I haven't posted in a while due to working on grad school and being on the road, but a few people have suggested some really worthwhile topics lately so I'm getting back into it. This one's about travel food; not what you eat at restaurants and cafes while travelling so much, just what to pack to save time and money while travelling.
Most of us have had the idea, while planning or in the middle of an adventure on a budget, that we'll "just buy some food at the supermarket to save on cash". It's a smart idea in principle, but speaking from experience, if done wrong it's not as effective a money-saving technique as it could be, and one may just end up running out of food, or being grumpy and wanting local food or takeout anyway. Here I've made a list of a few principles of choosing food for a trip that may help your budget and wellbeing.
1. Weight
Seems obvious, but there's not a lot of point picking out stuff that's cheap and nutritious if it takes up a lot of room in your pack, and/or weight in your baggage allowance. Obvious ways to circumvent this are not choosing foods with excess or heavy packaging, such as canned food, food in jars, things packed in brine or water for keeping (such as canned vegetables, chicken, or tuna, which as we know can yield as little as 50%ish of the canned weight in actual food)
2. Shelf stability
Don't choose things that need refrigeration, or which spoil quickly without it. This unfortunately rules out a lot of healthy stuff, like fresh fruit (who hasn't found a week old pear or banana smooshed at the bottom of their pack? ... No, just me?... awks).
3. Cooking requirements
Try not to pick foods which require cooking, especially not anything which requires a stovetop and extra equipment like pots and pans. This rules out a few staple foods like pasta. Although you may be staying at a place where you have access to these facilities, cooking takes time and effort that you might not have at the end of a long day, and which you certainly won't have in the middle of a day full of activities. I've also found that, when staying with other people (especially those you don't know well) this can mean one less thing to bug them about.
4. Nutritional density
Nutrient density refers to the amount or quality of nutrition per unit of volume and weight of your food. If you haven't come across this phrase before, you've probably at least heard of 'empty calories'; junk food with a lot of calories/kilojoules but no good balance of protein/fat/carbs, no vitamins and minerals, no fibre, etc. Carrying foods of a high nutritional density is important for keeping you feeling full in the short term (and therefore resisting the temptation to impulse buy expensive snacks), keeping your energy up, and keeping you from getting sick. Good examples are wholefood bars and well-formulated protein bars. Bad examples are foods where all the calories come from one source, such as crackers, which are high in carbs but have few other benefits for your body.
5. Cost
The cost of a good food for travelling should be weighed up against the aforementioned properties. For example, as I discovered on a recent long-haul flight where I wanted to avoid crappy plane/airport food, there's no point buying fancy organic mini protein bars if they cost nearly as much as a (reasonably) balanced takeout meal anyway (and are not as filling).
6. Familiarity
By this, I mean pick food that you've tried before, or that you would be open to eating. There's no point making a choice that is cheap, practical and nutritious if the idea of eating it regularly for the duration of your trip grosses you out so much that you decide to just pay for a meal instead. This might be a problem if you have a terrible diet on a day to day basis anyway, but just for example, if you've never tried a formulated meal replacement before, you might not be prepared for the texture or strong flavour.
7. Water requirement
When shopping for food, try to keep in mind how much water you will need to prepare it, or how much water you'll need to wash it down, or to keep yourself hydrated after eating it. For example, don't choose things that are high in salt and will leave you thirsty later, or things which require more water to cook than will eventually go into the content of the meal (this is where you can draw a line between, for example, dried food which requires reconstitution, and food which needs to be boiled). This is a practical issue on two fronts; the availability of clean and safe water wherever you are at the time, and the interruption to your activities to source drinking water later in the day.
So now you might be thinking, well what is there left that I can reasonably budget for? There are a number of good options, some requiring more forward planning than others:
- Laughing Cow cheeses are widely available, cheap, and do not require refrigeration. I'd had them before, but first discovered their true versatility on a trip to Vietnam, where they're very popular as a snack or a spread on bánh mì sandwiches. One 21g wedge of the original flavour contains two grams of protein and one gram of carbs to the four grams of fat, making it a comparably (if not perfectly) balanced choice.
- Dehydrated and freeze dried complete meals: A number of companies, such as Happy Camper and Mountain House sell complete meals (available online or in camping supply stores) that have been dehydrated or freeze dried and require only reconstitution. The pros of these foods are that they are light to carry, complex (you don't have to carry whole portions of many different ingredients just to make an interesting balanced meal), shelf stable, and end up as something at least resembling a meal you might have at home. The cons are that they can be a little expensive (a few dollars per serving) and that the finished texture can be kinda weird. There are ways to get around this for a little extra investment and time; you might consider a food dehydrator to prepare some meals and snacks yourself before you go.
- Balanced protein bars and meal replacement bars: If you're going for this option for at least some of your food, it's important to pick one that is good value (nutritionally) for money, and one that's designed as a balanced replacement, rather than a weight loss snack. Balance bars are a decent example, but if you ask a store person at your local wholefood store they should be able to help. Depending on where you shop you may be able to get a good discount on a bulk quantity of bars, however don't expect to eat these for all or even most of your meals; even with a variety of flavours and correct nutrition, they can get boring really fast.
- Muesli bars: So long as you don't pick a chocolate covered one, or one where the binder is something like pure glucose syrup, these can be a great portable breakfast.
- Ramen soup noodles (with bowl and cutlery included): These won't keep you full for very long, and you'll need access to water, but the pros are that all you need is clean boiled water, you can drink the soup, and they tend to be a pretty darn tasty comfort food.
- Trail mix: You can make your own trail mix with a blend of nuts, seeds and dried fruit. This way you're controlling the cost per serving of your snack, as well as the content. Google trail mix recipes for suggestions; personally, I like to include raw nuts, pepitas or sunflower seeds, and a dried fruit without added sugar (so, not those little squares of crystallised pawpaw or pineapple).
- Tortilla bread: This is a nutritionally debateable choice on its own, but it is compact, versatile, cheap and shelf stable, as well as often coming in resealable bags.
- Vacuum packed foods: Not as light as dehydrated or freeze dried food, but a good way to get something more substantial into your diet. An oft-cited example is Chinese sausage, which is high in salt and needs to be mixed with other things to create a real meal, but is cheap and tasty. Vegetarians and vegans can try various brands of tofu jerky, also from Asian supermarkets, for an equally tasty and usually cheaper protein hit- I like Towfu Cake which, despite the sketchy looking packaging, is good value at (my local store) less than $2 a pack and roughly 15-20% protein.
There are a huge number of variables that might affect your own pre-purchasing of food, such as time constraints, dietary needs, and destination, but hopefully these ideas provide a starting point for you to save some cash, to spend on the more important parts of your adventure.
Thursday, 16 August 2012
Sunday, 8 January 2012
Airports
It's something you can't help but contemplate, when you spend a lot of time in transit while travelling- that your experience of an airport can really set the mood for your whole holiday or business trip. I've had some pleasant, some horrible, and some just downright funny experiences in airports all around the world, and it hasn't even been the newest or most luxurious airports I've enjoyed the most- although I, like most jetlagged, sleepy jetsetters, appreciate a decent lounge.
There are a number of factors which can make or break an airport. Managing corporations and governments have a vested interest in the quality and reputation of their airports, as it has a direct impact on their revenue; as such, many studies and market reviews have tried to pinpoint what it is that makes an airport good, apart from practical usability (although, there are many interesting design factors concerning the basic utility of an airport- look at Hong Kong for example, or really any other airport that needs to stand up to tough weather conditions, and has a limited amount of runway space). Skytrax's world airport awards are based on such criteria as amenities, shopping, customer service, health facilities, ease of access, immigration service, dining, and airport hotels. Reviews of the world's most hated airports are based on the same criteria, with aspects such as hostile service staff and poor flight scheduling seeming to enrage people the most. You'd really think that service standards would be an inexpensive thing for management to change- it's not like they have to invest billions in building, just make better hiring decisions and implement basic customer service training, but hey- LHR, LAX and CDG are apparently so important they don't need to be pleasant.
I asked a few friends a little while back for their most memorable experiences of airports around the world. The general consensus was that one shouldn't try to sleep, or really be comfortable at all, while in an American airport. One guy found Zurich airport really boring, despite the interiors; another hated the service he got at Italian airports. Then, someone brought up a commonality about airports which really resonated with me: "I really like airports as its(sic) a real equaliser between people from different cultures. Chances are the person next to you is just as fed up of flying and getting screwed by airlines as you are. It's like a a little bubble where everyone is the same- human". Apart from the exclusivity of first-class lounges, this is absolutely true; there aren't many other places where people come together because of something as universal and culturally unbiased as the need to travel to see family, see the world, or make a new start in another part of it.
