Top Tips For International Travel

I have been travelling overseas for more than 11 years now and my motto is "expect the unexpected"! Here are my top 10 tips for making international travel easier.

1. Firstly and most important: Be super organised!  Arrange your travel insurance - there are always surprises when you are travelling!  Write and distribute copies of your itinerary to your family or friends: it sometimes takes me a year to organise a full itinerary of places to stay and travel between. Also take copies of your travel documents: passport, itinerary and banking details for the inevitable phone home situation when you encounter difficulties with theft, breakages or mislaying items! We were robbed in Greece and broke a mobile phone in a backpack when it fell from a roofrack in a Portuguese bus!

2. Pack lightly, roll tightly. I go by the old ‘pile them on the bed’ method: sort your things, divide them in half, divide them in half again and that’s what you really need! Alright, I sometimes sneak a couple of things back in! I pack smallish items into shoes and wrap any souvenirs in clothing to prevent breakages. I carry a quantity of plastic sealing lunch bags useful for carry on items that have be in clear view for customs checks.

3. Always take a pashmina or scarf and long skirt or pants for those visits where modest dress is necessary. Some of the places I have needed these are the monasteries of Meteroa, the mosques in Arabian countries and temple visits in South East Asia.

4. Keep fit, you will need it for those days exploring through enticing and ancient cities with narrow byways, cobbled pavements and endless stairs to high viewpoints! I try and walk every day but housework or a busy schedule easily qualify!

5. Pack warm weather clothing and an umbrella. I always take a beanie, gloves and warm jacket for those unexpected cold weather changes and situations like we had on board an overnight ferry to Crete where we froze due to being unable to turn the air con down! I always take my hooded jacket on the flight to wear; it can fold up into a small bundle for using as a pillow in desperate situations!

6. Pack reading material for those terribly long waiting times, waiting for a connecting train or bus (5 hours in Greece once!) or waiting at airports with huge inter connecting times for flights. When travelling, I find there are usually second hand bookshops somewhere where I can buy books and donate them at the next hotel or hostel.

7. Organise your carry-on luggage! I take a backpack with my passport, toiletries, a change of clothes, notebook computer or iPad, my charging devices and power converters for the country I'm going to, mobile phone, pen, small pack of tissues, moisturiser and lip balm, a book or Kindle, pocket sized camera, water bottle, (though these sometimes have to be emptied out or abandoned altogether depending on regulations), puzzle book,  cloth bottle holder which fits across the body (I bought this in Myanmar and it’s so useful in hot countries for carrying while walking) and barley sugar (or the like) to chew when ascending and descending in the plane.

8. Make sure your baggage is easily identifiable by putting something colourful on it - I put a bright orange macramé cord on mine: this is guaranteed not to be on anyone else’s! There is always a mad dash for the baggage carousel, so make sure you have a trolley handy first thing.

9. Use wheeled luggage. When we started travelling they were not available! I now have a wheeled weekender sports type bag with an extendable handle. This will save you in big airports where you have to walk miles to the gates. Mine is also backpack convertible, although I haven’t needed to use it.

10. Arrive at your airport early – Virgin Australia is always happy to help you check in! I try to be first in line by arriving well before the regulation time and then you can roam the cafeterias, shopping and duty free area and have a relaxing beverage or two before the flight! Sometimes, you may even bag an exit aisle seat by being early- it doesn’t hurt to ask!

Now celebrate in style, you have earned it and after all, the enjoyment begins the minute you board that flight for destinations and experiences only imagined!

This post is an entry for the Virgin Australia Problogger Event travel tips competition.

Illness and Luck in Vietnam!

Street scene Hanoi.

Getting sick overseas is never a good thing! I can attest to this as my other half got extremely ill in Hanoi, Vietnam many years ago.


Hanoi is a very busy city and the area we were in was typically busy by the Hoan Kiem Lake. There is the beautiful Ngoc Son Temple in the centre of this, with a much photographed bridge leading onto it. People gather there in the afternoons with their dogs and berets (from the French Influence), to mingle and have coffee. It was cooler and many people were wearing jackets though the weather was hot still by our standards!

Hoan Kiem Lake.

We were travelling by ourselves, having toured Cambodia with a small group tour and were in Hanoi for a few days prior to heading home via Thailand. What ensued was farcical but could have been disastrous as I contemplated NOT getting him on the plane! We had to find a doctor and quickly as it got to the stage where hubby was so ill he was not eating and was watching me eat and drink... it gets rather one-sided when a dreary look is thrust at you every mouthful!

One Pillar Pagoda.

Next, he was in bed with a fever and me downstairs in the huge unoccupied hotel dining room for tea on my own, with only a waiter who couldn't of course, speak very much English. The musical background of Frank Sinatra singing Moon River did nothing to help the situation! One thing, I managed to get in and out of a dining room in record time!

