Brunswicktraveller

My Long Haul Carry On Essentials…

In my bag

A pair of cashmere track pants, Empty 2 liter water bottle, pair of eye mask, A journal, simple socks, Oroton clutches, Aesop moisturizers, teabags (black and herbal), noise cancelling headphones, Lucas Paw Paw Ointment.

THE CHECKLIST

Beauty products: As soon as I started thinking about long haul travel as potentially relaxing, almost spa-like experiences, it changed everything. Therefore I really up the ante with the beauty products when I travel, taking along eye and face masks (you’ll look crazy but who cares?), moisturiser, lip balm, hand cream, eye cream and pretty much anything I have on hand that’s small enough to fit. Who doesn’t love moisturising while watching Modern Family?

Noise Cancelling Headphones: The difference between economy, business and first class is huge and largely out of your control (unless you have $$$), but the one thing you can do is invest in some good quality noise cancelling headphones, which help make seat 59c, feel a little more like 8a. The new Plantronics Backbeat Pro 2 are some great ones (and I’ve tried a bunch in my time!). I don’t usually splurge in my day to day life, but noise cancelling ones are finitely worth the investment – they really work and also have a listening function so you can hear the outside world if you need to.

Sleep Kit: If you’re one of those people who can sleep easily on the plane, count your lucky stars! If, like the rest of us, it’s a struggle to get any shut eye, you really need to get your sleep kit sorted: Comfortable eye mask, earplugs, lavender oil and melatonin are mainstays in my sleep kit.

Chargers: Hopefully you’re flying with an airline that lets you power up, in which case whatever you do don’t leave your charger in your checked luggage. Having a fully charged phone when you land is #1.

Outfit: How to look good but also have maximum comfort when you’re flying. I’m all for the plane change (when you slip into something more comfortable) so you can really sink in and enjoy yourself, with either yoga pants or cashmere track pants being my go to. Add a scarf and some wooly socks, and slip on shoes for when you need to go to the bathroom, and you’re good to go.

Entertainment: A real life book (with pages!) is essential for when you can’t use your kindle, and a journal or notebook is a great thing to have on hand for some in-the-air life planning (anyone else do this?).

Organisation: Grouping key items into little bags might seem OCD, and something that’s definitely not my usual MO, but in the case of long haul travel it plays to be organised so things don’t go missing down the back of seats, tampons don’t roll out into the aisle etc etc etc (you get my drift).

Snacks: Plane snacks are absolutely key to not having to rely on the food you get given – this is something I consider in detail before I head off. You could prepare some cut oats with shaved coconut, almonds, blueberries and banana. A simple meal that’s healthy and is great for between times.

Hydration: Obviously! make sure you take empty water bottle to the plane, ask the hostess to fill it up for you when you board…

By Brunswicktraveller

What makes Thailand so amazing?

‘Amazing Thailand’. That is the official tagline of the marketing campaign by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

But what makes Thailand amazing?

Is it the amazing beaches, the amazing street shopping experiences, the amazing culture, the amazing food – or all of the above?

Could be, but it depends on how you view Thailand. This South East Asian nation is one of the most visited countries in the world, but different tourists come for different reasons. Many young tourists come for a true backpacking experience. Many from across Asia choose Thailand as their honeymoon destination.

The thing is, Thailand isn’t just beaches and nightlife. To break down all that it has to offer, we’re going to divide Thailand into North, Central, the East and South regions, and describe what makes each region unique. If you are wondering why there is no ‘West Thailand’, well, the shape of the country is such that the western region is prettymuch a part of the centre.

North Thailand

Hill tribes, adventure trekking and elephants

Tourism to the north of Thailand is largely driven by the two large provinces of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. The northern provinces are home to many forests, ethnic hill tribes and elephants, and is a different side to Thailand than what is usually advertised.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is the largest city in north Thailand and known for its pleasant climate and culturally rich heritage. Home to over 300 wats (wat is Thai for Buddhist temple), many of the famous wats can be found in the city center itself. The most famous, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, is perched atop the highest hill in the city. The ride to the top of Doi Suthep hill is a wonderful experience in itself, and besides the temple at the top, different viewpoints along the way offer panoramic views of Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai city is most visited during the Loi Krathong Festival, popularly photographed for the mass release of paper lanterns and kathrongs (sliced banana stems decorated with flowers) released down Ping River. Yee Peng Lanna is the event most visitors desire to attend. Held on the grounds of Mae Jo University a few days before the actual day of Loi Krathong, thousands of tourists and locals flood into the grounds to release paper lanterns at the same time, making for a true spectacle you will never forget.