Most of us could name our favourite airports pretty easily, although our perception is altered in either direction by not just the qualities of the airport itself, but whether it's a part of a beloved destination, or an irritating stopover en route to something better. I hate Los Angeles International Airport; it's ugly, expensive to get to, it smells funny, the customer service is terrible (except, surprisingly, at immigration), it's uncomfortable and there's barely anywhere to eat or take a nap. I like Hong Kong International airport; immigration is very quick, it's largely spotless, there is neat and expedient transport to the city, there are lounges catering to most budgets, and the shopping helps while away the hours- not to mention the free wi-fi and cheap food. The oddest but most memorable experience I've ever had was at Xieng Khouang airport, in Phonsavan, rural Laos. It's essentially two wooden sheds in the middle of a field, security is non existent, and the interior resembles a country bus station from the early 20th century. There's a little semi-enclosed area facing the runway where you can watch for your plane; there are only four flights a week, so it's pretty easy to spot. While waiting here on wooden benches, a chicken strutted past, just casually chilling at the airport. It was surreal in a way, all the people inside the cage and the chicken on the outside. I'd been a bit afraid, having heard that the U.S. consulate recommended its citizens not fly Air Lao, and having heard my aunt's stories of the ex-military plane she took with them in the 70s, complete with drunk pilot, but the Lao airport attendants did their job with quiet dignity and efficiency, it was great.
When planning your next trip, have a think about how any scheduled stopovers can be enhanced by landing in, or avoiding time in, particular airports, and please do share your stories in the comments.
There are a number of factors which can make or break an airport. Managing corporations and governments have a vested interest in the quality and reputation of their airports, as it has a direct impact on their revenue; as such, many studies and market reviews have tried to pinpoint what it is that makes an airport good, apart from practical usability (although, there are many interesting design factors concerning the basic utility of an airport- look at Hong Kong for example, or really any other airport that needs to stand up to tough weather conditions, and has a limited amount of runway space). Skytrax's world airport awards are based on such criteria as amenities, shopping, customer service, health facilities, ease of access, immigration service, dining, and airport hotels. Reviews of the world's most hated airports are based on the same criteria, with aspects such as hostile service staff and poor flight scheduling seeming to enrage people the most. You'd really think that service standards would be an inexpensive thing for management to change- it's not like they have to invest billions in building, just make better hiring decisions and implement basic customer service training, but hey- LHR, LAX and CDG are apparently so important they don't need to be pleasant.
I asked a few friends a little while back for their most memorable experiences of airports around the world. The general consensus was that one shouldn't try to sleep, or really be comfortable at all, while in an American airport. One guy found Zurich airport really boring, despite the interiors; another hated the service he got at Italian airports. Then, someone brought up a commonality about airports which really resonated with me: "I really like airports as its(sic) a real equaliser between people from different cultures. Chances are the person next to you is just as fed up of flying and getting screwed by airlines as you are. It's like a a little bubble where everyone is the same- human". Apart from the exclusivity of first-class lounges, this is absolutely true; there aren't many other places where people come together because of something as universal and culturally unbiased as the need to travel to see family, see the world, or make a new start in another part of it.
Most of us could name our favourite airports pretty easily, although our perception is altered in either direction by not just the qualities of the airport itself, but whether it's a part of a beloved destination, or an irritating stopover en route to something better. I hate Los Angeles International Airport; it's ugly, expensive to get to, it smells funny, the customer service is terrible (except, surprisingly, at immigration), it's uncomfortable and there's barely anywhere to eat or take a nap. I like Hong Kong International airport; immigration is very quick, it's largely spotless, there is neat and expedient transport to the city, there are lounges catering to most budgets, and the shopping helps while away the hours- not to mention the free wi-fi and cheap food. The oddest but most memorable experience I've ever had was at Xieng Khouang airport, in Phonsavan, rural Laos. It's essentially two wooden sheds in the middle of a field, security is non existent, and the interior resembles a country bus station from the early 20th century. There's a little semi-enclosed area facing the runway where you can watch for your plane; there are only four flights a week, so it's pretty easy to spot. While waiting here on wooden benches, a chicken strutted past, just casually chilling at the airport. It was surreal in a way, all the people inside the cage and the chicken on the outside. I'd been a bit afraid, having heard that the U.S. consulate recommended its citizens not fly Air Lao, and having heard my aunt's stories of the ex-military plane she took with them in the 70s, complete with drunk pilot, but the Lao airport attendants did their job with quiet dignity and efficiency, it was great.
When planning your next trip, have a think about how any scheduled stopovers can be enhanced by landing in, or avoiding time in, particular airports, and please do share your stories in the comments.
Wednesday, 2 November 2011
Travel insurance types
So, I used to think of travel insurance as an optional extra, since I'm a typical 20-something student who thinks they're invincible and doesn't have anything worth stealing anyway. That was until a horror trip to Montreal, where I booked the wrong ticket date and couldn't get a refund- then my laptop got stolen, in the bag where I had backed up all my term papers and essays. I've heard worse too- people never getting lost luggage back and only getting the airline's limited payment (seriously, who can buy a whole suitcase full of clothes and travel supplies for less than $50?!). Or worse, medical emergencies (or what feels like an emergency, when you're backpacking in a third world country, and you eat something that doesn't agree with your belly).
I think the line travel agents like to use is "if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel". And to some extent, that's true. Because no matter your budget, or whether you're taking a Contiki tour or an adventure trek, there is a type of insurance to give you peace of mind and prevent your holiday being ruined by one crappy thing. Note: any companies listed are just for illustrative purposes.
1. Annual Insurance
This is great for those who work or travel abroad, or who take mini breaks at short notice, yet still want to be covered from the moment they leave. It works like any other insurance policy in that it's based on regular renewal; you pay once and you're covered for a certain period of time, instead of being covered for a limited trip.
2. Flexible coverage
If you're not going to a location with particular safety concerns, or you're not carrying valuables, and you're going for a definite period, you may want to look at a company which will let you pick and mix coverage options.
3. Medical insurance only
You may find your healthcare provider has a similar travel insurance policy. This is what you'd choose if you already have insurance policies built into your travel arrangements, such as flexi-fares, and your main concern is that you are covered for private medical attention, or should it be required, emergency medical transportation (we're talking a chopper to a top Thai hospital out of rural Laos, and whatnot)
4. Creative combination
Say you know you'll be going to a destination that's relatively safe, you don't expect to be partaking in any dangerous activities, but you know you will be acquiring valuables (shopping trip in Paris, anyone?) Think about a combination of Travelex, Prepaid Mastercard or other similar secure limited cash cards, budget medical insurance, and posting items home as soon as you get them, with a postal or courier option which provides the necessary amount of built-in insurance (make sure to keep receipts).
I think the line travel agents like to use is "if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel". And to some extent, that's true. Because no matter your budget, or whether you're taking a Contiki tour or an adventure trek, there is a type of insurance to give you peace of mind and prevent your holiday being ruined by one crappy thing. Note: any companies listed are just for illustrative purposes.
1. Annual Insurance
This is great for those who work or travel abroad, or who take mini breaks at short notice, yet still want to be covered from the moment they leave. It works like any other insurance policy in that it's based on regular renewal; you pay once and you're covered for a certain period of time, instead of being covered for a limited trip.
2. Flexible coverage
If you're not going to a location with particular safety concerns, or you're not carrying valuables, and you're going for a definite period, you may want to look at a company which will let you pick and mix coverage options.
3. Medical insurance only
You may find your healthcare provider has a similar travel insurance policy. This is what you'd choose if you already have insurance policies built into your travel arrangements, such as flexi-fares, and your main concern is that you are covered for private medical attention, or should it be required, emergency medical transportation (we're talking a chopper to a top Thai hospital out of rural Laos, and whatnot)
4. Creative combination
Say you know you'll be going to a destination that's relatively safe, you don't expect to be partaking in any dangerous activities, but you know you will be acquiring valuables (shopping trip in Paris, anyone?) Think about a combination of Travelex, Prepaid Mastercard or other similar secure limited cash cards, budget medical insurance, and posting items home as soon as you get them, with a postal or courier option which provides the necessary amount of built-in insurance (make sure to keep receipts).
Saturday, 15 October 2011
More on Grassroots Tourism - Could iGotta Guide be the next big thing?
Sorry it's been a while between updates, but I've been super busy with a new full time job and continuing to study full time- I'll write more during the upcoming summer holidays.
Just wanted to point out a new emerging tourism site with a very similar principle to Couch Surfing, which I wrote about not long ago. iGotta Guide is a new US-based website which provides a formal structure (and a great platform for shy people who don't usually meet randoms, or travellers passionate about their home town who don't have a clue about business) to amateur tour guides who want to show people the hidden side of their city, and take them on adventures they wouldn't have with a mainstream tour experience. Their about and how-to guide (I love the design of all these pages, by the way, the simplicity and general shininess us great) explains their mission thusly:
"iGottaGuide connects you with locals who want to guide you around their city, giving you the authentic experience. Truly travel, don't be a tourist.
We mean it, take off the fanny pack, lose the Hawaiian shirt*, and unglue your eye from your camcorders' viewfinder. It's time to give back the cheap plastic headsets with their prerecorded audio tours. It's time to stop following men in bright shirts telling stale jokes. It's time to get shown around by the people who know a city best—the very people who live there.
