terrain-appropriate shoes and clothing
Don’t ask me how I do it but I seem to have the uncanny ability to trip anywhere – even on flat surfaces – so I’ve learnt to be purposeful about the shoes and clothes that I pack. I now travel with comfortable shoes for walking and ladies, remember the stilettos work marvelously when you’re trying to look cute but they don’t work as well when you are trying to hang on for dear life. Do you really think those heels will give you enough traction to stop quickly when you’re skidding or free falling? No, they most certainly will not.
Also try to avoid overly long dresses or pants that can inhibit your gait or stance.
Use hand-rails
This should go without saying. If you are climbing or going down steps, it’s always safer to use the hand-rails provided. Grip them hard and then grin and glide gracefully. At all times, move with that “I’ve got this” game face on!
Always, always, use the hand rails
Be aware of your surroundings
This bit of advice comes from my sister and she routinely drills this into my head. Admittedly, I am not guilty of walking with headphones on or of holding my head down to fiddle with a mobile phone. But my mind is constantly whirring, so sometimes I mentally check out.
Walking and texting – a big no-no. (Photo courtesy of Digitaltrends.com)
Never do that. Stay present in the moment, glance around you and always look up and look down. Take a cursory inventory of the walls, the entranceways, your pathway, passersby, traffic and any other potential obtrusion or hazards that could be detrimental to your health… and ego. Believe me, it’s not particularly empowering to gaze up at gawking and gasping onlookers from a spread-eagle position on the ground!
Walk, even if you feel to run
It’s a simple yet reasonable rule and the reality is, no matter what, you’ll get where you’re going eventually. After all is said and done, the world won’t end if you arrive a little later than planned. Just relax and breathe…you’re on VACATION.
I learnt this lesson the hard way during a 2014 trip to Tobago. In an effort to avoid getting wet from a light drizzle, I opted for what can only be attributed as light trot – not brisk walk – from poimt A to B. Bad idea! Casually dressed in palazzo pants, a loose tank top, and today’s equivalent of clogs, I was unabashedly oozing some serious elegant-resort-wear swagger.
Outfits similar to the one I was wearing. (Photo courtesy of Chichilove.com)
But all that Caribbean chic mojo quickly evaporated into the moist night air after I bid good-bye to my friends. The combination of a slick surface, my hurried movement and billowing trousers resulted in an ungainly fall I never saw coming. One minute I was upright and in the next, I was not. You should have seen how speedily the pavement came to greet me! I’m guessing it was less than five seconds flat; way faster than the time it would take Usain Bolt to burn up a 100 meter track.
With arms flailing and my purse tethering dangerously close to clobbering my head, I threw my hand out to break my fall and said a reticent hello to the hard surface with my right elbow. Please note, this surefire act of gracefulness was witnessed by the friends who had dropped me off AND by my out-of-body and mortified ‘this really could not be happening to me’ self. Somewhere in the midst of this unfortunate melee, I heard the distant call of one of them asking if I was okay.
Evidence of my limited range of movement almost 365 days after my accident. To the back, that is as far as I can move my right arm.
I shouted a shame-faced yes, scampered up quickly, and rushed to my room. The next morning I woke up in disbelief as I had to deal with inflammation and pain that lasted quite a while. A series of first-aid treatments and medical tests followed. Months later, I discovered my prolonged discomfort was caused by a minor tear and a spur in my shoulder tendon. While writing this (July 2015), my range of movement in the front is far better than it was a year ago but it still is not back to normal in all respects.
Pack a basic klutz kit
When you are a walking poster child for accidents, it’s always a good idea to have basic first-aid treatment handy. I suggest packing bandages, cotton, gauze, antiseptic cream and anti-bacterial wipes at the very minimum.
Get travel insurance
By travel insurance I don’t mean plans that simply cover things like lost luggage or flight cancellations. Calamity Janes and Joes, we need to have insurance coverage for medical emergencies as well. Check your private- or employer-based plan to see if you are free to seek medical treatment while overseas and if so, ask up to what value. If travel is not covered, purchase a short-term policy from one of the multiple travel insurers that are online.. Be thorough in your research and choose wisely!
Editors Notes:
My calamities make for good stories and I chuckle at them frequently but from a more serious perspective, being clumsy can have long-term effects and it can be costly. So, I caution you to be careful.
Due to my shoulder injury, the costs incurred added up. After paying out-of-pocket for the x-rays; muscle relaxant and anti-inflammatory tablets; MRI exam: doctor and specialist viaits: cortisone shot; and out-patient facility therapy sessions, my trip to Tobago ended up being far more than what I spent on airfare, accommodation and spending money combined. It also left the door open to some inconveniences. For example, even now, I can’t zip up a dress and I am unable to work out like I used to. I don’t regret going on the trip though because I was able to see college buddies I hadn’t connected with in years.
I’ve shared all this in the hope that someone will learn from my experiences and consider using some or all of these tips on his or her next trip.
There’s just something really hot about taking a shower al aire libre. For some, the main appeal lies in the thrill of possible discovery, while for others it is in the ability to toss inhibitions aside as easily as they remove their clothes. True confession? I’ve always wondered what it would feel like to be ‘at one with nature’ and revel in the light embrace of cool air as it gently caressed my soapy skin.