On the outskirts of Chiang Mai are several settlements of various hill tribes. The Karen tribe are the most sought after by tourists, mostly for the women who are famous for their long necks. Their necks were moulded into shape wearing neck rings at a very early age. But don’t be surprised if these settlements look a bit ‘set up’. Many of them are, for the convenience of tourists, but the upside is that the Karen people now earn a living from tourism.

Chiang Rai

The northern most province of Thailand is Chiang Rai, bordering Myanmar and Laos. The most popular tourist activity in Chiang Rai is a tour of the ‘Golden Triangle’ – a junction on the Mekong River where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet. Tours to the Golden Triangle often include a boat ride into Laos (yes, you will set foot on Laos soil for a brief period) and a short cruise along the Mekong River.

One of the more popular ways to explore Chiang Rai is by bicycle tours. In fact, Chiang Rai’s scenic hillsides and vast farmlands make it a great region for mountain biking and guided cycle tours. These tours include stops at popular attractions such as the White Temple, traditional Thai villages and Khun Kon which is the highest waterfall in Chiang Rai.

Elephant parks

The national animal of Thailand is the elephant, and many elephant parks, can be found in the northern provinces. But like Kanchanaburi’s infamous Tiger Temple, many of these elephant villages claim to be ‘sanctuaries’ but have been instead accused of abusing elephants for commercial exploitation. From putting on elephant shows, to elephant rides… ensure the establishment you have chosen to visit has a good track record.

Central Thailand

Buddhist temples, ancient architectures, capital Bangkok and jungle forests

Of course there’s Bangkok to enjoy, but the central provinces provide a good mix of everything Thailand has to offer. Using Bangkok as a hub, visitors can make several excursions to neighboring destinations, some of which take less than day to explore.

Bangkok

The capital city is in itself is a major tourist draw, thanks to the Grand Palace complex, Wat Pho – Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the Chao Phraya River, the vibrant nightlife and street shopping. Bangkok has enough and more malls, but the various street markets are the real drawcard. The massive Chatuchak Weekend Market – the largest flea market in Asia – offers everything from cheap clothes to boutique offerings, paintings, bags, fakes (lots of it) – and even pet animals which is a bit controversial. It’s an amazing market to get lost in, trust us.

From Bangkok, some of the popular excursions outside of the city limits are day tours to the floating markets and various other historical sites. Damnoen Saduak is the most visited of the floating markets, but if it’s a little too commercial for your liking, Amphawa Floating Market should be the next best option.

An 80 kilometre drive from Bangkok is a market that is like no other. Mae Klong Market is known for two things: fresh seafood and for having a rail track pass through it. We’re pretty sure the rail track came first and the market grew on either side of it, but what visitors will witness here are traders picking up their wares, clearing the tracks as soon as they hear the horn of the train coming through, letting the train pass, before setting their goods back on the tracks once the train has gone past.

Damnoen Saduak is the most visited of the floating markets, but if it's a little too commercial for your liking, Amphawa Floating Market should be the next best option. — Damnoen Saduak is the most visited of the floating markets, but if it’s a little too commercial for your liking, Amphawa Floating Market should be the next best option.

Kanchanaburi

An hour’s drive west of Bangkok, Kanchanaburi is a province most visited for the Bridge over the River Kwai. Made famous by the movie of the same name, the bridge was built by POWs working for the invading Japanese during World War II. Now the bridge and the area around it is a major tourist draw. A must-visit for classic movie buffs too. A bit further from Kanchanaburi city center is aforementioned Tiger Temple, Wat Pa Luang Ta Bua. Infamous because, one, it’s not really a temple, nor is it a true tiger sanctuary. Secondly, besides having an entry fee, if you wish to have special photos taken with the tigers, you may end up spending thousands of baht for it.

Ayuthaya

North of Bangkok is the ancient capital city of Ayuthaya. Nowadays, Ayuthaya is considered to be the cultural capital of Thailand thanks to spectacular ruins and intact Buddhist temples that have stood the test of time. The Wat Prasriratthanamahathat – Buddhas’s head found in a tree – is one of those postcard photos one must take before leaving Ayuthaya.