Nobody knows your city better than you do. You've got the ins and outs of your neighborhood memorized. You know the best stores to shop, the best bars to crawl and who serves up the best slices of pizza. When you travel, that is what you want, and if you're a local with a passion, iGottaGuide wants you to share it.
*(if it’s Friday you can keep the Hawaiian shirt)"
They seem to make their money by charging a small fee for facilitation of the listing and payment process by the tour guide, which actually seems fair given the benefit they provide. The available tours are all currently in New York City, but there are plans to expand to Washington D.C, Boston, and Philadelphia soon. I think there would be a great market for this kind of facilitation in Canada, in European countries, and in Australia, where the culture is already somewhat geared towards socialising with new out of town people, being proud of your home town, and exploring beyond officially designated tourist areas. I know if I was showing someone around my new home of Melbourne, I wouldn't take them on a classic tourist expedition to the gallery, zoo and market, or even on a chic 'hidden shopping and gourmet gems' laneway fiddly tour; I'd take them to places that make me happy to be close to the city, like arthouse cinemas and dodgy Brunswick bars and Daiso in Little Vietnam (Richmond) and the farmer's market.
Where would you take someone on a tour of your town, or more to the point, what would you be good at showing people? Do you have a lot of random knowledge on local historical architecture, or the variety of bars and the range of liquor they sell? Comments are most welcome here.
Next post will be a DTE review of travel insurance: whether we as budget travellers really need it, and if so, the best type (not company/brand) of policy to buy.
Just wanted to point out a new emerging tourism site with a very similar principle to Couch Surfing, which I wrote about not long ago. iGotta Guide is a new US-based website which provides a formal structure (and a great platform for shy people who don't usually meet randoms, or travellers passionate about their home town who don't have a clue about business) to amateur tour guides who want to show people the hidden side of their city, and take them on adventures they wouldn't have with a mainstream tour experience. Their about and how-to guide (I love the design of all these pages, by the way, the simplicity and general shininess us great) explains their mission thusly:
"iGottaGuide connects you with locals who want to guide you around their city, giving you the authentic experience. Truly travel, don't be a tourist.
We mean it, take off the fanny pack, lose the Hawaiian shirt*, and unglue your eye from your camcorders' viewfinder. It's time to give back the cheap plastic headsets with their prerecorded audio tours. It's time to stop following men in bright shirts telling stale jokes. It's time to get shown around by the people who know a city best—the very people who live there.
Nobody knows your city better than you do. You've got the ins and outs of your neighborhood memorized. You know the best stores to shop, the best bars to crawl and who serves up the best slices of pizza. When you travel, that is what you want, and if you're a local with a passion, iGottaGuide wants you to share it.
*(if it’s Friday you can keep the Hawaiian shirt)"
They seem to make their money by charging a small fee for facilitation of the listing and payment process by the tour guide, which actually seems fair given the benefit they provide. The available tours are all currently in New York City, but there are plans to expand to Washington D.C, Boston, and Philadelphia soon. I think there would be a great market for this kind of facilitation in Canada, in European countries, and in Australia, where the culture is already somewhat geared towards socialising with new out of town people, being proud of your home town, and exploring beyond officially designated tourist areas. I know if I was showing someone around my new home of Melbourne, I wouldn't take them on a classic tourist expedition to the gallery, zoo and market, or even on a chic 'hidden shopping and gourmet gems' laneway fiddly tour; I'd take them to places that make me happy to be close to the city, like arthouse cinemas and dodgy Brunswick bars and Daiso in Little Vietnam (Richmond) and the farmer's market.
Where would you take someone on a tour of your town, or more to the point, what would you be good at showing people? Do you have a lot of random knowledge on local historical architecture, or the variety of bars and the range of liquor they sell? Comments are most welcome here.
Next post will be a DTE review of travel insurance: whether we as budget travellers really need it, and if so, the best type (not company/brand) of policy to buy.
Sunday, 2 October 2011
Mini-breaks: part 1
Taking short holidays or weekenders can be a great way to get the physical and mental refreshment of a normal holiday, without all the expense and planning. From impromptu roadtrips to romantic getaways, there's a type of mini-break for all travellers on a budget, whether you're seeking to party in a different city for a change, or spend some quality time with your S.O.:
- Road trip: with or without an actual destination
- Dirty weekend: where you don't actually leave the hotel room or put pants on
- Spa getaway: spending hours napping and swimming and getting spa treatments
- Romantic weekend away: similar to D.W. but with more cultural pursuits, wine, and possibly diamonds
- Hens and bucks' parties: two or three day versions of the normal, as per The Hangover
- Camping trips: because who can really go camping for more than four days without getting itchy and grumpy
- Mental health break: similar to S.G. but may include shopping and sleep, for sake of mental health
- Winter minibreak: Going from a horrible snowy cold climate to the tropics for a few days' respite
- Sports holidays: Destination oriented sports such as skiing or diving for a long weekend or so
- Last hurrah: Taking a last-minute ticket and having the random adventure you've always dreamed of, before settling down into a monotonous trap of a job/degree/parenthood.
There are a few general principles one must take into consideration when planning a mini-break; any budgetary constraints, visa and passport requirements (for most of the world, a mini-break almost never means going out of the country), timing (long weekends and public holidays are great but also may be heavily booked; see if there would be an off-peak time for you to take off), and your selfish desires, as mini-breaks are not about exploring an exotic part of the world in depth- they're about having fun and recharging the batteries. This is one situation where you don't have to listen to what other people think is worthwhile or cool; if you want to spend a weekend in the city over looking at old bookshops and galleries, so be it. Or if you want to borrow or hire a 4WD to get up to Buttfuckuglynowhere Creek because it has great fishing, go ahead. The real plus of staying within your own country is that you won't feel a need to undertake random activities to get in touch with the local culture and arts- it's already your own and you can spend your time relaxing in whatever way you see fit. The most important consideration is travel time, and this is a principle that can be applied to longer holidays too; you certainly don't want to spend more time in transit than you do at your destination, and my personal rule is to spend seven to ten times as long at a destination as I do in transit; for example, if it takes me six hours return to drive somewhere, I'd want to spend at least two days and one night there.
In terms of cutting down on spending without sacrificing much, there are things you can do for almost any destination close to home. For example, try buying (at least most of) your own food to cut down on expenses- it's not like you'll have to lug around two weeks of groceries, it's just a few days. You can even make this part of the experience of your mini-break by visiting local markets. For transport, you can drive yourself for distances under four hours away; any longer and, especially if you're leaving right after work to make the most of your time, you risk driver fatigue. If you want to go overnight or just don't want to take your car, an excellent value for money option is taking a bus or train. In North America, the U.K. and Australia, Greyhound and Megabus have fares starting at $1 for inter-city services, stopping at limited country destinations on the way. Try Rail Europe for European trains, or Google your local country's service for more information.
To find an accommodation package deal on the cheap, look at socially driven marketing sites; you never know what inspiration you might find. It's also worth checking out online agents and deal aggregators like Wotif and Expedia. Deals can be cheaper if you're booking at the absolute last minute, but use your common sense and don't do this in peak periods. If you really have no idea where you want to go, plug in your desired activity to Google Places and look for destinations a certain distance from your home town- for example, I just put in "spas near melbourne" and it gave me a long list of nice looking places in Hepburn Springs, Daylesford and down the Mornington Peninsula.
I've spoken to a few travel enthusiasts, busy students and professionals all, who have had great mini-break experiences from their bases around the world. The following is a list of their top recommendations for a short holiday near home. In future editions I hope to add to the list, and recommendations by email would be very much appreciated.
Australia:
- Adelaide: A night in wine country, fishing weekend down the Coorong or up to Port Lincoln, renting a hotel for the night in the city, camping in Second Valley, roadtrips to Melbourne (SA Tourism has a dedicated site for mini-breaks)
- Melbourne: Romantic weekends in Daylesford, spa breaks in Hepburn Springs, food and wildlife in Healseville, arts in Lorne, wine tasting in the Yarra Valley
- Sydney: Spa, holistic living and music in Byron Bay, bed and breakfasts in the Blue Mountains, skiing in the Snowy Mountains
- Brisbane: Eco-lodging in the Daintree Rainforest, antiquing in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, adventures at the theme parks and resorts of the Gold Coast
- Perth: staying in a B&B and doing the wildflower trail, swimming with dolphins in Monkey Mia, wine and the coast in Margaret River
- Hobart: Relax in the ancient old-growth forests of the Central Highlands and Derwent Valley, enjoy gourmet food right from the source
- Darwin: Hop over to Bali for less than $200 return, visit the remote yet oh-so-close Tiwi Islands, explore the Kakadu National Park
France:
- Paris: camping near Monet's house in Giverny
Canada:
- Toronto: roadtrips to Montreal, camping in Algonquin National Park, St. Catherine's and Niagara Falls
- Montreal: overnighter bus trips to New York City, staying in the Old Quarter of Quebec City
USA:
- Los Angeles: Las Vegas benders, Napa Valley wine country weekenders, minibreaks in Mexico from partying in Tijuana to couples' breaks in Puerto Vallarta to luxe getaways in Cabo San Lucas.