Outdoor shower at Paradise Beach Nevis
Whatever their reason, guests staying at the Paradise Beach Nevis, a new 5-star boutique villa resort in one of the most unspoiled islands in the Caribbean, can luxuriate – day or night – in this decadent pleasure. Spacious outdoor marble showers that are tucked away behind privacy walls adjoin each master suite. And these open-air liquid immersions make a shower more than just a shower; they transform an otherwise routine activity into a cathartic embracing of ‘the good life’.
What’s more, set amidst a backdrop of brilliant blue skies, fragrant and colorful tropical foliage, it’s just darn sexy!
The view and foliage at Paradise Beach Nevis
When I visited, I had the option to wash away any residual shyness with products from Hermes’ classic Eau d’Orange Verte unisex line. Created by perfumer Francoise Caron and built around a mossy woods base, the products have a burst of citrus with hints of lemon, mint, mandarin, bergamot, jasmine and cedar.
In the Caribbean, what more could you ask for? The best answer is nothing. If you ever go, I dare you to try it.
Bench with towels and Hermes line of products
Have you ever used – or thought about using – an outdoor shower? Let me know how it felt.
If you’re like me and think of REAL vacations as jetting off to places far from home, it’s easy to rack up expenses to get to exotic new locations. After the big ticket items like airfare, accommodations and tours are taken care of, you have to think about money for meals, ground transportation and incidentals.
Dollar notes and cents from Argentina, China and Jamaica
To avoid shattering my budget, I am always on the lookout for ways to stretch my dollars and cents. Below, I’ve shared four easy ways that have helped me to save money on previous trips.
Stay local
I think the best way to experience a destination is to forego booking a traditional hotel so you can stay in a local home or bed and breakfast. Naturally, having friends or family who live in the places you plan to visit is always convenient and that should be your number one option. But if you’re not that lucky, you can get a close enough experience renting homes and apartments from locals. There are several websites that offer this service at a greatly reduced price.
Patio of our rented farmhouse in Italy
I can’t speak for them all but I’ll tell you this: I booked a farmhouse stay through Holidaylettings.co.uk for one trip to Italy and my friends and I had a marvelous time. Think panoramic views from atop a hill in Tuscany, vine-ripened grapes ready for picking in surrounding vineyards, home-made ricotta cheese from the landlord, fresh herbs in the garden and bedrooms decorated with simple flair and style.
View of the gorgeous Tuscany countryside from our patio
Buy and eat local
Local eats are such a huge part of a vacation! By ‘local’ I mean food truck fare or Mom and Pop delights, not the fine-dining versions served in more established restaurants. There is just something extra special about ordering from a chalkboard menu and savoring meals street side or chowing down on local favorites while you are comfortably seated on a rustic stool in a shack on a beach.
Da Conch Shack, Turks and Caicos
I am convinced the lack of fancy lighting, elaborate décor and sometimes stuffy setting leaves the staff with more time to pour extra love and effort into preparing and serving my meal.
If you are staying in a place with kitchen facilities and want to save money by cooking, it’s also a good idea to buy your fruit and vegetables at a farmer’s market instead of in a grocery store. The produce will be cheaper and fresher.
Vendor showing off his giant pumpkin at the local market in Charelestown, Nevis.
I also suggest scouting out the meal options in the deli section of nearby supermarkets if you don’t have access to a kitchen. There are some that serve breakfast, lunch and dinner at very reasonable rates.
Hot food bar in Kirk supermarket , Grand Cayman
Ride local
Renting a car on vacation can be quite costly because it’s not just the daily rate that must be considered; you have to factor in petrol, insurance and daily surcharges too. On top of that, it may be a bit challenging to navigate strange roads, understand foreign traffic laws and read signs that are not in your native language. I have done the latter and believe me, it was not easy. So never rule out public transportation. Depending on where you are, do your research on the best way to get around a city or town. Be it bus, boat, a friend’s car, Uber diver or train – your pocket will thank you.
The Tri-rail in South Florida runs between West Palm Beach and Miami-Dade.
Talk local
To avoid ridiculously expensive roaming charges, I always put my phone in airplane mode before my flight takes off and I don’t remove that setting until I’m back home and taxiing down the runway. I usually get by on WhatsApp and Skype via free Wi-Fi. Of course, there is FaceTime and tons of other options available too.
But in the frustrating instances when Wi-fi isn’t available and you need to talk, not text, to someone; what can you do? I suggest buying a cheap travel phone and getting a local SIM card at your destination so you can use pre-paid cards or phone credit top-ups for calls during your trip. For example, in the Caribbean, two of the biggest telecommunications providers in the region are Digicel and LIME so their phones are usable in multiple locations. I bought a Digicel SIM card on my most recent trip to Cayman and paid only CI$10 for it. That’s equivalent to approximately US$12.
Phone and local Digicel SIM Card
Pre-paid top-ups are available from five dollars upwards, in increments of five. The beauty of this method is you pay as you go.
