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Are you planning to do 1 to 2 weeks roadtrip in Alentejo or do you want to cross the Algarve to the inner part of Portugal? Both are easily done. In this post you’ll find a 4-day trip with the places you can’t miss. Our starting point is Lisbon where you can get easily with TAP air. From here on you can rent a car for the next few days.
Do you want get some tips for flying more aware? Read our 5 tips to fly more aware and how to compensate flights.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3U6q8dI560/?utm_source=ig_embed

About Alentejo

Alentejo is located in the south of Portugal between Lisbon and the Algarve. The region is spread out from left to right between the Atlantic Ocean and Spain and has about the size of the Netherlands. You won’t only find stretched out nature full of olive trees but the region is also known for it’s great wines and delicious gastronomy. Here you can enjoy an authentic travel experience without getting bulldozed by tourists.

Day 1 of our roadtrip through Alentejo, Portugal

You won’t experience the center of wine growing anywhere better than at Quinta do Quetzal. It’s the perfect starting point to get the first impressions of the region. With stunning views over the rolling vines you’ll enjoy some of the best Portuguese wines while having fantastic food. There’s also a modern art exposition you can visit or you can book a few tours in the surroundings.

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White little houses with red roofs and yellow accents are everywhere to be found in the area but nowhere as charmingly stacked side by side as in Mértola. The old center with several sights is pressed in between two rivers and has amazing views over the river Guadiana. You can also take a hike or hire a kayak here. Cross the river with a boat or via the bridge to make some extra beautiful pictures. Another beautiful viewpoint is the Cerrinho das Neves. 

Sleeping close by Mértola, Portugal

You might think you are spending the night in Texas or South Africa when arriving at the domain of Xistos. They welcome you here in a unique environment where they work with a big heart for nature and animals. They didn’t receive the Danish ‘Green Key Sustainability Award’ for nothing.

Day 2 of our roadtrip through Alentejo, Portugal

If you have the time, you must definitely also visit the town of Serpa. Here you’ll get to know the ‘cante alentejano’, a traditional polyphonic singing that the local inhabitants learn from childhood. In the Caso do Cante you can look up where you can join to listen to a rehearsal. Furthermore, you’ll find several museums, an aqueduct and a castle here. Serpa is also the best place to taste local sheep cheese with thistles at the Zé Bule cheese factory or to eat delicious traditional food at Molhó Bico. If you’re lucky, some guests will spontaneously start singing.

The hill that Monsaraz guards already greets you from a distance. This fortified town treats you with magnificent views over the fields at one side and the Spanish border at the other side. Monsaraz isn’t big but take some time to sniff around in the shops and definitely go wine tasting at Ervideira. Their unique approach makes for spectacular wines with a story. On the rooftop terrace you’ll enjoy your glass of wine even more.

Sleeping close by Monsaraz, Portugal

If you can’t miss one place to sleep at in Alentejo than it’s without a doubt Monte da Estrela. It feels like coming home when the family welcomes you on their domain. Elegantly decorated rooms accompany the comfortable living spaces. At night you can eat the homegrown delicacies in the living area of the country house before you stroll out for some stargazing. You’ll probably never want to leave.

Day 3 of our roadtrip through Alentejo, Portugal

Swarms of swallows welcome you at the marble city of Estremoz. Definitely ask the reception of the Pousada Rainha Santa Isabel if you can climb the tower to enjoy the view. There is also a farmer’s market at the town’s square on Saturdays for local products and second hand trinkets. If you get hungry you better try Alecrim where they spoil you with beef that melts in your mouth. Are you still looking for a unique souvenir to take home? Than you can visit the sisters Flores (Irmãs Flores) for little hand painted clay dolls.

Elvas is pressed against the Spanish border with it’s historically strategic position. A huge aqueduct guides you upwards to a cozy town center with UNESCO world heritage value. Narrow alleys filled with plants, fantastic views, a fun shopping street or a laid back chat on the town’s square, Elvas has it all.

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Sleeping close by Elvas, Portugal

Several historical buildings in Portugal have been transformed in the course of time to fantastic hotels. Hotel Santa Luzia de Elvas was the first of it’s kind and now welcomes you with authentic rooms in theme colors. Are you going to pick blue, green or pink?

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Day 4 of our roadtrip through Alentejo, Portugal

You can’t leave Alentejo without visiting Évora. The city is world heritage with a good reason. Roman, Moorish and Christian architecture melt together in a wonderful spectacle of shapes and colors. Wander around the yellow tinted streets and have fun eating out and shopping. You should definitely visit the aqueduct at the Rua do Cano and Diana’s temple.
1 hour away from your return to Lisbon you can catch a breath at Arraiolos. An exceptional wall painting winks at the history of this place. This is where they have been weaving woolen carpets for centuries. Bring your own pattern to the ‘Fabrica de Tapetes’ of Hortense for a unique piece or make some time for one of her workshops.

Things to do in Alentejo, Portugal

Expand these 4 days, if you can, with some extra activities to make your stay unforgettable. Windpassenger organizes fantastic balloon flights all over Portugal. But when you fly over Lake Alqueva in Alentejo, you get incredible views over all the meanders of the artificial lake that separates Portugal from Spain. You can take off upward of 89 euros per person.

On that same lake you can go wakeboarding, supping or kayaking with Alentejobreak. Do you like stargazing and you’re not scared in the dark? Then you should try their night kayaking tour. There are actually plenty more places in Alentejo where the light pollution is so low that you can admire the Milky way in all it’s glory.

Throughout the region are kilometers of walking and biking trails that you can keep all to yourself. In the mean time several long distance trails are being launched under the name ‘Transalentejo’. You’ll find everything you need on the website of Portuguese Trails.

If you care less about an active vacation or if you just like having a glass of wine, you’re also in for a treat. There are 66 vineyards spread out through the region that you can visit. If you start in Évora, you’ll pass for example Borba, Redondo and Reguengos for beautiful views and good wines. Just remember to give the vineyard a ring in advance so you can be sure someone is going to be there.

You don’t want to forget packing these things on your roadtrip through Portugal

• Some sunscreen since you’re going to get loads of sun here. Are you already using an ecological sunscreen that doesn’t harm the ocean? Check the packaging if it’s odorless, biodegradable and free from chemical components among other things.
• Cardboard tubes to safely store bottles of wine to take home. That way, you’re certain all that good wine won’t be flooding out of your suitcase by the time you arrive.
• A good backpack to carry all your souvenirs (without bags) while you wander through the little towns. You’ll find a heap of artisan shops here with irresistible pottery and woven blankets. I filled my new Osprey to the brim. Osprey contributes to our beautiful planet by making all backpacks and suitcases with sustainable and environmentally friendly materials, yay!
• A good camera with telephoto lens. My 800 pictures after 4 days were the living proof, everything looks good here! But also pack that telephoto lens for capturing the stars at night, lighting up behind the olive trees.

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Somewhere on a small beach near Vieste in southern Italy, I feel a soft sea breeze while immersed in my book. I immediately put it down and close my eyes. Despite the sunglasses, I can totally feel how strong the sun is. Engulfed in this delicious warmth, I read the last sentence of Paulo Cognetti’s The Eight Mountains. 

in southern Italy, I feel a soft sea breeze while immersed in my book. I immediately put it down and close my eyes. Despite the sunglasses, I can totally feel how strong the sun is. Engulfed in this delicious warmth, I read the last sentence of Paulo Cognetti’s The Eight Mountains. 

At the ending, realization upon realization hit. Things are so finite. And what is this desire brewing inside me to be part of a story, to discover? I ponder over this and so much more. This is precisely the moment that I decide, on that small unknown beach, that I will someday go to Val D’Aosta. Spurred on by the warmth of the sun and Cognetti’s words, I begin dreaming of the mountain tops and rivers.

An excerpt from The Eight Mountains:

He took the handle of a suitcase and was about to lift it off the roof when he changed his mind. Something had fallen into him that he found quite entertaining by looking at his gaze.

"Can you see what has elapsed once again?"

"Hm ... awkward," I said, trying to keep me down. He always gave me that kind of riddle. He attributed to me an intelligence as big as his own, with a talent for logic and mathematics, and he thought it was his duty to test me.

"Do you see that stream there?" He said. "Suppose the water is the time that elapses. If the present is where we are, where do you think the future is? "

I thought about it. This mystery seemed easy. I gave the most obvious answer: "The future is where the water goes, down there."

"Error," my father said. "Fortunately." Then he said, as if a burden had fallen from him: "Hopla," the word he used when he lifted me up, and the first of the two suitcases fell to the ground with a thud.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzLv04xoQMS/?utm_source=ig_embed

The smallest region of Italy

Less than a year after reading this excerpt, I walk through the streets of the village of La Thuile for the first time. My mouth falls slightly open when I look at the beautiful snowy mountain tops. It is almost the end of June and there is still more than seven meters of snow in some places.

Whenever I am allowed to experience such tranquility and landscapes, I always take a deep breath. I fill my lungs fill with that magical crackling mountain air and feel the stress fall off from my shoulders. My smile always becomes even wider.

I can hear you think: La Thuile? Are you in France then? Nope, I am indeed in Italy, even though it feels a bit like Switzerland, France and Italy all at the same time. This is perhaps because of Val D’Aosta’s geographical placement close to the borders of Switzerland and France. 

And then, when I see the giant pasta and pizza dishes in the evening, there’s no room for doubt: we are in Italy. But not in the clichéd Italy. There are no Gucci-clad men and no Fiat Pandas on steroids in sight. In this part of the country, there is a wonderful no-nonsense mentality.

Right on the first day, I fall deeply and hopelessly in love with this wonderful place.

How to get here

• By train or bus

You can reach Val D’Aosta by train in both the summer and winter. Aosta has a good train connection with Turin, or you could take the train to Martigny in Switzerland and then the bus to Aosta. The journey time from Ghent is just over 10 hours.

• By bike

Wow, you fool! Yup, that would also be my reaction. It is indeed a long way to Val D’Aosta (around 900km to 1000km from Brussels) but if you like a challenge, then why not? Fans of the Giro d’Italia will certainly have heard of Val D’Aosta as it is the perfect cycling destination. So, even if you get here by car or train, take your bike with you.

• By Flix bus

Via Mappy, I saw that it is also possible to get to Aosta using the Flixbus. It would cost around EUR 76 and the travel time would be approximately 13 hours.

• By motorcycle

The Aosta valley is a true motorcycle paradise, full of beautiful curves and nature. Actually, Mappy indicated that the fastest and easiest way to get to Val D’Aosta is by motorcycle. About 930 km from my home base Lede, it would just take me just 8.5 hours.

• By car

Belgians, of course, continue to prefer car travel over all else (at least for the time being). Let's hope this will change in the future!

The fastest route by car from Flanders to Val D’Aosta is through France. Via the beautiful Autoroute Blanche and the (expensive) Mont Blanc tunnel, you will reach quite fast, in just nine hours.

Keep in mind that you pay quite a lot of péage/toll in France (count on more than EUR 100). Therefore, the fastest route will not be the cheapest way to get to Val D’Aosta.

Alternatively, the route that runs through Switzerland will save you a lot on péage costs. Mappy estimates just about EUR 3.5 in toll costs. The St Bernard tunnel in Switzerland is also cheaper than the Mont Blanc tunnel (no up-to-date prices found) and the pass is phenomenally beautiful for cruising. This route will take you around 12 hours, but you will pay much less and have better views.

And don't forget BlaBlacar. If you have some space left in your car, take a traveler with you. Better for the environment and can lead to some super fun stories!

• By plane

If you want to go to Val D’Aosta and you want to get there fast, consider taking the plane. Simply check the prices for flights to Milan, Turin or Geneva.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzS5nRII_Ol/?utm_source=ig_embed

What to do in Val D’Aosta

• Cycle, cycle, cycle!

 Whether you’re into mountain biking, have guts enough for crazy downhills, or are an avid cyclist who likes to make altimeters, there is something for everyone here. Especially good, heartening challenges!

We climbed the cols ourselves with e-mountain bikes and believe me, that was already a challenge. The Giro passes here during the summer months so you'll find pink bikes on the walls, painted on the street, literally everywhere.

Click here for more information on the many great mountain bike routes and varied cycle tours.

Allez les flandriens!

• Hike away

Would you rather reach the heights without two wheels? Well, then Val D’Aosta has a hiking trail network of more than 5000km for you. And it’s super sweet.

You will find charming mountain huts and bivouac huts (without managers) where you can sleep well at night and set off again at dawn.

Go hiking in the shade of the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa, and also try the Giants Trek. The Giants Trek is a ‘7-stage round-trip trekking’ around the Aosta valley and the four highest mountains in Europe. Intense, but worth it!

• Visit Forte di bard

Imagine yourself in The Avengers: Age of Ultron or just enjoy the silent view and the wind through your hair.

Forte di Bard is more than a beautifully maintained 19th century fortress. It also houses various exhibitions and museums. For example, since 2006, you can visit the ‘Museum of the Alps’ here as well.

Always dreamed of sleeping in a fort for the night? Well, Hotel Cavour et des Officiers is inside the fort and not even that expensive! You can even hold your wedding or company events here.

Address: Forte di Bard, Bard - Valle d'Aosta

• Go rafting, kayaking and canoeing

Last year I went rafting in Siberia. Since I had zero rafting experience, that was a bit intense, to say the least. But you can also go rafting in Val D’Aosta… and I’m sure it’ll be less extreme.

• Wine tasting at local farmers

Hmm, a smile spontaneously comes to my face when I think of the warm hospitality of the Permes Pavese family. You can taste excellent wines here (and two of their wines are named after their children Ninive & Nathan!).

Address:

Strada Pineta, 26 - Fraz. La Ruine - 11017 MORGEX - Valle d'Asta

info@ermespavese.it

• Spend a day at the spa

Yup, in Val d’Aosta, you will find very nice spas.

After a day of skiing in the winter, it can be an incredible experience to relax those muscles in the sauna. And in the summer after a hearty hike, an evening of wellness is always very welcome.

Here’s how you can get to QC Terme in Pré Saint Didier.

• Reach the peaks

Go up Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe! With Skyway Monte Bianco you can reach the top peak via cable car from Courmayeur.

Make it a day trip. For a stopover, discover Giardino Botanico Alpino Saussurea. This is not only a beautiful botanical garden but also a play paradise for children with fun activities such as climbing, a raft, playground, and so much more. 

Don’t forget to explore the Pointe Helbronner station at an altitude of 3400m. But do dress warmly because the temperatures sometimes go down to -40 degrees Celsius.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzqqzKkIMbJ/?utm_source=ig_embed

With this activity, you’ll enjoy 360° panorama view of the peaks of Mont Blanc and the other majestic 4000m summits of Val D’Aosta: Cervino, Gran Paradiso, Monte Rosa and Grand Combin.

Note that in the alpine resort town of Courmayeur, the system is designed to meet the Zero Energy Building standards as much as possible.

Additionally, the mid-way station, the Pavillon, is a phenomenal piece of architecture. Also make your way to the Cave Mont Blanc and taste some fabulous wine.

The amazing thing is that you can also rent the Skyway Monte Bianco as an event location. Always wanted to get married at a crazy location? Simply hold the ceremony at 3466m with a view of Mont Blanc! What do you say?

According to 2019 prices, a ticket costs between EUR 28 and EUR 52.

Address:

Strada Statale 26 director, n. 48 - Entrèves

11013 Courmayeur

Aosta

www.montebianco.com

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Reset and relax on this amazing island in the Wadden Sea

Terschelling is one of the five inhabited Wadden Islands in Friesland, a province located to the north in the Netherlands. It is so far removed from light pollution that it has received official recognition as one of the only two ‘Dark Sky Parks’ in the country.   Visiting this unique, stunning island is definitely an experience. Read on to know more about how you can make a fulfilling weekend out of it. In 2019 we visited 3 islands of the Wadden Sea: Ameland, Vlieland and Terschelling. [caption id="attachment_3999" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo by TravelRebel Silke Lamoen[/caption] [caption id="attachment_4001" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo by Silke Lamoen[/caption]

Why Terschelling?

In Terschelling, you have 20% more chance of sun than in the rest of the Netherlands or Belgium. You also have more chance of wind so you can surf and sail often. Here, you’ll also find hundreds of kilometers of cycling and hiking trails and spot lots of beautiful birds and stars. https://www.instagram.com/p/B2_bZAvoWOC/?utm_source=ig_embed

How do you get there?

From Belgium, you can easily get to Harlingen in less than four hours by train. From there, you take the 45-minute fast boat or the slow boat that takes an hour and 50 minutes to the island with Rederij Doeksen. (Worried about sustainability? Don’t worry, you can compensate for the footprint of your transfer by paying a little extra.)   On the island itself everyone has an electric bicycle and that remains the best way to get around. Between May and November, you can also use Arriva's electric buses.

Nice stops along the way

  If you take the train, it is definitely worth it to explore some of the mainland attractions in Friesland. Go out and about in Leeuwaarden and take a look at the Blokhuispoort, the love fountain, and the Oldehove.    Afterwards, get off at the next station in Franeker for a nice lunch at Hert fan Frjentsjer or a typical orange cake at Brasserie de Stadstuin. Once here, you’ll also suddenly find yourself in the right place to visit the incredibly impressive Eise Eisinga Planetarium, an unmissable stop.    Other highlights in Franeker are the Oort Cloud fountain, the Korendragershuisje and the town hall. [caption id="attachment_4003" align="alignnone" width="601"] Eise Eisinga Planetarium[/caption] [caption id="attachment_4005" align="alignnone" width="601"] Eise Eisinga Planetarium[/caption] [caption id="attachment_4011" align="alignnone" width="684"] TravelRebel Silke wearing her TravelRebel Totebag[/caption] [caption id="attachment_4013" align="alignnone" width="684"] Oranjekoek[/caption]

Spending the night

There are various campsites, bed-and-breakfasts, and hotels in Terschelling. I slept in the charming holiday park Tjermelan. At this location, you are in the middle of the island, further away from the busier West-Terschelling and within walking and cycling distance of most untouched pieces of land.  

Discover the dark

In Belgium, we can only dream of walking outside and seeing the Milky Way. On this island, you don't have to dream any longer. Simply take the bike to the Beach Pavilion Heartbreak Hotel and from there you can easily go on foot, with or without a guide, to the dunes or across the beach. Do note that if it’s a full moon (or an almost full moon), you’ll be able to see the stars with more clarity.   Want to discover the dark in different ways? Find the ‘Discover the Dark’ program here. [caption id="attachment_3994" align="alignnone" width="732"] Photo by Ronald Rozema[/caption] [caption id="attachment_4023" align="alignnone" width="684"] By TravelRebel Silke[/caption]

Other activities

Whether you want activity or relaxation, Terschelling is the perfect place to get a breath of fresh air. Go hiking and cycling or simply chill out by the beach. You can even gallop with the horses right next to the waves throughout the year. Want to feel as free as can be? Ride along the beach on a fat bike. [caption id="attachment_4007" align="alignnone" width="684"] Photo by TravelRebel Silke[/caption]

Gastronomic delights

Centuries ago, the residents of Terschelling learned to be self-sufficient. They did this by collecting all the goods that stranded/washed ashore and processing these goods the construction of their houses.    But the islanders are also known for making local goodies. Restaurants have their own vegetable gardens or use the island's fish, meat, cheese and beer. In addition, a lot of wild herbs and cranberries grow here.   Want to experience what it feels like to put together your own island meal? Pick your own strawberries, berries and flowers at the Groenhof self-harvest garden. If you want a lazy day, you can also opt for deliciously prepared preserves and juices.    For awesome culinary experiences, I can absolutely recommend the lunch at Lokaal in West-Terschelling or the food at De Bras. [caption id="attachment_4015" align="alignnone" width="601"] Also addicted to books?[/caption] [caption id="attachment_4017" align="alignnone" width="675"] LOKAAL - Terschelling[/caption] [caption id="attachment_4019" align="alignnone" width="600"] Locally produced jam[/caption]  

How can you make the difference with this trip?

If you look everything up using the Ecosia search engine instead of Google before and during the trip, you’re already making a difference. Ecosia invests 80% of its turnover in planting trees. So research a lot of stuff in advance and don't feel bad when you click on the ads!   Furthermore, book your stay via this link and money will automatically be donated to Ondernemers Zonder Grenzen (or simply choose another charity of your choice on trooper.be).   And don’t forget: it’s totally okay to be tempted by all the goodies in Terschelling, such as the beer, cheese, and preserves (in fact, the more tempted you are, the better)! Avoid making purchases in the supermarket. On the island, you will still find real bakers, butchers, and farm shops. How lovely! [caption id="attachment_4021" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Terschelling - The Netherlands[/caption]

More information

Almost convinced but still need a little push? Then read the book My Particularly Peculiar Week with Tess. The film will be released soon. It is set in Terschelling and has already won several prizes.    For all your activities and extra information, check out the Terschelling Tourist Information office or wadtodo.nl.   And, as always, do let us know how your trip goes!

ABOUT TRAVEL REBEL SILKE

Silke wants to give the poorly appreciated term YOLO a better meaning. She always tries to set off on long journeys in the summer and winter and uses every extended weekend to plan a trip. Nature and walking feature in all those journeys. That probably has to do with her dog, Nacho, who she regularly takes with her on adventures. Her boyfriend Bart regularly accompanies her to capture the best images with the camera and drone. https://www.instagram.com/p/B3DGqP9o5N2/ [caption id="attachment_4027" align="alignnone" width="601"] Terschelling[/caption]  " ["post_title"]=> string(57) "A WONDERFUL WEEKEND OUT IN TERSCHELLING - THE NETHERLANDS" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(55) "a-wonderful-weekend-out-in-terschelling-the-netherlands" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-10-31 11:14:21" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-10-31 11:14:21" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=4249" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [3]=> object(WP_Post)#3941 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(4089) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2019-10-28 08:06:35" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-10-28 08:06:35" ["post_content"]=> string(13795) "

Enjoy sensational views, the perfect night sky, and other delights on an island in the Wadden Sea

  The last time I was able to see countless stars and the Milky Way was over a year ago. For this to happen, I had to make my way to the middle of the South American Andes. Why? Well, as we all know, spotting such a detailed starry sky in Belgium is a rarity. This country, and Flanders in particular, has a lot of street lamps and other lighting elements, so we almost never get to enjoy a pure and twinkling spread overhead. For a perfectly dark sky that guarantees bright stars, we have to go to our northern neighbors.   And so I went to Friesland.    I started by exploring the mainland in Franeker and then made my way to Ameland, one of the five inhabited islands in the Wadden Sea. Here, you can spot countless stars without being bothered by light pollution. With my camera and tripod carefully stowed in my backpack, I set off for the ultimate ‘Discover the Dark’ experience.   The first stop, Franeker, didn’t disappoint in the slightest. Photo by TravelRebel Siemon Vanderhulst

The oldest planetarium in the world

I began my adventure with a wonderful lunch at Hert fan Frjentsjer in the former Bethel Church of Franeker. While I munched on delicious local cheeses and other Frisian specialties, astronomical journalist Govert Schilling told more about the beauty of darkness and the stars. I was already enthusiastic about the night and hoped fervently for a beautiful clear sky that would show me the Milky Way.

Over time, Franeker has become the home of Dutch astrology. This is due to Eise Eisinga, a gifted amateur astronomer who built the oldest working planetarium in his living room. Back then, it was claimed that the Earth would be thrown out of its orbit by a collision with the moon and Eisinga wanted to prove the contrary. So, in 1781, he finished his impressive planetarium, which still works incredibly accurately to this day. Oh, and it’s not just the planetarium you should visit but also the house in which he lived! 

There’s so much else to see and do in Franeker as well. Explore the Korendragershuisje, the town hall, the many small boutiques, and the many other interesting hotspots that will make for a wonderful afternoon.  After another coffee and the traditional Frisian orange cake at Brasserie De Stadstuin, it was time for me to leave for Ameland. [caption id="attachment_4040" align="alignnone" width="1024"] By Siemon Vanderhulst[/caption] [caption id="attachment_4042" align="alignnone" width="1024"] By Siemon (SIK Media)[/caption]

The boat to Ameland

There are no connecting roads between the Dutch mainland and the Wadden Islands, so you have to travel by boat. Depending on the type of boat you choose, you’ll get to Ameland in twenty to fifty minutes.  The idea of being on an island completely isolated from the mainland immediately gave me a special holiday feeling. And upon arrival in Ameland, that unique feeling only got stronger.  During the summer months, it can be quite busy on the Wadden Islands. You can spot seals here and that brings a lot of tourists with it. Therefore, I was quite happy that it was already autumn and we didn't have to deal with those crowds. Ameland radiates so much peace that it makes you calm, quiet and introspective. The wavy dune landscape with the sea in the background looks like a living painting. And here’s the icing on the cake: a perfect red and white striped lighthouse still shining like a jewel. Needless to say, I only needed two minutes to fall in love with this small island. https://www.instagram.com/p/B3laOfSBhO7/ https://www.instagram.com/p/B3SbbXso-XO/

Out in the Wadden Sea

Soon, we went to The Sunset Beach Club for an aperitif and some snacks. With such a stunning view of the water, fish and seafood could not be missed. The sun gradually descended into the horizon, so it was time to set out.    Experience the blue hour on Ameland beach and then dive further into the darkness along the woods. While the blue sky provided a beautiful reflection on the water, the guide told us more about life on Ameland. Living on an island with fewer than four thousand inhabitants creates a tight-knit community, almost like a family, although the residents of Hollum and residents of Nes are often strangers to each other.  From the beach and the dunes, you end up in the middle of the forest in merely a few minutes, and this too is quite a distinct, special feeling. Interestingly, the trees here were deliberately planted to separate the beach from the villages and to attract animals. Ponds were even made to provide plants, trees and animals with fresh water. [caption id="attachment_4048" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Beachclub The Sunset[/caption]

Stunning lighthouse views

The end of our walk had another nice surprise in store: climbing the lighthouse!  This photogenic giant on the island is a real eye catcher and gracefully casts rays of light all over Ameland. Do take note that some physical agility is required because there are quite a few stairs that you need to climb before reaching the top… but it’s more than worth it! You’ll be rewarded with mighty views of Ameland, the Wadden Sea and even Terschelling in the distance. When we were there, a strong wind blew through our hair, but it didn't bother us at all. We basked in the beauty and serenity of it all.  

The perfect sky of Ameland

After the walk, we went back to The Sunset Beach Club for the second part of our meal and then made our way to the beach again. By now, it was really dark and therefore a perfect time to look at the sky. Even though the weather forecasts were not promising, we got lucky. The clouds drifted nicely apart and a majestic starry sky spread over us. And yes, the Milky Way shone, too, among the  thousands of bright celestial bodies around it.  Afterwards, I dove into my bed like a very happy toddler. [caption id="attachment_4051" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo by Sabina Van Dijk[/caption]

Among the galloping horses

  After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast buffet at Hotel van Heeckeren, there was one more exciting activity left on the program: an eco-safari through the Kooiduinen nature reserve. With electric cars, we drove through the dune landscape alongside numerous free-roaming animals. We easily spotted different kinds of birds, cows, sheep, and even horses that just galloped by in herds. After the dunes, we also crossed through wide plains along the sea. The weather was not so good on this day but, once again, that did not bother us. With well-buttoned jackets and a shelter above our heads, it turned out to be a great experience that I will not soon forget.    A hot chocolate by the fireplace at Grand Café van Heeckeren was the perfect cap to an amazing stay in Ameland. What a memorable adventure, indeed! If you plan to visit Ameland soon, do let us know how it goes. Trust me, you won’t regret it! [caption id="attachment_4053" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Hotel Van Heeckeren[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_4055" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Kooiduinen Natuurreservaat - TravelRebel Siemon[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_4057" align="alignnone" width="1024"] TravelRebel Siemon having a great time in Ameland![/caption]  " ["post_title"]=> string(52) "STARGAZING IN AMELAND -WAD ISLANDS - THE NETHERLANDS" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(49) "stargazing-in-ameland-wad-islands-the-netherlands" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-10-28 08:06:35" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-10-28 08:06:35" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=4089" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [4]=> object(WP_Post)#3940 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(3844) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2019-09-23 10:53:45" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-09-23 10:53:45" ["post_content"]=> string(7449) "When the national parks in Canada thaw around June, you have about four months to enjoy them. The Banff, Jasper, and Glacier National Parks attract thousands of visitors with their wild flowers, azure lakes and glaciers.  Are you interested in discovering Canada on your own? Then read on and make a note of these lesser-known tips.