U.K:
Everywhere. Seriously. You lucky bastards -_-.
Please help me add to this list of localised getaway ideas by commenting below, and enjoy your next minibreak!
- Road trip: with or without an actual destination
- Dirty weekend: where you don't actually leave the hotel room or put pants on
- Spa getaway: spending hours napping and swimming and getting spa treatments
- Romantic weekend away: similar to D.W. but with more cultural pursuits, wine, and possibly diamonds
- Hens and bucks' parties: two or three day versions of the normal, as per The Hangover
- Camping trips: because who can really go camping for more than four days without getting itchy and grumpy
- Mental health break: similar to S.G. but may include shopping and sleep, for sake of mental health
- Winter minibreak: Going from a horrible snowy cold climate to the tropics for a few days' respite
- Sports holidays: Destination oriented sports such as skiing or diving for a long weekend or so
- Last hurrah: Taking a last-minute ticket and having the random adventure you've always dreamed of, before settling down into a monotonous trap of a job/degree/parenthood.
There are a few general principles one must take into consideration when planning a mini-break; any budgetary constraints, visa and passport requirements (for most of the world, a mini-break almost never means going out of the country), timing (long weekends and public holidays are great but also may be heavily booked; see if there would be an off-peak time for you to take off), and your selfish desires, as mini-breaks are not about exploring an exotic part of the world in depth- they're about having fun and recharging the batteries. This is one situation where you don't have to listen to what other people think is worthwhile or cool; if you want to spend a weekend in the city over looking at old bookshops and galleries, so be it. Or if you want to borrow or hire a 4WD to get up to Buttfuckuglynowhere Creek because it has great fishing, go ahead. The real plus of staying within your own country is that you won't feel a need to undertake random activities to get in touch with the local culture and arts- it's already your own and you can spend your time relaxing in whatever way you see fit. The most important consideration is travel time, and this is a principle that can be applied to longer holidays too; you certainly don't want to spend more time in transit than you do at your destination, and my personal rule is to spend seven to ten times as long at a destination as I do in transit; for example, if it takes me six hours return to drive somewhere, I'd want to spend at least two days and one night there.
In terms of cutting down on spending without sacrificing much, there are things you can do for almost any destination close to home. For example, try buying (at least most of) your own food to cut down on expenses- it's not like you'll have to lug around two weeks of groceries, it's just a few days. You can even make this part of the experience of your mini-break by visiting local markets. For transport, you can drive yourself for distances under four hours away; any longer and, especially if you're leaving right after work to make the most of your time, you risk driver fatigue. If you want to go overnight or just don't want to take your car, an excellent value for money option is taking a bus or train. In North America, the U.K. and Australia, Greyhound and Megabus have fares starting at $1 for inter-city services, stopping at limited country destinations on the way. Try Rail Europe for European trains, or Google your local country's service for more information.
To find an accommodation package deal on the cheap, look at socially driven marketing sites; you never know what inspiration you might find. It's also worth checking out online agents and deal aggregators like Wotif and Expedia. Deals can be cheaper if you're booking at the absolute last minute, but use your common sense and don't do this in peak periods. If you really have no idea where you want to go, plug in your desired activity to Google Places and look for destinations a certain distance from your home town- for example, I just put in "spas near melbourne" and it gave me a long list of nice looking places in Hepburn Springs, Daylesford and down the Mornington Peninsula.
I've spoken to a few travel enthusiasts, busy students and professionals all, who have had great mini-break experiences from their bases around the world. The following is a list of their top recommendations for a short holiday near home. In future editions I hope to add to the list, and recommendations by email would be very much appreciated.
Australia:
- Adelaide: A night in wine country, fishing weekend down the Coorong or up to Port Lincoln, renting a hotel for the night in the city, camping in Second Valley, roadtrips to Melbourne (SA Tourism has a dedicated site for mini-breaks)
- Melbourne: Romantic weekends in Daylesford, spa breaks in Hepburn Springs, food and wildlife in Healseville, arts in Lorne, wine tasting in the Yarra Valley
- Sydney: Spa, holistic living and music in Byron Bay, bed and breakfasts in the Blue Mountains, skiing in the Snowy Mountains
- Brisbane: Eco-lodging in the Daintree Rainforest, antiquing in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, adventures at the theme parks and resorts of the Gold Coast
- Perth: staying in a B&B and doing the wildflower trail, swimming with dolphins in Monkey Mia, wine and the coast in Margaret River
- Hobart: Relax in the ancient old-growth forests of the Central Highlands and Derwent Valley, enjoy gourmet food right from the source
- Darwin: Hop over to Bali for less than $200 return, visit the remote yet oh-so-close Tiwi Islands, explore the Kakadu National Park
France:
- Paris: camping near Monet's house in Giverny
Canada:
- Toronto: roadtrips to Montreal, camping in Algonquin National Park, St. Catherine's and Niagara Falls
- Montreal: overnighter bus trips to New York City, staying in the Old Quarter of Quebec City
USA:
- Los Angeles: Las Vegas benders, Napa Valley wine country weekenders, minibreaks in Mexico from partying in Tijuana to couples' breaks in Puerto Vallarta to luxe getaways in Cabo San Lucas.
U.K:
Everywhere. Seriously. You lucky bastards -_-.
Please help me add to this list of localised getaway ideas by commenting below, and enjoy your next minibreak!
Tuesday, 27 September 2011
Couchsurfing- is it a Thing?
The idea behind couchsurfing has been around for a very long time; the mutual agreement to host and be hosted when travelling to the home city of a friend or distant family member. Many of us with the travel bug today will remember going to stay with family interstate or overseas, or having friends of our parents stay at our house, or having distant relatives welcomed into the home, because the idea of having them stay in a hotel was, well, wrong. It's not that none of us can afford a hotel, there's just something about staying with real people who like you and aren't being paid to be nice to you and who show you around their home town with genuine pride, and the opportunity to strengthen a bond that stretches across oceans.
However only recently, with the magic of the interwebs, have people had the ability to network and arrange to stay with pretty much total strangers. This is the couchsurfing that most of us have heard of today; meeting fellow travellers on a specially built web forum and putting out a tentative enquiry before getting to know them and deciding whether to stay with them on your adventure. Instead of having a finite number of places you can stay for free because you already know people there, you open up a whole world of people to crash with, in return for promising to host people when it is practicable for you. Of course, with all this opportunity comes a lot of questions. Is it safe? What kind of person would agree to do this? What's it all about other than free accommodation?
Many of these questions are dealt with by for-profit couchsurfing facilitation companies such as CouchSurfing, a California-based organisation founded in the late 90's by a guy from Boston who was inspired when he took a chance on a cheap flight to Iceland, and found accommodation by randomly emailing 1,500 kids from the University of Iceland. Safety and security information, which features prominently on their homepage, emphasises the fact that the safety of the couchsurfing practise is based on the sense of community between members. There is also a review and verification function where you can check feedback from previous guests for your peace of mind. The official testimonial video, as well as news stories, will seal the decision for most budget conscious travellers looking for a new way to save money. But if you don't know someone who's already been involved, there's still that sense of risk. I spoke to some people who have hosted couchsurfers, and some people who have stayed on couches, to get a sense of what goes on beyond the 'oh yay, free place to stay, new international friends = peace, local experience' general love-in that the generic coverage portrays.
The host I spoke to, Aaron*, has been a couchsurfer for a year. He decided to get into hosting as soon as he could in order to build up good reviews so he could go stay with people when he had the chance to travel later on. He'd just moved to Amsterdam himself and saw a great opportunity to explore his new home with travellers who had the same new enthusiasm as himself, as well as to make some friends. Since then, he's hosted a number of people both there and at home in his native Canada. His favourite experience of couchsurfing thus far happened right at the start; "I guess because it was my first time hosting, it really opened my eyes to how cool CS could be. I was pretty skeptical that I might end up with some freeloaders, but (that) was not at all the case. We got along great, cooked together each night, shared French wine and delicacies [the guests were from France], exchanged languages, and explored the city together". He also noted that the atmosphere of couchsurfing made it almost impossible not to establish a lasting friendship; "A few months later one of the surfers was in Amsterdam again and we met up for some joints and coffee like old friends".
It's not all Champagne and lols though. Miscommunications can be bad for both parties: "I've had mainly positive experiences, but I guess once there was a miscommunication wherein since my phone was out of credit I gave some prospective surfers my address and directions to my place in hopes they could find their way. They kept calling me while I was in the library or in class so I couldn't respond. We never got in touch and I ended up with a bad reference". The most successful arrangements take a little planning; not only do you have to look at someone's profile and contact them in advance, you need to either know exactly when they're going to show up, or have contingency plans for communication. It also helps to be friendly, reasonably tidy and courteous, and to bring a small token gift of your appreciation for your host, the way you would when going to dinner at the home of new friends, or when borrowing a relative's holiday house.