We eventually found a doctor, at the International Medical Centre, and by chance and good fortune he was from Brisbane of all places! As hubby chatted merrily on to him, I sat outside in the waiting room envisaging by the lengthy consultation that he had some terrible malarial virus and was going to need hospitalising! By the time he came out, after chatting about how varied his practice was compared to Brisbane, I was in a panic. However we found out it was a virus and curable with course of antibiotics which were happily obtained there as they had a dispensary and operating theatre in the same modern complex! (Just the shot if you need a quick appendectomy!)

The worst part was the bill...as it was in Vietnam dong, I had to traverse street corners with soldiers armed with attack guns to get to the ATM! (At this time there few of these in Vietnam and indeed none in Cambodia.) Imagine me; at the best of times pretty worried about getting cash out, as the amount was millions of dong, the exchange rate being a  huge amount to our dollar! Today 1 Australian dollar =  16,946 dong! After 3 lots of dispensing cash from the ATM, I finally made my way back through the streets, fearing robbery at every step. Gladly I handed it over at the surgery, vowing never to do that again!

The doctor was very sociable and harangued hubby with tales of flying everywhere to evacuate patients who got into trouble in remote areas of Vietnam, sort of a Flying Doctor of Asia! Full points to his resourcefulness in leaving a safe Aussie practice, as we would never have been able to continue without him! My Tip: Don't leave home without travel insurance that includes sickness as this was an expensive exercise for a one off!

Unsung gems of Europe Part 3. San Gimignano, Italy.

Italy! Scenes of Tuscan laneways with tall trees fading into the distance, stone cottages and ethereal beauty come to mind! Yes, the beauty of this countryside and its surrounds is just that, bellisimo! My next gem takes us to San Gimignano, a small medieval village set in the hills near Sienna. We went by local bus from our base at Sienna for a day trip. As we rounded the corners and slowly crawled our way up the hills, we had time to admire the locals at every stop and marvel at the slow pace of living compared to the manic pace of the bigger cities . We also discovered bus drivers do NOT let you on if you are the slightest bit late, as ours emphatically closed the doors and left one poor local stranded by the road as we took off!

The Bastione San Francesco, part of the walled village.

The first glimpse of this small walled village is impressive. The many tall towers for which it is famous, are set high against the backdrop of blue skies and fine weather. The surrounding countryside is full of vineyards and there is a vista of tiled rooves dotting the surrounding country. This village was a stop for pilgrims in the Middle Ages and Renaissance years on the Via Francigena, the famous pilgrim way. Besides the Vennacia wine, said to inspire poets and Popes alike, the area was famed for its saffron used in cooking and dyeing of cloth. As we made our way up the narrow alleys, I could not help but notice the enormous bottles of vino tempting tourists on both sides, inspiring another generation no doubt of would be writers and poets! Well, I had to try some didn't I, just to find out the truth of the matter! Strong coffee and sweet treats, also gelati, were on the menu at the local cafés in the piazza, and as we wandered off to explore the Collegiate church with its beautiful chapel, many tourist buses started to arrive.

Overlooking San Gimignano, a beautiful Tuscan vista.

 By chance, I discovered one of the most dedicated medieval museums true to my heart! It was a hospital museum showing how herbal remedies were made and dispensed by the monastery for pilgrims and residents of this important stopping place. Actual books, so precious then, have been preserved with delicate drawings of herbs and directions for their use. The windows of the museum revealed a reconstructed herbal garden and an unparalleled view of San Gimignano's towers.






Urns full of herbs for remedies of all ills.

There are some remaining frescoes form medieval times to be found in the chapel of Saint Serefina who was born here in 1238. During the war years, these frescoes and others were saved from the withdrawing German army by the village women. A tall bell also rests on the floor near some delicate frescoes. During the Black Death plague of 1348, nearly half the population died, and the village remained preserved in its medieval state until the 19th century. My Tip: Best to arrive early, as the small village is inundated by tourists once the buses arrive!

View from the museum window.



Five unsung gems of Europe - Part 2

Moving around the countries of Europe by train and bus or ferry, we arrived at many destinations by the back door! My next gems are in Slovenia, which we approached by a magnificent train trip through the Alps from Salzburg. The first snow was dusting the peaks as we went by and many people complete with long poles and gear were setting off at various stations to walk the mountain trails. Slovenia has to be one of the most scenic countries, with its untouched beauty and splendid vistas from mountain lakes to medieval cities.



First snow of the season on the Austrian alps enroute to Slovenia.