Go fishing with a local

Vancouver Island is known for the whales and orcas that migrate there every year. You can book a boat or Zodiac tour in every city to find them. But do you want to go for the authentic experience? Then go fishing early in the morning with one of the locals. It is a guaranteed way to show you the best places to spot wolves and bears. Meanwhile, whales swim around you as you reel in salmon. If you're lucky, you'll also catch some sea bass that you can feed to the eagles later. After five hours of bobbing up and down, you know the wildest stories of your guide and go home with a nice portion of fish to throw on the barbecue grill. Do not forget to apply for a fishing license in advance and to tick the salmon option. [caption id="attachment_3584" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo by TravelRebel Silke Lamoen[/caption] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/B0htT6LIEVM/?utm_source=ig_embed[/embed]

Visit a provincial park

The nature in Canada is endless and therefore certainly not limited to the national parks. There are more than a thousand lesser known provincial parks where it is a lot quieter. Here, you can enjoy the fantastic nature just as much. Check out the free natural hot springs or be surprised by a moose during your walk. The famous hot springs often look more like outdoor swimming pools than natural phenomena. My favorite provincial parks are undoubtedly Wells Gray Provincial Park and Strathcona Provincial Park. [caption id="attachment_3586" align="alignnone" width="720"] TravelRebel Silke Lamoen enjoying a free natural pool in West-Canada[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3846" align="alignnone" width="600"] Silke wearing her TravelRebel t-shirt. Send us a message if you want yours![/caption]

Sleep in a mountain hut

Most hotels and campsites in Western Canada are fully booked weeks in advance during peak season. However, what you cannot always book in advance are the mountain huts in national parks. You have to reserve those on the very day you visit the park. Apply for your backcountry pass, pack your camping gear, and try these huts out. The Canadians also prefer to book their trips this way during the busiest months.  Oh, want to isolate yourself completely? Then consider a multi-day trip. [caption id="attachment_3588" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Cabins in the National parks - Photo by Bart De Ren[/caption]

Experience sunset on Moraine Lake

A lake that you should not miss on your trip through this region is definitely Moraine Lake. Unfortunately, if you’re in the mood to see the sun rise, the parking lot can fill up really early sometimes, as early as half past five in the morning! It then remains closed for the rest of the day. That is why most travel guides advise you to leave on time. So, to see the sun set, it’s better to just lie back, explore the walks around Lake Louise and come back in the evening. There are fewer people at this time and the light is even more magical. [caption id="attachment_3590" align="alignnone" width="1024"] TravelRebel Silke & Bart in West-Canada[/caption] https://www.instagram.com/p/B0pro6nnrHG/?utm_source=ig_embed

Go wine tasting in the Okanagan Valley

The Okanagan Valley is known for its warm climate and good wine. It is also the perfect stop between Vancouver and the Rocky Mountains. Stock up on wine before you head out into the mountains or recover from a  few weeks of brisk walking. There are plenty of local winemakers who will tell you all about their place in the sun with great enthusiasm. On the road between the different domains, you will find stalls everywhere with tasty cherries and peaches. Trust me when I say that the fruit is absolutely irresistible.

ABOUT TRAVEL REBEL SILKE

Silke wants to give the poorly appreciated term YOLO a better meaning. She always tries to set off on long journeys in the summer and winter and uses every extended weekend to plan a trip. Nature and walking feature in all those journeys. That probably has to do with her dog, Nacho, who she regularly takes with her on adventures. Her boyfriend Bart regularly accompanies her to capture the best images with the camera and drone. https://www.instagram.com/p/B1OJDVBIO0G/?utm_source=ig_embed    " ["post_title"]=> string(43) "HOW TO AVOID MASS TOURISM IN WESTERN CANADA" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(43) "how-to-avoid-mass-tourism-in-western-canada" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-09-23 12:29:50" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-09-23 12:29:50" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=3844" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [5]=> object(WP_Post)#3939 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(3832) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2019-09-18 14:41:57" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-09-18 14:41:57" ["post_content"]=> string(10925) "

Why you should give this region a chance during the summer

Everybody knows East Tyrol (or Osttirol) for its famous ski areas such as Sölden, Kitzbühel or Ischgl. But when all the snow has melted during the summer and the cows return to their green meadows, a new paradise awakens. In the region of Defereggen you can hike, bike, eat and relax to your heart’s content under the bright sun at the Hohe Tauern (high mountains) National Park. https://www.instagram.com/p/B2G4JlMIHXR/?utm_source=ig_embed

Hohe Tauern National Park

The  Hohe Tauern National Park is the largest national park in Eastern Europe, boasting 1.856 m² of terrain. That also makes it the biggest and oldest in Austria. It is spread over three regions: Tyrol, Salzburg and Carinthia. You have numerous options to go out and about on foot, with crampons or with an (e-)mountain bike. There are around 200 huts scattered across the park to help you with a good meal or a bed if you’re planning a multi-day walk. In the western part of the park, right by the Italian border, you can find the oldest mountain village of Austria: Jagdhusalm. Ever since 1212, farmers have been coming here in summer time to care for their cows on a height of 2,000 meters. This place gives you an opportunity to take really picturesque photos when the sun rolls over. In this bit of the park cars are only allowed to drive through on Tuesdays, so you can usually enjoy genuine peace and quiet when you hike or bike up. You can even charge your e-mountain bike at the top. If you continue on the trail for half an hour more, you’ll find yourself right on the border shared with South Tyrol. There are no options to stay the night in Jagdhusalm but you can certainly get an amazingly fresh meal here. There are also a lot of wild animals in the park. Hohe Tauern has its own ‘big five’ you can spot with your binoculars: chamois, ibex, marmots, eagles and vultures. During our sunrise hike we were constantly searching the mountainsides and skies to locate them. And if you look closely, you’ll see them! It is truly magical when the deer, chamois and ibex climb up from the valley after they’ve woken up and return to the peaks. Don’t forget to also scan the trail for cow poop unless you want to walk in it, like I did! After all, you’re in their domain…   https://www.instagram.com/p/B1-nx-SIz0i/?utm_source=ig_embed  

Practical information

How to get there: Austria is easily accessible by train. From Brussels, it’s easy to travel right to Innsbruck. You can already get a return trip ticket starting from EUR 120. If you prefer to go by car, there are plenty of CNG or electrical charging stations along the road. Or you can carpool with other travelers through BlaBlaCar. If you want to get there faster and prefer flying, the best way is by going to München or Innsbruck. Where to sleep: In one of the picturesque hotels in the valley, of course. I stayed at Hotel Jesacherhof in Sint-Jakob, Defereggental. There are also dozens of campgrounds in East Tyrol. You should also keep in mind the beautiful mountain huts with amazing views and good food. Just don’t forget to book your stay in advance on East Tyrol’s Website. https://www.instagram.com/p/B2BmEeko9df/?utm_source=ig_embed Food: You can easily enjoy good meals in one of the huts during your hike. I can definitely recommend the huts in Obersee and Jagdhusalm. I got completely swept away by their fresh potato dishes and desserts. Language: In East Tyrol, everybody speaks German and some also speak Italian. Not everybody speaks English, but they make up for that with their amazing hospitality. Must-see spots: Obersee, Steller Sattel, Ochsenlacke, Jagdhusalm, and Großglockner. https://www.instagram.com/p/B183C3gIDEm/?utm_source=ig_embed

How can you make a difference with this trip?

Well, you can already make a difference by looking up everything on the website of Ecosia instead of Google. Ecosia invests 80% of its revenue in planting trees. So go ahead and look up a million things… and don’t feel bad when you click on an advertisement. Additionally, Austria’s hotels are mainly operated by locals, although a lot of young people leave the mountain areas. By staying here, you make sure they earn something from your visit and can keep offering employment opportunities. Book your stay through this link and you will automatically make a donation to OZG (or simply choose another charity on trooper.be). Enjoy all the Austrian treats you want, such as schnaps, cheese, bacon, bread and desserts. You can also fill up your water bottle at the fresh mountain streams and lakes. Avoid buying your groceries at the supermarket. Take home some honey, jam or schnaps so you can keep enjoying Austria for even longer.

In summary: Five reasons to go to East Tyrol in the summer

1.       The Hohe Tauern National Park is the oldest and largest park in Austria. You can also find a giant of a mountain there, the Großglockner (3,798 m). Furthermore, you’ll be able to enjoy 2,500 km of walking trails and 600 km of mountain biking trails.
2.       Have you always wanted to go on a safari or are you crazy about wildlife? You’ll find chamois, ibex, marmots, eagles and vultures. Remember, you have the best chance of spotting these creatures along the mountainside with your binoculars at sunrise.
3.       East Tyrol is famous for the pureness of its water and you will see this in a lot of places. You can drink the clearest water here straight from the streams. Moreover, a 2,000-meter-deep source can even heal you from irritated skin or infections with a refreshing foot bath.
4.       You truly get to hike or bike on your own, or among the locals. No crowds, no rush. So if you’d rather have the mountain to yourself, or want to explore some favorite spots with the locals, you’ll get plenty of chances here.
5.       Nothing beats fresh produce and you can find that in abundance here. While hiking, East Tyrol will keep treating you with fresh blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, thyme and mushrooms. In the huts along the trail, you’ll get the very best food, all fresh!

[caption id="attachment_3757" align="alignnone" width="900"] TravelRebel Silke Lamoen in Austria[/caption] " ["post_title"]=> string(32) "EAST TYROL: IN THE LAP OF NATURE" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(31) "east-tyrol-in-the-lap-of-nature" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-09-18 14:41:57" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-09-18 14:41:57" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=3832" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [6]=> object(WP_Post)#3938 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(3717) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2019-09-03 12:14:06" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-09-03 12:14:06" ["post_content"]=> string(6624) "Think about it. Did you eat in a McDonalds during your last trip? Or maybe had a coffee at a Starbucks? Well, I'm currently at a Starbucks in Sofia as I type this, but hear me out. Just to be clear, this is not a hate campaign against Starbucks or McDonalds specifically. In fact, you can substitute the brand name of any chain you want in their place. What this is is a plea for the local economy. For adapting to local culture. For true adventure.   And so... I'm at a Starbucks. Not by own choice, but for a souvenir that has been promised to someone.   Anyway, so here I am, observing. Around 25 customers pass by in the first fifteen minutes. I count the number of tourists and the number of Bulgarians. Final count: 25-0, in favor of the tourists. Or should I say: to the disadvantage of the Bulgarians?   They speak English or French and one group even Chinese. They all look rich. A pink shirt from Ralph Lauren. Bright sunglasses. Strumming on their iPhones that they recharge in one of the many sockets. They seem elevated above the city.    Here’s the thing: Sofia is not like that. You see, there is a coffee machine in the park next to the Starbucks, Crystal Garden, and that’s where the Bulgarians are. It costs 0.60 lev for a coffee (there’s a mere EUR 0.30). And I know from experience that the coffee is great too.   The 25 Starbuckers, on the other hand, pay huge amounts for a cup. And they give that money to a multinational instead of a local company.    Why do we pay three to five times as much to a multinational? Why do we even travel to a foreign country if we want to hang out at our trusted chains? It is truly a mystery to me. Is it our habit? Because that's what we are – habitual creatures, right? Or is it the world class, on-point marketing of these chains? I just don't get it. But I say: please stop!

Travel consciously

  So what can you do? Well, for starters, you can leave the figurative tourist highways that every major city boasts. Start walking away from the center (wind direction is secondary). Do this for about seven minutes and THEN start finding food.   Let's bet it'll be a better experience   I did it in Plovdiv and ended up on a shaded terrace where only Bulgarians were having lunch for ridiculously low prices: EUR 4.25, including a (Bulgarian) pint of half a liter. https://www.instagram.com/p/B1GPYihoODL/?utm_source=ig_embed I did it in Porto and got a random dish of the day from a grandmother's kitchen. Literally, because there was an actual grandmother behind the stove!   I did it in Cuzco and, to be honest, I still have no idea what exactly I ate then. But it was a win. Super tasty, very cheap. And above all, it was an experience.   Now think again. Did you eat in a McDonalds during your last trip? Or have a coffee at a Starbucks? Reconsider your choices, reconsider the implications of your actions.   

There really are better places, just waiting to be explored.

   

ABOUT GUEST BLOGGER TOON

  I call myself a travel enthusiast and content creator, just to use a hip term. I make videos professionally, and as a hobby I write down some travel thoughts and take pictures. https://www.instagram.com/p/B0BjIjqo_Rw/?utm_source=ig_embed My real travel career started in 2014 with a solo trip from Ljubljana to Athens. This was followed by one large trip outside Europe and then (too many) small trips within Europe each year. Recently, my traveling has reduced a bit because of construction and baby plans, but of course Belgium (and certainly Limburg!) is also beautiful. 😉   An extremely early morning walk is what gets me going. The world at its best and no people outside. In the afternoon, I crave naps, but that isn't so bad, is it?      " ["post_title"]=> string(36) "TOURISM AND THE LURE OF CHAIN STORES" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(36) "tourism-and-the-lure-of-chain-stores" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-09-13 14:07:49" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-09-13 14:07:49" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=3717" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [7]=> object(WP_Post)#3926 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(3652) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2019-09-03 10:10:32" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-09-03 10:10:32" ["post_content"]=> string(19576) "

Globe-trotters from all over share their unique perspectives

  Taa-daa! The second part is finally here, rebels. If you’re still on the fence about couchsurfing, I’m hoping this will tip you over, one way or another. Unlike the first part, this one also features the perspective of a seasoned host, so I’m hoping that’ll be helpful.   And so, without ado, let’s dive in. Happy reading!

LOCATION:  Bruges, Belgium

TRAVELER: Pashmina (of The Gone Goat)   I first heard of Bruges when I watched the movie In Bruges that depicted it as a medieval city that slowly morphed into a place of beauty and peacefulness, thanks to the protagonist.    Beyond the tourist crowds and countless things to do in Bruges, I wanted to experience Belgian hospitality and there was no better platform than Couchsurfing to connect with locals. That’s when I met Steve, an economist who works at the Ministry of Economic Affairs in Bruges. (Fun fact: Steve’s also a serial contest winner… he and his mum had been all around the world for free simply because he had developed a mathematical formula to win contests!) Steve was the quintessential Belgian host – he had a welcome note as soon as we arrived, set the dinner table with our names, and gave us an introduction to Belgian chocolates, music and waffles during  this ‘welcome home’ party.   Hours went by and he fondly talked about the Bruges canals, how this wonderful town is steeped in history and culture, and how it was once the art centre of the western world and home to the pre-Renaissance Flemish masters.  We knew that we were in the right place at the right time to have met such a hospitable host.     

LOCATION: Iceland & Australia

HOST: Danni Lawson (of Live in 10 Countries)   When it comes to couchsurfing, I've always ended up hosting and never surfing – but maybe I'll change that one day! I think people forget the benefits of hosting and think it's a one-sided deal sometimes. Well, it's not. When I lived in Iceland, there was no one in the village who spoke English and it was off the tourist trail, so offering a room up was a fab way to get a travel buddy, swap experiences and liven it up. My guests loved seeing a new part of the island too. [caption id="attachment_713" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Charlotte Noël in Iceland[/caption] I hosted older travelers in Australia as well, those who didn't fancy the hostel life. I loved seeing the city through their eyes – it inspired me to get off my bum and explore new places and learn new things from them (how to cook a dish, a few words of their language, etc.). Over all, it was a lot of fun.  Afterwards, a couchsurfing guest and I even planned a road trip together and it was really useful to have a travel companion who I already knew. Being sure that your travel buddy doesn't snore before you set off on the Great Ocean Road is a win!  [caption id="attachment_930" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Charlotte Noël in Australia[/caption]

LOCATION: Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda

TRAVELER: Shara Johnson (of SKJ Travel)   Before my couchsurfing experience began, communication had been a bit sketchy with a host who had described what sounded like a lovely guest house on Lake Bunyonyi. I took a bus to a town where he met me and we drove to a dock, loaded into a small motor boat, and took off at dusk.  We pulled up to a nice-looking house, but he told me to stay in the boat as he was delivering some things to his mom. He returned and said, "I think I'll have you stay at the primary school I'm building, instead." So we drove on, finally docking in a drenching rain, and he showed me the accommodation I'd have for the next several days: a small mud hut with a thatched roof. One crooked bed and one nightstand. No running water, no electricity.  Although this was a bit of a shock, I'm fortunately not averse to primitive conditions… I just wished I had been forewarned! It turned out to be an amazing cultural experience. This side of the lake wasn't on the tourist side. The school teacher took me for a walk, where I got to see the ‘real’ Uganda. I stayed up late by campfire talking to my host and his friend, learning so much about how most Ugandans see the world.    My host also took me to his friend's tourist resort on an island in the lake and arranged for me to have a hot shower, though nobody there knew what shampoo was. I observed the school lessons in the primary school where the teacher only had a chalkboard to teach with. It was all intensely eye-opening, and I saw it in the most real way possible, not propped up for tourist consumption. So, at the end of the day, it goes down as one of my best travel experiences ever.   

LOCATION: New Zealand

TRAVELER: Jackie (of Get Lost With Jackie)   Couchsurfing is completely out of the norm for me. In fact, it’s not even in my realm of normalcy, but it’s something I’ve always wanted to try. Why? To cross off a bucket list, yes, but also to push myself out of my comfort zone. I’ve always been vocal on my blog about how I’m, admittedly, high-maintenance when it comes to my travels but I’ve always heard these captivating stories about people from far off places who became friends for life because they happened to meet couchsurfing. I wanted that travel experience that I knew I’d never have at a Four Seasons. So, I decided to couchsurf in Auckland because, I mean, if you’re worried about crap hitting the fan, I figured New Zealand is probably one of the safest (or, at the very least, safer) places to couchsurf.  I traveled to Auckland before heading to Melbourne to visit my best friend for two weeks and then skipping to Bali for three weeks. So needless to say, I didn’t do much research on Auckland, where I’d be spending a mere three days. I carefully selected my couchsurfing host, initially hoping to link with a woman, but ended up hitting the jackpot of hosts with Paul (who I now consider a friend)! He, like me, was into photography and as a single man living alone also appreciated that I offered to cook for anyone who hosts me (part of couchsurfing is the barter system – it’s not necessary to give something to your host but having something to offer is only fair). He also had a separate, private room which was something that was a non-negotiable for me. I wasn’t down with actually sleeping on someone’s couch.   Paul was appalled that I had no plans for (or knowledge of) Auckland and insisted on showing me around over the next three days. He took me to some of the best viewpoints of the Auckland skyline (such as North Heads Historic Reserve, Mount Eden Domain and Queens Parade Reserve) to photograph the city both in the daylight and at night. As a surfer, and someone who can appreciate the beach like sun-baby me, he took me to check out a few of the coolest beaches around Auckland including Piha, Mairangi Bay, and the cute waterside town of Devonport. He even went right up my alley and took me to a farmer’s market in Parnell to shop for fresh herbs and tomatoes for dinner!   All in all, I’m thrilled with my experience couchsurfing in New Zealand. I made a lifelong friend who I can’t wait to visit again, I free-dove out of my comfort zone and into an experience I never thought I’d have, and I opened my mind to a different way of travel. While I don’t think I’ll ever couchsurf again (as a creature of habit who thoroughly enjoys room service and big marble bathtubs), I’m still a huge fan of meeting people from Couchsurfing when traveling the world. One of my favorite features of the app/website is that you don’t *have* to be requesting a couch or place to sleep to meet new friends, you can just request to meet or hang out!       And so, there you have it – raw, unfiltered couchsurfing experiences from the world over. All in all, I think it’s fantastic to ditch the hotel sometimes and stay with a local. It leads to growth and exploration in ways you didn’t even think possible. But I’m curious: what’s your verdict? Yay or nay to couchsurfing? Do let me know, rebels!   " ["post_title"]=> string(51) "COUCHSURFING: REAL TALK, REAL EXPERIENCES (PART II)" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(47) "couchsurfing-real-talk-real-experiences-part-ii" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-09-13 14:06:27" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-09-13 14:06:27" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=3652" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [8]=> object(WP_Post)#3929 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(3617) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2019-08-29 12:42:31" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-08-29 12:42:31" ["post_content"]=> string(12389) "

Globe-trotters from all over share their unique perspectives

Most of us know what couchsurfing is all about – or at least we think we do. I mean, even if we haven’t done it ourselves, we know that friend (or a friend of a friend) who comfortably made his or her way around the world this way.    And if you’re one of those who don’t know what this term means, here’s some information: Couchsurfing technically refers to a social networking website that helps travelers arrange lodging options with locals. However, the term ‘couchsurfing’ has become so mainstream that it now generally refers to staying in the homes of locals when you travel rather than at a hotel (and not always on couches… sometimes, the hosts even have spare bedrooms available). These homestays are usually free, although travelers are encouraged to contribute in some way, perhaps with chores, or bring a small gift along.   But what does this kind of experience truly come down to? What is the reality of it? Is it really something to consider in terms of lodging for your next trip? To figure this out, I invited travelers from all over the world to share their stories.    Here’s what they said in all honesty. So give this a read, make up your mind, and let me know what you think!   (Oh, this is a two-part series, so keep an eye out for Part II!)

LOCATION:  Galapagos Islands

TRAVELER: Thea Wingert (of Zen Travellers)   The Galapagos Islands are a bucket-list destination for many people… and for good reason. Set over 900 km away from the coast of Ecuador, the multi-island archipelago features endless beaches, one-of-a-kind wildlife viewing opportunities, and stunning otherworldly landscapes. On the main island of Santa Cruz, there is also a fairly lively city called Puerto Ayora with a population of about 12,000 people. Despite its far-flung setting and relatively small population, there are still some couchsurfing opportunities to be found. During my three-week stay here, I was able to find a wonderful host in Puerto Ayora. It turned out to be a  great way to meet locals and see how real life on the island differs from tourist life. I spent just under a week in a lovely woman named Lorena's home that she shared with her mother and cute animals. She was very busy working for the National Park so we didn't get to chat as much as I would have liked, but I had a great time meeting her and her family. Being able to couchsurf also saved me some much needed money while traveling through a very expensive part of the world!   [caption id="attachment_3618" align="alignnone" width="900"] Photo by Zen Travellers[/caption]  

LOCATION: Switzerland 

TRAVELER: Dave Anderson (of Jones Around the World)   They say you never forget your first time, and this is especially true for me when it comes to couchsurfing! I was backpacking through Europe on a really tight budget, and found myself planning a quick two-night stay in Switzerland.  Since it's known as one of the most expensive countries in Europe, I thought it'd be fun to test out this couchsurfing website I had heard so much about in the travel community. I quickly sent a ton of requests to people with available couches, and got a fast response by the Zurich ambassador for Couchsurfing.com, who ended up telling me to come to the weekly meet-up in the city!  Being super interested in this unique travel community, I agreed, and went to the bar later that night with my backpack on! I still had no confirmation for where I would be staying, but by the end of the night had over a dozen people offering me their couch during my time there.   It was during that time in Zurich that I fell in love with couchsurfing and the amazing community it provides. I look forward to hosting guests once I eventually settle down somewhere! 

LOCATION:  Hong Kong

TRAVELER: Andrius Arbaciauskas (of KATrippin)   When I talk to my friends about staying with couchsurfers, I like to joke that there are only three types of hosts: the student, the loner, and a guy with a boner. The first two should be self-explanatory but I will clarify about the third type for those who are yet to try couchsurfing. The third one is that creepy dude who has indirect yet obvious statements in his profile suggesting that he only hosts people in exchange for sex.   I can see everyone’s eyes peeled to their screens waiting for the ‘type three’ kind of story but unfortunately it will not be about that! Our recent visit in Hong Kong has actually completely shattered this theory of ours because we stayed in a place which does not fit into either of the groups above.   Run by an international bunch of artists, Nido Asia (the name of the place) in Hong Kong is a gallery and a bit of a social hub. Apart from the usual art exhibitions they have all sorts of things going on such as meditation classes, martial art classes and dancing. In the bustling city of Hong Kong, this bunch of artists live, eat, pray, meditate, practice and exhibit their art and do many other awesome things, including hosting couchsurfers. It was around 6 or 7 of us at the time but we are told they sometimes host up to 10+ people at once, which is amazing. Staying with these people in such an unusual space was a truly unique experience. There were a lot of mattresses, pillows and sheets hidden in a dark corner of the gallery which couchsurfers would raid every evening in order to set up their beds.   The vibe was great too – people from various walks of life would sit together every night and share stories about traveling, art, distant cultures and other things. What surprised and inspired me was that the faces around that table would change completely each day but the sharing of stories, the laughter and the vibe would stay the same. By morning, the space would look like a gallery again and everyone would be on their way. Just like that. Until the next night.   It did not take long before we had to pack our bags and move on to our next destination… but let me tell you one thing. This experience of couchsurfing in Hong Kong was something we will remember for a very long time. I guarantee it would not have been half as memorable if not for the kindness of people we met couchsurfing.   Visiting Hong Kong (or another country) for the first time? Try couchsurfing and find out what I am talking about yourself!  

LOCATION: Singapore

TRAVELERS: Carine and Derek (of We Did it our Way)   Couchsurfing has given us the opportunity to meet so many amazing people. We’ve been lucky enough to couchsurf all over the world and make some amazing life-long friendships with our hosts.   But sometimes, there’s no connection between the host and ourselves. This was the case in Singapore for us. Luckily, our host had another couchsurfer staying with him, and the time we spent with her was amazing.   As we arrived in Singapore, our host let us know that he would not have time to hang out during our three days. He already had plans with his friends, and it was somewhat clear that we were not invited to partake in these activities.   Although it would have been great to discover Singapore with a local, we were happy to get to know the other couchsurfer. Paloma had been traveling through couchsurfing for four years. She was in town for the same amount of time as us, so she became our exploration buddy.    We discovered the city with her and forged a strong friendship. One and a half years later, we’re still in touch and try to make our travels coincide so we can explore more places together. Just goes to show that sometimes, things don’t go as planned, but they can have an even better unexpected twist! " ["post_title"]=> string(49) "COUCHSURFING: REAL TALK, REAL EXPERIENCES(PART I)" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(45) "couchsurfing-real-talk-real-experiencespart-i" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-09-13 14:07:04" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-09-13 14:07:04" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=3617" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [9]=> object(WP_Post)#3928 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(3494) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2019-07-26 11:28:01" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-07-26 11:28:01" ["post_content"]=> string(8483) " My most unique travel memories can often be linked to the homestays I have experienced. Whether it was in Laos or in Cuba, homestays gave my trip an authenticity I could not have gained otherwise.    Since homestays are also a component of sustainable travel, this blog will take a deeper look into them. Hopefully, by the end, you will want to give this wonderful lodging type a try.   And so, without further ado, here are five reasons why you should definitely do a homestay… and soon!

