Red Wine Helps You Sleep on Trains is traveling to the Lake District in northern England this week (http://www.lake-district.gov.uk/) and then down to France to visit Tours (pronounced 'Tour') in the Loire Valley and on to Paris to end the trip. When we return, we'll have a couple more videos to share with you with tips from our adventures.
These will be the last videos to take place in Europe as we are moving back to the United States shortly. However, we will still be focusing on everything we can do to help backpackers and adding our tips and suggestions. We will be focusing first on comparing backpacks and may also compile some interviews with fellow backpackers. If there is anything you would like to see on the site or any questions you need answered, let us know. We are always here to help you have the best journey abroad possible!
Sunday, 13 September 2009
Wednesday, 19 August 2009
Currency Tips
While most of Europe is on the Euro, not all countries use this currency. The United Kingdom, Switzerland, Poland, Czech Republic, and Sweden are major countries that don't. However, it is simple to get the local currency.
Try to avoid currency exchange booths if you can, especially if they are in the train station or airport because these will charge a higher rate. The best way to get local currencies is by withdrawing money from an ATM using your bank card. All major banks will be up-to-date on currency exchange rates and these normally offer the best deals. The machine should tell you on the screen if will charge you to withdraw money (usually around 2-3 Euros), so look for machines near banks which will be the least likely to charge.
Before you leave the country, tell your bank and credit card company that you will be out of the country or your card won't work! This is a safety precaution your bank takes in case your details get stolen and taken outside North American borders. Also, be sure to ask your bank if there are any fees for using or withdrawing money when in Europe. Our credit card company charges 1 percent every time we use it and our bank card is charged two bucks for each withdrawal. However, it is worth the money to us to have a small amount of money on us at all times instead of carrying large sums of money around.
Here are some useful tips to consider:
- Use cash for smaller purchases like food at the market or tickets to a museum and use a debit or credit card for larger costs like hostels and travel.
- Take around $50-100 worth of local currency when you leave for the country to cover the first meal, bus to the hostel, and any emergencies. (Most banks can get you foreign currencies, but be sure to give them at least two weeks notice.)
- Use http://www.xe.com/ucc/ to get an idea of currency rates.
- 'We buy' currency exchange booths will use terms like 'WE BUY' or 'WE SELL'. If they say, 'We buy United States Dollars (USD) for 1.5' it means they will give you one of the local currency for $1.50. 'We sell USD for .86' means they will give you 86 cents for every one of the local currency.
Try to avoid currency exchange booths if you can, especially if they are in the train station or airport because these will charge a higher rate. The best way to get local currencies is by withdrawing money from an ATM using your bank card. All major banks will be up-to-date on currency exchange rates and these normally offer the best deals. The machine should tell you on the screen if will charge you to withdraw money (usually around 2-3 Euros), so look for machines near banks which will be the least likely to charge.
Before you leave the country, tell your bank and credit card company that you will be out of the country or your card won't work! This is a safety precaution your bank takes in case your details get stolen and taken outside North American borders. Also, be sure to ask your bank if there are any fees for using or withdrawing money when in Europe. Our credit card company charges 1 percent every time we use it and our bank card is charged two bucks for each withdrawal. However, it is worth the money to us to have a small amount of money on us at all times instead of carrying large sums of money around.
Here are some useful tips to consider:
- Use cash for smaller purchases like food at the market or tickets to a museum and use a debit or credit card for larger costs like hostels and travel.
- Take around $50-100 worth of local currency when you leave for the country to cover the first meal, bus to the hostel, and any emergencies. (Most banks can get you foreign currencies, but be sure to give them at least two weeks notice.)
- Use http://www.xe.com/ucc/ to get an idea of currency rates.
- 'We buy' currency exchange booths will use terms like 'WE BUY' or 'WE SELL'. If they say, 'We buy United States Dollars (USD) for 1.5' it means they will give you one of the local currency for $1.50. 'We sell USD for .86' means they will give you 86 cents for every one of the local currency.
Wednesday, 5 August 2009
Passport Security Tips
If you aren't traveling alone, it's a good idea to make a copy of your passport (only the page with photo and information) for each travel buddy. Everyone should get all copies, fold them together, place them in a zip-top bag, and tape the bag shut. Place the copies deep inside your backpack or toiletry case where no one would think to look.
The main reason to take this precaution is because it is much easier to obtain a new passport from an embassy versus having nothing at all if the original gets lost or stolen.
It also doesn't hurt to e-mail yourself a copy of the passport so if all backpacks go missing or something terrible happens, a quick trip to the internet cafe can get you a copy. While you are at it, e-mail credit card cancellation phone numbers and any emergency contact numbers of family or friends to yourself. Your e-mail inbox works as a 'digital safe' to keep some important pieces of information.