Pattaya

What was once an R & R stop for American army forces during the Vietnam war, Pattaya is now a bustling neon city infamous for its seedy nightlife and swarmed with package tourists. That said, Pattaya does have a few hidden gems, such as the Sanctuary of Truth – a temple made entirely of wood. It’s an on-going work of art filled with sculptures based on traditional Buddhist and Hindu gods and deities. Work began in 1981 and they continue to add more carved sculptures that are sure to impress.

Khao Yai National Park

There are hundreds of national parks in Thailand, but Khao Yai National Park is the largest (on land) and one of the most visited, as it’s a short drive from Bangkok. Here you can walk through lush forests, cool off at waterfalls, see elephants in their natural habitats and enjoy birdwatching.

South Thailand

Best beaches, corals and scuba diving.

Tourism to the south of Thailand is dominated by its beaches and islands. Most beach destinations in the south are extremely commercial, but this also means visitors have plenty of choice when it comes to luxury resorts and exclusive beaches.

Phuket

The most popular and most commercial is the island of Phuket. The island’s major developments are on the southern edge, with Patong beach being the biggest of it all. High-end resorts, red light district, malls, restaurants serving a variety of cuisines – you have it all in Patong. That is not to say Phuket isn’t beautiful. Drive to the Promthep Cape and rest assured you will be enamoured by the coastal beauty of Phuket and the many other quieter beaches along the way. The Cape is also one of the best sunset spots too.

Beaches popularised by Hollywood

From Phuket, tourists usually partake in many island-hopping tours, such as day trips to James Bond island, Maya Bay and the Phi Phi islands. James Bond island is the nickname given to Khao Phing Kan, where the famous showdown in The Man With the Golden Gun was filmed, with the now iconic limestone rock featured in the background.

Another location popularised by Hollywood is Maya Bay, featured in the Leonardo DiCaprio movie The Beach. Despite the maddening crowds, Maya Bay truly is one of the most beautiful beaches you will see in Thailand. It’s a part of the Phi Phi islands, a very popular destination for honeymooners.

These island tours are also available if you opt to vacation in Krabi, or the beachside town of Ao Nang in Krabi province. In fact the Phi Phi islands and Phang Nga Bay where James Bond island is situated are closer to Ao Nang than they are to Phuket. Adjoining Ao Nang but only accessible by boat is Railay, famed for its rugged limestone hills and a popular spot for rock climbers.

Islands in Gulf of Thailand

Away from the Andaman sea, the islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao in the eastern gulf should tickle your fancy if you want a secluded island experience. Koh Phangan is where the infamous Full Moon parties are held every month, but if that’s a little too noisy for you, the bigger island of Koh Samui strikes the right balance for being a resort island and party town without leaving you burned out. The smallest of the three is Koh Tao, unique for its thin stretches of sand interconnecting smaller islands, making it an island popular among trekkers.

No matter which island destination in South Thailand you are at, each one offers excellent spots for scuba-diving, rich coral reefs and marine life that should satisfy the underwater explorer in you. Most of the above destinations have scuba diving schools offering PADI certifications, many of which are run by expat divers who have made Thailand their home.

East Thailand

Khmer culture, beaches and unexplored rural.

East Thailand showcases Thailand’s village life best, but also has pristine coastal shores that don’t see as many tourists or backpackers. This makes it a less commercial region to explore, and one that isn’t too far from Bangkok.

Better beaches

If Pattaya didn’t impress you with its beaches, head further east to the beach town of Trat or the island of Koh Chang. In fact, from Koh Chang you can hire a boat to enter Cambodia. Koh Chang offers all the coral beauty and white sand beaches you otherwise would have to head down south for.

Isaan

From here on up, you enter Isaan province. Known as the agricultural backbone of Thailand, Isaan’s major cities include Udon Thani, Khorat, Ubon Ratchathani, and Khon Kaen. The region shares a cultural affinity with Laos and Cambodia, which are across the eastern border of Thailand, and most tourists visit Isaan to explore the Khmer-built temples which is similar to Angkor Wat in Phanom Rung and Meuang Tam. Visitors also stop by to gaze at the vast paddy fields that grow the popular sticky rice among other agricultural produce. Another popular industry is silk, and places like Surin are renowned for it. Tourists can visit silk farms and watch how local women weave intricate silk fabrics. Thai silk also make good gifts to take back home.

Other attractions in East Thailand

If you are looking for a complete change of scenery and wish to get off the popular tourist trail, head to Chachoengsao, 75 km outside of Bangkok. Mostly a rural town, there are some traditional markets and famous temples here, most notably the Wat Sothon – one of the largest Buddhist temples in the world. Also worth seeing is Wat Buraphaphiram in Roi Et, which houses Thailand’s tallest Buddha statue, the Phi Ta Khon mask festival in Loei, and the annual Elephant Festival in Surin.