You will experience day-to-day intricacies of life

Nothing opens your eyes – and your mind – like a real look into a typical day of locals. For instance, by 6 am, I was already helping El padre of the family milk a cow in Kenya. Then, a little later, I was allowed to assist the grandmother make pancakes for breakfast. How was the experience? Honestly, no breakfast buffet in the world will stay with me more than that meal shared with my temporary African family.    These small day-to-day things are what get you into the true rhythm of your destination. Needless to say, I feel most at ease when staying with local families and following their lives, as I am 100% immersed in their daily routines. [gallery columns="4" ids="2262,2264,2268,2270,2272,2274,2276,2258"]  

You will understand history & culture much better

It’s no secret that the locals like to talk about their country, habits, language, and so much more. During my homestay opportunities, I have always learned some basic sentences in each language. I got to know so much about the different Mayan dialects in Guatemala, picked up some basic Vietnamese and Thai, and came back with such an intense appreciation for the local history… something textbooks wouldn’t have been able to instil.   

You will gorge on the best (and most unusual) food

Host families like to pamper their guests. They will spend hours at the market to find the best crab for you, travel to the nearby village for that special fruit that you really must taste, and take you to their backyard for the most organic meal ever. Cooking brings people together in so many ways. Even though you may not understand each other at all linguistically, you will be able to connect over cooking together. And, of course, hand gestures and facial expressions remain the most universal language in the world.   Even though some of the food will look a bit bizarre at times, do taste it. Do not insult your host family please (besides, it might be super delicious!). Or, if you REALLY cannot stomach it, say you are a vegetarian ;) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs0c2JslB-E/

You will make a positive impact

By now, you’re probably well aware that I attach great importance to traveling with a positive impact… and the best part is that everyone can do it. Eat in locally operated restaurants, buy handmade souvenirs, and sleep in hotels, guesthouses, or hostels that only employ locals. All these measures seem small but go a long way.  

Startling fact: the United Nations Environment Program reports that in a typical mass tourism package of every USD 100 spent by a tourist, only USD 5 actually remains in the local economy.

  With homestays, you directly give something back to the locals. The impact is immediate and intimate. Your money goes to your host family in a straight-foward manner. This can help them put their children in school, get medical care, or make provisions for basic necessities. https://www.instagram.com/p/BpZ7HeXnGoV/

You will get off the beaten track

Homestays often ensure that you explore fewer touristy spots as many are in the countryside or in the mountains, places that you might not otherwise visit.   In Laos, we slept in a very remote village along the Mekong river. While making our way to it, we did not see a trace of life for hours, until we spotted the village on the mountainside. Treading on beautiful greenery, we walked up between stilt houses, pigs, chickens... and finally to the center of the village where there was a tiny school. Young, friendly girls giggled at the sight of some white tourists.   There were almost no basic provisions such as electricity or water, so when the sun went down, it was completely dark. We had no choice but to immerse ourselves in the rhythm of the locals: in bed at 7 pm and up around 5 am.  Sometimes, homestays also give you a sharp taste of ground realities (which is important, in my opinion). In Kenya, there was just a little bit of collected rainwater when I was there. You see, the drought had lasted longer than anticipated, so people and animals craved for water.   TIP: If you notice that there is no access to running water, then like the locals, use clean water scarcely. Understand that it is very expensive for them. You will survive a day without a shower (long live dry shampoo!).   So what do you think? Is sleeping in a homestay something you will try during your next trip? Or do you want to forego authenticity for luxury? Let me know your thoughts! " ["post_title"]=> string(47) "5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD GIVE HOMESTAYS A SHOT!" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(46) "5-reasons-why-you-should-give-homestays-a-shot" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-07-27 09:51:31" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-07-27 09:51:31" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=3494" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "1" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [10]=> object(WP_Post)#3930 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(3454) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2019-07-23 18:02:30" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-07-23 18:02:30" ["post_content"]=> string(5875) "The Boracay Island in the Philippines is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the country. Over the years, countless tourists, including famous international and local celebrities, visited the island. Summer events, weddings, and a lot of occasions are being held there. With its fine white sand and lovely water, and the chance to witness a breathtaking sunset, make the place a fun and relaxing sanctuary.  However, everyone was devastated when they found out that the paradise island had been closed for half a year during 2018. What was the reason behind the sudden closure of Boracay? Why close the island when it is one of the most promoted places of the country’s Tourism Industry? Well, simply because of one devastating reason. Lack of sustainable programs. And it causes the destruction of the island’s environment.  “We need to educate and spouse tourism development to not destroy our rich natural heritage which attract tourists to visit in the first place. We must ensure we don’t only protect the environment for the future generations, we also improve governance and stewardship. Let us learn the lessons from other beach island destinations which self-destruct due to unsustainable development.” – The Boracay Initiative Author & Adviser Within the six months’ rehabilitation initiative, government agencies, such as the Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Department of Justice act together to resuscitate the endangered island. Various conservation and preservation practices are woven into the resort’s core values to ensure sustainable operations and growth not just for the property but for the local community as well.  The District of Boracay’s involvement, with the help of the government agencies mentioned above, comprises of wide range of projects which uphold towards the green movement and the worldwide call for sustainable tourism. First and foremost, they removed illegal structures on the “no built zones” including resorts and informal settlers. The removal aims to restore its destructed coastal and marine environment including beaches, swamps, mangroves, and forest, and recover its ecological balance. Waste disposal facilities were moved to the mainland. Water waste recycling facilities were also constructed to help utilize most of the waste water and not just dump them into the sea.  The District of Boracay is also proud to be one of the few Philippine resorts to use solar power as its main source of electricity for the whole property. Through this, the resort reduces its dependency on fossil fuels, thereby reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Aside from savings on electricity cost, the resort’s switch to use of renewable energy helps in mitigating global warming.  Annual Coastal Clean-up Activities were also organized to motivate guests, resort staffs and other tourists to join and do their share in the preservation of the island. The island also supports International green initiatives such as the International Coastal Clean-Up Day, Earth Day, Earth Hour, etc. Local employment had also been encouraged to help the locals work closer to home and their families. Local employment also helps in reducing the environment impact of commuting. The list of initiatives goes on, and since the reopening of the island, various resorts and staffs adhere to these programs.  Now, Boracay is proud to present its new and sustainable development which aims to protect and conserve whatever is left of the stunning beaches which attracted tourists to the island in the first place, and restore the eco-balance of its natural environment that had been degraded since the start of the island’s rapid unsustainable development. The main objective of the 6 months’ closure had at last been understood by everyone. It is to educate Boracay’s tourism and stakeholders as well as the local host community to build their capacity to espouse the Sustainable Tourism policies and practices for the island destination.  " ["post_title"]=> string(77) "AFTER OVERTOURISM ISSUES, BOROCAY (THE PHILIPPINES) IS ALL SET FOR THE FUTURE" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(74) "after-overtourism-issues-borocay-the-philippines-is-all-set-for-the-future" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-08-28 20:21:53" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-08-28 20:21:53" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=3454" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [11]=> object(WP_Post)#3927 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(3409) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2019-07-13 19:41:08" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-07-13 19:41:08" ["post_content"]=> string(22059) "Bangladesh, lovingly known as the ‘land of rivers’ because of all its waterways, will change the way you think about everything. In fact, it will even change your perception of life. Here, you will find yourself immersed in the mysteries of nature, unique and colorful festivity, and interactions with wise and wonderful people.   

And here’s the kicker: South Asia’s greenest jewel, rich is culture and heritage, is still off the beaten tourist path, just waiting to be truly discovered. 

So just when should you go? Here’s a quick seasonal breakdown: High season (October to March): Cooler temperatures, almost chilly in January and February. It’ll be pretty dry as the worst of the monsoon has passed, but there are some late rains in October. Prices in Cox’s Bazar may be inflated.   Shoulder season (April to May):  I went in April as I prefer not to travel in high season (this helps more people benefit from tourism because income through tourism is more spread out during the year instead of just during high season). On April 14, you can celebrate the Bengali New Year with the locals. This was one of the best travel experiences of my life! Do note that it’s really hot during April and May without the cooling monsoon rains. But don’t worry, there are other cool things to experience in shoulder season: mangoes start ripening in May (yum, who doesn’t love mangoes?) and you can join honey harvesters for the honey-collecting season in the Sundarbans. Unfortunately, I am allergic to bee/wasp stings.   Low season (June to September): Monsoon season, hot but the rain cools the air. Tea-picking is in full swing in Sylhet.   

Need more help to plan your trip? Well, here are 16 points you don’t want to miss!

   

It’s the land of six seasons

  Did you know that Bangladesh is known as the land of six seasons (Sadartu)? Because of its geographical location, it has a temperate climate and although mainly sub-tropical (which means warm and humid), the Bangla calendar is traditionally broken down into six seasons: Grisma (summer), Barsa (rainy), Sarat (autumn), Hemanta (late autumn), Shhit (winter) and Basanta (spring). 

Did you know that Bangladesh is known as the land of six seasons (Sadartu)?

In actuality, this country has three very distinct, noticeable seasons: a cool and dry winter season from November through February, the pre-monsoon from March through May, and the rainy season which continues from June through October. Mid-October to mid-November is often also thought of as the autumn, and March is considered to be spring.   So now you know – pack accordingly. https://www.instagram.com/p/BwkJi0VFgUp/  

Visas

  Almost everyone needs one. A 30-day visa on arrival is available for many nationalities. I got my visa at the local embassy in Brussels, Belgium, for EUR 50, just to make sure things would go smoothly when I arrived in Bangladesh.   

Currency  and money

  The local currency is the taka (tk), so don’t forget to exchange or withdraw some money in the cities. I only used my Mastercard and local takas, so no clue if they accept dollars widely. You can also ask your hotel to exchange money, but you probably will not get the best rates. There are foreign currency friendly ATMs in most big towns and cities, but not all.   

Mobile phones

  You can bring an unlocked phone to use a local SIM or, if you’re lucky, your smartphone may already have double SIM capability (great investment if you travel a lot). 3G is widely available and so is 4G in the cities. I didn’t have much trouble with my SIM card and mostly used the data. Data is really cheap – yay!    

Travel cheap

  Simply put, Bangladesh is a really cheap destination. You can hop on local trains and buses or even catch a domestic flight to get around. A regional bus ticket is usually between 80 tk to 200 tk (EUR 0.8 - EUR 2).Travel on an air conditioned coach or hiring a car can cost you around 600 tk (EUR 6).   A meal in a Bangladeshi restaurant will only cost you between 80 tk to150 tk, but if you want to have dinner at a restaurant that serves international cuisine you can pay up to 1800 tk (a little perspective: that’s still under EUR 20!).   If you want to backpack on a budget, Bangladesh is the place to go because you can travel with a budget of under EUR 20/day.  

Not everyone’s cup of tea

  So here is an important, but often overlooked, truth bomb: Bangladesh isn’t for everyone. Sure, it’s beautiful and full of delights, but I wouldn’t recommend visiting alone unless you have some experience in traveling to other developing countries under your belt. Keep your expectations in check. It may get a bit rough from time to time and you may have to forego your morning latte for a few weeks. https://www.instagram.com/p/BwgBdWZFt_m/

Getting around

     

Buses & coaches

  If you have enough time, I would suggest traveling around by bus as this will give you a very local experience. It’ll also be dirt cheap if you don’t mind squashing into the local ones. Don’t worry: there are more comfortable (and a bit more expensive) coaches available most of the time as well.   

Boats

  When in Bangladesh, you definitely have to try traveling by boat. We discovered the Sundarbans (home to the world’s famous Bengal tiger) this way and it was awesome. Riverboats are the king of travel.   

Trains

  Trains are actually a safer option than road travel, but the network and tickets are more limited. I also think trains are easier on the nerves than buses. You can even book first class and enjoy some luxury. For a full list of routes, times, journey durations and prices, go to the official website of Bangladesh Railway. You can’t book tickets on this website but it helps to plan your journey. 

Planes

  If you short on time, I would suggest you catch domestic flights from Dhaka. Not the most sustainable way but definitely time efficient.     

Get picture ready!

    While traveling around, be forewarned, everyone will want a selfie with you! As Bangladesh is relatively unused to foreigners, locals tend to have this genuine interest in why you are visiting their country. They want to get a picture with you (I was literally a part of hundreds of selfies!) and some will even find you on Facebook.    During my time here, I was interviewed by several radio and television stations. I even got interviewed by the BBC about the Bengali New Year.    As foreigners are still rare in Bangladesh (less so in Dhaka), they are a source of fascination for many locals. People taking photos and videos of you is something you will just have to accept.     

You will not get scammed that easily

  As it is still an untouristy destination, you can benefit from the fact that there aren’t many tourist scams in place. Apparently, you have to be careful of theft while in a CNG (auto-rikshaw), but generally you don’t have to worry nearly as much as you would in places like Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, etc. Please Bangladesh, stay this way! https://www.instagram.com/p/BwrHHbxlz9o/  

Infrastructure is not yet where it should be

  Folks, be prepared for unpaved roads and squat toilets. Bangladesh doesn’t have many Western travellers, so just go with the flow and get over it. Transportation might be challenging now and then, but a worthwhile adventure nonetheless. You will only find sit-down toilets in midrange and top-end establishments. At gas stations and public places, the very few facilities are pretty horrific. So just be prepared (and always keep toilet paper with you on the road). This is not the best destination for little princesses looking for luxury travel.     

You will have the most authentic travel experience

  I have to say it: Bangladesh just puts a smile on my face. It might not be the easiest of destinations to travel to due to the lack of infrastructure, but it is so genuine. Many travelers in Bangladesh agree on one thing: the people here are the biggest asset! It’s true. Bangladeshis are welcoming, kind and love to interact. Go to local festivities, such as Bangladeshi New Year, to experience this warmth first-hand. The colorful sea of smiling faces will make a permanent mark in your heart.   

You will feel safe

  Even though Bangladesh is a poor country, you will feel safe. Locals are intrigued, and often very excited, to have you as a guest in their country. They will ask you questions and generally be really helpful. They will want to show the best of what their country has to offer. I have been in a super crowded public event in Bangladesh and didn’t feel unsafe or uncomfortable for even a second. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwoq1HXlYjm/    

Come before the tourists!

  Yes! The time is NOW! If you want to go to a rather unknown destination, this is your shot…the clock’s ticking. You will hardly bump into any other travelers, so if you love untouristy destinations, this is the perfect place.    

Keep your health in check

  As some of you know, I make it a point to keep my health in check  when I travel. I try to raise awareness on getting the necessary shots and health insurances.    Bangladesh definitely was a destination I discussed thoroughly with my doctor. Although I got all of the most common vaccination shots for adventure traveling, I still checked in with my doctor. She mentioned that after my return, I’d need a blood check for Hepatitis C & E (as you can’t yet get a vaccination for these ones). I do have a vaccination for Hepatitis A & B, which I highly recommend if you want to travel to more adventurous destinations.    Travelers tend to worry about contracting infectious tropical diseases in this part of the world. For this reason, I will always advise to see your doctor and even make an appointment in a tropical medical center.

Traveler’s diarrhea

  Everyone fears a case of the Delhi belly or Dhaka belly (traveler’s diarrhea) when traveling to India or Bangladesh. You can take some prevention medicine but please discuss this with your doctor first. I was lucky enough not to become really sick in Bangladesh, but I did return with some kind of parasite to Belgium (a small souvenir from my trip).    Traveller’s diarrhea is by far the most common problem affecting travelers: between 30% to 70% will suffer from it within two weeks of starting their trip. In 80% of the cases, Dhaka belly is caused by bacteria, so it responds promptly to antibiotics. (Again, ask your doctor which medicine to keep on you for the duration of the trip).   Here are a few tips that may help you avoid Dhaka belly:  

• Don’t drink tap water and avoid ice.
• Bottled water is usually safe, but do check if the seal is intact.
• Avoid fresh juices, especially in smaller eateries, because they may have been watered down. 
• Boiling water for 10 minutes is the most efficient method of purifying it
• Water filters, such as the Water-to-go ones, should also filter out viruses. 

  The incredible heat and pollution tend to take a toll on your body and can make you feel less energized. Hygiene is quite poor throughout the region, so food- and water-borne diseases are pretty common. I usually take my own reusable water bottle with me, but in Bangladesh this might not have been the most intelligent choice (please don’t drink from the tap here). So even though I hate using plastic, I just had to play it safe and stick to bottled water.    Many insect-borne diseases are a real fear, too, particularly in the tropical forested areas. Luckily, most of these can either be prevented with some basic common sense, or be treated easily with a well-stocked traveler’s medical kit (want to receive mine? Sign up for the newsletter).    

Create environmental awareness

  As mentioned above, it’s smarter to drink bottled water in this region for your health. Nevertheless, I urge you to discuss plastic pollution with locals and help raise awareness about what can be done differently. Bangladesh has a long way to go before changing into an eco-friendly destination even though it’s in urgent need of such change. Factually speaking, Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable nations to the impacts of climate change. According to the National Geographic, climate change here is a pressing issue, leading to a migration crisis, especially as it is located on the Tropic of Cancer.   https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx-TEamoCOh/    

You just won’t regret this trip

  I’ve saved the best for last: you simply must go to Bangladesh because not only will you have a great time, but you’ll also be doing good. Sustainable tourism has incredibly positive consequences. We read about the perils of over tourism pretty much every day, particularly in popular destinations that are swamped with visitors, but what about conscious travel and how it can transform nations for the better? Why not take a country like Bangladesh, often perceived negatively by the outside world, and give it our best… while also having wonderful, stimulating experiences. In my honest opinion, places like Bangladesh can benefit the most from the right kind of tourism. Let’s play our part in connecting such places with the outside world and bringing economic benefits to communities that receive so little. And there you have it! If you have any more questions about Bangladesh, feel free to let me know. " ["post_title"]=> string(48) "16 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELING TO BANGLADESH" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(48) "16-things-to-know-before-traveling-to-bangladesh" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-07-13 19:44:26" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-07-13 19:44:26" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=3409" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [12]=> object(WP_Post)#3921 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(3232) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2019-06-18 10:26:59" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-06-18 10:26:59" ["post_content"]=> string(8583) "Imagine you’re in Senegal.   You find yourself inside a typical white tourist van, windows closed, air conditioning on. Secretly holding the camera, you carefully view everything from a distance as you wave at children passing by. But here’s the catch: you’d much rather be sitting in a rusty taxi, having a chat with the local driver. You’d rather be stopping at the bustling markets and tasting those juicy mangoes. You’d rather be playing with and picking up words from the kids you just waved at.  You’d much rather be in the middle of it all and transform into a ‘real local’. I mean, come on, no one wants to be merely a spectator, right? [caption id="attachment_2515" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo by Charlotte Noël in São Tomé[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3105" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Senegal by Stefanie Orlans[/caption] [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=13&v=IlG0JPTx6Sk[/embed]

Here are five ways you can really have the local experience when traveling. 

DITCH THE HOTEL

    Did you know that it is perfectly possible to spend a night with the locals instead of at a fancy hotel? There are various initiatives such as homestays. In this way, you can truly taste the genuine African hospitality and feel fully integrated into the host family. Help out for a few hours in the countryside, play a game of soccer with the kids, get to know the cuisine and even take part in preparing a meal.

Be forewarned, you probably won’t get a hotel-type king-sized bed with room service, but it definitely will be an unforgettable experience.

[caption id="attachment_3080" align="alignnone" width="700"] Photo by Stefanie Orlans (Senegal)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_2270" align="alignnone" width="700"] Charlotte Noël during homestay in Kenya[/caption]

PICK UP SOME LOCAL PHRASES

Salaam Alekum.  Walekum Salaam! Nengendef . Ma nifi!   Try to learn some local greetings. A small effort, really, but one that makes a world of difference. The locals will be pleasantly surprised and immediately see you as their friend. Showing  respect and interest in their language and culture is also the perfect way to start up some amazing conversations. [caption id="attachment_3082" align="alignnone" width="700"] Photo by Stefanie Orlans[/caption]

SUPPORT THE LOCAL ECONOMY

  By traveling locally, you also unconsciously support the local economy. If you sleep in a locally operated guesthouse or opt for a homestay, your money will directly go to the locals. Also try to buy local art and crafts straight from the artist's hand. That way, you know where your money is going, and let’s admit it, it’s so much more fun to know the story behind a souvenir! Win-win situation for you and the locals! [caption id="attachment_2256" align="alignnone" width="720"] Photo by Charlotte Noël in Kenya - Traditional baskets of Hadithi[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3091" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Stefanie Orlans in Senegal[/caption]  

TRAVEL WITH A LOCAL GUIDE

Trying to tour Africa on your own can sometimes be challenging. There is often no well-organized public transport, the cultural habits are completely different, and of course, there is the language barrier. So why not let a local guide show you the way? This can be the perfect person to tell you more about the regional history, explain  the customs, and introduce you to the local cuisine ... trust me, you will get to experience places and things you simply would not be able to otherwise. And all of it in a safe and responsible way! [caption id="attachment_3086" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Stefanie Orlans[/caption]

TAKE PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Did you know that all the best conversations in Africa occur on public transport? Yup, true story.Taxi drivers are often more witty than some politicians and your neighbor on the bus will definitely be curious about your story. Taking a local ‘taxi-brousse’ or a ‘clando van’ is an experience in itself and very much a part of the culture. So it would be a shame to only watch this from your white air-conditioned van, wouldn't it? [caption id="attachment_3093" align="alignnone" width="768"] Photo Stefanie Orlans - Bantoe[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3097" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Stefanie Orlans - Senegal Saint-Louis[/caption] Text and photos by Stefanie Orlans So try out some of these tips during your next adventure and let me know how it goes! Happy traveling, rebels.  " ["post_title"]=> string(54) "5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL IN AFRICA" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(54) "5-reasons-why-you-should-travel-like-a-local-in-africa" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(43) " https://travelrebel.be/my-mayan-adventure/" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-06-18 10:30:53" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-06-18 10:30:53" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=3232" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [13]=> object(WP_Post)#3931 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(3223) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2019-06-17 17:55:13" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-06-17 17:55:13" ["post_content"]=> string(7157) "We’ve all discovered lots of supposedly ‘secret’ places that we fell in love with because someone wrote about them on social media. I, for one,  love to get off the beaten path and find relatively unknown spots far from the maddening crowds. Of course, it is tempting to share these spots so that others can enjoy them, too – but what if that means they are not secret anymore? So, just how specific do YOU get when you tag a location in a post?    

An Italian affair

Last year, I was wandering around Italy. A mesmerizing road trip, the sea breeze stroking my skin, a view of endless olive trees, and the scent and taste of aromatic Italian food made it an unforgettable adventure. And, of course, we saw tourists. A shit load of tourists (pardon my French). Especially in Instagram famous spots as Cinqueterre, Capri and Florence. Merely eight  minutes after arriving at the city center of Capri by cable train, I muttered: “I CANNOT do this, I need to get out”. Then, I promptly turned my back on Capri and took the next cable train back to the boats. (Alright, alright… it wasn’t quite as prompt as that. You see, you need to queue for almost half an hour to actually get back on the cable train!) I know what you must be thinking: “What did you expect, Charlotte? It’s high season and it’s Italy?” Here’s the thing: by the time we got to Capri, we had already been road tripping through the country for three whole weeks and never had this kind of horrific experience anywhere else. Why? Because Italy has lots of hidden gems. You have to get off the beaten track, explore the unknown regions and ask locals where you should go. This will result in some of your best travel experiences... and you know what will make it even better? You will be able to hear your own breathing when you arrive, instead of being pushed into a massive crowd of loud tourists.   I am one of those people who literally cannot enjoy the great Goliath statue in Florence or the famous Duomo di Sienna when surrounded by an army of selfie sticks. You will see me literally jumping up and down in excitement when we spot a small lake in the far distance and find no one else there when we arrive. These moments are pure happiness. Not having to wonder which selfie stick or Ipad (who even takes photos with iPads, for crying out loud?) will block my view is bliss.  

A menace unlike any other

  So it comes down to this: I hate extremely touristy places when I travel. Not that I don’t like to be surrounded by many people, like on the busy streets of Indonesia, during festivities in Bangladesh, or even a festival in Belgium. But over-tourism is a different kind of menace.   So I rebel. I rebel against over-tourism.  

Over-tourism can destroy fragile ecosystems and turn peaceful getaways into crowded nightmares.  I would hate to contribute to a wave of people damaging a place I love.

  And yet, on the other hand, when I see a beautiful picture on Instagram or Pinterest and the exact location isn’t tagged, it sometimes drives me nuts. This is why I genuinely want to know what you think about this. Super specific geo-location tags so people know exactly how to get to that ‘secret’ spot, general country tags so travelers have to seek special places out themselves, or something in between?   Share your thoughts, rebels. It’s a discussion truly worth having in this time and age.  " ["post_title"]=> string(50) "INSTAGRAM GEOTAGGING: THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(46) "instagram-geotagging-the-good-the-bad-the-ugly" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(416) "https://travelrebel.be/firenze-an-overburdened-gem/ https://travelrebel.be/unplug-in-italy-exploring-beautiful-le-marche-a-relatively-unknown-region-in-italy/ https://travelrebel.be/why-you-should-experience-the-bengali-new-year-in-bangladesh/ https://travelrebel.be/music-makes-me-travel/ https://travelrebel.be/puglia-part-ii-an-unforgettable-italian-road-trip/ https://travelrebel.be/can-tourism-ever-be-terrible/" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-06-19 17:59:55" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-06-19 17:59:55" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=3223" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "1" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [14]=> object(WP_Post)#4015 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(3199) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2019-06-17 16:27:24" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-06-17 16:27:24" ["post_content"]=> string(14382) "Backpackers will advise that you avoid Bangkok like the plague. They will tell you that it stinks, that it’s too hot and that there are too many people. And while this is of course all true, it's part of Bangkok's unique charm and there is honestly so much that this city has to offer. Also, let me tell you that two nights down Khao San Road isn’t going to show you that! The "Big Mango", its vast, bustling, vibrant, and absolutely beautiful... in its own way obviously, and as a traveller it's a fantastic place to start your trip in Asia. It's pretty international so you can ease yourself into the regions culture, and there’s also a really good variety of transport links to the rest of the country and the rest of the region. 

"But what should I do with my two days there before I head down to Krabi" I hear you ask? Well there’s something for everyone in Bangkok, and you might feel a little overwhelmed with options so, here we are - my recommendations for seeing The City of Angel's like a local.

[caption id="attachment_3202" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo by Evie Harris - Guest blogger of TravelRebel.be[/caption]

Accommodation in Bangkok

Avoid Khao San Road! Okay, I know, it’s where everyone stays, and the hostels are cheap, and it's featured in the "The Beach" but honestly you can do so much better than that, and if really you want to go there, I’d stay for two hours max. Khao San Road (Khao San is a type of rice), is a tourist enclave, and you won’t find authenticity there. What you will find though, is a bubble of western backpacker culture, rowdy tourists and taxi's that refuse to use the meter. There are so many other parts of Bangkok that have better transport links, better street food and most likely nicer people too. For a place to stay, I would firstly recommend somewhere within walking distance to a BTS or MRT station. Neighbourhoods such as Ari and Ratchetewi have a really local feel to them while still being very close to some main attractions. If you are staying in Ratchetewi and love street food, I'd visit Phetchaburi Soi 5 and Soi 10 for some authentic street food – trust me you will not be disappointed. Asoke and Thong Lor are also pretty cool places to stay. Asoke is busy and you will see a lot of tourists but it has really good transport links as there is a BTS and MRT station, there’s loads of malls and loads of food. Thong Lor is associated with being a really trendy part of town, so you will find tonnes of independent shops and cafes, as well as some really cool bars and clubs.

Recommended hostels

Tip: use this link to get 10% discount at Booking.com

• The Yard Hostel – Ari
• Siam Eco Hostel – Ratchetewi
• Hostel at Thong Lor – Thong Lor
• 3Howw Hostel – Asoke

Bars and Nightlife

The Saxophone

The Saxophone is an inconspicuous blues and Jazz bar in Victory monument (Close to Ari and Ratchetewi) and is one of the city’s best live music venues. I’ve honestly been blown away by every single performance that I’ve seen here. The beer is recommended – food and cocktails not so much.