As a hoster, Aaron reccommends couchsurfing as a non-money-centric travel experience for open-minded people. "CS is definitely for more outgoing people. If you want to be alone while you travel, stay in a hostel. If you are out there and travelling it probably means you are already an outgoing and openminded person, perfect for CS. CS is not for freeloaders; CS is more for people who subscribe to the concept of a gift economy".
People like Dani*, who has been couchsurfing for over a year now, across the world from Israel to the Netherlands, France, and the U.S. "I think it's the most genius idea ever. It seems a bit sketchy when you first think about it but it really isn't. You just gotta be careful when finding new hosts; sometimes it's not okay to just say yes to everyone. Usually I look for someone with references if I need to find a host". Dani also agrees that keeping in mind the spirit of the couchsurfing arrangement is important, and adds that being relatively independent and giving the host privacy when they need it are important for couchsurfers. "Couchsurfing opens your eyes to a whole new world while travelling. You see and experience the real culture of a city".
So. Summary:
- It's a Thing.
- Make yourself a profile, and get to know the protocol of the community
- For further peace of mind, do your own research on YouTube, forums and review sites
- Verify that a potential host or guest is legit by checking feedback on their profile. If possible, get in touch with them by email, phone or Skype before the deal is done
- Make backup plans for communication on arrival date
- Bring them a small, thoughtful gift from your part of the world
- Don't be a douchebag and annoy them or mess up their home
Happy surfing.
*Names not changed at all, cos really, who cares.
However only recently, with the magic of the interwebs, have people had the ability to network and arrange to stay with pretty much total strangers. This is the couchsurfing that most of us have heard of today; meeting fellow travellers on a specially built web forum and putting out a tentative enquiry before getting to know them and deciding whether to stay with them on your adventure. Instead of having a finite number of places you can stay for free because you already know people there, you open up a whole world of people to crash with, in return for promising to host people when it is practicable for you. Of course, with all this opportunity comes a lot of questions. Is it safe? What kind of person would agree to do this? What's it all about other than free accommodation?
Many of these questions are dealt with by for-profit couchsurfing facilitation companies such as CouchSurfing, a California-based organisation founded in the late 90's by a guy from Boston who was inspired when he took a chance on a cheap flight to Iceland, and found accommodation by randomly emailing 1,500 kids from the University of Iceland. Safety and security information, which features prominently on their homepage, emphasises the fact that the safety of the couchsurfing practise is based on the sense of community between members. There is also a review and verification function where you can check feedback from previous guests for your peace of mind. The official testimonial video, as well as news stories, will seal the decision for most budget conscious travellers looking for a new way to save money. But if you don't know someone who's already been involved, there's still that sense of risk. I spoke to some people who have hosted couchsurfers, and some people who have stayed on couches, to get a sense of what goes on beyond the 'oh yay, free place to stay, new international friends = peace, local experience' general love-in that the generic coverage portrays.
The host I spoke to, Aaron*, has been a couchsurfer for a year. He decided to get into hosting as soon as he could in order to build up good reviews so he could go stay with people when he had the chance to travel later on. He'd just moved to Amsterdam himself and saw a great opportunity to explore his new home with travellers who had the same new enthusiasm as himself, as well as to make some friends. Since then, he's hosted a number of people both there and at home in his native Canada. His favourite experience of couchsurfing thus far happened right at the start; "I guess because it was my first time hosting, it really opened my eyes to how cool CS could be. I was pretty skeptical that I might end up with some freeloaders, but (that) was not at all the case. We got along great, cooked together each night, shared French wine and delicacies [the guests were from France], exchanged languages, and explored the city together". He also noted that the atmosphere of couchsurfing made it almost impossible not to establish a lasting friendship; "A few months later one of the surfers was in Amsterdam again and we met up for some joints and coffee like old friends".
It's not all Champagne and lols though. Miscommunications can be bad for both parties: "I've had mainly positive experiences, but I guess once there was a miscommunication wherein since my phone was out of credit I gave some prospective surfers my address and directions to my place in hopes they could find their way. They kept calling me while I was in the library or in class so I couldn't respond. We never got in touch and I ended up with a bad reference". The most successful arrangements take a little planning; not only do you have to look at someone's profile and contact them in advance, you need to either know exactly when they're going to show up, or have contingency plans for communication. It also helps to be friendly, reasonably tidy and courteous, and to bring a small token gift of your appreciation for your host, the way you would when going to dinner at the home of new friends, or when borrowing a relative's holiday house.
As a hoster, Aaron reccommends couchsurfing as a non-money-centric travel experience for open-minded people. "CS is definitely for more outgoing people. If you want to be alone while you travel, stay in a hostel. If you are out there and travelling it probably means you are already an outgoing and openminded person, perfect for CS. CS is not for freeloaders; CS is more for people who subscribe to the concept of a gift economy".
People like Dani*, who has been couchsurfing for over a year now, across the world from Israel to the Netherlands, France, and the U.S. "I think it's the most genius idea ever. It seems a bit sketchy when you first think about it but it really isn't. You just gotta be careful when finding new hosts; sometimes it's not okay to just say yes to everyone. Usually I look for someone with references if I need to find a host". Dani also agrees that keeping in mind the spirit of the couchsurfing arrangement is important, and adds that being relatively independent and giving the host privacy when they need it are important for couchsurfers. "Couchsurfing opens your eyes to a whole new world while travelling. You see and experience the real culture of a city".
So. Summary:
- It's a Thing.
- Make yourself a profile, and get to know the protocol of the community
- For further peace of mind, do your own research on YouTube, forums and review sites
- Verify that a potential host or guest is legit by checking feedback on their profile. If possible, get in touch with them by email, phone or Skype before the deal is done
- Make backup plans for communication on arrival date
- Bring them a small, thoughtful gift from your part of the world
- Don't be a douchebag and annoy them or mess up their home
Happy surfing.
*Names not changed at all, cos really, who cares.
Friday, 23 September 2011
50 Things To Do in and around Adelaide, South Australia
The other day I saw a group on Facebook entitled 'That silent pause when a tourist asks you what there is to see in Adelaide'. Now, if I was a grumpy teenager with small town syndrome, I might be inclined to agree. However, I'm a grown woman with normal interests like food and wine and culture and partying, so I'm posting to tell you what there is to see and do in Adelaide.
1. The Adelaide Zoo: it looks pretty good since the renovations associated with the Pandas, which are friggin' adorable. The two Giant Pandas are the only ones in the whole southern hemisphere, and they are also the first pandas to live permanently in Australia. Plus, they've been introduced for mating, so soon there will be little panda cubs made of mind-blowing awwwwww.
2. The Art Gallery of South Australia
It's free and pretty. And it's working hard to attract the hottest touring exhibitions.
3. SA Museum
The museum, right next to the art gallery on North Terrance, has one of the biggest collections of Aboriginal and Islander artefacts in the world. Plus there's a giant squid in a tube.
4. Cleland Wildlife Park
You get to pet kangaroos, and it's one of the only wildlife parks where you can hold a koala and get your picture taken with it.
5. Botanic Gardens
Top place for having a picnic or just taking a break from walking around town, and one of the only places it's acceptable to nap in public.
6. Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary
This unique wildlife park is a haven for native creatures in the Hills, and is famous for its platypus pond. It's really cheap to stay overnight in an eco-cabin (cool little unit that looks like a tent from the outside but has normal beds and a bathroom and everything), which is definitely recommended if you want to take a night time tour and see some nocturnal animals.
7. Haigh's Chocolate Factory
It's free to take a 20-minute tour of the factory that produces Australia's best chocolate, and you can taste the finished product at the end.
8. Glenelg
Glenelg has recently been developed as a tourist area, and the Jetty Road shopping precinct is open for business when some other places aren't. There's the beachfront and the jetty to walk around and soak up the sun, the Beach House amusement... thingy, it's not really a whole park but it's still OK, heritage museums, and aquatics schools where you can learn to dive and sail.
9. Hahndorf
Hahndorf is only a half hour out of the city via the freeway, and is the oldest surviving German settlement in Australia. There are plenty of great restaurants, top pubs, and things to check out like art galleries, gourmet and craft stores, and the Hahndorf Farm Barn. Nearby is the Beerenberg establishment, famous for their jam and chutney, where you can pick your own strawberries during the summer.
10. Fruit picking
Speaking of wholesome summertime activities, you can pick your own berries and cherries at the right time of year at several farms close to Adelaide. Usually you either pay a small fee and pick as many as you can carry, or you pay a ridiculously cheap price per kilo you pick yourself. It's a fun and cute date idea, or something to do with housemates or family on a boring holiday afternoon- you can extend it by figuring out how many you can eat before they go bad, and making the rest into jam.
11. Morialta Falls
Public transport goes near here and there's a fair bit of parking at the entrance area. This is a great spot for hiking as there are a number of walking trails of different lengths and difficulties. Plus also there's a waterfall.