Thailand, a must visit country of Southeast Asia

Despite rampant commercialisation, Thailand remains a beautiful country popular among tourists from the world over. And it’s not just the geographical beauty that they are drawn to. The very nature of Thai people are the reason why Thailand is known as the “Land of Smiles”. The moment you arrive, you are greeted with a smile, folded hands and light bow. It doesn’t take long for a tourist to fall in love with Thailand. Most visitors do, and many of them come back for a second or third visit. Thailand has so much to offer, and compared to its neighbours (namely Malaysia), Thailand is still seen as an economical destination. It’s a fun country to visit.

So what are you waiting for?

Amazing Thailand is just a booking away.

By Brunswicktraveller

There’s something special about Paris…

I’ll never forget my first time in Paris, it was September, the weather was beautiful. I glided through the streets as if on pink roller skates, marveling at the beautiful buildings.

People told me that Paris was dirty.

Where?

People told me that the French can be unfriendly.

Who?

I just love this city. Here is my mini essential Paris travel guide – because there are some things you MUST do when you go, if you want to get the most out of it.

Paris is a feeling. I get chills thinking about it. You can’t NOT be romantic about Paris. Paris just sweeps me up in its magical entanglements. I think it fits the bill for almost any kind of traveller (and yes, there are different kinds). Whether you want to relax, explore, learn, feast… it’s all there, waiting for you.

This is the my mini guide, but I thought it would be best to break it down into five parts so I can answer some quick questions:

1. How to get there

Qantas/Emirate/Etihad/Qatar/Singapore/Thai airlines fly out from Melbourne into Charles de Gaulle airport and from there you can easily take public transport. There are many high-speed trains that route into Paris from other cities of Europe. Normally they come into Gare de l’Est, Gare du Nord, or Gare de Lyon.

2. Getting around Paris

I highly recommend taking the Paris metro. This is easier (and less expensive, with far less traffic) than a cab. The city is LARGE, so walking, while okay in some parts, is just not as feasible if you want to see it all. There are 16 lines and it’s easy once you get the hang of it (I promise!) There is a Metro and bus, and your ticket will be good for both. I recommend buying a pass for the number of days you’ll be there.

3. When to go

I really think you can go anytime. I remember waiting half an hour to go inside the Notre Dame in September, but in January there was no wait. Half an hour is not a big deal. But I will say, going in the spring and summer is lovely because flowers are blooming. Places like Monet’s Garden and Versailles are going to be lush with flowers everywhere!

4. How much money you’ll need

This is going to vary, of course, by where you eat and where you stay. While we were there, we ate a lot of meals from the grocery store. We splurged one night for a fancy dinner. But oddly enough, my favourite meal was our baguette, wine, and cheese from the grocery store as we sat outside the Eiffel Tower and watched it light up. It is very possible to have a great time affordably! Your cost will come in for museums and attractions, your food and potentially, shopping.

5. What to do

I do recommend getting the Paris Pass that allows you access to museums, attractions, and more, and will help you skip long lines. It is a bit pricey, but worth it if your time is very limited.

I have just one rule in Paris, and while traveling in general – embrace it! Be a tourist. Take the pictures. Learn about what you’re seeing. You’ll want to cherish these memories forever (and maybe even try roast pigeon). You might be surprised at just how much you enjoy it!

By Brunswicktraveller

New York Walking Tours

“Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time.”

― Steven Wright

We love doing walking tours when we are travelling and New York was no exception. We set a new record with four walking tours with City Rover.

THE VILLAGE SAMPLER – HIGH LINE TO WASHINGTON SQUARE

Walking Tour Highlights:

• Taste two local snacks, including a slice of NY-style pizza, and discover many great bars, cafes, and restaurants along the way.

• Explore Chelsea Market, an old biscuit factory turned popular indoor shopping and food destination.

• Take a walk on the High Line, America’s only elevated park, and learn about its fascinating history and transformation.

• Learn about the evolution of the industrial-turned-chic Meatpacking District while exploring its cobblestone streets and trendy boutiques.

• Get lost in historic Greenwich Village and discover the unique charm of this 19th century “suburb”.

• Enjoy a break in Washington Square and learn about its sordid past.