Iron Fairies

Fantastic food, delicious cocktails, live music, unique décor and secret rooms… I’m not going to give much more away because it’s pretty magical so refrain from googling any pictures of it and just go there!  

Above 11

This is one of my favourite rooftop bars in Bangkok. The views are stunning, the Japanese and Peruvian fusion food is absolutely delicious and the cocktails are great, it’s a great place to come if you want to visit somewhere a bit more special. Above 11 is frequently visited by live performers and you may also see some people who come to practice salsa! Don’t forget to check the dress code and book a table before arriving. https://www.instagram.com/p/BxARfz0nLBn/

Food

Oh boy where do I begin? If you are struggling with the heat – some of the malls have really good food courts, and their prices won’t be too much higher than that of street vendors. If you can brave the crowds, Siam Paragon has as an amazing food court – I’ve never been disappointed as everything I’ve had there has been freshly made and is pretty authentic. Next door to the Paragon is Siam Centre which is quite a bit less crowded and also delicious, I’d recommend the Pad Thai here! Some of my favourite restaurants for Thai food are Som Tum Dur in Silom, where you can find the most delicious Somtum (papaya salad) and authentic cuisine from the Isaan region in north-eastern Thailand. The Supanigga Eating Room is also delicious, there are 3 outlets, one in Thong Lor, one in Silom and one in Tha Tian. If you’re feeling fancy you can even get on the Supanigga Eating Room river cruise down the Chao Praya River, which is a really magical way of seeing Bangkok, especially after sundown. Other recommendations:

• Pizza Pala Romana
• Khao Soi Silom Soi 3
• Tai Seng

https://www.instagram.com/p/BxKOJTvHPVb/

Things to do

BACC

The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre or BACC is one of my favourite places to go to if I want a bit of a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The building is huge and has a Guggenheim-esque feel to it. There’s several independent cafes and shops selling gifts, arts and crafts, art supplies, books, jewellery and loads more. If you want to buy any souvenirs, the BACC could be a great place to do so as you’d be helping to support Bangkok’s arts and crafts scene.

Lumpini Park

Another place I enjoy going for some peace and quiet is Lumpini Park. Here, you can find monitor lizards, some shade and paddleboats! It costs almost nothing to rent a 2-person paddleboat and gives you a very different view of the city during the day. I’d also recommend checking for events that might be on at Lumpini park, as its often made the venue for arts and crafts and music festivals. [caption id="attachment_3204" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo by Evie Harris - Guest blogger of TravelRebel.be[/caption]

Jim Thompson’s house

This is seriously the house of my dreams and I desperately wish that I lived in it. It’s so beautiful. Honestly. Jim Thompson was an American businessman who is known for being responsible for introducing beauty of Thai Silk to the west in the 1950’s and 1960’s. He had absolutely amazing taste and also was a collector of south-east Asian art. He sadly disappeared mysteriously in in 1967, and to this day we don’t know what happened to him. The tour is about 45 minutes long and tickets are half price if you are under the age of 22! Other recommendations:

• Chatuchak Market
• Wat Hua Lamphong
• Walk around China Town

[caption id="attachment_3206" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo by Evie Harris - Guest Blogger of TravelRebel.be[/caption]   Text by guest blogger Evie Harris.   https://www.instagram.com/p/BxkHTKthJyZ/

About Evie

Evie loves traveling, culture, art and food - especially in East and South-East Asia, as she was born in Thailand. She is deeply passionated about traveling responsibly and is inspired to work towards positive change in tourism. She really believes that responsible travel can provide a means to reduce poverty and inequality, as well as increase wellbeing for both host communities and fragile environments. [caption id="attachment_3250" align="alignnone" width="740"] Evie Harris[/caption]" ["post_title"]=> string(20) "Bangkok like a local" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(20) "bangkok-like-a-local" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(152) "https://travelrebel.be/can-tourism-ever-be-terrible/ https://travelrebel.be/laos-a-backpackers-paradise/ https://travelrebel.be/beste-reisfilms/?lang=nl" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-06-28 09:24:58" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-06-28 09:24:58" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=3199" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "1" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [15]=> object(WP_Post)#4016 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(2969) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2019-05-27 12:32:06" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-05-27 12:32:06" ["post_content"]=> string(10992) "The welcoming heat of the bright sun, a sea of smiling faces, and chaos that was as colorful as it was magnetic… that’s how I started my first morning in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. Needless to say, I couldn’t have had a better introduction to the energy, love and people of this part of the world. Every feeling, every experience was so new and literally pulsating with life. Read on to learn more about my journey, and why my timing, which coincided with the Bengali New Year, was utterly perfect.

Shuvo Noboborsho!

  Pahela Baishakh, also known as Bangla Noboborsho, is the first day of the Bengali calendar and falls on April 14. The traditional greeting is Shuvo Noboborsho, which means happy new year. If you’re interested in exploring Bangladesh, I’d strongly suggest going around this time to experience these awesome celebrations.   So what was it like? Well, it’s hard to describe exactly, but you can compare it a bit with the first hours of Tomorrowland. Ecstasy from dawn, crowds of happy and spirited people, and no hangovers just yet.   This festival starts with the first rays of sunlight at Ramna Park and the University of Dhaka. Spend some time beforehand  looking for a nice traditional outfit at local tailors or go to one of the GIGANTIC shopping malls (not kidding, they’re huge).   Here’s a quick tip: head to the Bashundhara City Shopping Complex and once there, steer completely to the far right side upon entering. In this area, you’ll find all the beautiful handmade clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs all at once!   The locals think it's great if you wear a traditional outfit and you’ll probably hear requests of “selfie, ma’am?” dozens of times. They love photographing and being photographed, but are always polite and ask for permission. Most of the Dhaka residents understand some English and hand gestures will get you quite far when that fails. The most important part of the festival is the colorful Mongol Shobha Jatra procession organized by the fine arts students at the University of Dhaka. In 1989, these pupils wanted to show hope for a better future during the Bengali New Year, giving birth to this display. Each year, you will see at least one work that represents evil, one that represents courage and power, and one that represents peace. This procession shows that Bengalis are proud of their folkloric heritage, but also stand united in a democracy that unites people regardless of their caste, religion, gender and age.   To guarantee the safety of the large crowd, there is of course some police present and the streets are blocked for transit. To be very transparent, I never felt unsafe during the festival and enjoyed every minute of it.

How to make the most of this fantastic celebration

Practical guide for Bengali New Year

 

• Apply lots of sun cream, because even though the festival is in the morning, it is very hot.
• Drink lots of water, please! It is tempting to just fully let go of yourself in the bustling chaos and completely forget that there are basic needs such as food and drink. I became so absorbed in the moment that I forgot to eat and drink for quite a while, but I paid for it afterwards when the heat and exhaustion got to me a bit.
• Go shopping! Like I said, look for the perfect local outfit for the festival. This applies to men as well. A little bling bling is certainly okay in Bangladesh!
• Always ask permission to take a picture of someone, even though hardly anyone will refuse. It’s simply a matter of respect.
• Buy one of the beautiful handmade flower wreaths or flower ribbons. Go on, adorn yourself.
• You’ll notice that some people would like to paint your face or hands. I myself have fairly sensitive skin, so if you know you can react allergically, just thank them kindly and move on.
• Take your camera, an empty memory card, and if necessary an extra battery with you because every second you’ll see another fantastic photo op.

[gallery columns="4" ids="2873,2876,2869,2867"] [gallery columns="4" ids="2994,2996,2998,3004,3010,3012,3014,3016,3018,3020,3030,3032"]

Testing the new Canon EOS R

  Canon Belgium entrusted me with their newest mirrorless baby for a month -- super cool, I know! It was the new EOS R. A few months ago, I had already gotten this pearl in my hands during a show in Ghent, but like many others, I had some doubts. This is because the new EOS R requires a lot of adaptability from most canon enthusiasts, but I quickly found my way around with this friend. I was also surprised by the battery. As you can see in the above mentioned tips, I did have an extra battery on me, but I did not need it during the entire test month. If you would like to see some more photos of Bangladesh (and how the EOS R truly fared), take a look at the Sea of ​​Smiling Faces post. All in all, ringing in this new year was an experience unlike any other and I don’t think any place can replicate it. Is Bangladesh on your travel radar yet? Let me know!    " ["post_title"]=> string(60) "WHY YOU SHOULD EXPERIENCE THE BENGALI NEW YEAR IN BANGLADESH" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(60) "why-you-should-experience-the-bengali-new-year-in-bangladesh" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(86) " https://travelrebel.be/the-sea-of-smiling-faces-photo-collection-of-bengali-new-year/" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-06-05 12:20:03" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-06-05 12:20:03" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=2969" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "1" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [16]=> object(WP_Post)#4017 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(2858) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2019-05-21 10:20:57" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-05-21 10:20:57" ["post_content"]=> string(3873) "Wow… what an incredible experience the Bengali New Year was! I’m beyond thrilled I got to experience it. The atmosphere palpitating with love and happiness, the incredible amount of color, and the sea of smiling faces -- truly something I will never forget. I felt safe and super welcome and I will always hold this extraordinary experience close to my heart. Thank you, dear Bangladeshis, for letting me be a part of it.

Sometimes, a picture says more than a thousand words.

People of Bangladesh

Photo's by Charlotte Noël Camera: Canon EOS R met Canon RF 24-105MM F/4L IS USM       Using Pinterest? Feel free to pin my photo's " ["post_title"]=> string(63) "The Sea of Smiling Faces - Photo collection of Bengali New Year" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(61) "the-sea-of-smiling-faces-photo-collection-of-bengali-new-year" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-05-23 14:51:50" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-05-23 14:51:50" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=2858" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [17]=> object(WP_Post)#4018 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(2749) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2019-05-08 15:54:09" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-05-08 15:54:09" ["post_content"]=> string(19703) "One of Africa’s smallest country comprises two main islands -- São Tomé and Principe. As you all know, I was lucky enough to visit this unique destination recently, and let me tell you one thing: São Tomé may be small but there’s A LOT to do here. The dense rainforests teeming with dozens of endemic species, wild cocoa and coffee plantations, magnificent beaches, incredible cuisine and culture, and extremely hospitable locals of African, Creole and Portuguese origin make this place unlike any other.   Here are a few facts before you get started on this incredible adventure: the population is very young, the main languages are Portuguese and Creole (so get an appropriate guide, if you possible), and the community spirit is strong. Don’t be afraid to interact with the locals and explore the island from north to south (it’s rather safe because everyone knows everyone else!). [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BtB0OzDlzrc/[/embed]

What to do in São Tomé City

  São Tomé City is always buzzing… with energy, life, motorbikes and mud-caked jeeps. The pavements are littered with happy teenagers hand-in-hand with their lovers, businessmen, CST sellers, school children, and mothers with their babies. The vibe is a super positive one. Here are some things you must do around the city.  

Discover the bustling market

If you have just one day in São Tomé City, immediately make your way to the local market. It’s super colorful and pulsating with life. There’s so much to see and feel here. So many busy bees. So many textures. So many food items that I had never even heard of before! Sounds of energetic chit-chat all over. Women deeply engrossed in piles of fabric, trying to find the perfect outfits. Oh, and not one tourist. Can you just imagine the smile on my face? Just one point of note: be respectful of the locals, please. Even though they’re very friendly and open, not everyone wants to be photographed. Always ask for permission. Like I mentioned earlier, if you don’t know some basic Portuguese, get a local guide. Trust me, it’ll make things a lot easier. [gallery ids="2751,2753,2755,2757,2759,2761,2763,2767,2769,2771,2773,2775"]

Go to the Claudio Corallo chocolate and coffee factory

  In this factory, they let you taste so many kinds of handmade chocolates that it’ll blow your mind (and your taste buds)! From 100% pure chocolate to chocolate infused with ginger, you can sample it all. Oh, and the taste of a particular coffee you get to try in the lab here will stay with you for a long, long time! As the cocoa aficionados will know, Claudio Corallo is an institution, so you really don’t want to sit this one out. The value of the visit will greatly outweigh the price of the ticket (merely EUR4).  

Visit the National Museum

  A quick stop at the museum, also known as the Sao Sebastiao Museum, housed in an old fort is also a must, especially if you want to learn about the history of São Tomé. The exhibits will tell you stories of the colonial times, slavery, voodoo and even facts about the turtle population. Basically, everything you’d want to know.

What to do up north

  After the city, prepare to head up north for some additional adventures. You can either rent a small 4x4 and explore the area yourself, or you can get a private guide who will arrange a car and show you all the best places. I was lucky to be guided by Sipson who showed me multiple stunning beaches, local communities, old colonial buildings and so much more. His English was impeccable. (Contact him on emailsipsonabril@hotmail.com or  Dream Island Tours).

Observe the fishermen

  Along the way, don’t ignore the fishermen villages and acquaint yourself with the local life. In Kenya, just a few months ago, I was confronted with the results of drought. Thankfully, São Tomé doesn’t suffer such a fate and there’s abundant food everywhere. Luscious fruits and vegetables never cease to make appearance. According to Sipson, no one in São Tomé ever goes hungry, because everyone has access to free fruit and vegetables (thanks to the incredible nature) and clean drinking water. As I observed myself, this is totally true. I couldn’t even count the number of banana trees we passed by (in fact, I wonder why they don’t export this huge amount). It was a delight to see the local mamas carrying their children on their backs, adorned with colorful scarves, as they ferried baskets of food, washed clothes and other things on their heads. The small wooden houses along the way, with scores of kids playing on the streets and locals washing clothes in the rivers, are also worth observing because they speak volumes about the simple yet rich lives these people lead. Small details make all the difference. For instance, Saturday is laundry day, so this is when you’ll see the most people out by the river, washing up.   Here’s a brilliant fact: education is free in São Tomé, so one group of children starts classes at 7 am and they last until noon. The other group heads to school at noon. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BtMA31SFvQK/[/embed]

Stop by the Batepa Massacre memorial

  Did you know that slavery ended in São Tomé in 1875? But did you also know that the violence and unrest continued even after? This past must be acknowledged and the many locals who died fighting for liberty deserve our respect. So do stop by the memorial, in the village of Fernão Dias, to pay your respects and to learn more.   The past of this idyllic place, like that of many African colonies, is also one tainted with bloodshed. According to many historical accounts, São Tomé was uninhabited when the Portuguese discovered it, but this has been disputed (there’s nothing written before the Portuguese settlement, or maybe it has been destroyed… who can say?). One particularly gruesome instance occurred on February 3, 1953. In what later became known as the Batepa Massacre, hundreds (and by some estimates, thousands) of creole peasants were massacred by the colonial administration because they didn’t agree to forced work as contracted laborers. Their bodies were dumped into the ocean at this very spot, the spot of the memorial. This day is commemorated by the locals till today, who gather here to pray and remember.   It was as late as 1975 that this tiny country was given its independence.  

Enjoy the undiscovered beaches

  At many of the undiscovered and breathtaking beaches (such as Tamarindo beach and Governador beach), you will find gigantic baobabs providing shade and comfort. (This was the first time I saw a baobab and I was floored!) The crystal blue waters, the small wooden canoes, the clean stretches of pristine sand, and the serenity truly make these beaches something to marvel at. Please be careful and don’t litter -- we all have a role to play in keeping São Tomé clean. There are sorting bins on every single beach, and this itself is something I haven’t seen in many countries before. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs-Ed39lRrl/[/embed]

Make a quick stop at Anambó

  Approximately 30 km further up north is Anambo. This is where the Portuguese explorers first landed in São Tomé. The beach is quite pretty and for history buffs this location holds significance.  

Check out the Blue Lagoon

  The Blue Lagoon, known as Lago Azul, is beautiful and boasts water of the perfect temperature. Be prepared, though, because you need some off-roading skills to get here, especially if it has rained the last couple of days. Some friends got stuck on this 4x4 but our brave little Suzuki Jimny was an absolute trooper!   The swim here was splendid. Since São Tomé isn’t swarming with tourists, I swam alone for hours before a couple from Portugal, and then later one from France, joined me. Here, you can enjoy the tranquility and slowness of São Tomé to the fullest. I had to pinch myself to believe that this pearl hasn’t been ruined by tourism yet. This was truly paradise on earth… let’s just hope it remains as such in the years to come.   It was while I drifted here for hours that something happened: I made a pact to myself to come back to São Tomé very, very soon. Honestly, I have never been so relaxed in my life, and I can’t wait to experience that kind of calmness again. And again. (By the way, quick note: don’t forget you’re on the equator, so bring lots of sunscreen. It would be great if you could get your hands on a natural one since that’s better for the oceans. During the night, I had to use my two-in-one aftersun with DEET -- I learned the hard way!) During the weekends, you’ll see trucks full of locals finding their way to the pristine beaches. In São Tomé, the community feeling is strong, so people go to the beach in groups, armed with lots of fruits and delicious foods and palm wine. The adults enjoy conversations with one another, while the children play football or play with the waves. São Tomé doesn’t have big waves, so it’s not the perfect surfing spot, but very safe for kids to play in the clear waters. I even noticed children picking out a single piece of plastic from the ocean and diligently putting it into the bin.   Observing these scenes of community spirit was truly enlightening. No tourists, no sellers going around with gawky souvenirs… just locals enjoying the beach with one another. Falcons flying around, seeking turtle eggs, and locals trying to save these eggs and take them to the turtle conservation center. What a life!  

Go to the turtle museum

  Definitely stop by the Morro Peixe, you will not regret it. Four different endangered turtle species (Olive Ridley, Green, Hawksbill, and Leatherback) can be spotted on both the southern and northern beaches of São Tomé. The beach where this is located is a typical fishermen village where you will always see kids playing about. The museum is small and charming and they even have a little shop where you can buy crafts that local women have made (perfect idea for sustainable souvenirs). The funds go back into the museum. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs3kCeclTQp/[/embed] Here, they rescue turtle eggs and protect them from the falcons. Once they hatch, they let the baby turtles grow until a certain age before releasing them in the ocean. They release them during sunset or at night to increase their survival possibilities.   I got a chance to hold a one day old turtle! WOW. Mind truly blown. The entrance fee is just EUR 2, and it’s pretty much the best couple of bucks I’ve ever spent!  

Stop by Neves

  This is a comparatively larger village where you can easily fill up your gas tanks. It’s interesting to observe the  local communities along the way. You’ll also see a lot of goats and pigs and the bustling African street life.  

Enjoy some food at Mucumbli

We had the perfect lunch at Mucumbli Ponta Figo. The restaurant enjoys stunning views of the ocean and rainforest and you can easily relax with a coffee for hours. Best part? Everything about Mucumbli is sustainable and eco-friendly.   Not only is the food delicious (and not expensive) here, but so is the residential experience. If you can fork out EUR 70-120, spend a night or two in one of their ecolodges/bungalows. They’re smack in the middle of nature.   This is also the perfect starting point for a 1-4 day hike in the National Park. If you go for the single-day hike, take the boat to the south of São Tomé. Nevertheless, this is the perfect place for climbing, mountain biking, laying on the black beach, bird watching, and learning about the lush flora and fauna.   And that’s it for now, rebels (at least until my next São Tomé trip). Have you started planning your own sustainable São Tomé adventure yet? You must!   [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BuCIxK3FBHT/[/embed]  " ["post_title"]=> string(50) "Things to do in São Tomé City & North São Tomé" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(44) "things-to-do-in-sao-tome-city-north-sao-tome" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(359) "https://travelrebel.be/exploring-the-hidden-paradise-of-sao-tome/ https://travelrebel.be/the-kenya-chronicles-part-i/ https://travelrebel.be/where-to-eat-in-sao-tome/ https://travelrebel.be/practical-guide-what-you-should-know-before-traveling-to-sao-tome/ https://travelrebel.be/can-tourism-ever-be-terrible/ https://travelrebel.be/where-to-stay-in-sao-tome/" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-05-23 10:49:35" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-05-23 10:49:35" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=2749" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [18]=> object(WP_Post)#4019 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(2744) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2019-04-26 01:44:40" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-04-26 01:44:40" ["post_content"]=> string(20871) "Whether you are looking for the ideal destination for a (long) weekend or a week off, Vlieland is the perfect destination for total relaxation.  

"Freedom, peace, space, silence: wonderful!"

The Wadden - the largest tidal system, always on the move. Discover the power of ebb and flow.   Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009 and voted the most beautiful nature reserve in the Netherlands. A pristine coastline, endless quiet spots, cycling among dune landscapes   Friesland is rightly a "hidden gem" and in 2018 it was in 3rd place in Lonely Planet’s Best in Europe! The destination is primarily intended for people who want to avoid over-touristy places and is also an excellent ecotourism destination because of the biosphere reserve. The area includes: sandbanks, mussel beds, salt marshes, tidal flats, beaches and dunes and it is home to numerous plant and animal species. The Wadden area is considered as one of the most important areas for migratory birds in the world. The islands also have more hours of sunshine than the rest of the Netherlands. Vlieland is the smallest inhabited island and is furthest from the coast. The island is almost car-free and offers wonderful peace and clean air. Vlieland is still fairly pure and also a rugged island, there are many dunes, a few forests and a large sandy plain, the Vliehors, which is also called the Sahara of the North. There is no mass tourism, and has the most beautiful beach in the Netherlands! You can completely unwind here and get energy again, leaving all the hustle and bustle behind.  

"Leave everything behind and experience the ultimate island feeling"

How do you get to the island of Vlieland?

Almost Car-free Vlieland

Every day (yes, effectively 365 days) a ferry sails towards Vlieland from Harlingen several times a day. Important! Vlieland is an almost car-free island. This means that it is best to leave your car on the mainland or even better, by public transport up to the ferry.

Ferry to the island

  The ferry is from the Doeksen shipping company. It is a fairly large ferry that is extremely comfortable with options to eat and drink something on board. Exact departure times and online tickets can be easily found via: https://www.rederij-doeksen.nl/ Prices vary between 10 and 30 euros. You can also take your dog on the ferry for free. Address: Rederij Doeksen - Waddenpromenade 8861 NT Harlingen

Public transport

  You can take the train to Amsterdam and even to Harlingen train station. From Harlingen train station it's only a 6 minutes walk to the ferry.  Take a look at the website https://9292.nl/ to find the most current times of public transport.

Parking the car

If you are coming by car to Vlieland, it is best to park your car near the ferry. You can park your car in front of the ferry terminal or parking garage ‘Tsjerk Hiddes’ within walking distance (about 10 minutes) from the ferry terminal. Address "Tsjerk Hiddes": Skieppedykje 1, 8872 NA Midlum.

Arrival at Vlieland

You can have your luggage transported to your place of residence for a small fee per piece of luggage. Look for company Zeelen or Wietze de Boer on arrival at the Vlieland ferry.  

Transport on Vlieland

Of course you can easily explore the village (only village on the island) on foot. There are also electric buses on the island if you want to do some longer distances.  

My tip: rent a bike!

  The Netherlands is a cycling country & Vlieland is ideal to explore with a steel steed.   You can also safely rent electric bikes, children's tandems, cargo bikes, child seats, dog carts, etc. at Jan Van Vlieland.

"Wad to do" - What can you do in Vlieland?

Oost-Vlieland is the only village and is really picturesque!   Approaching over the blue sea with its countless sailing boats, Vlieland is also sometimes called "Vliebiza" because of the relaxed hippie-like island atmosphere. Particularly in the Dorpsstraat there are a lot of trendy restaurants and lifestyle shops, boutiques with brightly colored accessories, beach clothing and slippers.

Wadden excursion

The Wadden are something unique in the world! You cannot find this natural phenomenon anywhere else. So it is certainly advisable to go on a Wadden excursion to learn everything about it. The Wadden Sea is one of the largest tidal areas in the world. The entire area extends along approximately 500 kilometers of coastline from the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark. Since 2009 the area has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.   A Wadden excursion is an absolute highlight, but always go out with a guide because it is too dangerous to do this independently.

Explore the village and the lighthouse

Vlieland has only 1 village and approximately 1100 inhabitants. At the top of the Vuurboetsduin is the lighthouse of Vlieland, also known as the Red Gnome. It is the second highest dune in the Netherlands.

Vlielander cheese bunker

Taste the fully organic Vlieland cheese. You can find the Cheese Bunker next to the lighthouse. The face behind the creation of these special cheeses is Nils. Formerly a music teacher, now a full-time passionate cheese maker. He processes the Vlieland cheeses with, among other things, seaweed and lets them mature in this bunker. Recent studies have shown that seaweed can be the food of the future because it requires no agricultural land, no pesticides and no fresh drinking water. [gallery ids="2829,2831,2833"] In Vlieland you can also go on a seal excursion, enjoy yoga & wellness, horse riding, swimming, blokarting and kite surfing. For each his own. Take a look at www.wadtodo.nl for more inspiration.   

Spend the night in Vlieland

 

"Waking up among the trees, near the sea"

 

Boshuisjes Stortemelk

These cozy sustainable forest houses give you the ultimate feeling of tranquility. The houses are completely absorbed in the forest and at night you only hear the sound of the wind and the trees.  

Glamping

On the adjacent camping site, with beautiful sahara-colored tents, they strive to have all accommodation such as sanitary facilities and shops 50% supplied with energy that is generated by solar panels and heat boilers. Stortemelk received a golden label of Green Key.Sustainability at its best

Nice places to eat in Vlieland

Het Armhuis

This special restaurant can be found right next to the church and is the former diaconia house from 1632. It was a shelter for former sailors, later also shelter for needy, orphans and drowning people. The interior with small various rooms will surprise you and exudes stories about sea shipping. The ceiling is an old ship's hull, by the way.   In 2001 it was transformed into a restaurant and is famous in Vlieland and far beyond. It is run by Clara, a very smooth lady who gives you the warm feeling as if you are coming to eat with grandma. Clara is assisted by top chef in the kitchen and very friendly, slightly humorous waiter who excels as a sommelier. They work according to the principle of 'eating what the pot buys', freely translated, 'zero waste' with exclusively fresh and seasonal produce. Clara was, as it were, a visionary in the field of sustainability when, almost 20 years ago, she turned the Armhuis into a top restaurant.

't Badhuys

This beach pavilion can be found on the North Sea beach and perfect for a magical "sunset dinner". At the beach entrance there is ample parking space for bicycles + kiosk with free brown paper bags that bathers can take with them to deposit their waste. Keeping our beaches & oceans clean. I had a real "WAUW feeling" when I first stepped in at 't Badhuys. The industrial look with lots of black matte metal, large lamps with perfectly dimmed light and the tables made of raw wood complete the picture. You have a formidable view of the wide beach and sublime sunset. Everything exudes a lot of atmosphere and cosiness, you want to stay here! The food was great, everything very fresh, healthy with an eye for local products. We were allowed to taste, among other things, beautiful white wine from the Apostelhoeve de Müller-thurgau. You also get Earth Water here that invest in sustainable water systems.

LEUT

LEUT serves honest healthy products prepared with passion. The exuberant is a very cordial and spontaneous madame that makes you feel right at home.   Be sure to try the “Wake-up breakfast board together” (croissants, pistolets, nut and sourdough bread, chocolate mice, local cheese and jam from cranberry, ham, salicornia, etc.) " ["post_title"]=> string(54) "Vlieland: a hidden sustainable raw pearl close to home" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(53) "vlieland-a-hidden-sustainable-raw-pearl-close-to-home" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(53) " https://travelrebel.be/can-tourism-ever-be-terrible/" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-06-05 12:17:41" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-06-05 12:17:41" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=2744" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [19]=> object(WP_Post)#4020 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(2677) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2019-03-21 13:46:26" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-03-21 13:46:26" ["post_content"]=> string(17490) "At the end of our trip to one of the most enchanting places I’ve ever visited, all it took was a glance to reinforce the feeling of absolute coziness and contentment. At once, these words sprung to mind:

Das Glück is a bird. Die Zufriedenheit is sein Nest.