12. Victor Harbour
A convenient day trip from Adelaide, there's a whale watching centre where you can learn about and maybe even see wild Southern Right whales. Also, there's penguins on Granite Island. And OMG in the winter, a local team of nannas knits TINY PENGUIN JUMPERS for the orphaned penguins that are saved and looked after in the conservation centre.
13. Mt Lofty Summit
The highest point in the Adelaide Hills, it's not so much of a mountain, more of a really tall hill. Anyway, at the top there is a lookout where you can see the whole city from east to west, and out south to sea. A very romantic place at sunset, and there's a cafe and bar where you can grab something to drink as you watch the sun sink into the Gulf.
14. Windy Point
Known as make-out or smoke-out point to a number of local kids, it also has one of the city's very best restaurants, which has won several awards and has a great floor to ceiling window that wraps around it and shows off another spectacular view of the town. The cafe downstairs is just as special but a little more affordable.
15. Adelaide Central Market
Housed in a historic building, it's not just a great place to shop for affordable fruit and veg, it showcases some of the city and state's best produce and gourmet foods. A tip from some fellow poor students is to do your own mini food tour of the market and feed yourself off delicious free samples. It is bordered by two streets known for their great restaurants and sweet bars and lounges, which really come alive on Friday nights.
16. Chinatown
Partly integrated into the abovementioned Market is Adelaide's very own Chinatown, with its restaurants ranging from el cheapo noodle bars to well established classic Chinese restaurants. There are also a number of grocery stores where you can go to pick up hard to find ingredients, or yummy sweets; try a sesame ball if you can get one fresh, I don't even know what the stuff in the middle is but I swear it's one of the most delicious things I've ever eaten. If you're on the lookout for a variety of less expensive souvenirs, this is the place to go.
17. Architecture walking tour
If you're keen on architecture or just design in general, you can take a free walking tour of the city's historical and innovative buildings, including the famous churches. Maps are available at tourist info centres where you see that blue and yellow 'i' sign- there's one in Rundle Mall.
18. Kangaroo Island
It's debatable whether K.I. can be seen on a day trip, but I've done one before and it was great. You can explore untouched bushland, fish on pristine beaches, see the wildlife like the famous seals (where you can go right on the beach with them), go on an eco tour or charter, or visit one of the famous food producers, such as the honey factories (I know honey is made by bees, but this is where they keep them and extract the honey and make the associated products... never mind). Highlights for me were Seal Bay Conservation Park and the cute and informative, if slightly tacky, wild bird flight display.
19. Himeji Garden
This Japanese garden, a gift from Adelaide's sister city, is located in the south Parklands and is free to enter and open every day of the year. Unlike many ornamental gardens, picnicing is encouraged and there's a sheltered area to eat in next to the zen sand thingy. I've been on photo expeditions here and it's a great place to practice.
20. Adelaide Gaol
Do a tour of the old Adelaide Gaol; ghost tours and paranormal workshops are also available, as it's one of the most haunted sites in the state.
21. Adelaide Farmers' Market
This amazing farmers' market is on (nearly) every Sunday at the Adelaide Showgrounds, just outside of the city. Check out the produce the state has to offer, from flowers to seafood, fruit to honey, baked goods to fresh, unhmogonised milk straight from the cow. For a different Sunday treat, look for the icecream stall (inside) that sells unique Aussie bush tucker flavours.
22. Willunga Farmers' Market
An award winner and one of the original farmers' markets of Adelaide, this one is a little further out of town but well worth the trip. There are more than 50 stalls, and membership will get you even bigger discounts on the freshest, best local produce.
23. Stirling Market
Just off the main street of the sweet hills village of Stirling every fourth Sunday is the Stirling Market. It's more of an arts and crafts market, but there are also food and produce stalls, and stalls selling a variety of native plants. A civilized way to spend a hungover Sunday.
24. Coopers Brewery Tour
Take a tour of where the state's best beer is made. It's only $22 ($20 of which is donated to charity), and there are free tastings!
25. Festivals
It's not known as the Festival State for nothing. Any time of year there's bound to be a great arts or cultural festival going on, whether or not you're lucky enough to be in town for the Fringe Festival (the second biggest of its kind in the whole world). From the Cabaret Festival to Schutzenfest, WOMAD to SALA, the Festival of Ideas to the Royal Adelaide Show, there's something for everyone's taste.
26. The Reading Room
When you're broke and have nothing else to do in the city, go hang out at The Reading Room, on Hindley Street. It's like a loungeroom where you can chill out, listen to music, read books, have a cup of tea, and meet up with people, and nobody will make you pay money or join a religion and whatnot. There are also often screenings, open mic nights, readings and other fun events.
27. The National Wine Centre
As the home of Australia's (and some of the world's) best wine, it's only fitting that Adelaide should be home to the National Wine Centre. As per their webiste: "Here you can enjoy wine and winemaking from the ground up. Our interactive Wine Discovery Journey and exhibition showcases the complete wine experience. The Concourse Café offers fine Australian wines to taste and purchase or enjoy a meal from our seasonal à la carte menu while overlooking the stunning views of the Botanic Gardens"
28. Adelaide Oval
If you're a cricket nut, catch a game or take a tour of one of the world's famously well-kept cricket grounds.
29. Indie Cinema
In the city's west end, there's the Mercury Cinema, which hosts the Adelaide Cinematheque amongst regular screenings of classic films and hidden gems. In the east end, there's the Palace and Nova cinemas, which show a mixture of arthouse and mainstream films, and have the city's cheapest tickets: Mondays before 4pm is $7 and after 4pm is $8. On Wednesdays, students can get a ticket and some popcorn for just $10. It's also one of the only licensed cinema venues, so you can take a beer into the theatre! If you enjoy a meal and a sneaky drink while you watch your movie, and also viewing said movie from a beanbag or somesuch, and also outdoors, then you have to check out the Moonlight Cinema during the summer.
30. Beaches
There's a huge variety of beaches along the coast near Adelaide, from water sports destinations to nudie beaches and beaches you can drive your car right on to. Did you know that South Aussie beaches are some of the only beaches in the world where the sand is silver and not golden, due to the unique source materials (minerals, ground up dolphins and crap) in the environment?
31. Rundle Street Markets
Every Saturday, 9am-4pm, down the west end of Rundle Street. Mostly an arts and crafts market, it's a great place to check out local artisan talent.
32. Gilles Street Market
The Gilles Street Market, held twice a month in summer and once a month in winter, is an AMAZING fashion market, where you can pick up new and vintage bargains. Beats the crap out of Sydney's Paddington Markets in my opinion.
33. Barossa Valley Wine Region
One of the state's wine regions and only a short distance from Adelaide, it has about a bajillion cellar doors to explore, where tastings are usually free. To see many of these and get home safely, try a wine tour (from about $40) where you go on a minibus to a variety of wineries.
34. McLaren Vale Wine Region
The main drag in McLaren Vale has some cute stores and great restaurants, and the region in general has a number of well-known wineries which also have top-notch restaurants attached. If you prefer beer or are just getting a bit sick of wine, go to the Vale Inn and try their craft beer.
35. Clare Valley Wine Region
A little further out from town, but worth the drive for the scenery and adorable old winery and cellar buildings.
36. Fleurieu Wine Region
This is the wine region to head to if you want to combine epic food with the best wine. I did a wine tour with a visiting friend from Canada which included stops at several well known cellar doors with free tastings and gourmet snackies at each stop. There are a number of different guided options like this to suit your budget; you can do a group tour in a minibus with other fun, like-minded travellers, or you can do a private tour in a limo; you can even do a wine and cheese tour by bicycle, if that's your thing! Check the link for more details: look for the search and book tab at the top of the page.
37. Like, O.M.G., Outlet Shopping!
38. Bowerbird Bazaar
If you're lucky enough to be in town at the right time, or you're a native in the first place, definitely check out the Bowerbird Bazaar design market, which showcases Adelaide's amazing emerging fashion, art and design talents.
39. Port Adelaide
Tons of public transport goes here, and it's easy to waste a day down the Port as you check out the heritage areas, or the big trash & treasure market on Sundays. The Port River is also home to a unique colony of dolphins which you may be lucky enough to spot on a cruise.
40. The Parade, Norwood
Home to a mixture of heritage boutiques and chain stores, the Parade is a fun place to shop and get a cup of coffee. There are also pubs dating back to the settlement of the area, and the Parade is also host to an annual food, wine and music festival. It's about eight seconds out of the city by car or public transport. Check out the Mary Martin Bookshop branch in the old church hall, and the Bottega Rotolo gourmet store (which also has a cooking school).
41. Maggie Beer Farm Shop
While you're in the Barossa, or on a day trip of its own, go and visit Maggie Beer's Farm Shop. Maggie is an Adelaide icon, and if you haven't tried some of her verjuice, pate or jelly, you've probably seen her on ABC's The Cook and The Chef. There are daily cooking demonstrations, and you can pick up her entire range of gourmet goodies, as well as picnic fare. Her icecream is epic, the flavours are totally unique.