Ljubljana: Every expectation I had of Ljubljana was met when we rolled into the station and commenced our short walk downtown to our accommodation in the central area. Foot friendly and welcoming, Lubljiana is famous for its 3 bridges, one of which the Dragon Bridge, was one of  the first arched concrete construction bridge in Europe during the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It has many sheeted copper dragons along it and 4 above, the dragon being the symbol of Slovenia. The Triple bridge is also nearby. There are many beautiful churches including the cathedral to visit together with Ljubljana castle overlooking the medieval layout of the city. A funicular serves as a shortcut to the 12th century castle and Outlook tower, with a museum to visit and outdoor café to enjoy. While we were there, we enjoyed romantic dinners by the river serenaded by violins. There was also a festival with unusually tall human figures on stilts processing through the city. Art shops and bookshops delighted me as well! Ljubljana, truly a gem of modern Europe!




The mighty dragon symbol of Slovenia on Dragon Bridge.



Stilt walkers in downtown Ljubljana.



Triple Bridge, Ljubljana.



Looking across Lake Bled to the monastery.




















Rowboats on Lake Bled.

From the monastery steps looking across the lake.

Lake Bled: We travelled the short distance by bus to Lake Bled for a day trip from Ljubljana. Words fail me here as there is nothing to compare with the untouched beauty of the lake which was revealed before us!  It is a tourist magnet that lives up to its reputation as powered boats are prohibited from using the lake environs. In fact, the European rowing championships are held here. The water is crystal clear and full of mirror images. To get to the monastery in the middle of the lake you can row yourself or like us be punted across by a willing  young man! We met up with many young people who come to pay their respects to their heritage in this way as the monastery is a significant site for them. There is a small museum and an eating area and  the whole island can be circled in fifteen minutes before returning. A magnificent castle that overlooks the lake can be visited too, or you can stroll like us around the lake enjoying the sunshine or having a cappuccino or vino or two at one of the many restaurants! Lake Bled, another true gem of Eastern Europe!









































    




Five unsung gems of Europe - Part 1

I don't profess to be the most knowledgeable world traveller, but over the past ten years, I have managed to pick up and learn of a few smaller and less well known  places that have delighted us! In keeping with our usual do our own thing itinerary using buses and trains throughout Europe, we have discovered the best tips come from locals and young people travelling cheaply, many a good time also had in passing - especially on "eat streets" and open air eating places!

Kayakers on the Vitava River

My first selection is Czechy Krumlov, a beautifully preserved medieval city on the Vitava River about an hour's train ride from Prague in the Czech Republic. It has a very large castle complex that dates back to the 13th century, overlooking the narrow alleyways of the village itself. The ornate ceilings and decorations take your breath away as you process through a chapel and onto large rooms typical of the biggest castles in Europe. It has a working stage machinery in a theatre that is one of the few operating still in the world. From here, you proceed down to the plentiful restaurants, cafes, even the Eggenberg brewery below and wander through the many interesting book and art shops.





View from the castle walls of the city.

After  a wonderful lunch in a very medieval, that is, suitably candle-lit!- restaurant, we were able to wander around before catching the bus and train back to Prague. You can watch from the bank, the kayakers fording the small rapids on the river that winds through the city, and investigate the churches and shops further. There are many festivals held here each year and the medieval tournaments , opera and summer music festivities would be well worth checking out!




Beside the Vitava River.

My tip: my advice is to stay the night, as we didn't and have regretted it ever since!





Daylight robbery!

Why did we fall victim to a robbery on a train from Patras to Athens in broad daylight?  There was only one person, admittedly a large male, on the train when we stood up to get off. We always cover each others backpacks and keep them in sight when travelling. He was very practised and very quick!

Luxury accommodation on board the ferry.

We had come overnight from Brindisi in Italy on the ferry and caught the train on landing in Greece, to go cross country. When buying the tickets, hubby got out his wallet and forgot to return it to his front pocket, easily done when tired! (Our money belts were securely on and I never carry a purse or wallet at all on overseas trips.) As soon as the train departed, and checking everything, we realised the wallet was missing. That horrible feeling comes over you, that feeling of disbelief, then the reality! Hubby had just received cash from the hole in the wall, to pay for the tickets as well! Worse still was the cards we lost, though we always had another with me.

The railway police were terrific, offering us the phone and helping us get through to numbers to cancel cards straight away. First question was, " From Australia! Do you know my cousin in Melbourne?" Surely do! However, we thought it a bit strange when they took us over the busy street to the police station and pointing it out, left us on our own! As our hotel, very budget friendly, was in this slightly run down area, we took our weekenders on wheels with us to get a statement for insurance purposes. Simple you would think? Wrong! It couldn't have been worse. We were holed up on the third floor of that awful cement building in the Athens intolerable heat, for hours of our afternoon. We had no food left, but luckily had water with us. Police officials kept squeezing past us with prisoners in line, in handcuffs... and no detective in that dingy, dark room wanted to bother with our little complaint!