Simply translated, they mean: ‘Happiness is a bird. Satisfaction is his nest’.

  Kitzbühel was true enjoyment, extreme happiness, and a unique sense of satisfaction. Kitzbühel was also the tip of your nose freezing from the icy wind during a snowshoe hike, gourmet food by a fire, and the lovely warmth of the bright sun on your face on the terrace. In short, Kitzbühel was varied. Vastly varied. And also boasted some surprisingly fun and sustainable initiatives. Needless to say, a top destination for travel rebels. (Oh, by the way, the Kaiserschmarrn and schnitzels were scrumptious, but enough has been written about that!)   Alright, let’s start with some practical details.

How to get to Kitzbühel

  Kitzbühel is a beautiful and colorful village in Tyrol, Austria. The ski fanatics among you will certainly have heard of it because it has "the most spectacular downhill race in the world". Yup, you heard correctly, so more on that later for sure. Here are some options on how you can arrive at this little piece of heaven.

Train

  Taking the train means no traffic jams during busy holiday periods, no struggling with snow chains, and arriving at your destination nicely rested. You can take the train from practically everywhere in Europe to a bunch of major cities in Austria. There are several connections per day to Kitzbühel and most hotels are happy to pick you up at the station. A lot of the international express trains also stop in Kitzbühel. For more information on the Austrian Railways, click here. TIP: The landscapes along the way are truly stunning, so try to stay awake and take those in!

Car

  Many Belgians prefer to travel by car to the mountains. If you still have space in your car, consider picking up someone headed to the same destination. It would mean one less car on the road and might even result in very interesting conversations. Kitzbühel is pretty easy to reach and isn’t super high, so you don’t have to worry about crazy altitude and endless sharp turns. This is especially relevant for those parents who will also have children in the back seat. You could even opt for an electric car.

Plane

  Prefer the ease of a flight? If so, you can fly to Munich, Innsbruck, and Salzburg. Ask your hotel if it has an airport shuttle or simply jump on the train once you’ve arrived. There are also many shared or private minibuses from the airports to Kitzbühel. The train from Salzburg to Kitzbühel can be booked for as little as EUR 9. The journey takes between 2 and 2.5 hours. Innsbruck is approximately an hour's drive from Kitzbühel and the train will get you there in less than an hour. There are also dozens of trains a day from Munich to Kitzbühel. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BvOJi_1FcrW/?utm_source=ig_embed[/embed]

Kitzbühel for non-skiers

  As I said before, Kitzbühel is enormously varied. Even as a non-skier, you can have a lot of fun.

Torchlight hike

  I was immediately catapulted back to my years in the Chiro. As some know, I have been in a youth movement for many years and had the time of my life there. (For those outside of Belgium, Chiro is a kind of volunteer work with children. You work with a leadership team/crew to give children the best time: build camps, splatter around in the mud, assemble challenging games, and go on torchlight hikes.) [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BvAIhzfFAF9/?utm_source=ig_embed[/embed] For those of you who don’t know, a torchlight hike in the mountains is like a little bit of magic. Put on your moonboots and warm scarf, light that fire, and enjoy the snowflakes that swirl around you.   Every Friday evening there is a torchlight tour organized by Kitzbühel Tourismus. The meeting point is the tourist office of Kitzbühel (in the center, near the casino) and the time is 19:30 sharp. For EUR 10, inclusive of a hot drink, I’d say it’s a pretty good deal.

Snowshoe hiking

  You know what I’m talking about... those rocket shoes, right? I myself had never done it before and thought it would be super intensive. The image in my head had me falling on my face within two meters. Well, guess what? I only stumbled twice (and that, too, very gently) and there were no buckets of sweat. Snowshoe hiking is actually very relaxing. You can, of course, make it as intensive as you want, but the silence of the mountains, the soft creaking of the fresh snow, and the cadence of walking made me happy. Pure relaxation.   This is also a great activity when it snows quite hard in the mountains. Often, the situation isn’t ideal for skiing, but you can definitely go snowshoe hiking.   These snowshoe walks also depart from the tourist office on Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:45 sharp. The price is EUR 12. In the afternoon, there is also a kind of ‘taster’ snowshoe hike that leaves at 13:30 and costs only EUR 6.

A sunset hike or full moon hike

  Every Tuesday you can go on sunset hike, starting at about 15:00. The full moon hikes obviously just take place during a few exceptional moments. Just ask the tourist office at +43 5356 66660.

Curling and skating

  Apparently, you can go skating at both the Sportpark and Rasmushof and even try out curling. Click here for some great information on winter activities in Kitzbühel .

Museum visit

  In the city center you have the Sammlung Alfons Walde Museum. I found it super cool to get to know about the history of the town as well as the famous Hahnenkamm race. Often, there are often temporary exhibitions here as well.   Admission price: EUR 7 for adults and free for those under 18 years.

A legendary sports city in the Alps

  Kitzbühel is, above all else, a super cool destination for snowboarding and skiing. This pearl is without a doubt one of the most famous ski resorts in Austria and boasts some very famous mountains such as the Kitzbüheler Horn and the Hahnenkamm. The area has already won the prize of ‘Austria’s Best Ski Resort’ five times and even the ‘World’s Best Ski Resort’ once in 2015.   Kitzbühel has played a central role in the ski world for the last 125 years and is home to the most awesome downhill race in the world, the Hahnenkamm race.   This video will show you perfectly what going down the notorious Hahnenkamm is really like. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hq_wxQiJxz0&t=56s[/embed] Speaking of cool experiences, we also had the chance to go down on the ‘Legendary Streif’ with a guide. Technically, you can go ahead without a guide, but it’s  nice to hear the insane stories, especially those about the infamous Mausefalle, from a true top skier. We set out with Toby from the Skischule Jochberg Wagstätt and had a fantastic time. (Side note: I have also given some snowboarding lessons and am a fan of their method. They only give lessons to very small groups , both children and adults, with absolute top teachers. If you want to invest in your own skiing technique, do check them out.) [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BvI-DP1FUEO/?utm_source=ig_embed[/embed]   Kitzbühel has many blue pistes (about 106 kilometers), perfect for the novice skier. Also quite a lot of flat pieces, which make it a bit harder for the novice snowboarder. Furthermore, you can find 60 kilometers of red runs (medium difficulty level) and 19 kilometers of black runs (great for the more advanced among us). But, of course, the most fun can be had outside the pistes (please note that off-piste can be dangerous, so I encourage you not to do this without prior knowledge). Freestylers will really enjoy the Kitzbühel Snowpark. There are many kickers, boxes, special obstacles, rails and jibs. Something for everyone!  

Sustainable initiatives

We Respect Nature project

  Kitzski (the ski area of Kitzbühel) supports the We Respect Nature project. There are several areas marked with orange triangles on the map where you will see the parameters of this initiative. These are areas that are absolutely not accessible to people. Therefore, don’t even think of skiing or snowboarding off-piste here. The logic behind this is that it is crucial to have effectively shielded spaces for the true mountain dwellers -- the animals. If you start freestyling in these areas, you chase these creatures away and ruin their habitat. But don’t worry, there’s lots of enough space to go off-piste elsewhere.

Snow farming

  Excuse me, recycling of snow? If you’re perplexed, join the club… that was my initial reaction as well. Allow me to explain.   Kitzbühel wants to open early in the season (i.e. October), which is why the resort needs enough snow there and then. However, because there is often not enough snowfall in many areas, they recycle snow from last season.   How does that work exactly? Well, actually, it's pretty simple in theory. At the end of the season (April/May), they take the remaining snow to a snow depot and wrap it with a special kind of packaging to preserve it until the start of the new season. There’s minimal wastage of energy and water in this way, so I’m all for it!   So what do you think? Will you be visiting Kitzbühel soon? Do you know any cool sustainable initiatives in ski areas? I’d love to hear what you have to say! [gallery ids="2647,2641,2643,2645,2649,2651,2653,2655,2661,2659,2663,2657"]   Fan of Pinterest? These pins are here for you! " ["post_title"]=> string(90) "Kitzbühel, more than Kaiserschmarrn & Schnitzels. Sustainability projects & things to do." ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(82) "kitzbuhel-more-than-kaiserschmarrn-schnitzels-sustainability-projects-things-to-do" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(55) " https://travelrebel.be/are-you-a-sustainable-traveler/" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-05-23 15:41:08" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-05-23 15:41:08" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=2677" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "1" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [20]=> object(WP_Post)#4021 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(2609) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2019-03-18 10:38:15" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-03-18 10:38:15" ["post_content"]=> string(18791) "I entered 2019 with a vow to myself, I would explore and travel to more countries. And during the first month, I was able to do my first out of the country trip for the year. And guess where I went? Well, the place is considered as one of the world’s hidden paradise. Not lost, because it had always been there. Hidden, yes, because it hasn't never been discovered yet by a lot of travel enthusiast. Which served a good advantage for me, because I was one of those few who was able to set an eye on this hidden gem. São Tomé e Principe is Africa's second-smallest two-island nation, and São Tomé city is the capital. This place will welcome you with tropical natural parks, which I know eco-tourists would surely desire to explore. And beaches are extremely calm! But there’s also one thing that I got the chance to do and I’ll tell you later! [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs-Ed39lRrl/[/embed]

Getting There

Tap Air Portugal is one of the only airlines currently flying to São Tomé. Three days a week – Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. (If you keep checking Google Flights, Skyscanner, and other search engines to book way in advance, you’ll end up with good rates.) It's an eight-hour flight from Lisbon which isn't that bad. I watched some movies but you can also either read a book or catch up on some sleep) and before I know it, I was already in paradise. The airport is super small and I was hit by the tropical temperatures as soon as I disembark. But I took it all in my stride. As the African flow engulfed me, everything slowed down, including airport formalities. (Here’s a tip of advice: be patient and try to enjoy the mellowness that can only be found away from crazy Western cities!) The drive from the airport to the city is just five to ten minutes long. As of now, São Tomé just has around 29,000 tourists a year, and that’s how I ended up exploring a non-touristy haven unlike any other! And then I realized that it was the pristineness and authenticity I rally for constantly!

Excellent places to stay at São Tomé

As any season travelers will tell you, lodgings make a big difference. It's not about luxury or comfort. It's about finding a place that gives you a sense of belonging. And São Tomé, being a pristine paradise where you can breathe, relax and rest, has it all. Here’s the list of hotels and lodgings where I stayed at.

Omali Lodge

Omali Lodge is a magical place. And I'm not exaggerating when I say that I immediately felt at home. I was welcomed with a detox juice which was badly needed after such a long journey. With just 30 rooms available, this elegant boutique hotel is not only stunning but also eco-conscious. The perfect combination of all those sustainable travel enthusiasts! According to their philosophy, their team works hard to adhere to the values of ‘responsible tourism’ and reduce their carbon footprint. They aim to have a positive and sustainable impact on the island of São Tomé by promoting good environmental practices. And I can attest to this –  all these efforts are so organic and integrated that it’s a pleasure being amidst it all. They actively try to put forth energy efficient practices and mesh the experience of guests with the social and cultural fabric of the local community. It’s the little stuff like that that made my stay at Omali Lodge unforgettable.

Pestana Equador

I normally don’t support international hotel groups and prefer to stay in locally-owned hotels. However, one of the highlights of my Sao Tome trip is to enjoy the Ilheu das Rolas (a small island on the equator), and yes, I would definitely recommend spending a night in Pestana Equador. There, I did get all the relaxation I need, along with every opportunity to fully enjoy the tiny island. And, here’s one more reason why staying at Pestana Equador is all worth it. Do note that the Pestana Group is actively involved in a myriad of sustainability efforts. It prides itself as an organization of people who deeply respect the environment, the locals, and corporate ethics. The group regularly spearheads educational initiatives and campaigns in various locations that help local communities grow. There are also initiatives to reduce the use of non-renewable resources, biodiversity preservation efforts, and programmes for social inclusion of minority groups in various societies. And oh, eight Pestana hotels have been awarded the prestigious Green Key, a certification that distinguishes hotels that promote sustainable tourism. Awesome right? Totally! My love for sustainability had never been left on the background.

Mucumbli

At Mucumbli, in Pont Figo (north of the island), you can either rent a bungalow (for around EUR 80), rent a tent (for EUR 20), or set up your own tent. Mucumbli is the perfect spot in the north to start your 1-4 days hike, go mountain biking, enjoy a day at the black beach, or simply to take a boat to the south. The restaurant here offers wonderful food and even more incredible views of the lush green landscape. If real tranquility is what you seek, this is an experience you simply cannot miss!

São Tomé Food Heaven!

I've said it once and I'll say it again – São Tomé is the greenest place I've ever been to, lusher than my wildest imagination. It also boasts waters that are the bluest of blue. So, on such a fertile island, it only makes sense that there's an abundance of vegetable, fruit, and seafood. Vegetarians (and even vegans) will delight in the variety of plant-based food items on offer here. Similarly, those with a liking of seafood will certainly not be disappointed. And if you are a meat eater? Don’t worry, you’ll find your fuel too! And oh, many restaurants offer foreign cuisine as well, so if an Italian food craving strikes, you can find spaghetti bolognese and pizza with ease. But you know me, I prefer to eat what the locals eat as much as possible. For me, that’s a huge part of truly exploring a land. And in the limited time I spent on the island, I was able to try an impressive number of places – this fact in itself is a testament to the quality of food in São Tomé! Here’s a quick round-up of some of my fave places in the city.

Cacau

If you happen to be in the city on a Thursday evening, head over to Cacau, where you’ll find live dancing and music, along with mouth-watering food. They have a fantastic buffet with local dishes, lots of fish, plantain, flavorful vegetables. Did I already mention how São Tomé is the perfect destination for vegetarians? It was here that I tried passion fruit mousse with fresh fruit for the first time and I was blown away.

Camões

Another gem is Camões, a fantastic and rather small restaurant that has incredibly good food. Try the oven dish with fish. Yum! The stuff of dreams!

Papa Figo

If you’re scouring the area for finger-licking local food, Papa Figo is a must. It’s bustling most of the time, but that’s always a good sign, right?

Dona Tété

And although it’s almost impossible having favorites here, Dona Tété would definitely make it to my top three picks (if not the first). This place doesn’t have menus (yup, you heard that right), just super fresh food daily and you gobble up whatever the cook serves. The variety of items in the shared plates is crazy. I honestly don’t think anyone can actually finish the amount of food they give! Since it’s not right next to the main streets, you might have a tiny bit of trouble finding it. But Google Maps to the rescue!

Restaurante Casa Museu Almada

If you’re after something a bit different, Restaurante Casa Museu Almada serves to taste lunches. Enjoy several plates of local food that lives up to the highest standards. Bonus points for the welcoming atmosphere. The place also boasts a fantastic view and the terrace is dotted with beautiful, colorful flowers. Here, too, you don't have to deal with the confusion of picking from a menu. The yummy plates will just keep arriving… and each plate will make you more and more content. This is also one of the few places where you'll definitely bump into a few other travelers.

São João de Angolares

It is in the stunning town of São João De Angolares, on the east coast of São Tomé island, that I had the best meal of my life. Nothing, absolutely nothing, can compare to Roça São João. Let’s just say I’ve been to a lot of places – from Michelin starred restaurants to famous street food markets in Asia. I’m not a crazy foodie, but I do enjoy the experience of good food with a variety of tastes and textures. And this has been my very best culinary experience until now. Why? The local food is extremely fresh and you can actually touch it as you see the chefs cooking live. The views of the lush greenery and the sparkling ocean are magnificent. It all starts with an awesome tasting experience as they prepare your taste buds. You chew fresh cocoa, a single strand of fresh pepper, fresh ginger, and some strong local chocolate. What a rollercoaster, no? All this is washed down with some divine Portuguese wine. And then, dish after dish comes out to blow you away. Around 14 dishes will cost you EUR25 and it is SO WORTH IT. Many of the dishes take hours to cook, so it’s only fair to take your time and savor each bite when you sit down to eat. Savor. Sense. Sit back and enjoy. When in São Tomé, it would be a travesty to not try the national dish, calulu. This dried smoked fish is cooked in a luxurious soup with a motley of herbs and vegetables. It is also a perfect example of the slow cooking this island champions and takes around eight hours to prepare. Many places serve it, so I doubt you’ll have trouble ordering a bowl or two. Ah, who can forget those delectable and tantalizing flavors? Certainly not me!  

São Tomé and my Unforgettable Memories

Merely five minutes after I checked in at Pestana Equador, just as I was putting my suitcase in my room, a staff member enthusiastically ran towards me and asked if I "wanted to see a small turtle". Any guesses to what my answer was? Grinning from ear to ear, I said yes and was led to not one, but more than 30 baby turtles that were just around 5o days old being released into the ocean as the sun starts to set. What an experience! I get to hold one baby turtle in my hand and it was so beautiful that I can't resist but let him stay on my palm for a few minutes. And I experienced firsthand how the locals truly care about the well-being of those ocean creatures and it was one of the most humbling experience I have so far. As a sustainable traveler, it really felt good to be seeing individuals who put forth an effort to maintain the balance of our ecosystem! The morning after, I went on a private boat trip around the island at 6 am. The things I saw truly blew my mind: fantastic beaches, small geysers and the bluest of blue water! Truly, I’ve never seen such staggering vistas. Oh, another crucial detail: NO TOURISTS. And there, I must reiterate: how I wish I could protect São Tomé as a little piece of heaven forever! Regular, irresponsible tourism is bound to ruin it all. But If tourism grows sustainably, the citizens will stay happy, there will be better job opportunities, and the fantastic nature will be preserved. What a win-win situation!  

‘Leve, Leve’

If you're looking for a place to breathe and just take your time and not rush in doing things, São Tomé is perfect for you. ‘Leve, leve’, the Sӓotomeans said. It was not until I get to know the culture and the locals, and experience the beauty of this paradise, that I grasp the true meaning of those words. ‘Easy, easy.’ That’s their common motto. And you can see it on how they do their daily life activities. No rush, just easy. No tension, just happy. São Tomé – a place where each sense is evoked in the best way possible, a place where you remember to breathe, a place where you can feel life emanating from within. Oh, what an experience. Surely, I’ll come back with more enthusiasm to explore this hidden beautiful world.    " ["post_title"]=> string(43) "Exploring the Hidden Paradise of São Tomé" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(41) "exploring-the-hidden-paradise-of-sao-tome" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(91) "https://travelrebel.be/a-year-in-reverse/ https://travelrebel.be/where-to-stay-in-sao-tome/" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-03-22 09:55:46" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-03-22 09:55:46" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=2609" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "1" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [21]=> object(WP_Post)#4022 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(2489) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2019-02-21 19:23:04" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-02-21 19:23:04" ["post_content"]=> string(13446) "São Tomé – a place where each sense is evoked in the best way possible, a place where you remember to breathe, a place where you can feel life emanating from within. The motto of Santomeans is leve leve, which loosely translates to ‘easy, easy’, and it gently seeps into everything they do – including what and how they eat. Yes, food is a large part of the São Tomé experience. On this island, it’s almost an art. After a few tantalizing and unhurried meals, visitors too begin to grasp the true meaning of leve leve. With each delicious morsel, they begin to shed their uptightness, their big world tension, and their rush.  

It’s São Tomé , after all. Nothing should ever be rushed… especially a meal.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BuCIxK3FBHT/[/embed]

A haven for vegetarians and pescatarians

  I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again – São Tomé is the greenest place I’ve ever been to, more lush than my wildest imagination. It also boasts waters that are the bluest of blue. So, on such a fertile island, it only makes sense that there’s an abundance of vegetable, fruit and seafood. Vegetarians (and even vegans) will delight in the variety of plant-based food items on offer here. Similarly, those with a liking to seafood will certainly not be disappointed. (Are you a meat eater? Don’t worry, you’ll find your fuel too, although meat is more expensive here so the locals don’t indulge in it daily.)   Oh, and many restaurants offer foreign cuisine as well, so if an Italian food craving strikes, you can find spaghetti bolognese and pizza with ease. But you know me, I prefer to eat what the locals eat as much as possible. For me, that’s a huge part of truly exploring a land.

In São Tomé City

  In the limited time I spent on the island, I was able to try an impressive number of places – this fact in itself is a testament to the quality of food in São Tomé! Here’s a quick round-up of some of my fave places in the city.   If you happen to be in the city on a Thursday evening, head over to Cacau where you’ll find live dancing and music, along with mouth-watering food. They have a fantastic buffet with local dishes, lots of fish, plantain, flavorful vegetables… did I already mention how São Tomé is the perfect destination for vegetarians? It was here that I tried passion fruit mousse with fresh fruit for the first time and I was blown away. Another gem is Camões, a fantastic and rather small restaurant that has incredibly good food. Try the oven dish with fish. Yum… the stuff of dreams! Speaking of fish, Embaixada de Sabores is great, too. Pescatarians, take note! I think they have pizza as well (and an impressive 5/5 rating on their page).   If you’re scouring the area for finger-licking local food, Papa Figo is a must. It’s bustling most of the time, but that’s always a good sign, right? And although it’s almost  impossible having favorites here, Dona Tété would definitely make it to my top three picks (if not the first). This place doesn’t have menus (yup, you heard that right), just super fresh food daily and you gobble up whatever the cook serves. The variety of items in the shared plates is crazy. I honestly don’t think anyone can actually finish the amount of food they give! Since it’s not right next to the main streets, you might have a tiny bit of trouble finding it… but Google Maps to the rescue!   O Pirata is another brilliant restaurant that will leave you satiated and happy. Oh, it turns into a discotheque at night!   If you’re after something a bit different, Restaurante Casa Museu Almada serves tasting lunches. Enjoy several plates of local food that lives up to the highest standards. Bonus points for the welcoming atmosphere. The place also boasts a fantastic view and the terrace is dotted with beautiful, colorful flowers. Here, too, you don’t have to deal with the confusion of picking from a menu. The yummy plates will just keep arriving… and each plate will make you more and more content. This is also one of the few places where you’ll definitely bump into a few other travelers. [gallery size="large" ids="2517,2519,2521"] [gallery size="large" ids="2523,2525,2527"]  

On the way to the South

It is in the stunning town of São João De Angolares, on the east coast of São Tomé island,  that I had the best meal of my life. Nothing, absolutely nothing, can compare to Roça São João. Let’s just say I’ve been to a lot of places – from Michelin starred restaurants to famous street food markets in Asia. I’m not a crazy foodie, but I do enjoy the experience of good food with a variety of tastes and textures. And this has been my very best culinary experience until now.   Why? The local food is extremely fresh, you can actually touch it as you see the chefs cooking live. The views of the lush greenery and the sparkling ocean are magnificent. It all starts with an awesome tasting experience as they prepare your taste buds. You chew fresh cocoa, a single strand of fresh pepper, fresh ginger and some strong local chocolate… what a rollercoaster, no? All this is washed down with some divine Portuguese wine. And then, dish after dish comes out to blow you away. Around 14 dishes will cost you EUR25 and it is SO WORTH IT. [gallery size="large" ids="2535,2537,2539"] The restaurant is owned by celebrity cook Joao Carlos Silva, born and raised on São Tomé’s plantations, and all the cooks from the local village are trained within the premises. Silva is a world-renowned chef who also has his cooking programme and is quite a star when it comes to São Tomean culture. His belief – that the” slow, simple pleasures [of life] filter into the nation’s cuisine” – is fully manifested at this restaurant. Many of the dishes take hours to cook, so it’s only fair to take your time and savour each bite when you sit down to eat. Savour. Sense. Sit back and enjoy. [gallery size="large" ids="2541,2543,2545"]  

Unmissable staple

  When in São Tomé, it would be a travesty to not try the national dish, calulu. This dried smoked fish is cooked in a luxurious soup with a motley of herbs and vegetables. It is also a perfect example of the slow cooking this island champions and takes around eight hours to prepare. Many places serve it, so I doubt you’ll have trouble ordering a bowl or two.   And that’s all for the day. Just writing about all these delicious experiences has me longing for another trip to São Tomé soon… who can forget those delectable and tantalizing flavours? Certainly not me! v  " ["post_title"]=> string(26) "WHERE TO EAT IN SÃO TOMÉ" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(24) "where-to-eat-in-sao-tome" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-02-21 19:51:30" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-02-21 19:51:30" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=2489" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "2" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [22]=> object(WP_Post)#4023 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(2421) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2019-02-20 13:45:10" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-02-20 13:45:10" ["post_content"]=> string(7829) "The new year calls for new journeys. But which destinations are a must during the next 12 months? Travel blogger Charlotte Noël shares with you six fun travel trends! Originally published on A.S. Adventure

1. Sustainability as a standard

According to Charlotte, sustainability is not so much a trend, but the norm for all trips she undertakes. As the face behind TravelRebel.be, she believes that she, along with all other influencers, has the strength to put a positive stamp on the sector.

“I do not see myself as an eco-warrior, but as an ethically sustainable adventurer,” she says. “The United Nations Environment Program showed that barely half of every $100 a tourist spends stays in the local economy. ”

Charlotte is convinced that every traveler can put his or her share of goodness in the bag. Among other things, using as little plastic as possible at the local destination can help immensely. “Say no to plastic straws and bring your own version,” she suggests. “Choose travel clothing made from sustainable materials or recycled PET. And, above all,  carry your own drinking bottle instead of buying plastic bottles from the store! We have to change now if we want the next generation to also get the chance to explore this inspiring globe.”  

 "We have to change now if we want the next generation to also get the chance to explore this inspiring globe.”

2. Trending countries

The big question that haunts many minds: what are we going to attract in 2019? Charlotte speaks from her own experience when she pushes Nicaragua forward. “Due to the political situation, the country experienced a huge decline in tourism,” she explains. “But do not let that stop you: the bright blue water and untouched nature makes this an indescribably beautiful and pleasant place to visit. Another destination that will soon to gain importance is São Tomé and Principe on the west coast of Africa. It is a green pearl that is also mentioned in the top 10 destinations of Lonely Planet. In the same list you also find Belize –  a must for backpackers who are looking for the Central American feel!” [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BrTGiUEFEAn/[/embed] [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BtB0OzDlzrc/[/embed]  

3. Trending city trips

Admittedly, we all also have a penchant for city trips. Charlotte states that Marrakesh is currently very popular, and this will not change any time soon. “I was there three weeks ago, and I really enjoyed the lively souks, medina and delicious hammam,” she says. Furthermore, there are also a number of European destinations on the wish list of the modern traveler. Charlotte recommends Copenhagen, which boasts top restaurant Noma, as the cream of the crop. “A must for the winter,” she exclaims. Wrapped in thick scarves and hats, the cosiness of this Danish capital blanketed under a layer of snow and dotted with trendy tea and coffee shops, makes Copenhagen a topper. But let's not forget Berlin: “I lived there for a while, so I can wholeheartedly encourage everyone to live there as a local. Only then will you really feel that unique vibe that prevails there.”

4. Traveling with a camper

Curious about a new kind of travel? Who knows, maybe a trip with the camper is something for you. Although Charlotte tried this out while traveling through France, Spain and Portugal, you can also do a motorhome trip outside Europe. "New Zealand, West America and Canada are the perfect destinations for such a motorhome experience,” confirms Charlotte. “It gives you endless freedom to travel at your own pace and you become completely at one with nature.”

5. Parent-child journeys

Want to bond with your son or daughter (or with your mum or your dad)? Parent-child journeys are gaining popularity and are ideal for a good dose of quality family time! “Such experiences guarantee memories that nobody will ever take away from you,” says Charlotte. "I try to do trips with my mother as often as I can, or I go motorcycling or snowboarding with my father. A must!”

6. Nano trips

The most ‘it’ trend of 2019: nano trips. These are very short trips that you can take close to home, or just a bit further away. A theater evening with a hotel stay after which you explore a new city is a good example. “Perfect for those who think they do not have time for major journeys. A sense of adventure is just as important in a small trip,” concludes Charlotte.