The main reason to take this precaution is because it is much easier to obtain a new passport from an embassy versus having nothing at all if the original gets lost or stolen.
It also doesn't hurt to e-mail yourself a copy of the passport so if all backpacks go missing or something terrible happens, a quick trip to the internet cafe can get you a copy. While you are at it, e-mail credit card cancellation phone numbers and any emergency contact numbers of family or friends to yourself. Your e-mail inbox works as a 'digital safe' to keep some important pieces of information.
Tuesday, 4 August 2009
Sunday, 19 July 2009
The Deal About Sleeping Bags And Sacks
We’ve been doing some research on sleep sacks, which are basically sleeping bags made out of the thin material that sheets are made out of. We’ve never owned one but we have had heard many people recommend them when sleeping in hostels because the sheets aren’t always the cleanest and you might find a musty-smelling blanket or see a stray hair that doesn't belong to you on your pillow. (Although the truth is there is a danger of sleeping anywhere, as proven by Scott's previous travel buddy who got fleas while sleeping on a train in Spain and was forced to wash all her clothes and rinse her backpack out.)
Sleep sacks are mainly made of cotton or silk. Cotton is much cheaper (around $20) but is also larger and heavier than silk, which costs around $50. The sacks provide little warmth, but they can be handy to have in addition to the blankets provided by the hostels.
Many Web sites selling the sacks will warn that many hostels ‘require’ such an item, which is a big lie fabricated in order to get you to buy their product. Some hostels charge a couple of bucks to rent sheets, but they will alert you of this on their Web site before you book. Plenty of hostels don't charge, so there is no reason to pay for linens if you simply take the time to check on their list of amenities.
While there are exceptions to every rule, Europe has some of the cleanest hostels in the world. Therefore, you might be more inclined to invest in a sleeping sack if you are heading out to Asia or South America. Only you can decide what works with your budget and amount of space you have in your backpack. The cheapest method would be to grab an old sheet you already own and have your grandmother sew it into a proper sleeping sack. If you decide you don’t need it along the way you can drop it in the garbage or give it to a bum.
Many people take sleeping bags, which provide warmth in addition to a clean surface. We’ve slept on train station floors, airport sidewalks, benches, parks, and in every form or transport and never once wished we had a sleeping bag. (Well, we may have wished for one but then retracted that fantasy when thinking about how much a sleeping bag weighs.) Some experiences have been colder than others, even during summer months, but we always make it through the night by throwing on some extra layers and grabbing some cardboard to lay on. The bums know best and this method makes the ground seem much more appealing. A piece of advice – smell the cardboard first so you don’t have your face in an old potato or meat box all night.
With as often as your backpack is thrown around, locked up, and put under a plane or bus, it’s much easier not to have stuff attached to the outside. The bottom line: only take a sack or bag if you plan on sleeping on the ground or camping a lot, or if you know you will be traveling during the coldest months of the year.
Tips From Fellow Backpacker Katie
Katie from Morristown, TN, shares some insight about traveling. Katie spent the majority of her time in Europe exploring Germany, but also traveled to various other cities on the continent. Katie states:
Here are some things I wish I had known before my trip…
Packing: This is hard for girls to grasp, but it’s okay if you wear the same clothes every week. This is especially true in Germany. In fact, it is the norm there, and you will fit right in. Also, don't plan to do any clothes shopping abroad. It is much more expensive than the U.S. You will be paying more for the exact items. Exceptions would perhaps be “fashion” capitals like Milan and other Italian cities. Save your money for cooler things.
Budgeting: I personally found it hard to budget ahead of time, especially since I had never been to Europe and had no concept of how much things cost over there, never mind the exchange rates. I will say this: do everything you can ahead of time to save money. There is nothing worse than being in a fabulous city and having to decide between two choices because you can't afford to do both. Also, figure out what you want to splurge on and what you are willing to save money on.
Traveling in general: Plan things out but be willing to be spontaneous. It is good to have a list of a few places you want to see in a particular place, but some of my favorite experiences have been those which were unplanned. Befriend a native speaker if you know you are going to be in a particular city for a while. My friends and I befriended some Germans who were able to tell us about concerts and last-minute discounts on trips that weren’t listed online.
Traveling in groups versus traveling alone: I prefer traveling in groups. I like being able to share experiences with other people, especially people I like. Two of my best friends became my best friends because of the time we spent together. They saw me at my best and worst and likewise. Just keep this in mind: your feelings for someone may change after you spend several weeks with them 24/7. Hopefully you will like them more and not less. Also, if there is something you are dying to see, make it a priority. I went to Amsterdam with a group of friends. I really wanted to visit the Van Gogh Museum, but they were not so interested. At first I felt bad ditching them to go to the museum. They went on a paddle-boat ride instead, so everyone was happy. Win-win situation.
