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Travel Tip Tuesday : Travel Bloggers Share Their ‘Worst Travel Advice’

You may remember in last week’s Travel Tip Tuesday we received some of the best advice from travel bloggers.  Well, as promised, today I am sharing the flip side of the coin.

The Worst Travel Advice.

And, to tell the truth, worst advice posts are usually so much more fun!

So, without further ado – I bring you Travel Bloggers ‘Worst Travel Advice’.

• Janice Waugh of Solotraveler:

As for bad advice, I think I may have blocked it out. But I would suggest that bad advice is anything that is beyond your comfort level. All travel advice must be considered in the context of your interests and capabilities.

• Erica Berman of Hip Paris Blog:

People will tell you to rent a car and drive from Paris to Provence. Take the train and relax. Unless you have lots of time and want to really discover France on the back roads for fast travel, take the TGV!

• Lisa Bergren of The World is Calling:

“Go and see as many cities/countries as you can; you can always go back.” I think this is terrible advice! While it gives you a surfacey starting point, it really takes some time to get to know a city or place. I’m a huge fan of limiting the itinerary and staying a minimum of 3 nights in any city/town. A week is better. And travel is a luxury–you never know when you’ll be able to afford to “go again.” Focus in! Write out the top 10 stops you’d love to see and then edit it down to 3. You’ll be glad you did.

• Andy Hayes of Sharing Travel Experiences:

Worst advice is from my mother : buy expensive luggage.  There doesn’t seem to be a relationship between luggage price and quality.

• Barbara Weibel of Cultural Travel with Hole in the Donut:

Worst advice I ever got: “Don’t talk to strange people in foreign lands or agree to visit them in their homes because you’ll get drugged and robbed.” I can’t tell you how many times I hear this.

Of course, as a solo female traveler I must be cautious, but never engaging with locals means I am not really learning about the true culture of a place. I take it on a case by case basis, always make sure someone else knows exactly where I am going and when I will return and I always have a backup plan for getting out, such as arranging for a taxi driver to pick me up at a certain time, or having the option to walk back to my hotel if it is close enough.

Had I taken this advice, I would have missed out on some of the most wonderful experiences I’ve had during my travels.

• Evelyn Hannon of Journeywoman:

Worst advice I ever received was when I was 48 years old and I told my friends I was leaving to study in Europe.  ”Don’t go”, they said. “Only kids do that, you’ll have nobody to relate to.”

Ha, ha! They were right but oh, SO wrong. I met fabulous young adults in my classes, on campus, and in pubs. We got along just fine. They taught me to ‘think young’ when I floundered and I offered some ‘adult parenting’ when they needed it. For me it was an absolutely wonderful learning experience both academically and emotionally.

• Gray Cargill of Solo Friendly:

Early on in my solo travel career, I heard a lot of fear-based, knee-jerk reactions from family about me traveling alone.  Things like “Why would you want to go alone?” “That’s not safe” and “Why don’t you just go with a friend?”  If I had waited to go with a friend, I’d still be waiting, and I’ve never felt unsafe while traveling solo, so I’m very glad I didn’t listen to them.

• Caitlin Fitzsimmons of Roaming Tales:

My worst travel advice came from a GPS navigation unit. Unbeknownst to me, it was set to avoid toll roads so an hour’s journey turned into three hours along country roads in rural western New York. But it did mean that I got to visit Amish country, so that was fun.

The moral of the story? There’s no question a GPS navigation unit can be helpful, especially for the solo driver, but don’t rely on it blindly. Check the settings of the GPS and also review the route the GPS is recommending against a real-life map.

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Your turn to share.  What’s the worst travel advice you have ever received?

Let’s see what travel advice Cherrye has today!

Travel Tip Tuesday : Travel Bloggers Share Their ‘Best Travel Advice’

I love doing collaborative posts.  Honestly, I learn so much from asking experienced travelers in-the-know the right questions, that it wouldn’t be fair if I kept that information all bottled up inside – and didn’t share.

So, for the next two weeks, Travel Tip Tuesday will feature a little mini series on Travel Advice.  I reached out to the travel blogging community and asked them to offer up their Best and Worst Travel Advice.  Most like to save the best for last, but I like to be different.  Today, I’m covering the best first!

Here is what they had to say:

Janice Waugh of Solotraveler:

I’d have to say that the best travel advice I ever received came on my very first trip. I was 15 and going on a cycling tour. I had to carry all my gear myself. They provided a packing list and I discovered how little you really need to travel – even for a very physical trip that lasted a month. I’ve changed the packing list over time but I am still a very lean packer.