"Urgently want more adventure in your life, but no time or money to make all your travel plans come true? Then venture into a micro adventure, ideal to break the rut!"

" ["post_title"]=> string(130) "What are the travel trends of 2019? Here are some tips from travel blogger Charlotte Noël - A.S. Adventure interviews TravelRebel" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(125) "what-are-the-travel-trends-of-2019-here-are-some-tips-from-travel-blogger-charlotte-noel-a-s-adventure-interviews-travelrebel" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(133) "https://travelrebel.be/an-open-mind-an-open-book/ https://travelrebel.be/social-media-influencers-nd-their-link-to-women-empowerment/" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-02-20 14:12:59" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-02-20 14:12:59" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=2421" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "3" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [23]=> object(WP_Post)#4024 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(2405) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2019-02-12 18:16:46" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-02-12 18:16:46" ["post_content"]=> string(15023) "São Tomé – what an incredible experience, and made even better by the excellent places I stayed at. As any seasoned traveller will tell you, lodgings make a big difference. It’s not about luxury or comfort… it’s about finding a place that gives you a sense of belonging.   So, if you’re planning your own adventure to a place that has shunned over tourism until now, read on to find out more about some great accommodations in Sao Tome – a pristine paradise where you can rest, relax and recharge.

Omali Lodge

  After a long flight, I like to stay at hotels that are somewhat luxurious… I mean, have to recuperate, right? Luckily, I spent my first night in Sao Tome at the absolutely incredible Omali Lodge.   Their shuttle bus conveniently picked me up from the airport and after a quick 10 minute ride, we arrived. (If you’re on a budget, here’s a tip: take one of the small, yellow buses that will take you from the airport to the capital city for about 24.5 dobras –  that’s just around EUR 1! And don’t worry, euros are widely accepted.) Omali Lodge is a magical place and I’m not exaggerating when I say that I immediately felt at home. I was welcomed with a detox juice which was a delicious godsend after such a long journey. With just 30 rooms available, this elegant boutique hotel is not only stunning but also eco conscious… the perfect combination for all those sustainable travel enthusiasts! According to their philosophy, their team works hard to adhere to the values of ‘responsible tourism’ and reduce their carbon footprint. They aim to have a positive and sustainable impact on the island of Sao Tome by promoting good environmental practices. And I can attest to this –  all these efforts are so organic and integrated that it’s a pleasure being amidst it all. They actively try to put forth energy efficient practices and mesh the experience of guests with the social and cultural fabric of the local community.   Don’t believe me when I say these efforts are wide-ranging and integrated? Just take a look at these trash bins, which I LOVED!   They also encourage you to use your own bottles in the gym: It’s the little stuff like this that made staying at Omali an unforgettable experience.  

Pestana Equador

  As you know, I normally don’t support international hotel groups and prefer to stay in locally-owned hotels. However, if you want to enjoy the Ilheu das Rolas (a small island on the equator), I would definitely recommend that you spend a night in Pestana Equador. Here, you will get all the relaxation you need, along with every opportunity to fully enjoy this tiny island.   Merely five minutes after I checked in, just as I was putting my suitcase in my room, a staff member enthusiastically ran towards me and asked if I “wanted to see a small turtle”. Any guesses to what my answer was?  Grinning from ear to ear, I said yes and was led to not one, but more than 30 baby turtles that were just around 5o days old being released into the ocean as the sun set. What an experience! The morning after, I went on a private boat trip around the island at 6 am. The things I saw truly blew my mind: fantastic beaches, small geysers and the bluest of bluest of blue water! Truly, I’ve never seen such staggerings vistas. Oh, another crucial detail: NO TOURISTS. And here, I must reiterate: how I wish I could protect this little piece of heaven forever! Regular, irresponsible tourism is bound to ruin it all. But If tourism grows sustainably, the citizens will stay happy, there will be better job opportunities, and the fantastic nature will be preserved. What a win-win situation! [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BtB0OzDlzrc/[/embed]   After the boat trip, I enjoyed the hotel’s scrumptious breakfast buffet while doing some work and then went on a walking excursion around the island with some other travellers from Portugal. We discovered all kinds of fruits along the way, interacted with small communities, and even saw the exact equator! Needless to say, I really enjoyed every moment at the Pestana hotels in Sao Tome City (both Miramar and Sao Tome). Although I definitely preferred the beautiful view of Pestana Sao Tome, the services were splendid everywhere. And, before you think I’m putting my love for sustainable travel in the background, do note that the Pestana Group is actively involved in a myriad of sustainability efforts. It prides itself as an organization of people who deeply respect the environment, the locals, and corporate ethics. The group regularly spearheads educational initiatives and campaigns in various locations that help local communities grow. There are also initiatives to reduce the use of non-renewable resources, biodiversity preservation efforts, and programmes for social inclusion of minority groups in various societies. Oh,  and eight Pestana hotels have been awarded prestigious the Green Key, a certification that distinguishes hotels that promote sustainable tourism.   Absolutely awesome, right? So, what are you waiting for? If you’re interested in staying at one of the Pestana hotels, click here and get 10% off!

Ecolodge Praia Inhame

  If you’re going to the south of the Island, another good accommodation option is the Ecolodge Praia Inhame. They offer surfing lessons, scuba diving, mountain hiking and so much more. Because it’s an ecolodge, this experience will definitely be more raw… and, trust me, you’ll learn so much more!  

Budget options

  On a strict budget? Sleep at the Sao Pedro Guesthouse in Sao Tome city. They have spacious rooms, great bathrooms and air conditioning. Moreover, they also have a poor and bar! For more information, contact them at geral.sp.guesthouse@gmail.com.   Another place I loved was the Sweet Guesthouse in Sao Tome city. The general vibe here was fantastic. They have common rooms, such as an outside terrace where you can read a book, a television room and a spacious kitchen where you can cook your own meal. Incredibly friendly staff members (bonus: their English is great!). Use my Booking.com link and get 10% off!

Camp away!

At Mucumbli, in Pont Figo (north of the island), you can either rent a bungalow (for around EUR 80), rent a tent (for EUR 20), or set up your own tent. Mucumbli is the perfect spot in the north to start your 1-4 day hike, go mountain biking, enjoy a day at the black beach, or simply to take a boat to the south. The restaurant here offers wonderful food and even more incredible views of the lush green landscape and clear waters. If real tranquility is what you seek, this is an experience you simply cannot miss! So this was my round-up of some lodging options in Sao Tome that are definitely worth checking out. And now that accommodation research is out of the way, you can concentrate on more things… such as all the fun activities you can partake in when you get here! Happy traveling! " ["post_title"]=> string(25) "WHERE TO STAY IN SAO TOME" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(25) "where-to-stay-in-sao-tome" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(90) " https://travelrebel.be/practical-guide-what-you-should-know-before-traveling-to-sao-tome/" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-02-21 19:09:53" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-02-21 19:09:53" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=2405" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "2" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [24]=> object(WP_Post)#4025 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(2341) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2019-01-27 11:30:21" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-01-27 11:30:21" ["post_content"]=> string(9632) "  Dreaming of a trip to the absolutely magnificent São Tomé? Here are some important bits of information that will make planning a cinch. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs-Ed39lRrl/[/embed]

How to get there

Try to combine this journey with a city trip to Lisbon because Tap Air Portugal is one of the only airlines currently flying to  Sao Tomé. There are three flights a week (on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday). If you keep checking Google Flights, Skyscanner and other such search engines to book way in advance, you’ll end up with good rates. It’s an eight-hour flight from Lisbon which isn’t that bad honestly. Watch some movies (on your laptop, phone,..because there are no screens on the plane), read a book or catch up on some sleep… and you’ll be in paradise before you know it In my opinion, a one-week to two-week long stay is perfect (just a couple of days definitely won’t be enough). If you’re staying in Sao Tomé and Principe for less than 15 days, you won’t even need a visa. Yay, no visa costs!

You should know that...

  The airport is super small and you’ll be hit by the tropical temperatures as soon as you disembark. Take it all in your stride. The African flow will soon engulf you and everything will slow down, including airport formalities. Be patient and try to enjoy the mellowness that can only be found away from crazy Western cities. The drive from the airport to the city is just five to ten minutes long. As of now,  Sao Tomé just has around 29,000 tourists a year, and this means you will get to experience a non-touristy haven unlike any other. When you get there, you’ll realize that this is the pristineness and authenticity I rally for constantly! Be prepared to pay a tourism tax in all hotels… but don’t worry, it’s merely EUR 3 a day. Oh, you also don’t need any special vaccinations anymore. Before you had to have the yellow fever vaccination beforehand and hand over the proof, but that isn’t needed any longer. I didn’t even take malaria pills with me because the risk of malaria has significantly lowered in the last couple of years.   The dry season is June, July and August (sometimes September) and apparently temperatures average around 23 degrees then. During my trip, it was 27 to 30 degrees and only rained once for ten minutes. But it was pretty cloudy, especially in the south. Don’t forget:  

• You need to carry your international passport (duh!)
• Electricity plugs are the same as Europe, so no need to lug converters around
• One euro = 24.5 dobras (but euros are widely accepted)
• You should buy a local SIM card of CST in the city (I paid around EURO 12 for a data-only 3 GB SIM card)
• September to March is turtle season (aka the best season ever! This is the turtle island and engrossed in active protection and conservation efforts… there are more than five turtle centres here)
• Sao Tome isn’t that cheap of a destination and the prices are similar to Europe
• If you camp, reside in guest houses (for aro   und EUR 30-40 a night) and eat in cheaper restaurants, it is possible to stay on a budget

Some last-minute pointers

  The roads are pretty good for self drives, so take advantage of that. What better way to explore fully? It’s a small island (roughly 150 km) and you’ll find gas stations in every ‘big’ city. Keep in mind, though, that gas isn’t cheap. Try to remember some key words (gasolina = fuel, gasoleo = diesel) for a smoother experience.    You do need a 4X4 to get everywhere, especially down to the beaches. Download the offline map on Google Maps to make your life a lot easier. Oh, also, there are a ton of land crabs on the road during the night. And, of course, drive safely and slowly… no need to speed crazily. Above all else, just make sure to land with an open mind and heart. Imbibe in the culture, cuisine and scenic beauty. Interact with the lovely locals. You’ll be a better person for it… I know I am. " ["post_title"]=> string(68) "Practical Guide: What You Should Know Before Traveling to São Tomé" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(65) "practical-guide-what-you-should-know-before-traveling-to-sao-tome" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(73) " https://travelrebel.be/how-to-keep-your-health-in-check-while-traveling/" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-02-21 10:06:46" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-02-21 10:06:46" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=2341" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "2" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [25]=> object(WP_Post)#4026 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(2226) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2019-01-02 19:27:57" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-01-02 19:27:57" ["post_content"]=> string(15596) "

An adventure that merged travel, sustainability and social entrepreneurship

As the first part of this blog made clear, my trip to Africa was chock full of adventure, excitement, brilliant human interactions, animal encounters, and a ton of growth opportunities. This blog recounts all that happened after part one ended. Enjoy! [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BpHqAuPHQWh/[/embed]

Change is in the offing

  The morning after observing the amazing traditional dance, I awoke at 5:30 am and instantly went into Ninja mode again. Hold on, hold on, I’m not crazy… there was a good reason for it: a scorpion in my bathroom! Managed to remove the little bugger, showered and then set off for some more exploring in the Land Cruiser.   This particular game drive allowed us to observe giraffes, elephants, water buffaloes, kudus, deer, impalas and even an extremely poisonous black mamba from up close. We even got a flat tire in the middle of the bush. Perfect timing, am I right? Yikes. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BppYvuIF__U/[/embed]   At 8 am, we enjoyed another fantastic breakfast at Kivuli Camp and then returned to the offices of Wildlife Works and Hadithi.   This time around, we met Monica Makori from Zawadisha, an organization that gives micro loans to women. They aim to ‘improve women’s lives one loan at a time’. As you all know, I’m a big advocate of female entrepreneurship and women empowerment, so this project is very close to my heart. According to Zawadisha, their program is ‘not charity, it’s change’. I wholeheartedly agree! Oh, and take a note of this: in Kenya, the interest on a loan is usually around 22%, but Zawadisha doesn't charge any interest on the loans. All they charge is a 10% one-time fee to cover cost of deliveries and administrative costs, and regardless of the time it takes women to pay the loan back, the amount they repay stays the same. Today, there are over 1800 women benefiting from it. Previously, they tried the system with men but that failed completely. Men felt no urgency to repay the money, but with women, it has been more successful. Zawadisha also has free monthly sessions on topics such as how to start your business, how to manage debt, how to be a good entrepreneur, etc.

So why is Zawadisha, and other similar programs, so important? Well, 80% of Kenyans are illiterate. Many are drop-outs from school, boda boda drivers, or caught in the cycle of young pregnancies. Change is certainly needed.

So change is needed. People need to be taught how to use solar lights, water tanks and such things to build a business. For instance, charging neighbors 20 shilling for a phone call is already something. Or maintaining chicken and making yoghurt and soap can also bring in some income.

Other great initiatives

  Another initiative that we talked at length about, and one that I fell in love with, is Pink Panther. It’s all about women engaging in the motorcycle business. So you see, women entrepreneurship can take all sorts of different shapes.  By empowering women in a community, you can reduce incest, drop-out rate, pregnancies, gender violence, and so many other social evils. You see women entrepreneurship can take all different forms. Glow (Girls Leading Our World) also tackles these issues through workshops and awareness building exercises.   Some issues I came to learn about during this trip really shook me to my core. For instance, it is forbidden by religion to masturbate, but it’s somewhat common to rape young kids and goats. So, when it comes to self-pleasure which won’t harm anyone, they fear God, but not when it comes to harming other people/animals.   Furthermore, menstruation is still considered something dirty. Young girls often don’t go to school because they feel ashamed. They are bullied for being ‘dirty’ and ‘unclean’. They also  have no access to basic necessities such as sanitary towels. This is where ASOS.com stepped up.   The Asos Foundation, funded by ASOS.com, has its own workshop at the offices of Wildlife Works. I was surprised to see a retail/fashion studio working inside. Needless to say, this also made me uncomfortable, because I immediately started thinking of how we all contribute to mass consumption but do not dwell on labor ramifications of this. Quite thought-provoking.   (In this vein, if you’re interested in shopping more consciously, take a look at what brands the leading sustainable fashion blogger in Belgium has endorsed.)   Luckily, however, this ASOS workshop falls under the umbrella of fair fashion & the staff gets breakfast and lunch at work. ASOS uses scrap fabric to make sanitary napkins and keep Kenyan girls in school. And their efforts aren’t just limited to Kenya. The foundation, working under the banner of ‘fashion with integrity’, helps disadvantaged young people in India and the UK as well. We also visited the soap factory of Wildlife Works. These soaps are more small-scale and artisanal rather than industry sized. Production is very limited.They are made from only natural products and packed in small Hadithi baskets, cut glass bottles (reuse for the win!), or paper packages made from elephant poop. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BpZ7HeXnGoV/[/embed]

The world within Wildlife Works

There’s so much to Wildlife Works, including a nursery for children. It was so cool dropping by there. The kids are two to five years old and learn all sorts of things, from counting to geometry. [gallery columns="4" ids="2236,2238,2242,2244"] We also visited the green house. They grow their own native trees here, and seeds are sold to the locals. The locals learn to grow themselves. According to many accounts, many of their plants have grown sufficiently (and have not been eaten by elephants who like to devour young plants).  So, in other words, it’s an organic farming workshop in a nutshell. [gallery columns="2" ids="2248,2246"]   We also visited Marasi, a primary school with 690 students, 110 young children and 19 teachers. Wildlife Works donated funds to renovate (or build from scratch) the buildings. The children, decked  in green and yellow uniforms, were very enthusiastic to see us and took so many pictures! Heartwarming indeed. [gallery ids="2254,2252,2250"] Another fact: the state only pays the wages of the teachers in proportion to the number of physical classrooms. So it is parents who have to pay teachers who are not paid by the state. Sometimes there are 70 children in one classroom! Next came Marungu, a secondary school with 245 students up to 18 years of age and decked in brown and white uniforms. Wildlife Works helped with the construction of the classrooms. Along with the basics, pupils here are taught about environmental degradation, diseases and the economy.

Authentic homestay

  In the evening, Mathias and I left for our homestay with the Mercy’s family. We stepped into a little car with another eight people and headed to meet Mercy and her parents.  On the way, blanketed by the pitch darkness, we talked about relationships, religion, and other intense stuff. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Mercy’s mother with hot chai tea (lots of milk and sugar) and then introduced to every member of the family. We talked at length about the Hadithi baskets, because these baskets are also woven in this family as this ensures good income.   Afterwards, we helped with cooking. The kitchen was in a separate mud hut with a straw roof. There were two fire pits stocked with wood. Of course, the smoke got to me quickly, with my eyes tearing up, and I wondered how they didn’t get sick here. Regardless, I stepped up and  helped make chapatis. Water + flour + salt and some sugar. That's it. Some oil on the lead iron plate and voila! Chapatis. [gallery ids="2268,2270,2272,2274,2276,2264,2262,2260,2258"] Mercy also made an African cake for us. It was called  the brick cake and I immediately understood why. It fell like a heavy stone in the tummy. By 20:30, the food was ready and we ate together in the living room. After the meal, we talked a little more. In the gentle warmth, Mathias and I felt the load lift off our shoulders, we became quiet and truly lived in the moment. Over all, I slept pretty well, but was welcomed by some gigantic cockroaches in the squat toilet outside. Early in the morning, there was already a lot of activity (yes, they start working before sunrise!).  I helped with some sweeping, and even tried to milk a cow! La Mama had already baked pancakes for us. We then went out with Mercy to meet the rest of the family members who all lived close by. They all weave to earn an income as well. We saw first-hand how difficult drought makes it to count of agriculture.

The work’s just beginning

  A little later, we were picked up by the rest of our crew and the rush started again. But I kept thinking of the calm night with this amazing family, a night that I enjoyed so much. I honestly could have stayed for a lot longer. Away from the crowds, away from the internet, away from all semblance of Western life.

Just one with the African rhythm, back to the basics.

  On this day, we visited the Taita, Duruma and Masai  tribes. Their family structures were huge, in fact larger than I’ve seen anywhere before. The facilities… not so much. Literally just some wooden sticks, straw and worn pieces of cloth. Some of the better off ones had mini rooms with a kind of bed. What was of particular interest to me was observing how the families are built. The grandfather and grandmother form the central point around who everyone else revolves. Daughters are all married early and leave the family. Daughters-in-law, in turn, are obliged to live within the family of their husbands. Clearly, this doesn’t result in smooth interactions all the time. [video width="1080" height="1920" mp4="https://travelrebel.be/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/VID_20181012_110342.mp4"][/video] [video width="1080" height="1920" mp4="https://travelrebel.be/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/VID_20181012_110353.mp4"][/video] Furthermore, the number of children haphazardly wrapped in pieces of cloth was staggering. Often, I would see a young toddler hanging from the skirt of the mother, while another baby was already sucking at the breast. Family planning, family planning. Yup, still a lot of work to be done here.   And then, finally, we headed back to Mombasa. After this detailed account, I don’t even need to reiterate this, but what an adventure.  Extremely intense, extremely meaningful. This trip will always stay with me and motivate me to work harder and do better. We need people to address current problems, people who respect nature and culture, people who are all for women empowerment.  

We need more rebels with a cause!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BpAUW5zHWPE/   " ["post_title"]=> string(29) "THE KENYA CHRONICLES: PART II" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(28) "the-kenya-chronicles-part-ii" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(135) "https://travelrebel.be/social-media-influencers-nd-their-link-to-women-empowerment/ https://travelrebel.be/the-kenya-chronicles-part-i/" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-05-28 09:36:03" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-05-28 09:36:03" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=2226" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "2" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [26]=> object(WP_Post)#4027 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(2142) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2019-01-02 11:04:44" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-01-02 11:04:44" ["post_content"]=> string(14738) "

An adventure that merged travel, sustainability and social entrepreneurship

My recent trip to Kenya was truly one of the most educational experiences of my life. Thanks to A.S.Adventure and Solid, this trip of a lifetime taught me so much and I would love to give you a glimpse into it all. There’s a lot to say, so perhaps a two-part blog is necessary. Read on!

An experience full of meaning

I headed to Kenya armed with tons of enthusiasm and a backpack full of products and outdoor clothing from Ayacucho, the in-house brand of A.S.Adventure. For those of you who don’t know, A.S. Adventure donates part of the profits garnered from the Ayacucho collection to Solid, which is an organization in the south that helps people gain some control over their lives. It works with local organizations to launch new companies that are socially and commercially viable, rendering long-term aid unnecessary. So this trip brought all my passions together nicely: traveling, adventure and social entrepreneurship – what a match made in heaven! And so, accompanied by team members from A.S.Adventure and Solid, I started the journey to Africa.   We arrived in Mombasa at 4 a.m after two flights and a stopover in Istanbul, bleary-eyed but excited. Our enthusiastic driver Teddy was waiting for us with a warm smile. As we stepped into his Toyota Land Cruiser, I was immediately charmed by this tough 4x4 (have a weakness for all things offroad, remember?). Can’t say our drive out of Mombasa was too smooth – that city truly buzzes with life at that time! All trucks seemed to be driving into and out of Mombasa at the same time. I don’t scare too easily, but in the pitch darkness when I saw gigantic lights coming straight at me (accompanied by crazy honking and wild vehicle maneuvers), I did feel my breath get stuck in my throat a few times.

“Do you smell that?” asked Claudia, from A.S.Adventure, enthusiastically. “The scent of Africa – that roasted, smoked smell!”

A land unlike any other

  Along the way, I saw women wrapped in bright clothes carrying all kinds of wares on their heads. Then, as the sun came up, I observed children in uniforms walking miles on foot towards their school gates, lots of  cracked motorbikes, and generally a lot of activity. And, of course, that roasted fragrance of Africa engulfed us completely. Somewhere down the road, I fell asleep, only to be awakened by an unfamiliar phrase: “Oh, elephants!”.  Although I missed the gentle beasts this time around, it didn’t take me long to spot my first elephants as soon as we left the main road and started off-roading. Needless to say, bibi  was in her element and just a little later, I even saw a giraffe’s butt!   A few dik-diks later, we arrived at our beautiful accommodation, Kivuli Camp (here’s a look at it, if you’re wondering how it was). Still having trouble envisioning this setting? Consider this: one morning, as soon as we woke us, the staff asked us if we had heard the sounds at night –  apparently, lions were circling the camp!   Anyway, we quickly  installed ourselves in our spacious room and showered. Even though we were tired and sleepy, we didn’t want to waste any precious time and hit the road again. Game drive first, breakfast could wait, we thought. To our surprise, however, instead of animals, we spotted an old safari truck with a large covered table. It was set up especially for us! How thoughtful. After that journey, we truly enjoyed the Kenyan coffee and Spanish omelettes. And… what stunning surroundings! The beauty was overwhelming and the silence deafening. The arid bush, the orange earth, a dead water buffalo… I couldn’t conjure up a more typical image of Africa even if I tried. In this landscape, the mark of the drought is noticeable in everything. Man and beast long for rain, and at the time of the trip, this predictable rainfall was still weeks away.

Doing good, feeling good

On the first day, we met  Lore Defrancq, a mama of two beautiful daughters. Lore ended up in Kenya years ago because of love (yup, you heard that right). She fell in love with Rob, who worked for Wildlife Works in Rukinga, and moved to be with him. Here’s some important info: Wildlife Works is an award-winning conservation project that puts the landowners, community, wildlife and forest first. It is the world’s leading REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation) program. How cool is that? The United Nations introduced this climate mitigation strategy in an attempt to stop the destruction of forests, something which massively contributes to climate change. The REDD+ projects undertaken by Wildlife Works aim to preserve threatened forests and wildlife, and to uplift rural communities.​  The crux of their strategy is the creation of jobs, as those who could previously survive just through the destruction of forests need a viable alternative.   Because of Rob and Wildlife Works, Lore learned about the problems that the women in this region face, problems that are stark and far too many. They include, but certainly aren’t limited to, poverty, unemployment, a lack of family planning, incest, broken families, and violence. There is also prevalent alcohol and drug abuse among men, which is why many women find themselves alone. As Lore contacted women’s groups, she discovered that these women also made beautiful craft baskets. Unfortunately though, they did not have enough customers to be able to live off of them. This was something Lore wanted to change. That is how Hadithi came into being. These traditional handicrafts are eco-friendly, sustainable and absolutely lovely. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BphxFzJlhxb/[/embed] The stories that Lore told us had a deep impact on me. Meeting such a strong woman was heartening, and learning about all the efforts of Hadithi and Wildlife Works really opened my eyes.   We ended the first day with a real sundowner and a beer. Rob and Lore’s daughters, four-year-old Ella and two-year-old Sky, also joined us. These little ladies spoke fluently in Dutch, English and Swahili and enjoyed their dinner on a rock in the middle of the brousse. It was so endearing (and, might I add, impressive)! The Rukinga Wildlife Sanctuary, which is where we were,  is located between the two Tsavo parks in the south of Kenya. You will not find any other travelers or explorers here. It is a pure piece of nature that fights for its existence and for the rights of its locals. What a treat to have been here!

Of color and culture

  The next morning, we saw a lot of wildlife on the way to the women's group, including Pumbaa! For a loyal Lion King fan, that counts for a whole lot! We were welcomed by the Makwasinyi women's group with a traditional dance even before our car had halted fully. The women danced and sang with all their heart. One lady had a crown cap chain and swayed in full force. The color, positivity and energy emanated from this performance was absolutely wonderful (you have got to see it for yourselves: check it out here). What we witnessed was actually the festive opening of the new community house in which A.S. Adventure and  Solid have invested. In this safe place, women come together to weave baskets and use the functional water tank. As I saw for myself, the Taita women were enormously grateful. After interacting with them, I came to know that they learned to weave baskets from their mothers and grandmothers. It is part of their tradition and one I am pleased to see continuing. If you want a more visual look at what a difference such initiatives can make, check out this video. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BpAUW5zHWPE/[/embed]   That night, after such a packed and intense day, we went for a game drive and were surrounded by elephants. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t scared at all, but I also felt something else: immense awe. What a world, what nature, what creatures. We are so small indeed.  

On a lighter note, I also learned a life skill: if you see broken branches and fresh poop, beware – elephants are near! Claudia also spotted a rare ‘walking seal’, aka a honey badger. We ended this unforgettable day with a local ‘Tusken’ beer at the campfire.

And, with all that, I’m just half-way done recounting my Kenyan adventure! There’s lots more, so look out for part two of this blog. Until then, start planning your next sustainable trip to the bush – trust me, you won’t regret it! [gallery ids="2167,2169,2171,2173,2175,2177,2179,2181,2183,2185,2187,2189,2191,2193,2195,2197,2199,2201,2203,2205,2207,2165,2209,2211,2213,2215,2217,2219,2221"]" ["post_title"]=> string(54) "Adventure in Kenya with A.S. Adventure & Solid: Part I" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(27) "the-kenya-chronicles-part-i" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(53) " https://travelrebel.be/the-kenya-chronicles-part-ii/" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-03-12 13:37:54" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-03-12 13:37:54" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=2142" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "4" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [27]=> object(WP_Post)#4028 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(2104) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2018-12-27 12:56:17" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-12-27 12:56:17" ["post_content"]=> string(6763) "

Thank you, 2018; Watch out, 2019!