Food and drink: Döners have a lot of fat in them. You should try it once—they are delicious. I also ate a lot of German chocolate and Haribo gummi bears (also very calorie-heavy). You have to know what to splurge on, both money-wise and food-wise. Would I eat all those doner kabobs and chocolates again? Yes!! Oh, and I can’t forget the beer. Another thing I love about Germany: You can go to the train station or any convenience store and pick up a beer or Jaeger and just walk around with it. No big deal.
Small towns versus big cities: I was fortunate to spend time in both. I think it is good to mix up a long trip with small and big cities. Small towns are more relaxing and give you a chance to wind down after a few crazy nights in a big city. Just be mindful that stores and restaurants tend to shut down early in the small towns, so plan accordingly. Another thing you should consider is visiting both “modern” cities and “historic” cities. For example, Berlin has very modern architecture (but with a history) that was totally different from other cities with older architecture.
Here are some things I wish I had known before my trip…
Packing: This is hard for girls to grasp, but it’s okay if you wear the same clothes every week. This is especially true in Germany. In fact, it is the norm there, and you will fit right in. Also, don't plan to do any clothes shopping abroad. It is much more expensive than the U.S. You will be paying more for the exact items. Exceptions would perhaps be “fashion” capitals like Milan and other Italian cities. Save your money for cooler things.
Budgeting: I personally found it hard to budget ahead of time, especially since I had never been to Europe and had no concept of how much things cost over there, never mind the exchange rates. I will say this: do everything you can ahead of time to save money. There is nothing worse than being in a fabulous city and having to decide between two choices because you can't afford to do both. Also, figure out what you want to splurge on and what you are willing to save money on.
Traveling in general: Plan things out but be willing to be spontaneous. It is good to have a list of a few places you want to see in a particular place, but some of my favorite experiences have been those which were unplanned. Befriend a native speaker if you know you are going to be in a particular city for a while. My friends and I befriended some Germans who were able to tell us about concerts and last-minute discounts on trips that weren’t listed online.
Traveling in groups versus traveling alone: I prefer traveling in groups. I like being able to share experiences with other people, especially people I like. Two of my best friends became my best friends because of the time we spent together. They saw me at my best and worst and likewise. Just keep this in mind: your feelings for someone may change after you spend several weeks with them 24/7. Hopefully you will like them more and not less. Also, if there is something you are dying to see, make it a priority. I went to Amsterdam with a group of friends. I really wanted to visit the Van Gogh Museum, but they were not so interested. At first I felt bad ditching them to go to the museum. They went on a paddle-boat ride instead, so everyone was happy. Win-win situation.
Food and drink: Döners have a lot of fat in them. You should try it once—they are delicious. I also ate a lot of German chocolate and Haribo gummi bears (also very calorie-heavy). You have to know what to splurge on, both money-wise and food-wise. Would I eat all those doner kabobs and chocolates again? Yes!! Oh, and I can’t forget the beer. Another thing I love about Germany: You can go to the train station or any convenience store and pick up a beer or Jaeger and just walk around with it. No big deal.
Small towns versus big cities: I was fortunate to spend time in both. I think it is good to mix up a long trip with small and big cities. Small towns are more relaxing and give you a chance to wind down after a few crazy nights in a big city. Just be mindful that stores and restaurants tend to shut down early in the small towns, so plan accordingly. Another thing you should consider is visiting both “modern” cities and “historic” cities. For example, Berlin has very modern architecture (but with a history) that was totally different from other cities with older architecture.
Monday, 13 July 2009
Tips About Car Rental
Rule Number 1: Never rent a car.
Rule Number 2: If you didn't listen to the first rule, buy the extra insurance!
During our recent backpacking adventure around England, we decided to rent a car to make it easier to see Stonehenge, Avebury, and a crop circle in the middle of nowhere. During our 120-mile drive, Scott managed to smack a curb, bend the front rim, and send the back hubcap flying. All of this occurred within a mile of the car rental return location. Luckily, we listened to the second rule and $15 saved us hundreds. Maybe hitchhiking in England is safer than driving.
http://www.cropcircleconnector.com/2009/silburyhill/silburyhill2009.html
Rule Number 2: If you didn't listen to the first rule, buy the extra insurance!
During our recent backpacking adventure around England, we decided to rent a car to make it easier to see Stonehenge, Avebury, and a crop circle in the middle of nowhere. During our 120-mile drive, Scott managed to smack a curb, bend the front rim, and send the back hubcap flying. All of this occurred within a mile of the car rental return location. Luckily, we listened to the second rule and $15 saved us hundreds. Maybe hitchhiking in England is safer than driving.
http://www.cropcircleconnector.com/2009/silburyhill/silburyhill2009.html
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