Erica Berman of Hip Paris Blog:

Photo copy your documents and also put them on a USB key. Don’t carry all your money and credit cards together when you travel in case you lose your wallet. Leave your passport in the hotel safe, your room or at home if you rent a flat. You don’t need to carry it around with you and you could easily lose it.

Lisa Bergren of The World is Calling:

Rent a villa. By far, our apartment and villa stays have made for our best travel experiences as a family. Settling in, grocery shopping, taking 1/2 day trips helps you really understand a place and feel a part of it, and the kids are more relaxed with a “home” to return to.

Andy Hayes of Sharing Travel Experiences:

Best advice ever: Pack half of what you think you will need.

Barbara Weibel of Cultural Travel with Hole in the Donut:

Before I took off on my first round-the-world trip back in 2007, a good friend sagely advised me to “stay in the moment.” Although I try to be present at all times in my life, his reminder resonated with me so strongly that it has become my travel mantra. When in the present moment, I am not obsessing over the past or worrying about the future; rather I am fully open to experiencing and enjoying what is happening right now.

Evelyn Hannon of Journeywoman:

The best travel advice I’ve ever received was something I read (can’t remember the source) that said something like: When you are a solo traveller, the best way to unravel a new culture is to leave their famous landmarks for last. Those will be overrun with tourists just like you are. Instead stay in the neighbourhoods, eat in local pubs, see what the locals are wearing, go swimming at the sports center and pop into their library and university to see ‘what’s up.’ It’s advice I try to use, over and over again and I’ve never forgotten it no matter how long I’ve been hitting the road on my own.

Jeff Titelius of International Travel Examiner:

One great piece of advice is to purchase advance tickets to museums when it’s possible.  I saw the queues in Florence and at the Vatican and THANK GOD I had advance tickets.  Front of the line baby!

Sonya of Traveling Greener:

My best travel advice is to travel wireless, light and paperless.  A few years ago, a close friend introduced me to the BlackBerry and it changed how I live, work and travel.  Now, I mostly use an iPhone and iPad for everything from travel planning, books, apps and guides to entertainment.

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A huge thank you to all of the contributors!  Stay tuned for the Worst Travel Advice coming up next Tuesday.

So, now it’s your turn to share.  What is the Best Travel Advice you’ve ever received?

And speaking of travel advice – let’s see what Cherrye’s talking about this week!

Six Easy French-Inspired Appetizers

Even if we don’t live in France, we can still take pleasure in the wonderful cuisine—and without much fuss!  The French take their food seriously. Eating is an act of enjoyment, of relaxation; it is a time to get together with friends and unwind.  The next time you have a few friends over for cocktails, or if you’re just in the mood to appreciate your food with an apéritif, try some of these French-inspired hors d’oeuvres.  They’re quick, easy, packed with flavor and look impressive, which makes them a perfect option for guests who stop by unannounced.

Brochette

A brochette is basically anything that is cooked on a skewer (or a toothpick).  An example of one of these bite-size treats is the melon au jambon de bayonne: melon with raw cured ham.  This is one of the easiest appetizers to prepare and is a great choice for a summer night.  Simply use a melon baller to scoop little rounds of the melon (cantaloupe or honeydew).  Don’t have a melon baller? Just cut the melon into small pieces. Then fold up one or two slices of the ham.  Then use the toothpick to hold the two together and serve.

Baked Brie

Brie is a popular cheese adored by the French (and myself as well), and baked brie is a popular French appetizer that is especially great around the holidays.  Last Thanksgiving, my mother made a baked brie and the whole wheel was gone before the guests had even finished their first drinks.  It seems so gourmet, yet it is quite simple to make.  Spread either a raspberry or fig jam on a wheel of brie cheese (you can even sprinkle chopped walnuts or almonds on top) and wrap in a puff pastry.  Bake it in the oven at 375° for about 25 minutes, then take it out and serve it warm, gooey and oozing with an assortment of crackers and fresh fruit.  You can also do this sans puff pastry and it will still turn out great.

Tapenade

Tapenade gets its reputation for being a savory olive spread from Provence, but it gets its name from the lesser-known ingredient: capers, or tapéno. Serve this spread on toasted baguette slices for a delightful summer hors d’oeuvre.  Tapenade is so tasty that it is even used as an ingredient in many French dishes.  In a food processor, blend 2 cups of pitted black olives, 2 tablespoons of capers, a clove of garlic, a generous drizzle of olive oil, lemon juice and pepper to taste.

Canapé

A canapé is a layered hors d’oeuvre that allows you to be as creative as you wish.  Bread typically serves as the base, followed by a layer of your choice spread, but after that, it is completely up to you!  The French use a “compound butter” or flavored butter.  To create a compound butter, use ½ cup of soft butter and one of the following counterparts: 2 ounces of cheese, anchovy paste, garlic, mustard, smoked salmon, or anything else you desire.  You can even add some fresh herbs from your garden. After you create your flavored butter, you can layer the canapé with shrimp, smoked salmon, sardines, caviar, capers, cucumbers, bell peppers, or whatever else you think would make a tasty combination.