  Once again, the new year is knocking at our door, which means it’s time again -- time for reflection. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/Beil92FBmch/[/embed] The last year ended with a tan, a backpack full of souvenirs from Indonesia and a broken heart. In some ways, you can say that I was at my lowest back then. I had a severe burn-out, no time and energy left for my close ones, and serious doubts about what path to chart out. However, as crazy as that year was, I received so much love that gave me the strength (and the perspective) to take many bold risks. Needless to say, they’ve all paid off, because 2018 has been a year of highs! A growing company, a great team, bundles of energy, steel focus, and lots of quality time with the people who matter.   So now, as this year draws to a close, it’s time to look back once again and see how I’ve grown. Once again, there’s a tan and a backpack full of souvenirs from Nicaragua… but this time, there’s no broken heart. 2018, it’s been a hell of a ride!

A life of travel

  So, in typical Charlotte fashion, what I did the most this year is what I love the most. I traveled. A lot. The result? More happiness and contentment than I knew possible. I started the year on the Austria slopes, went on a snowboard party trip to France, and jetted off to Barcelona for some business and a whole lot of fun (yup, that’s the time when I lost my voice and had a ridiculous hangover at the airport). [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BlZ_2nenjWJ/[/embed] And that’s not it, not even barely! [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BglULwMgQnt/[/embed] I explored Iceland for the first time (strongly stressing on ‘first time’ because this place made such a mark on me that I want to go back every year). Went surfing in the South of France.  Spent quality time with my dad motorbiking in the Bourgogne/Ardèche. Road-tripped through Europe for an entire month (again, something I want to do every summer, because you really don’t have to go too far to find absolutely amazing places). Drove through Germany, Austria and pretty much the whole of Italy. Crossed the Sustenpass and watched the sunny settings of Italy transform into the snowy mountaintops of Switzerland. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/Bmgp1-NArB6/[/embed] What more? Well, I fell head over heels in love with The Mighty Dolomites. Discovered the charming Colmar in France. Camped and went rafting in Siberia. I went on an adventure that merged travel, women empowerment, sustainability and social entrepreneurship in Kenya with A.S. Adventure. Flew to London and Marrakech.   It seems like a lot, but to be honest, I flourished in this constant travel and work -- because everything I did was tinged with passion. The blurry haze of movement actually gave me the clearest perspective I’ve ever had. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn_joMlnMiG/[/embed] Now, as I fly between Nicaragua and Costa Rica and write all this down on the vomit bags in the plane, I feel one emotion the most strongly: gratitude. As I prepare to bid farewell to 2018, I can truly say that I’ve grown by leaps and bounds as an individual, a traveler, a friend and a professional.   It’s crazy how much you can change in such a short time when you put your mind to it. In 2017, I made a promise to myself that I would travel more, have my own company, and spend quality time with loved ones. I truly did all of that in just a year, and so much more. I learned to love in more ways I knew how, I learned to trust my gut and I learned the true meaning of exploration.   So, as you enter the new year, remember to define what happiness means for you. Remember to believe in yourself. Remember to dive in and make your own opportunities. And with that, go forth to crush those goals!   Like my mom says: Het leven is een reis. Reis je wel.   Life is a journey. Travel well. " ["post_title"]=> string(17) "A YEAR IN REVERSE" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(17) "a-year-in-reverse" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(404) "https://travelrebel.be/nicaraguas-sustainable-tourism-how-is-it-doing/ https://travelrebel.be/5-ways-to-explore-barcelona-for-free/ https://travelrebel.be/unplug-in-italy-exploring-beautiful-le-marche-a-relatively-unknown-region-in-italy/ https://travelrebel.be/what-to-pack-for-your-trip-to-the-altai-region-in-siberia/ https://travelrebel.be/social-media-influencers-nd-their-link-to-women-empowerment/" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-05-28 09:38:21" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-05-28 09:38:21" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=2104" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [28]=> object(WP_Post)#4029 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(2089) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2018-12-27 11:26:39" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-12-27 11:26:39" ["post_content"]=> string(7189) "Nicaragua is not only home to a lot of adventure activities and beautiful sightings. This is also where the famous 100% eco-friendly rum is being produced. Yes, I’m talking about Flor de Caῆa – the premium rum brand manufactured by Compania Licorera de Nicaragua. And the production dated back to 1890! But it was not until 1937 that Flor de Caῆa was formally introduced to the Nicaraguan market. And by 1990, Flor de Caῆa had the largest reserve of aged rum in the world! Now, the production is still on-going (and guess what?) it is one of the highlights of my Nicaragua trip. I’ve discovered a lot of things about this premium rum brand and I can’t wait to share it with you. Let’s start with the production.

Flor de Caῆa Rums: How It’s Made

The brand is made from molasses and are distilled (with 100% renewable energy!) five times during its production. Each rum is naturally aged, without sugar, additives or artificial ingredients, and enriched by an active volcano.

You can wash your hands with the rum to prove that there’s no sugar in it. Add sugar, and you’ll have a hangover.

Yes, aging is a big factor for the rum. As a matter of fact, the brand’s contemporary line of flavors has five variants of premium rums aged four (4) years, two variants of super-premium rums aged seven (7) years, and the company also markets three variants of ultra-premium rums aged from up to 12 to 18 years. In 2013, the company proudly introduced Flor de Caῆa’s newest Centenario 25 rum, aged 25 years! (A rum that took two decades to complete!) As what Mr. Robert Collins, the managing director of the brand puts it, the new Centenario 25 rum “showcases Flor de Caῆa as unique, modern, and ultra-premium – exactly what the company need to appeal to the growing fan base around the world. It was also designed to elevate the value of the brand and attract a wider audience in the global marketplace.” By now, Flor de Caῆa, Nicaragua’s trademarked “slow-aged” rum, is growing in popularity and is gaining high recognitions from prestigious organizations like the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) which is the most respected organization focused on awarding excellence to spirits worldwide, with over 400 global experts judging products from more than 90 countries. I was then able to taste some variants of Flor de Caῆa rums and all I can say is that it all smells sweet (though not having sugar) and there’s a fruity aroma on it and it gives a little bit of dark cocoa, almond, and woodish touch on the palate. (Pardon me but I’m really bad at describing, so you better taste it yourself!)   And now, we’re done with the production. So, let’s talk about this one more thing (the most important one actually), that I’ve discovered about this single family-estate rum.

Flor de Caῆa: A Sustainable Brand

I’ve talked about what “sustainability” is. It includes creating a good impact to the community. And I’d like to share how this premium rum brand does it. Over the years of its operation, Flor de Caῆa is deeply committed not only to its collaborators but more importantly to the local community. Every year, the brand invests in various projects in the areas of health, infrastructures, and education. Since 1951, Flor de Caῆa invests on the local hospital that provides free medical attention and medicines to their collaborators and their families. There had been over 2,500 births and more than 7,100 surgeries that have been performed at the hospital. The construction of roads and parks in the center of the city had been possible with the aid of brand’s investment to the project. Flor de Caῆa also invest money on local schools that provide elementary and high school programs. In the last ten years, the program had provided more than 2,500 scholarships and a total of 1,465 graduates. All had been possible because of the brand’s support to the program.   As my Flor de Caῆa tour ends, I’ve learned so much more about the company. That it’s more than just a brand showcasing unique tastes of slow-aged rums. It is also a company that strives to create a good social impact to the community. And that is something Flor de Caῆa rum possess that make it worth all the awards it received.    " ["post_title"]=> string(41) "Discovering Nicaraguas Flor de Caῆa Rum" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(39) "discovering-nicaraguas-flor-de-cana-rum" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2018-12-28 11:11:50" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-12-28 11:11:50" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=2089" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "2" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [29]=> object(WP_Post)#4030 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(2066) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2018-12-27 09:59:57" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-12-27 09:59:57" ["post_content"]=> string(5107) "Women empowerment – we may hear these terms often, but do we have the exact knowledge of what it really meant? Women empowerment is the process in which women are given the freedom to be what they can be and to do the things they previously were denied of. It is when women are able to access the opportunities available to them without drastic limitations and restrictions. And this includes the action of raising the worth of women through education, literacy, and economic opportunities.

Why is It Important?

If a country strives to ensure a sustainable development, then it is their obligation to empower women. Sustainable development can only be achieved if there’s a full participation of both men and women in the society. Women should feel equally important to the process of development as men. Without women empowerment, one’s country could not be just, and social change wouldn’t occur. Sadly, many countries had been left without proper implementation of laws that protect the rights of their women. But, despite this sad truth, it’s positive to note that there are still countries where women empowerment has become a significant topic of discussion. However, this matter should not only be limited to a mere discussion. It should be initiated. 

"I believe, that each one of us can contribute to such movement. Whatever our status in life and our viewpoints are, we can unitedly do it."

And since you have an internet connection and a social media platform, would you be proud to take part on this movement? Would you ignite the spark, to start the fire?

Social Media Influencers and Their Link to Women Empowerment

We may not be able to directly participate on women empowerment programs, but we can spread awareness about this matter. As a matter of fact, you, being a social media enthusiast, hold a great power to actively empower women. What is that? Yes, your digital connection. Think about all those thousands of people following you. You can use the opportunity of being connected to them to spread awareness and information about how important women empowerment is. How about all the places that you’ve been to? I bet here are a lot of local women there. Why don’t you take time to stop and observe their lives and see if their needs still have to be addressed? You can even capture moments with them and share it on your platform. By doing that, you are giving your followers insights and overviews about this important matter. Who knows? They might even share it on their platforms too! You see, a lot of things can be done on social media. Instead of dwelling on the negative side of it, why not utilize its brighter side? The way we communicate women issues has changed. Information can spread to millions in just a few seconds. Smart social media planning plays its part. And since you have an internet connection and a social media platform, would you be proud to take part on this movement? Would you ignite the spark, to start the fire? [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BpAUW5zHWPE/[/embed]  " ["post_title"]=> string(36) "Social Media &nd Women Empowerment" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(59) "social-media-influencers-nd-their-link-to-women-empowerment" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-05-28 09:42:10" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-05-28 09:42:10" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=2066" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "4" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [30]=> object(WP_Post)#4031 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(2036) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2018-12-09 13:35:06" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-12-09 13:35:06" ["post_content"]=> string(12070) "The temperature has dropped drastically, which means only one thing: it’s time to give free reign to that colourful Christmas spirit! Warm chocolate, mulled wine, &nd lots of lots of twinkling lights are just some of the things I adore about this festive season. One thing I’m not so crazy about? That intense (&nd often wasteful)  gift hunt. Well, today, I’m here to tell you that leaving sustainable gifts under the tree is possible! So, if you’re a fan of durable and useful gifts, this blog will hopefully make the process a bit easier, and you can concentrate on the things you love. Read on to find out some of my top picks for a more responsible and thoughtful Christmas celebration! Hadithi baskets   These baskets obviously have to be mentioned first. After all, they immediately make me feel warm and fuzzy inside as they bring back a lot of the memories from my recent Kenya trip. Made by local women, each basket tells a unique story. I get goosebumps when I think of the energy and positivity radiated by those women -- even their cheerful bickering!   Thanks to Solid International in Ayacucho,  an organization that supports local projects such as Hadithi Crafts, we have gift options available that aren’t just beautiful but also empower communities. You can find the Hadithi baskets at AS Adventure, Juttu and Solid. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BphxFzJlhxb/[/embed]

LifeStraw products

LifeStraw offers water filters and bottles that make all kinds of water drinkable, be it H2O from the river, from deep within the mountains, or anywhere else. For every product you buy, you also give a child in a poor country safe drinking water for an entire year! Seriously, how awesome is that? Can anything warm you up more than this kind of good deed?   The LifeStraw range is quite large, ranging from the 'standard' straw acts as a filter to fun take-away bottles and products for your home. I have used these products, especially in Asia, to drink tap water safely. And I’ve already placed one under the Christmas tree, but shhhhh. The Lifestraw products are available online.

Stuff at DreamCATchers VZW

For the cat lovers among us, a visit to the cat adoption café in Ghent is definitely worth it! Essentially, DreamCATchers help cats that have been staying in asylums or shelters for a long time. Besides fluffy kittens, you can also choose from all kinds of gadgets and tid-bits in their shop. So, you not only get to support a super cool organisation, but will also leave with fun gifts tucked under your arm. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/Bkev7owAttF/[/embed] All info can be found at: https://wearedreamcatchers.be  

SodaStream bottles

Away with disposable bottles! SodaStream is a device that turns tap water into sparkling water and, thanks to different syrup flavors, you make the most delicious soft drinks at home. Less storage, less waste and let’s be honest, it looks super cool as well. You’ve probably already seen mine from time to time on Instagram -- well, that’s because I absolutely love it and think it’s ideal to put under the Christmas tree! The SodaStream products can be bought in just about any electrical shop as well as online. All info can be found at: http://www.sodastream.be.  

KleanKanteen products

Klean Kanteen launched the very first stainless steel, non-BPA, reusable bottle that is the perfect  solution for disposable plastic. You can find all sizes and colors, so these bottles are ideal for every trip and activity. And before I forget, they’re insulated, which means they  keep your drinks cold for hours! Klean Kanteen also boasts the well-known and steel straws in their range. You can find their reusable bottles and steel straws at AS Adventure. 6. Plan International Do you want to do a heart-warming good deed this Christmas? Support a project from Plan International -- in a loved one’s name, it’s quite the thoughtful gift. Through various projects, they strive for a world in which all children have the opportunity to go to school and make their own choices about their bodies and lives. You can support them by sponsoring a project, starting your own action, becoming a volunteer or simply by putting your best foot forward on one of the many Urban Trails in our country! All information can be found at: www.planinternational.be.

Water-to-Go bottles

The founder of Water-to-Go was amazed by the towering mountains of waste he encountered during his trips to India, Indonesia and China. Initially, they also developed a technology for  NASA, but then the Water-to-Go three-in-one filter was born. Thus, these bottles are suitable for everyday use, outdoor use, and sport activities. As the company grew, it also built strong relationships and collaborations with different charities and projects. Needless to say, with a Water-to-Go bottle, you're in good shape this Christmas! You can easily order a Water-to-Go bottle online at http://watertogo-benelux.eu/.

Ayacucho clothing

AS Adventure's own brand stands for high-quality clothing that lasts for years. This collection is produced with respect for people, animals and the planet, which immediately turns us into big fans! All their suppliers must meet strict conditions. With a purchase of an Ayacucho product, you also support Solid (mentioned above). These are two good deeds in one! So, quickly shop for a nice Ayacucho hat or a warm sweater as a gift and give a loved one a thoughtful surprise. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BoR26aLH6vq/[/embed]  

 Homes for bee colonies

Do you have some space left in your garden, at your company, or anywhere else? If so, why not accommodate a bee colony? Rest assured, if  you want to do your part for Beeodiversity, you don’t need any beekeeper skills!  The colony is completely installed for you and you don’t even have to give it a second thought. Maybe not really suitable to put under the Christmas tree, but you will get honey pots with your logo, and these can certainly make a lot of family and friends happy!   Of course, there are countless other sustainable ideas that make for great presents, so please do share some with me. As always, I’m always on the lookout for mindful purchase options. Oh, and don’t forget to enjoy this season to the max. Tis the time to be jolly, after all!   [gallery ids="2015,2013,2010,2019,2017,1995"]" ["post_title"]=> string(32) "SUSTAINABLE CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(32) "sustainable-christmas-gift-ideas" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2018-12-27 11:00:20" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-12-27 11:00:20" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=2036" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [31]=> object(WP_Post)#4032 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(2024) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2018-12-05 15:56:52" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-12-05 15:56:52" ["post_content"]=> string(8049) "

Where to go next?

  Where to go next? I get this question a lot from other travelers. You might as well be asking the same question. I know how difficult it is to find the perfect place for our next adventure. And when I say the ‘perfect place’, what I mean is the perfect sustainable place to visit. But really, it doesn't have to be a struggle! Alright, I’ll tell you a secret. Nicaragua is where you really want to go. (Yep, you heard it right.) Many people (including me) have been longing to see Nicaragua, and they’re absolutely, and without a doubt, right! Why? Here’s the thing. Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America. So, if it’s the largest one, then there’s more to explore. And guess what? It is known as the 'Land of Lakes and Volcanoes'. So, if you are a fan of fascinating and spectacular outdoor settings (I guess we all are), Nicaragua is for you. This country is a hot destination for backpackers, families, travel couples, &nd well . . . solo traveler (Like me!). &nd even if you don’t have a lot of time, there’s still plenty of places &nd activities to do in Nicaragua. I’ll give you four.

1. Volcano Boarding. You hike up the top of Cerro Negro (a famous active volcano in Nicaragua), sit on a piece of wood, &nd then came rushing down the slope. Pretty exciting right? Definitely is. &nd the best thing is that, there’s no recorded incident that the volcano erupted in the middle of the activity. (Pheew!)
2. Flor de Cana Tour. If you love rum (as much as I do!), you better not miss this world’s largest rum barrel, a two-story building which holds a collection of artifacts dating back to 1890’s. Yes, you’ll be transported 125 years back into the history of 5 generations of rum making traditions. You’ll definitely enjoy this one of a kind tour Nicaraguan tour that you’ll never experience anywhere else!
3. Masaya Volcano National Park. Do you want to get in direct contact with Nicaragua’s most active volcano? You can absolutely do it here! &nd this national park also offers a surreal night scene of lava flowing from the crater. Yup, surreal &nd is very stunning! A view you don’t see anywhere.

But there’s one more thing about Nicaragua that really captured my heart.

Sustainability. Yes, Nicaragua strives to be a sustainable and responsible tourism destination. (We share the same ideals so I felt really connected.) Forward-thinking individuals start to create initiatives that aims to develop Nicaragua’s sustainable industry. Now, many small farming communities run by local folks (Yes, local people who were raised right there in the community!), established tourism cooperatives that promote sustainable socio-economic growth by providing jobs to the residents. (So, there’s no need for them to go and transfer elsewhere just to find a decent work.) Yes, local people are being hired for hotel labors – from serving, housekeeping, catering, and maintenance in exchange for a salary (which is higher than the usual wage rate in the region!) Medical and educational assistance are also being provided with funds from various ecolodges in the country. This operations aims to create a positive social impact &nd to keep the essence of sustainability among the community. &nd of course, the environment will never be missed. The tourism industry in Nicaragua also strives to achieve an improved environmental condition which sustains the well-being of the wildlife and conserve the nature.

Interview with the Co-Director of Nicaragua’s Tourist Institute

During the World Travel Market in London, I was so ecstatic when I got the privilege to interview Ms. Anasha Campbell, co-director of Nicaragua’s Tourist Institute. We talked about the roadmap of Nicaragua’s tourism for 2019. She confidently told me how the industry strengthens the influx of international arrivals in the country &nd how it plays a vital role in developing the local economy. She also gave me insight as to how they focus on the Strategy for Human Development where they promote locally-owned small medium businesses. 80% of the tourist industry is based on these SMB’s which means that the Nicaraguan people are the ones offering their unique offerings in the tourism industry. This results to making the tourism sector as the means of generating income for the local people. Which then develops their economical status and their community itself. Ms. Anasha also added how the industry is proud to be indicated as a sustainable tourism institute by the Sustainable Alliance of the American Tourism, a sustainable tourism indicator. Aside from the fact that the industry promotes the conservation and the preservation of the environment, they are also a strong advocate of gender equality and youth empowerment by providing jobs to young ones and eliminating gender discrimination.   You see, Nicaragua deserves to be included among the top places in your bucket list (cause I too, am listing it down right now.) It isn’t a secret anymore. And you know what? When you travel there, you not only gain amazing experiences, you also make a difference. For you, the community, and the place itself. " ["post_title"]=> string(49) "Nicaragua's Sustainable Tourism: How is it doing?" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(46) "nicaraguas-sustainable-tourism-how-is-it-doing" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(218) "https://travelrebel.be/solotravel-ticketforone/ https://travelrebel.be/sustainable-travel-101/ https://travelrebel.be/discovering-nicaraguas-flor-de-cana-rum/ https://travelrebel.be/make-a-positive-impact-with-tourism/" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-02-21 09:53:55" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-02-21 09:53:55" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=2024" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "1" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [32]=> object(WP_Post)#4033 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(1903) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2018-11-12 14:22:26" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-11-12 14:22:26" ["post_content"]=> string(10104) "

Are You a Respectful Traveler?

While travel isn’t always selfless, it’s a beautiful way to grow, learn about the world first-hand and create connections with people from all walks of life. If your greatest joy in life is packing a bag and heading off to discover a country to spend time among different sights, cultures and traditions, then perhaps you are already striving to be a respectful traveler? On the other hand, maybe you’ve never really asked yourself if you are a respectful tourist? Being a responsible traveler or being aware of certain things while traveling can act as a vehicle for positive change. So the next time you are visiting a country, keep some of the following thoughts in mind and turn the footprints you leave behind into something of value and meaningful impact.

Being a sustainable traveler has never been more important

Last year, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) shared that tourism generates over 10 percent of the world’s GDP. While travel may bring people together, educate us on different cultures and beliefs, and boost the economy, it isn’t always a positive experience for the country in question. There have been many instances where visitors have defiled and disrespected monuments, and have disregarded local customs. Even if you are among the well-behaved portion of travellers, your globetrotting footprint could still leave an unsavory mark in a country. The industry is growing more than ever, but the attractions are the same size and cannot always handle the constant wear and tear and flow of human beings. It’s no surprise that in some of the world’s most popular places such as Barcelona, Venice,..where tourism is so overwhelming, there are initiatives to reduce the number of people visiting. Overtourism is a real issue. The good news is there are simple steps you can take to be more mindful and respectful!

Be mindful of destinations dealing with over tourism

While lots of visitors to a country can provide economic opportunities, this isn’t always an advantage. The backlash against tourism has been gaining steam; many must-see countries are sick of droves of travelers disrupting their local life and ecosystems. To deal with overcrowding, cities like Florence  should implement drastic measures like shutting down local highlights that attract visitors. So, what can you do? If you can, go to an alternative destination, but if you want to visit said destination, consider the following!

• Visit during off-season (this way you won’t have to battle crowds)
• Support locally-owned & run restaurants and businesses
• Pay national park entrance fees to ensure your visit supports conservation
• Stay in locally-owned guesthouses, hotels & B&Bs
• Reduce your waste & water use

Research how sustainable your touroperator actually is

One of the great things about going on tours with certain operator companies is you can be sure they are promoting positive tourism. Do your homework and go with a company that is trying to give back as well. When looking into tours or booking a trip, think about the following, what are the company’s environmental practices? Can they give examples of how their trips help to promote cultural heritage or protect and support wildlife? Do they employ local guides? Check if the touroperator is  certified. Certifications are given when a company meets the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability.

Communities

While traveling I’ll always try to spend time with local communities. But I have to ask myself this question every time: "do your travel choices help a community or not?" For example, giving gifts to kids on the street is ill-advised. There’s nothing wrong with being generous, but it’s better to give in the right way, through reputable local organisations or international groups that partner with local companies. Likewise, avoid visiting orphanages as they may not be responsibly run and say no to slum tourism.

Buy local

It will only take a couple of minutes to find out if an attraction or business is foreign or owned locally. While locally made goods aren’t as cheap, by purchasing them you can make sure your money has a direct impact. Eating locally and staying locally will also mean your contribution to the economy is more valuable.

Go green 

Being a sustainablel traveler also means being mindful of sustainability away from home as well. Try to use public transport where possible and avoid using single-use plastic! On vacation, we often go into holiday mode and can forget to remember little things like turning off the lights off in our hotel rooms. Try not to leave the water running, take shorter showers if you can, especially in countries where there can be a shortage! Read more tips on my Sustainable 101 article. Sustainable tip: Make sure you buy a reusable water bottle! Even in countries where the tap water isn’t safe to drink, you might be able to find coolers and drinking fountains with clean options.

Take only memories, leave only footprints

Finally, ask yourself the following question, when you go back home, will the locals sit back and have a good impression of you and your country? It never hurts to keep this age-old hiker adage in mind, take only memories, leave only footprints. Does your visit cause more harm than good to the country and its ecosystem? To ensure this, don’t carve your name into historical monuments, respect the local culture, and minimize your waste! Do you have any tips for being a respectful traveller? Share them in the comments! " ["post_title"]=> string(31) "ARE YOU A SUSTAINABLE TRAVELER?" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(30) "are-you-a-sustainable-traveler" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(112) "https://travelrebel.be/make-a-positive-impact-with-tourism/ https://travelrebel.be/can-tourism-ever-be-terrible/" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2018-11-12 14:23:57" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-11-12 14:23:57" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=1903" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "1" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [33]=> object(WP_Post)#4034 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(1891) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2018-11-12 13:39:46" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-11-12 13:39:46" ["post_content"]=> string(3911) "

Making a positive impact with tourism & supporting locally-owned businesses

The United Nations Environment Program reports that in a typical mass tourism package, of each USD 100 spent by a tourist from a developed country, as little as USD 5 actually stays in a developing destination’s economy.

Why’s that important?

Too often when all your money goes to airlines, international hotel chains, tour operators and other international suppliers in the country you live in, tourism becomes a curse - concreting the landscape, displacing local people, gobbling up resources, then moving on somewhere else when it’s all ruined. Local people are then left to pick up the pieces of the crumbling buildings lining the seafront. Tourism has the power to make a positive impact. I believe travel bloggers/influencers have the responsibility to motivate travellers to be more conscious. It’s essential to make a change now if we want a  future for the tourism industry & want to keep the world the amazing, inspiring place it is.

It’s beautifully simple:

1 - I want to promote & empower 100% locally-owned and run businesses to make a great living doing what they love - sharing the best spots to ride, climb, surf or ski in the world's most inspiring natural landscapes. 2 - By growing the numbers of people booking holidays with local businesses in these adventure hot-spots, more money flows into the local economy. 3 - This creates a virtuous circle with local communities and governments empowered and incentivised to protect and conserve the amazing environments which attracted these visitors in the first place. Find out more: UNWTO global report on adventure tourism" ["post_title"]=> string(37) "MAKING A POSITIVE IMPACT WITH TOURISM" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(35) "make-a-positive-impact-with-tourism" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2018-12-28 11:17:12" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-12-28 11:17:12" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=1891" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "2" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [34]=> object(WP_Post)#4035 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(1477) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2018-10-25 13:48:51" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-10-25 13:48:51" ["post_content"]=> string(11601) " 

“Isn’t it freezing cold there?”

  As soon as I told my friends and family I was planning a trip to Siberia, their reactions were immediate and identical: “Isn’t it freezing cold there?” [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BoewbhnH1Mj/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed] Well, here’s a fun fact: although it does drop to -40 °C in the winter, Siberia is not cold all the time. In fact, the summers are very hot, with temperatures soaring to 40 °C. Nevertheless, packing for a camping and rafting trip to Siberia towards the end of September can be rather challenging, which is why I did something that I haven’t done for a while… I overpacked! If you’re planning your very own Siberian adventure (which you definitely should), I hope this blog can help you avoid some of the stress I invariably dealt with. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn_joMlnMiG/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed] Do keep in mind that we explored the Altai Region in southern Siberia, close to the borders of Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and China. So, really, practically in the middle of nowhere. Now let’s get down to the packing!