42. Rundle Mall
I know, I know- the aforementioned stupid teenagers hang out here. But it has all the chain stores and department stores in one very central location, and there's always the (debatable) artistic merit of the pigs, fountain, and Balls. Hehe, balls. Oh- and if you want to get a souvenir tshirt of the mall's balls, or some other unique souvenir, head down Rundle Street and turn left on Frome, and look for the Urban Cow Studio.
43. Monarto Zoo
Monarto is an open range safari style zoo 15 minutes out of the city by car- you can get a bus there too. They focus on African animals but also have endangered species from other continents and Australia, such as bison, bilbies and wallabies. You can do special tours, including a behind the scenes tour where you get 'within a whisker' of the big cats.
44. Cheese
This blog post, which I'm stupidly writing over lunchtime, has got me thinking about cheese. Oh man, I love cheese. Luckily in Adelaide you can get imported stuff at excellent prices, as well as amazing local products (Paris Creek is one of my favourites, and some of their stuff is even available in supermarkets). I bought my dad a cheese making class for his birthday at Udder Delights and I'm still waiting for him to roll me out my wheel of brie...
45. Penfolds
Speaking of the make-your-own experience, at Penfolds cellar door in the Barossa Valley, you can do a tour of their Winemaker's Lab, and then have a go at blending your very own wine. Penfolds is home to arguably Australia's best and most famous wine, the Grange, which you can learn more about at the Magill Estate cellar door, which is just outside the city.
46. Check out the city's vintage boutiques
Adelaide doesn't have the same problem as Melbourne and Sydney when it comes to op-shops being cleaned out of vintage and retro finds, which are then ridiculously overprices in boutiques. Not only can you find amazing clothing at the city's op-shops, there are a few very well curated vintage and retro boutiques within walking distance of each other in the city. Check out a few different blogs for details and reviews.
47. The Festival Centre
See opera, ballet or theatre at the Festival Centre. Sure, it's not as fancy a building as the Opera House, but it hosts the best theatre, opera and music that is produced in or tours to Adelaide. There are often free events, students always get cheap tickets, and you can save a lot with a seasonal subscription. Come on, get some culture up ya!
48. The Experimental Art Foundation
The EAF is pretty, pretty rad. There are always sweet exhibitions and there's a permanent bookshop too. The EAF is also right by the Jam Factory, where you can view the gallery, see artisans at work, or even take a class in ceramics, glass or jewellery yourself.
49. WEA
This is one for the locals. If you're always complaining that you're bored, and also complaining that uni sucks or that you don't have time to learn outside work or that your brain is done being challenged, go take a damn short course at the WEA. Courses are really cheap and it's the place to go to learn random stuff like Crochet and Patternmaking (and sexy stuff like massage and foreign languages).The reason I posted this is that courses are designed for workers (out of business hours), and they're short so there's not a massive commitment.
50. Eat Your Way around Adelaide
Adelaide is the kind of town where, if you know where to go, there's epic food and entertainment to be had. Stay tuned for an upcoming post about eating tours of cities including Adelaide; while you're waiting, check out Aroma Japanese Cuisine on Gouger Street for enough sushi for $13.80 that you won't want to eat again for a long, long time.
1. The Adelaide Zoo: it looks pretty good since the renovations associated with the Pandas, which are friggin' adorable. The two Giant Pandas are the only ones in the whole southern hemisphere, and they are also the first pandas to live permanently in Australia. Plus, they've been introduced for mating, so soon there will be little panda cubs made of mind-blowing awwwwww.
2. The Art Gallery of South Australia
It's free and pretty. And it's working hard to attract the hottest touring exhibitions.
3. SA Museum
The museum, right next to the art gallery on North Terrance, has one of the biggest collections of Aboriginal and Islander artefacts in the world. Plus there's a giant squid in a tube.
4. Cleland Wildlife Park
You get to pet kangaroos, and it's one of the only wildlife parks where you can hold a koala and get your picture taken with it.
5. Botanic Gardens
Top place for having a picnic or just taking a break from walking around town, and one of the only places it's acceptable to nap in public.
6. Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary
This unique wildlife park is a haven for native creatures in the Hills, and is famous for its platypus pond. It's really cheap to stay overnight in an eco-cabin (cool little unit that looks like a tent from the outside but has normal beds and a bathroom and everything), which is definitely recommended if you want to take a night time tour and see some nocturnal animals.
7. Haigh's Chocolate Factory
It's free to take a 20-minute tour of the factory that produces Australia's best chocolate, and you can taste the finished product at the end.
8. Glenelg
Glenelg has recently been developed as a tourist area, and the Jetty Road shopping precinct is open for business when some other places aren't. There's the beachfront and the jetty to walk around and soak up the sun, the Beach House amusement... thingy, it's not really a whole park but it's still OK, heritage museums, and aquatics schools where you can learn to dive and sail.
9. Hahndorf
Hahndorf is only a half hour out of the city via the freeway, and is the oldest surviving German settlement in Australia. There are plenty of great restaurants, top pubs, and things to check out like art galleries, gourmet and craft stores, and the Hahndorf Farm Barn. Nearby is the Beerenberg establishment, famous for their jam and chutney, where you can pick your own strawberries during the summer.
10. Fruit picking
Speaking of wholesome summertime activities, you can pick your own berries and cherries at the right time of year at several farms close to Adelaide. Usually you either pay a small fee and pick as many as you can carry, or you pay a ridiculously cheap price per kilo you pick yourself. It's a fun and cute date idea, or something to do with housemates or family on a boring holiday afternoon- you can extend it by figuring out how many you can eat before they go bad, and making the rest into jam.
11. Morialta Falls
Public transport goes near here and there's a fair bit of parking at the entrance area. This is a great spot for hiking as there are a number of walking trails of different lengths and difficulties. Plus also there's a waterfall.
12. Victor Harbour
A convenient day trip from Adelaide, there's a whale watching centre where you can learn about and maybe even see wild Southern Right whales. Also, there's penguins on Granite Island. And OMG in the winter, a local team of nannas knits TINY PENGUIN JUMPERS for the orphaned penguins that are saved and looked after in the conservation centre.
13. Mt Lofty Summit
The highest point in the Adelaide Hills, it's not so much of a mountain, more of a really tall hill. Anyway, at the top there is a lookout where you can see the whole city from east to west, and out south to sea. A very romantic place at sunset, and there's a cafe and bar where you can grab something to drink as you watch the sun sink into the Gulf.
14. Windy Point
Known as make-out or smoke-out point to a number of local kids, it also has one of the city's very best restaurants, which has won several awards and has a great floor to ceiling window that wraps around it and shows off another spectacular view of the town. The cafe downstairs is just as special but a little more affordable.
15. Adelaide Central Market
Housed in a historic building, it's not just a great place to shop for affordable fruit and veg, it showcases some of the city and state's best produce and gourmet foods. A tip from some fellow poor students is to do your own mini food tour of the market and feed yourself off delicious free samples. It is bordered by two streets known for their great restaurants and sweet bars and lounges, which really come alive on Friday nights.
16. Chinatown
Partly integrated into the abovementioned Market is Adelaide's very own Chinatown, with its restaurants ranging from el cheapo noodle bars to well established classic Chinese restaurants. There are also a number of grocery stores where you can go to pick up hard to find ingredients, or yummy sweets; try a sesame ball if you can get one fresh, I don't even know what the stuff in the middle is but I swear it's one of the most delicious things I've ever eaten. If you're on the lookout for a variety of less expensive souvenirs, this is the place to go.
17. Architecture walking tour
If you're keen on architecture or just design in general, you can take a free walking tour of the city's historical and innovative buildings, including the famous churches. Maps are available at tourist info centres where you see that blue and yellow 'i' sign- there's one in Rundle Mall.
18. Kangaroo Island
It's debatable whether K.I. can be seen on a day trip, but I've done one before and it was great. You can explore untouched bushland, fish on pristine beaches, see the wildlife like the famous seals (where you can go right on the beach with them), go on an eco tour or charter, or visit one of the famous food producers, such as the honey factories (I know honey is made by bees, but this is where they keep them and extract the honey and make the associated products... never mind). Highlights for me were Seal Bay Conservation Park and the cute and informative, if slightly tacky, wild bird flight display.
19. Himeji Garden
This Japanese garden, a gift from Adelaide's sister city, is located in the south Parklands and is free to enter and open every day of the year. Unlike many ornamental gardens, picnicing is encouraged and there's a sheltered area to eat in next to the zen sand thingy. I've been on photo expeditions here and it's a great place to practice.
20. Adelaide Gaol
Do a tour of the old Adelaide Gaol; ghost tours and paranormal workshops are also available, as it's one of the most haunted sites in the state.
21. Adelaide Farmers' Market
This amazing farmers' market is on (nearly) every Sunday at the Adelaide Showgrounds, just outside of the city. Check out the produce the state has to offer, from flowers to seafood, fruit to honey, baked goods to fresh, unhmogonised milk straight from the cow. For a different Sunday treat, look for the icecream stall (inside) that sells unique Aussie bush tucker flavours.