Roulade

Roulade is a French culinary term for a rolled dessert or meat dish.  Jambon Chevre, or ham rolls with goat cheese spread, is a quick and simple appetizer that will keep your guests satisfied.  Blend 2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese, 1 cup of soft goat cheese, 2 tablespoons of assorted chopped herbs, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil using a food processor.  Lay out the ham slices (cooked ham or raw cured ham) and spread the mixture on top. Roll them up and slice them and you have yourself tasty bite-size treats.  You can also try this with other cured meats or smoked salmon.  Experiment with cheese and herb combinations to find your favorite.

Stuffed Endive Leaves

Endive leaves look dainty and can be paired with pretty much anything. Peel away slices of endive and arrange them nicely on a platter.  Fill each little ‘boat’ with different mixtures of goodies.  A dollop of salmon, crab, or tuna salad work well.  A schmear of cream or goat cheese topped with a few olives is also tasty.  My choice –  blue cheese crumbles and lightly toasted walnuts.  Finish it off with a drizzle of good quality olive oil and voila! I love the combination of the cold crunch from the endive and the warm crunch of the nuts.  The flavor of walnuts and blue cheese marries perfectly.  I think some sliced red grapes with this combo would work well too!  Maybe even a sprinkle of chopped chives.

What’s your favorite French hors d’oeuvres to make? and to eat?

Written by: Laura Photo Credits: PatrickWoodward /  William Couch / Norwichnuts / sushiina / Elin B / The Gifted Photographer / Dorte F

Travel Tip Tuesday : Eiffel Tower News

You may remember a while back that I announced that the Eiffel Tower was going to introduce on-line ticketing.  Well today I have some exciting news.

I am happy to announce that  on-line ticketing has launched!

Now you can avoid those pesky, long lines to buy tickets to visit the Tower. Both individuals and groups can pick the day and time of their visit, and purchase tickets in English, French or Spanish.  You can either print your ticket or go paperless and download an e-ticket to your mobile phone.

On-line tickets must be purchased at least one day ahead of your visit.

The Eiffel Tower is also jumping on the Apple Technology bandwagon. You can rent an iPad for your visit.  For 7€ per hour, you can walk around with an iPad, preloaded with the official guide to the Eiffel Tower.  With it you can discover 360* panoramic views of Paris with 80 points of interest, the Tower’s history, the restaurants, the champagne bar and even shops!

Some good news all around – wouldn’t you say?

So, do you think you would take advantage of the new on-line ticketing service?

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Head over to My Bella Vita for a second helping of Travel Tip Tuesday.

Spas in Italy

Many who are interested in travel are aware of the allures of visiting Italy; delicious food, beautiful art, interesting history. But what quite a few people may not know is that Italy also has great water. I’m not talking about bottled or tap; I’m talking Italy’s wealth of natural spas.

A little spa background…

Since before the Roman era, people have enjoyed the benefits of natural thermal and mineral spas. Their therapeutic properties make them ideal for revitalizing both the mind and body. These spas aren’t your run of the mill, mani-pedi-facial stations; instead, they offer a relaxing and healing retreat that utilizes the Earth’s natural resources in centuries old traditions.

Despite sharing a common name, each spa is a unique wonder of the natural world. Different and distinct properties make each different spa an optimal remedy for an array of ailments.

One characteristic that can affect how the spa will affect you is temperature; the water temperature can range anywhere from hotter-than-your-average-hot-tub to absolutely bone chilling.  Meanwhile their chemical composition, which depends on the presence of dissolved solids in the water, is also very important.  Other important components in determining a spa’s benefits include the presence of gases and the nature of mud in the surrounding area.

All of these factors combine to create a variety of spas, all with their own specific assets. Because of the presence of volcanic phenomena and the abundance of underground water channels, Italy is a great destination for those looking to sample some spas.

Some Notable Spas:

In Northeastern Italy many spas have developed in the Veneto region, on the slopes of the Euganei Hills (Colli Euganei). Because of volcanic activity beneath the ground, numerous hot springs gush out of the area, making it an ideal place for some steamy soaking. In addition, Veneto is known for treatments of mud therapy, which are recommended for skin health, rheumatic illnesses and problems of the respiratory organs.

While here you may want to specifically check out Abano Terme. Originally called Abano Bagni, this area is thought by many to be the oldest spa region in the world. And, it’s home to a whopping 130 thermal springs! Though the town surrounding it doesn’t offer much in the way of sight-seeing, I doubt you’ll be disappointed while you’re basking in the 90 degree water that surges up from 2000 meters underground.