 Finally, some ladies of the night, who were waiting with us on the stairs, took pity on us and through sign language , we managed to see the door open and hubby whipped his head in to get the scrap of paper required! My advice, do not commit a crime in Athens! The incarceration would be awful if our experience was anything to go by.....so saying, we had a wonderful time in this foot friendly city walking around the Parthenon and other ruins so close by!

The Parthenon, a spectacular monument to the might of ancient Athens!

Why no one takes the shortcut through Albania by bus to get to Croatia!

My first post is about a disaster, yes, unbelievable I know after I had thoroughly researched online comments on ways to get from Greece to Montenegro! They were very limited, but I have always believed in the power of  one's own instinctive urge to go where no one else has been and ploughed ahead regardless. This was 2010 and we had enjoyed a fantastic few days in Meteora, visiting the Greek Orthodox Monasteries and overcoming my vertigo to crawl across a narrow bridge to one monastery, but that's another story! The food there was to die for, as in all Greek towns, Kalampaka being no exception and this comes into play later on in our trip to Tirana, the capital of Albania. With the help of the local lass at the bus counter, who interpreted our request for a bus that night, we got our tickets, a Friday night as I recall. This was very significant as this is the night Albanian workers, all men, return to Albania for the weekend.




Our first view of a  Meteora monastery.

 We holed up in our hotel for several hours of rest before waiting at the bus station. It was this trip north or having to fly back to Athens and fly up to Croatia, a very complicated and seemingly long and silly retracing of our steps. The trains were very unreliable , as I had researched that also: they were very complicated with slow and frequent changeovers.
 Well, we set off on this bus with a driver who had complete disregard for safety, roaring around what must have been thousands of corners at top speed mostly with one hand on the wheel, smoking AND texting, in the teeming rain that started when we got on! It seemed everyone on board either had a death wish or just had to get home!

 Of the entire passenger list, only 2 were female. There is nothing more threatening than 40 or so Albanian men and us - with no knowledge at all of their language. It was quite terrifying enough by then as my hubby and I were separated also and he was forced to sit up the back in a puddle of water that ran in from the roof onto the seating there. To make matters worse, hubby then became violently ill, perhaps from food poisoning although we couldn't be certain of that, except that he had had a fabulous seafood dish at lunch that he normally enjoyed in Greece and I had not! As he advanced to the driver, he managed to yell at him to implore him to stop at once or the bus would be the receptacle of his lunch! Somehow by sign language, he managed to achieve this, only to get back on and continue to feel worse again.

 By midnight, we had reached the border and what ensued was nothing short of nightmarish! The other poor woman was a girl, and her clothing and articles from her luggage were strewn outside on the ground as the Albanian Border Police searched it thoroughly. They had taken our passports and I actually thought that we would never see them again, as I did at other places like the river police on the Cambodian border when we lost our tour guide who was refused entry,  but that's another story! It seemed like hours later, but in reality only an hour, when we were able to continue, with some stops for poor hubby, eventually reaching Tirana at daylight.




View from bus of Albanian capital Tirana.

 We jumped off the bus as fast as possible, and hubby ran for the nearest toilet, fortunately there was a nice coffee shop man opening up. I bet he didn't anticipate a demonic looking man bolting past him for the loo at that hour of the morning! By various hand signals, we gathered there were no buses to Montenegro and the best we could do was to get on a small mini van for commuters to the next major town of Shkodra on our way to Ulcinj and thus to Kotor. We noticed there was a terrible evidence of poverty everywhere with run down communications and the use of horse and cart, also field work carried out by hand.



Local transport from taxi cab, the old and the new!

On arrival at Shkodra, we found a hotel to have a cup of tea and coffee and a friendly doorman who tried out his English on us. He told us of the years of post - Communism that things such as living standards were improving but very slowly. No doubt, as in other countries, the internet and mobile phones were beginning to be accepted by the authorities but there was not much infrastructure to support them. We hired a cab, amazingly a BMW but extremely old, to drive us over another policed border to Montenegro and that went without incident! He was so happy to receive what would have been a minimal amount of Euro to transport us such a long way to Ulcinq, the cost in Australia would have been astronomical!

 Needless to say, we reached Kotor, my mini Dubrovnik, by late afternoon, and as I fell off the bus, I literally plucked one old lady out of the usual crowd of people scrabbling to nab these helpless tourists and cart them off to their places for accommodation for the night! I rounded on the nearest one to ask, how far? She indicated in broken English, two minutes....Done! I chased her down the street nearby and we found a pretty and clean, if bare room with an old bathroom for the night in an old stone cottage with magnificent views of the harbour and countryside.





Prettiest medieval fortress in Kotor, a mini Dubrovnik.

Outside our cottage door in Kotor. 

 I set up my notebook computer and happily downloaded our photos and off we went to explore the prettiest mini medieval town in the Adriatic Sea!