22. Willunga Farmers' Market
An award winner and one of the original farmers' markets of Adelaide, this one is a little further out of town but well worth the trip. There are more than 50 stalls, and membership will get you even bigger discounts on the freshest, best local produce.
23. Stirling Market
Just off the main street of the sweet hills village of Stirling every fourth Sunday is the Stirling Market. It's more of an arts and crafts market, but there are also food and produce stalls, and stalls selling a variety of native plants. A civilized way to spend a hungover Sunday.
24. Coopers Brewery Tour
Take a tour of where the state's best beer is made. It's only $22 ($20 of which is donated to charity), and there are free tastings!
25. Festivals
It's not known as the Festival State for nothing. Any time of year there's bound to be a great arts or cultural festival going on, whether or not you're lucky enough to be in town for the Fringe Festival (the second biggest of its kind in the whole world). From the Cabaret Festival to Schutzenfest, WOMAD to SALA, the Festival of Ideas to the Royal Adelaide Show, there's something for everyone's taste.
26. The Reading Room
When you're broke and have nothing else to do in the city, go hang out at The Reading Room, on Hindley Street. It's like a loungeroom where you can chill out, listen to music, read books, have a cup of tea, and meet up with people, and nobody will make you pay money or join a religion and whatnot. There are also often screenings, open mic nights, readings and other fun events.
27. The National Wine Centre
As the home of Australia's (and some of the world's) best wine, it's only fitting that Adelaide should be home to the National Wine Centre. As per their webiste: "Here you can enjoy wine and winemaking from the ground up. Our interactive Wine Discovery Journey and exhibition showcases the complete wine experience. The Concourse Café offers fine Australian wines to taste and purchase or enjoy a meal from our seasonal à la carte menu while overlooking the stunning views of the Botanic Gardens"
28. Adelaide Oval
If you're a cricket nut, catch a game or take a tour of one of the world's famously well-kept cricket grounds.
29. Indie Cinema
In the city's west end, there's the Mercury Cinema, which hosts the Adelaide Cinematheque amongst regular screenings of classic films and hidden gems. In the east end, there's the Palace and Nova cinemas, which show a mixture of arthouse and mainstream films, and have the city's cheapest tickets: Mondays before 4pm is $7 and after 4pm is $8. On Wednesdays, students can get a ticket and some popcorn for just $10. It's also one of the only licensed cinema venues, so you can take a beer into the theatre! If you enjoy a meal and a sneaky drink while you watch your movie, and also viewing said movie from a beanbag or somesuch, and also outdoors, then you have to check out the Moonlight Cinema during the summer.
30. Beaches
There's a huge variety of beaches along the coast near Adelaide, from water sports destinations to nudie beaches and beaches you can drive your car right on to. Did you know that South Aussie beaches are some of the only beaches in the world where the sand is silver and not golden, due to the unique source materials (minerals, ground up dolphins and crap) in the environment?
31. Rundle Street Markets
Every Saturday, 9am-4pm, down the west end of Rundle Street. Mostly an arts and crafts market, it's a great place to check out local artisan talent.
32. Gilles Street Market
The Gilles Street Market, held twice a month in summer and once a month in winter, is an AMAZING fashion market, where you can pick up new and vintage bargains. Beats the crap out of Sydney's Paddington Markets in my opinion.
33. Barossa Valley Wine Region
One of the state's wine regions and only a short distance from Adelaide, it has about a bajillion cellar doors to explore, where tastings are usually free. To see many of these and get home safely, try a wine tour (from about $40) where you go on a minibus to a variety of wineries.
34. McLaren Vale Wine Region
The main drag in McLaren Vale has some cute stores and great restaurants, and the region in general has a number of well-known wineries which also have top-notch restaurants attached. If you prefer beer or are just getting a bit sick of wine, go to the Vale Inn and try their craft beer.
35. Clare Valley Wine Region
A little further out from town, but worth the drive for the scenery and adorable old winery and cellar buildings.
36. Fleurieu Wine Region
This is the wine region to head to if you want to combine epic food with the best wine. I did a wine tour with a visiting friend from Canada which included stops at several well known cellar doors with free tastings and gourmet snackies at each stop. There are a number of different guided options like this to suit your budget; you can do a group tour in a minibus with other fun, like-minded travellers, or you can do a private tour in a limo; you can even do a wine and cheese tour by bicycle, if that's your thing! Check the link for more details: look for the search and book tab at the top of the page.
37. Like, O.M.G., Outlet Shopping!
38. Bowerbird Bazaar
If you're lucky enough to be in town at the right time, or you're a native in the first place, definitely check out the Bowerbird Bazaar design market, which showcases Adelaide's amazing emerging fashion, art and design talents.
39. Port Adelaide
Tons of public transport goes here, and it's easy to waste a day down the Port as you check out the heritage areas, or the big trash & treasure market on Sundays. The Port River is also home to a unique colony of dolphins which you may be lucky enough to spot on a cruise.
40. The Parade, Norwood
Home to a mixture of heritage boutiques and chain stores, the Parade is a fun place to shop and get a cup of coffee. There are also pubs dating back to the settlement of the area, and the Parade is also host to an annual food, wine and music festival. It's about eight seconds out of the city by car or public transport. Check out the Mary Martin Bookshop branch in the old church hall, and the Bottega Rotolo gourmet store (which also has a cooking school).
41. Maggie Beer Farm Shop
While you're in the Barossa, or on a day trip of its own, go and visit Maggie Beer's Farm Shop. Maggie is an Adelaide icon, and if you haven't tried some of her verjuice, pate or jelly, you've probably seen her on ABC's The Cook and The Chef. There are daily cooking demonstrations, and you can pick up her entire range of gourmet goodies, as well as picnic fare. Her icecream is epic, the flavours are totally unique.
42. Rundle Mall
I know, I know- the aforementioned stupid teenagers hang out here. But it has all the chain stores and department stores in one very central location, and there's always the (debatable) artistic merit of the pigs, fountain, and Balls. Hehe, balls. Oh- and if you want to get a souvenir tshirt of the mall's balls, or some other unique souvenir, head down Rundle Street and turn left on Frome, and look for the Urban Cow Studio.
43. Monarto Zoo
Monarto is an open range safari style zoo 15 minutes out of the city by car- you can get a bus there too. They focus on African animals but also have endangered species from other continents and Australia, such as bison, bilbies and wallabies. You can do special tours, including a behind the scenes tour where you get 'within a whisker' of the big cats.
44. Cheese
This blog post, which I'm stupidly writing over lunchtime, has got me thinking about cheese. Oh man, I love cheese. Luckily in Adelaide you can get imported stuff at excellent prices, as well as amazing local products (Paris Creek is one of my favourites, and some of their stuff is even available in supermarkets). I bought my dad a cheese making class for his birthday at Udder Delights and I'm still waiting for him to roll me out my wheel of brie...
45. Penfolds
Speaking of the make-your-own experience, at Penfolds cellar door in the Barossa Valley, you can do a tour of their Winemaker's Lab, and then have a go at blending your very own wine. Penfolds is home to arguably Australia's best and most famous wine, the Grange, which you can learn more about at the Magill Estate cellar door, which is just outside the city.
46. Check out the city's vintage boutiques
Adelaide doesn't have the same problem as Melbourne and Sydney when it comes to op-shops being cleaned out of vintage and retro finds, which are then ridiculously overprices in boutiques. Not only can you find amazing clothing at the city's op-shops, there are a few very well curated vintage and retro boutiques within walking distance of each other in the city. Check out a few different blogs for details and reviews.
47. The Festival Centre
See opera, ballet or theatre at the Festival Centre. Sure, it's not as fancy a building as the Opera House, but it hosts the best theatre, opera and music that is produced in or tours to Adelaide. There are often free events, students always get cheap tickets, and you can save a lot with a seasonal subscription. Come on, get some culture up ya!
48. The Experimental Art Foundation
The EAF is pretty, pretty rad. There are always sweet exhibitions and there's a permanent bookshop too. The EAF is also right by the Jam Factory, where you can view the gallery, see artisans at work, or even take a class in ceramics, glass or jewellery yourself.
49. WEA
This is one for the locals. If you're always complaining that you're bored, and also complaining that uni sucks or that you don't have time to learn outside work or that your brain is done being challenged, go take a damn short course at the WEA. Courses are really cheap and it's the place to go to learn random stuff like Crochet and Patternmaking (and sexy stuff like massage and foreign languages).The reason I posted this is that courses are designed for workers (out of business hours), and they're short so there's not a massive commitment.
50. Eat Your Way around Adelaide
Adelaide is the kind of town where, if you know where to go, there's epic food and entertainment to be had. Stay tuned for an upcoming post about eating tours of cities including Adelaide; while you're waiting, check out Aroma Japanese Cuisine on Gouger Street for enough sushi for $13.80 that you won't want to eat again for a long, long time.
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