In addition you can enjoy the renowned mud treatments, which employ the volcanic mud and ash from the surrounding area. An excursion to this spa can be beneficial for the skin, osteoporosis, arthritis, rheumatism, joint pain, muscle pain, gout, respiratory diseases, and recovery from fractures and surgery. Or it can simply be relaxing.

In the region of Emilia-Romagna, in the foothills of the Apennines, you’ll find spas that are predominantly sulphurous, or which contain sodium chloride, iodide, or bromide. The spas in this area are therefore recommended for metabolism disorders, skin diseases, and problems of the respiratory and vascular system.  One of the most sulphurous spas in this area is called Tabiano Terme, and today it is most commonly visited for problems of the lungs, ears, nose and throat.

Another spa, Salsomaggiore Terme, has become popular due to its extremely high sodium content; the water is practically considered salt-water. People come to Salsomaggiore from far and wide to rid themselves of bronchial and gastric problems and to witness the finals of “Miss Italia,” which are held there once a year. And, if you need any extra enticing to visit Salsomaggiore, it’s rumored that the gelateria in the center of town is worth the trip all by itself.

Tuscany also boasts it’s shares of spas. If it’s reputation for gorgeous landscapes didn’t already have you packing your bags and hopping on a plane to visit, then maybe its spas might provide a little extra push.

The largest and most famous of Tuscany’s spa regions is Montecatini. Home to nine spas and over 600 years of tradition, it draws in approximately 1,700,000 visitors every year. In case that number doesn’t speak for itself, don’t forget the marble columns, spacious halls, and gorgeous gardens that make each spa in Montecatini a virtual palace of relaxation. To top it all off, the waters contain several minerals that are thought to treat liver and digestive disorders.

Another frequently visited Tuscan retreat is Chianciano, which sees even more visitors than Montecatini (1,860,000 visitors a year). Famous for the treatment of liver ailments, the spas in this area offer a variety of treatments including thermal baths, inhalation therapies and mud therapies. In addition, some of the spas here have water that is safe to drink and which can be beneficial in remedying gastrointestinal disorders.

Don’t let the spotlight on Chianciano and Montecatini make you miss out on Terme di Saturnia. What this spa region lacks in size it makes up for in serenity and variety. Saturnia offers not only the traditional water therapies but also beauty treatments, diet plans, fitness regimens, and stress therapies.

Ischia, in Campania, gets about 2,400,000 visitors a year. Volcanic activity makes this spa region home to both natural hot springs and geysers. But this is no Yellowstone Park. Ischia offers all the inhalation treatments, baths, steam baths and mud therapies you can find at many of the Italian thermal spas and it offers more. Popular with many visitors is their naturally heated caves which can function like a dry sauna or like a humid Turkish bath.

Lazio, the region in which the capital city of Rome was founded, is also a region in which spas can be found. Famous for its treatment of renal calculus, kidney stones, Fiuggi is a famous spa region you will not want to miss. It is a short distance south of Rome and it has treated not only European royalty, but also Michelangelo and a few Popes as well.

Though perhaps not as popular with the Pope, Bagni di Tivoli is certainly popular with other spa goers. These hot sulphurous springs were praised by the classical Roman poet, Virgil, in ancient times. Nowadays the waters here are ingested to treat gastrointestinal disordered and inhaled to promote nose and throat health. In addition, the sulphur waters and mud are used in soothing baths for arthritis and skin disorders.

How to decide?

There are so many types of spas to consider. Keep in mind your goals in visiting the spas:

Are you looking to remedy a specific disorder? Or are you simply looking for somewhere to relax? Each spa has different properties which influence their effectiveness in dealing with certain stress-related or physical complaints. That said, it is always wise to consult with some sort of healthcare professional before taking part in any spa experience.

By asking yourself these types of questions you’re sure to find a spa that’s tailor made for you!

Written by: Kelly Whelan  Photo Credits :  Darren Donahue / Solipsist / Nigelfj

Travel Photo Friday : New Heights in Italy

This month’s Travel Photo Friday shot was submitted by reader, Anne Arnott.  Anne has spent quite a bit of time in Italy, and this time she offered up a new perspective on Italy.  The photo was taken from a cable car that travels from Pigra to Argegno. If you are afraid of heights, hold on to your tummys folks!

Thanks for such a cool shot, Anne!  What a view! I think I would have loved to see the water and tiny buildings down below getting closer and closer as the car approached.

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If you have a fabulous photo to be featured here, send it along with a short description to mymelange {at} yahoo.com.

See you on October 1st for our next edition.