CENTRAL PARK TOUR – MANHATTAN’S MAN-MADE MASTERPIECE

Walking Tour Highlights:

• Escape NY’s concrete jungle and get lost in America’s first and most visited city park.

• Tour some of the most famous Central Park landscapes and features, including The Mall, Bethesda Terrace, The Lake, Strawberry Fields, Imagine Memorial, The Great Lawn, and much more.

• Learn about some of Central Park’s secrets and discover hidden gems like the Ladies’ Pavilion, Belvedere Castle, and Shakespeare Garden.

• Enjoy Central Park’s incredible beauty, especially in the fall, while learning about its history and design.

CITY OF DREAMS TOUR – DISCOVER EAST VILLAGE, LITTLE ITALY, AND SOHO

Walking Tour Highlights:

• Join a fun and informative tour of the East Village, Little Italy, and SoHo, with historical anecdotes ranging from Peter Stuyvesant to Joey Ramone.

• Enjoy an authentic Jewish pastry at a kosher bakery (c. 1972), and Sicilian cannoli at an Italian pastry shop (c. 1891).

• Learn about the immigrant waves that shaped NY, from Kleindeutschland and Little Italy to the Jewish Realto and Little Ukraine.

• Discover SoHo, the historic Cast-Iron district, with its industrial and artistic pasts and trendy boutiques.

BROOKLYN BRIDGE TOUR – CROSS THE BRIDGE & EXPLORE BROOKLYN

Walking Tour Highlights:

• Walk over the iconic Brooklyn Bridge (only 1-mile long) and learn about this marvel of engineering and the incredible story of the Roebling family, all while admiring the spectacular views.

• Discover DUMBO, Brooklyn’s industrial-turned-trendy waterfront neighborhood.

• Explore the brand-new Brooklyn Bridge Park, including Jane’s Carousel and the Tobacco Warehouse.

• Wind your way through Brooklyn Heights, NY’s first suburb, and get your camera out for fantastic photo opportunities on the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, which overlooks the Harbor, Statue of Liberty, and Manhattan’s skyline.

• Taste a delicious Belgian waffle from a popular food truck and take a break at a Brooklyn chocolate factory.

Max, the owner of City Rover prides himself on giving his clients a very local experience. His tours are capped at a maximum of 12 and he showcases places many tourists would not venture to visit. Max promotes local businesses and avoids tourist traps. A lot of his walks include a popular local snack. At $39 for over three hours they are very cost effective for travellers. If you are planning a trip to New York I would thoroughly recommend a walking tour with City Rover.

www.cityroverwalks.com
Phone: +1(347) 464-9335
Email: walks@cityrover.com.

By Brunswicktraveller

Visiting the 9/11 Memorial in New York

The last time I was in New York, I stood at the top of one of the World Trade Centre towers, so I felt it was fitting that I went back to see the Memorial Site. Although it is a work in progress, as memorials go it is very tasteful. If you are planning to visit the 9/11 Memorial in New York, be sure to get your free tickets online here before you go.

This is the of one of the towers, where people lost their lives in 9/11.

Names of some of the people who lost their lives.

By Brunswicktraveller

Free things to do in New York

I was recently lucky enough to spend a month in New York through a house sitting arrangement. Whilst not everyone has this opportunity, New York does not have to cost a fortune to visit. Here are my top free things to do in New York!

MOMA, (The Museum of Modern Art) has free entry on a Friday evening from 4pm to 8pm. The queues are usually long but move quickly. MOMA has many works of art by famous artists including ‘Starry Night’ by Vincent Van Gogh shown below. It is well worth a visit for art enthusiasts.

The Cathedral of St. John the Divine is a beautiful church that is free to enter, although you may leave a donation if you like. It has magnificent stain glass windows and sometimes hosts interesting art exhibitions.

The New York Public Library is a beautiful building both inside and out. Free one-hour tours of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building begin at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Mondays to Saturdays. You can wander around yourself during opening hours.

The streets are like one big open air gallery with interesting graffiti and street art everywhere.

A walk over the Brooklyn Bridge is a must. The views back to Downtown Manhattan are well worth it.

Take a stroll through Central Park and visit the John Lennon memorial in Strawberry Fields.

Walk through The Chelsea Market, an old biscuit factory that now houses bakeries, cafes, and boutique shops.

Stroll on The High Line, an old elevated railway line that has been cleverly converted into a public park.

Check out this website for more ideas about free things to do in New York City.

My Long Haul Carry On Essentials…

What makes Thailand so amazing?