Documents and technical stuff

 

• Your passport and Russian visa (this is literally the most important thing you need)
• Details of your travel insurance (you need proof of this when applying for a Russian visa)
• Some cash – don’t forget to withdraw a bit when you arrive
• An offline translating app
• A power bank (luckily, Europeans don’t need special electricity plugs)
• Camera with extra batteries and perhaps even an extra memory card

  TIP: Buy a SIM card at the airport and do mention that you will be travelling to the Altai Region [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BoR26aLH6vq/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed]

Clothing and accessories

 

• Hiking boots – duh, you are in Siberia to explore the remoteness and raw nature (TIP: don’t buy brand new ones before your trip, because if you haven’t walked enough miles in them, you may get blisters. I explored Iceland and Siberia with my LOWAs and took them to Kenya as well)
• A lightweight down jacket (like the Ayacucho one, for example. It will definitely keep you warm during the cold evenings by the bonfire or early the mornings in the woods)
• Definitely a scarf, headband and beanie. Mine are 100% handmade, 100% baby alpaca wool, 100% fair fashion and 100% sustainable (and super cute, too!)
• A wind and waterproof three-layer jacket that can handle the unpredictable Siberian weather (my Fjallraven one is super lightweight and made from recycled polyester)
• Lots and lots of warm socks
• A swimsuit and a towel poncho for the typical Russian banyas (saunas)
• Sturdy trekking trousers
• A few other lightweight adventure pants and t-shirts/tops
• Fleece (oh, how I loved my super soft and fluffy fleece from Ayacucho!)
• Thermals as a first layer (in Siberia, it’s all about layering)
• Gloves
• Earplugs and an eye mask
• A pair of leggings for the long bus rides or as an extra layer (mine are part of the O’Neill initiative, so they’re made of recycled ocean plastic and hyperdry)
• A wetsuit for rafting
• [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BoKOY2oHiVT/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed]

Miscellaneous

• A tick remover, as there are quite a few ticks in the Siberian woods (never ignore your health while on the go)
• Sunscreen and aftersun, such as the Careplus travel set (during our stay, there was sunshine every single day)
• Moisturizing cream
• Insect repellant
• A good first aid kit and all prescription medications you need
• A warm sleeping bag that is good up to -10°C
• A durable and water resistant day pack, such as the one I have, which is made from recycled polyester and organic cotton
• An insulated drinking bottle. Even though you can drink straight from the river, I was rather happy with my bottle, especially since it was quite convenient for our Russian Kompot consumption (a warm fruit drink with lots of sugar that’s perfect for intense hikes)
• A headlamp, because every you will need it to find your way to the toilettes at night
• Toilet paper and wet wipes (you’ll thank me later!)
• A spork (spoon fork)
• Pocket knife
• Rafting and camping gear
• Lip balm, preferably higher than SPF 30
• Snacks, because Russian food is, ummm, special. Best to stay prepared for those hunger pangs with yummy snacks of your own

Siberia is an absolutely wonderful destination for adventure seekers – make the most of it!

And that’s about it! As a measure of goodwill, take some presents from your home country along – the Russians will love it. And last, but certainly not the least, don’t leave that courage and sense of adventure at home! Siberia is an absolutely wonderful destination for adventure seekers – make the most of it! [gallery size="full" link="file" ids="1488,1490,1492,1494,1496,1498"] " ["post_title"]=> string(57) "WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR TRIP TO THE ALTAI REGION IN SIBERIA" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(57) "what-to-pack-for-your-trip-to-the-altai-region-in-siberia" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(73) " https://travelrebel.be/how-to-keep-your-health-in-check-while-traveling/" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-02-21 09:25:17" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-02-21 09:25:17" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=1477" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "1" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [35]=> object(WP_Post)#4036 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(1443) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2018-10-25 09:49:30" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-10-25 09:49:30" ["post_content"]=> string(12428) "When I fall in love with a destination, I fall hard. Before I know it, I’m totally head over heels, with my eyes glistening and heart racing at a million miles per hour. Switzerland is definitely one such coup de foudre. Here, when I stand outside and take in the unparalleled beauty, the pure air, and the sight of the majestic mountain tops still sprinkled with a bit of snow, I’m awed. The love comes rushing in and grips all my senses. This unspoilt loveliness, this silence… what a relief! All around me are the peaks, lakes, waterfalls and the deafening silence. Here, I enjoy. Here, I live.  

My recent trip to Switzerland really was one of a kind – and Cristallina, the lovely eco hotel we stayed at, really was the icing on top of a delicious cake.  Read on to hear all about it.

   

An unforgettable trip

  As we enjoyed a full breakfast in Genoa, Italy, we were completely unsure about what the day would bring. Would we get to Belgium via Val D’Aosta or would it be Lake Como and Switzerland? As you already know, impulsive travel is totally my thing. Well, we chose the Swiss adventure (no offense, Val D’Aosta, hopefully I’ll do some more exploring soon!) and boy, am I glad we did!   We set course for the north with Lake Como as the first destination. In my opinion, Como is more beautiful and refined than Garda, thanks to the Swiss influence. We found a lovely private pool with a view of the lake and enjoyed a leisurely afternoon and a late lunch. Then, at around 6 pm, we set off for Switzerland. As soon as you cross the border, you will instantly notice that you aren’t in Italy anymore. No more Fiat Pandas on steroids and only clean, correct things in sight. Grüetzi Switzerland, Arrivederci Italia! We arrived in Coglio, in the Maggia valley, near Locarno after two hours of driving and were impressed by the tranquility of this area. There were local license plates, terraces along the roadside, cozy lanterns and waterfalls. Truly paradise. And then, just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, we reached our hotel.  

The hotel of my dreams

As soon as we entered Cristallina, Marco and his daughter rushed forward to give us a warm welcome. Needless to say, we immediately felt like we were home. Marco explained how this beautiful and unspoilt area is relatively unknown to tourists. Just the kind of thing I love to hear! Our spacious room had a giant terrace that made the whole space super ventilated and comfortable. At this hotel, the architecture allows for ample sunlight so we basked in the warm, pleasant glow throughout. The sanitary water is produced by solar installations on the roof and all the furniture is all crafted from beech and birch acquired from FCS-certified forests.  We also came to know that a previous expansion of the place used prefabricated wood and the thermal insulation was done with recycled paper panels. Slowly but surely, we began to notice other outstanding sustainability measures as well. At Cristallina, the towels are dried outside, all the soaps and cleaning products are biodegradable, the emphasis on renewable energy sources is great, and there is no plastic in sight. Oh and don’t even get me started on the food. Honest, tasty and organic meals are enjoyed in the garden surrounded by vineyards and alive by the laughter of children playing. The hotel grows fruits, herbs, edible flowers, legumes, berries and so much more. All these organic ingredients are then expertly used in the kitchen to come up with divine dishes that are wholesome and creative. All in all, it was delightful to observe Cristallina’s commitment to the ecology first-hand. It reflected in everything, from the design and structure decisions to the day-to-day running of the place. The staff members consciously and consistenly lived up to their goal of  creating a “harmonious and sustainable relationship with nature and its resources”. For my sensibilities (that are, as we all know, geared towards sustainability), staying here was an absolute treat.

So much beauty all around

  In the morning, we filled up on a healthy breakfast of fresh bread, fruit salad and organic yogurt before leaving for Val Bavona. There was little need for words during the quiet drive to our destination as we took in the breathtaking scenery. All the mountain passes and unexpected waterfalls, complemented by the feeling of absolute peace, carved a place for themselves in my mind forever. There was so much to see and capture, so we made many pit stops at small, old villages with typical stone houses for perfect photo opportunities. There was even one place that refused (by choice!) to connected to the electricity network of today! Absolutely amazing stuff.   In the afternoon, we went to La Froda. The terrace scattered with stone benches and tables (what else do you expect in Val Bavona?) had a view of  a 108-meter high waterfall, the Cascata di Foroglio. It was honestly a superb experience.     [playlist type="video" ids="1452"]       [playlist type="video" ids="1450"]               After that, we went to the other side of the valley to explore more old villages (from the 16th century!) and enjoyed learning more about the architecture and lifestyle. We also visited the Church of San Giovanni Battista in Mogno. Boasting bizarre yet really interesting architecture, it was built by famous architect Mario Botta when the 17th century church on the site was destroyed by an avalanche in 1988. In this particular  setting, the church, with its round shape and black and white lines, truly stood out.   I also distinctly took note of in Switzerland were the bus shelters. I know what you’re thinking… bus shelters, really? But hear me out: in Ticino, you can see many bus shelters that have been transformed into mini libraries! You can borrow books absolutely free of charge. What a simple yet meaningful feature… it speaks volumes about the people.   All in all, this small country full of a giant character has truly taken over my heart. Needless to say, I hope to be back very soon!  " ["post_title"]=> string(40) "FALLING IN LOVE WITH TICINO, SWITZERLAND" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(39) "falling-in-love-with-ticino-switzerland" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(57) " https://travelrebel.be/the-pleasure-of-impulsive-travel/" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-03-11 09:59:17" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-03-11 09:59:17" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=1443" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [36]=> object(WP_Post)#4037 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(1223) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2018-09-27 18:11:02" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-09-27 18:11:02" ["post_content"]=> string(7334) "How to make your trip to Firenze a more mindful and sustainable one Each place has its very own character, its very own personality. No matter what happens externally, that remains in place… right? Well, the answer isn’t quite that simple. Regardless of what the character of a place may be, our ability to experience it can greatly be affected by external factors. Time and time again, I have spoken about the effects of overtourism and how mindful travel is more important than ever before –  but perhaps these sentiments can best be illustrated by an example. I had the chance to visit Florence, also known as Firenze, this summer. As soon as we got there, I was taken aback by the sheer number of tourists milling around and queueing up everywhere. The vibe in Florence is always cool, but it also felt a bit claustrophobic. Needless to say, I wanted to get away asap.

Impact of overtourism in Florence

Florence holds within its boundaries the stuff of legends. Founded by the Romans in 59 BC, it boasts mind-blowing art, stunning architecture, crevices steeped in rich history and culture, absolutely delicious food and wine, ingenious crafts, cutting-edge fashion, and so much  more. It is a city with its unique character for sure. [gallery link="file" size="full" ids="1729,1727,1725,1717,1719,1721"] And yet, despite all this, not all visitors today have an exemplary experience there. Why? Well, there is simply too much burden on this beautiful city. Did you know that over four million tourists visit annually, despite the fact that it has only around 400,000 residents? That’s pretty crazy if you think about it. (Even crazier: the number of visitors is growing every year!) Because of this, the physical sites suffer, the infrastructure suffers, and of course the environment suffers. For instance, we all dream about the moment we will lay eyes of the famed David, but getting past the insane crowds and queues is quite an ordeal… by the time we actually reach the sculpture, we’re tired and exhausted. The magic is gone. And more than us, it’s the locals – those who call this amazing place home – who suffer the most. They have to deal with the aftermath. They have to deal with the damaged public spheres, the increase in air and noise pollution, the filth, and the price hikes. If travelers were more conscious, a lot of this could potentially be avoided.

Traveling consciously

While the effects of overtourism are indeed overwhelming, not all is lost just yet. You can still feel the magic of Florence if you think outside the box. Following the tourist routes and ‘must-see’ lists isn’t always a good idea… sometimes,  it’s necessary to get off the beaten path. When taken aback by the crazy crowds of tourists, what did we do in Florence? We made our way to the Giardino Bardini, a spectacular Italian Renaissance garden just on the other side of the river. There was relatively little distance between this garden and other tourist attractions, but it was like a different world all together. It was serene, still and not crowded at all. Additionally, we enjoyed a lovely view of the city and also chanced upon an exhibition of my hero, the photographer par excellence Steve McCurry. I was blown away and enjoyed every single second. [gallery link="file" size="full" ids="1506,1510,1508"] So, exploring the city a bit more unconventionally is one way to find the magic of Florence. How else can we make our Florence trip more ethical and sustainable? Here are a few additional tips:

• Please respect the locals and their customs! This one shouldn’t even have to be said, but it’s shocking how many tourists overlook basic etiquette. For example, don’t talk loudly in quiet places of worship, don’t smoke in non-smoking areas, don’t tamper with age-old art.
• Try to travel during less touristy months. This way, the sites and infrastructure won’t be as overburdened by you simply being there.
• Like us, make it a point to visit lesser known gems in and around Florence. You’ll be surprised by what a difference a change in tempo makes.
• Don’t litter. Just don’t do it.

  If we all take note of these points and make a few tweaks in our travel style, Florence can be enjoyed as the gem that it is for years to come. " ["post_title"]=> string(29) "Florence, an overburdened gem" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(27) "firenze-an-overburdened-gem" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(53) " https://travelrebel.be/can-tourism-ever-be-terrible/" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-05-23 10:24:15" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-05-23 10:24:15" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=1223" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "3" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [37]=> object(WP_Post)#4038 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(1217) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2018-09-27 17:23:56" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-09-27 17:23:56" ["post_content"]=> string(6028) "Travel Rebel’s practical tips on how to explore the world in a more mindful manner When it comes to sustainable tourism, most of us think we know the drill. We turn off the lights when we leave the room (at least I hope you do!), we try not to keep the tap leaking all night, and we don’t throw away our trash anywhere in plain sight. Well, I have some news: this is all good but pretty basic. There is so much more you can do, so here are some easy tips to help you on your journey to becoming a responsible traveler.

1. Shop local, eat local, breathe local

We all know you’re going to blow off that vacation budget one way or another, so why not spend that money on various businesses throughout your trip? Try to eat and shop at as many different places as possible. Not only will you maximize the benefits to the local economy, you’ll also open yourself to so many more experiences this way.

2. Conserve energy in ways that are less obvious

Ditch that bath for a shower and you’ll save way more water than you know. Oh, also, do you really need to have your towels and linen changed every single day? I’m guessing not. Hang the ‘DO NOT DISTURB’ sign up when you leave the hotel room. Bath vs. Shower Source: www.watercalculator.org  

3. Do not litter

This one is so self explanatory. It takes garbage a lot longer than you probably realize (and in desert environments it takes unimaginably long). We’re used to recycling facilities here in the West, which are not available in many parts of the world. However,  dispose off waste in a sustainable manner, even if it means you have to make a bit of an effort. I use my KleanKanteen bottle to avoid buying plastic bottles and tend to skip the gimmicky souvenir purchases, unless they’re locally made. Baby steps. How long does it take for our trash to decompose? Source: www.wildhelpers.com  

4. Understand that wild animals are not your playthings!

You need to steer clear of organizations and operators that advertise caged and trained animals. (You can pat tigers! You can ride elephants! Umm, no.) Usually, the captive conditions these regal animals are forced to survive in are abysmal. Zoos, entertainment venues and even aquariums are often guilty of this, so please do some research before giving these institutions your patronage. You may think it’s harmless to get that perfect picture with that cute and surprisingly tame lion cub, but it’s really not worth the unnatural lifestyles and torture these majestic creatures are forced into. Unnatural lifestyles   Source: www.peta2.com/news/captive-animal-facts/

5. Look but don’t touch

I’m certainly not telling you to stay away from wildlife tourism altogether, as it’s a wonderful source of income for so many (and such a thrilling part of adventure). However, make sure you scout out tours that are determined to protect biodiversity. There’s a proper way to observe wildlife -- and that way is to never disturb the living creatures, to avoid contact of any kind. Don’t even feed the ‘harmless’ animals as such mundane actions can have major ramifications when it comes to animal behaviour patterns.

6. Respect the locals and their culture

A little research done beforehand can get you a long way. Try to learn about the etiquette, social decorum, sensitive topics, and dress code before you land so you do not unintentionally disrespect anyone. When visiting holy and sacred sites, a good rule of thumb is to dress on the conservative side. If a place forbids photography or cell phone usage, please follow the directions. Talking to a local or a guide is a good idea to acquaint yourself. And, of course, smile! For tourism to flourish in an area, the attitude of locals towards foreigners is of key importance. " ["post_title"]=> string(22) "SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL 101" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(22) "sustainable-travel-101" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(43) " https://travelrebel.be/my-mayan-adventure/" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2018-12-16 19:11:25" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-12-16 19:11:25" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=1217" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "2" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [38]=> object(WP_Post)#4039 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(1179) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2018-09-10 06:44:14" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-09-10 06:44:14" ["post_content"]=> string(14080) "

No one wants to fall ill during a fun trip, but every frequent traveler has probably dealt with this at least once. A few nights of severe cramps, spiking fever, or insane back pain? Yup, been there, done that.

Luckily, most of these are temporary and rather simple ailments to treat. However, that doesn’t mean you should take your health for granted or forget about the dangerous diseases that may be potentially lurking around your adventure grounds. And that’s where this blog comes in. While this probably isn’t the ideal list of reminders for a sunny beach holiday in Tenerife, you will definitely find it useful for those remote jungle adventures.

1. Good travel insurance

This is super important and so worth the money. I have Europ Assistance which costs me about EUR 120 per year. It covers medical expenses of up to EUR 1,250,000 incurred worldwide. Be sure to keep a copy of your travel insurance in the local language (definitely available in English, French, Spanish, etc.).

2. Money, money, money!

Pull up your credit card limit. I had my credit card ceiling increased just because I’m aware that sometimes you have to pay immediately in case of hospital admittance. When dealing with urgent health matters, you really don’t want to be stuck with financial restrictions. I get immense peace of mind from knowing that if something goes wrong during a trip, I can count on the extra financial reserve for a short time.

3. Get those necessary shots

I don’t know anyone who is a fan of getting vaccinated, but it’s just something you got to do. Well before departure, check in with your doctor to inquire about which vaccinations you already have and which ones you definitely need. Do this as soon as you can and leave enough time to actually get all the necessary vaccinations. In Belgium it is compulsory to have your child vaccinated for polio. Tetanus is also a known vaccine but needs to be renewed every 10 years. This week I just received the renewal doses of my polio & tetanus vaccines (about EUR 31.5) and the typhoid vaccine (EUR 26) for the very first time. Most vaccination prices can be found here: https://www.travelclinic.com/1385/vaccinations.htm Vaccination against typhus is always recommended for adventurous travel to places where hygiene may not be up to the mark.

I had my hepatitis A & B vaccines (costing about EUR 100, if I remember correctly) for my first trip to Central America. Do keep in mind that these are three pricks that you need to get at different dates over a period of 6 to 18 months. They’re necessary for people planning to travel to a distant country.

At the end of this month I will also get a vaccine for rabies (around EUR 10) because I do make several adventurous trips. Rabies is a deadly disease  transmitted by dogs, bats, foxes and monkeys. If these animals bite, scratch or even lick you, you may be in danger of this. Every traveler comes across stray dogs and monkeys, so it’s best to just get it done. I also have an appointment in a few weeks at the University Hospital in Ghent for a vaccination against yellow fever. This shot can only be administered in  recognized centers. Yellow fever is an often fatal disease and is transmitted through mosquitoes that sting during the day. After this vaccine, you will apparently get a stamp in your passport as proof that you can show at the airport in some countries. Again, always take a copy of your vaccination certificates with you when traveling!

4. Malaria pills

The good, the bad and the ugly. You often hear crazy stories about malaria pills. Some experienced terrifying nightmares, others couldn’t sleep. Balance disorders, vomiting, confusion and even hallucinations are reported side effects of these pills. However, there is a big difference between the various malaria pills on the market. I always choose the rather expensive Malarone pills because I have never been away for extremely long periods. One Malarone pill costs around 2 to 3 euros a day, so that can really add up, especially since you have to continue taking the pill for a while even after your trip. For my upcoming trip to Kenya I will try Atovaquone/Proguanil Mylan for the first time. This costs EUR 41 for 24 tablets, making it slightly cheaper than Malarone.

Did you know that CarePlus in their vision '' a malaria free world in 2030 '' now organizes a special promotion in which every mosquito net sold in the store sponsors a mosquito net for a third world country! If you also like to contribute, you can find the CarePlus mosquito nets in the pharmacies, drug stores and outdoor shops.

Pharmaceutical checklist for travels

Medicines:

• Any personal medication
• Motion sickness medicine (Sea Bands)
• For nausea and vomiting (Motilium)
• Preventive and treatment medicine for diarrhea (you can ask your doctor for antibiotics)
• Rehydration  O.R.S rehydration
• Birth control or other contraceptives
• For abdominal cramps
• For stomach acidity
• Analgesic, antipyretic & anti-inflammatory agent (Tip: I always pick up Mobistix Forte or Dafalgan Forte granules. You can take these without water.)
• For muscle pain, sprains and bruises
• Eye care products: disinfectant, moisturizer, lens care
• Anti-fungal medicine (I have gotten this for the first time on the advice of a doctor)
• Sleeping pills or  muscle relaxants (you must be very careful with this medication but I am an extremely bad sleeper and get far too little shut eye time during my travels)
• Possible remedy for height sickness
• Something for a sore throat

* Be sure to discuss all necessary medication with your doctor!

Insects

• Insect repellent and/or mosquito net 
• Anti- allergic & itch-quenching medicine (I often suffer from this and use Cetirizine, available only on prescription)
• Pointy tweezers to remove ticks
• Super handy two-in-one anti-bug spray and sunscreen!
• An automatic poison piston for spider or snakes bites
• Impregnated mosquito net
• CarePlus Anti insect socks are impregnated and seamless to protect against mosquitoes and ticks. They are suitable for walks and hiking trips in any type of terrain

Wound care

• Plasters, styptic cotton wool, compresses, elastic windel
• Disinfectant
• Scissors, splinter tweezers
• Water resistant plasters

Sun and skin care

• Sun cream
• Aftersun
• Lip balm
• Protective oil for hair or a cap/hat
• Sunglasses
• Possibly aloe vera gel

Miscellaneous

• Hand sanitizer
• Clinical thermometer
• Something to make water drinkable 
• Earbuds
• Eye mask
• Water filtering system
• Possibly support stockings for long distance flights
• Pocket knife
• Hot and cold compress
• Safety pins
• Compeet patches for bleeding

Hope you found this list helpful. Do check out the Institute of Tropical Medicine website to know exactly how to keep health at your destination. And, as always, don’t forget to have fun! " ["post_title"]=> string(48) "How to keep your health in check while traveling" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(48) "how-to-keep-your-health-in-check-while-traveling" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(43) " https://travelrebel.be/my-mayan-adventure/" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2018-11-01 09:59:38" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-11-01 09:59:38" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=1179" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "2" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [39]=> object(WP_Post)#4040 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(1176) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2018-09-06 15:52:52" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-09-06 15:52:52" ["post_content"]=> string(7085) "We all have our peculiarities – here are six random facts about me! As any traveller will tell you, getting to know a place – and person – is all in the details. When I started this blog, I decided to be as true to myself and my vision of travel as possible. This obviously means that there is no room for facades and masks. So who am I? Well, I could give you a blow-by-blow account of my life trajectory, starting from kindergarten, but I think you, my lovely readers, will get a better idea of who I truly am from these random and interesting facts. (As for the rest of the details, I’m sure you’ll catch bits and pieces in all my stories, photos and blogs! For now, enjoy these eccentric points!)

1. Once, during the most popular festival in Belgium (no, not Tomorrowland… I’m talking about Rock Werchter), I found myself in the Marquee tent way up front, having a blast. All was smooth sailing until I suddenly realized I had lost my flip-flops in the crowd…uh oh! And what did I do? A high jump, of course! I leapt high and got stuck between huge, strong guys, which meant my feet no longer touched the ground anymore (yup, that’s how crowded and sweaty those concerts are). Problem solved! So, clearly, I love to be right by the stage, part of an insane crowd, dancing like crazy. If you want to see me freak out and scream “This is my song, this is my song!” on repeat, just put on No Problem by Chase & Status. Needless to say, I take no responsibility for what happens after that. I go all in, always.
2. There was a time when I checked into a hostel in Berlin, and a shitty one, at that. I totally could have kept drowning in my misery of not finding suitable housing, but that very night, I went to a concert alone for the first time – a Sunset Sons gig – and  loved it. Oh, and guess how long I ended up staying in that hostel? SIX WHOLE WEEKS. Yeah, I get myself into some pretty weird situations, but always end up making the most of them.
3. According to my mother, three-year-old Charlotte always wanted to see one specific cartoon. Here’s the strange part: it was a Czech one called Krtek and I didn’t understand a single word! I still laugh when I imagine the sick toddler version of me whining“ ‘t Molletje, mamaaaa, ‘t Molletje”! As funny as that is, I think this was the first time I understood that we don’t need to speak the same language to understand one another. (Oh wait! Coming to think of it, the mole in the cartoon explores unusual places and meets strangers, all in a bid to help his sick friend – maybe it had more of an impact on me than I previously thought!).
4. Even though I’m a wanderer at heart, there’s a particular place that I long for, a place that I just need: Heist, a seaside village in Belgium. As you know, I try to live life to the fullest and am super busy most of the time. However, even I need to unplug and recharge from time to time – and no place better for this than Heist. Here, I just lay on the couch and stare at the sea for hours… and I never get bored. There’s a song that reminds me of that feeling of absolute contentment: Ludovico Einaudi’s Una Mattina from the movie The Intouchables. The first time I saw the film was here, and I’m writing these words here, too. This song, this film and this place will always hold a special place in my heart.
5. Scents I adore include camomille,verveine and  lemon.
6. Although I have lots and lots of favourite songs related to travel, these are my top five favourite tracks related to feelings:
   • Sultans of Swing by Dire Straits
   • Youth by Daughter
   • Good Riddance (Time of your life) by Green Day
   • The River by Bruce Springsteen
   • Lips by The XX
   And that’s quite some intense sharing for the day! Will be back with another post soon. As always, feel free to drop a line, interact, and ask me anything.

" ["post_title"]=> string(26) "AN OPEN MIND, AN OPEN BOOK" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(25) "an-open-mind-an-open-book" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(46) " https://travelrebel.be/music-makes-me-travel/" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2018-11-01 10:02:02" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-11-01 10:02:02" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=1176" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "1" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [40]=> object(WP_Post)#4041 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(1165) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2018-09-05 09:55:53" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-09-05 09:55:53" ["post_content"]=> string(9512) "[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IyucZou5Pc[/embed] Packing is always a small adventure in itself. Now, as I prepare for my next trip to Sibera (yup, you heard that right), I can’t help but constantly think back to my last super cool adventure – pun intended – in Iceland. As you may recall, I was in this gorgeous place for five days back in May. Thanks to some smart planning and a whole lot of spirit, that experience became a truly memorable one… and I, for one, am very grateful for my packing skills (hey, it’s an art!). So, if you’re in the process of chalking out a trip to Iceland, or another freezing place, read on to find out what you should bring along.

Travel light

Let’s face it: checked bags are a pain. I took one carry-on with me and arranged it quite methodically. Half of it was occupied by clothes and accessories and the other half with all the techy stuff like camera gear, laptop, drone… you get the gist. The other little, but equally important, things went in the nook and crannies. For the sake of details, let’s break it all down.  

Miscellaneous essentials

An eye mask is a must and I’m so glad I took this with me. In Iceland, the sun either goes down really, really late or not at all, but getting that rejuvenating sleep is so important.   Get some earplugs and keep them on you at all times. You never know when you’ll need them.   Don’t forget that hair conditioner, especially after the Blue Lagoon. Trust me, your hair will thank you.   Pack a light raincoat because precipitation is really unpredictable. Thankfully, we got super lucky and used our sunglasses way more than our raincoats.   An old-school roadmap. If you mark the places you want to see on the map beforehand, the sense of excitement becomes almost tangible.   Get some sunscreen and some aftersun lotion. I always take the Careplus travel set along.   All your essential mini liquids.   Passport, obviously. So glad European travelers don’t need a visa.   Camera! This country is beyond picturesque. I used my Canon Rebel  and it served me well.   An insulated bottle for water or tea. You can refill your bottle for free everywhere in Iceland, it’s a part of the culture. Water is free in every restaurant as well. My sturdy bottle is from KleanKanteen.     I also always keep some steel straws with me no matter where I go. It seriously helps reduce plastic waste. Try it out.  

Clothes and accessories

  Definitely pack a swimsuit and flip-flops for when you chill by (or in) the Blue Lagoon.   Hiking boots are an absolute necessity. Mine, from LOWA, were super comfortable and suitable for that terrain. I’d say it’s an investment worth making, especially for those outdoorsy souls.   A sweater and a few t-shirts with long and short sleeves. Remember, it’s all about layering. (TIP: roll your clothes so you can fit more stuff into your suitcase.) Tights. Layering is key even when it comes to trousers, and the first layer is the most important. Synthetic fabrics such as polypropylene work the best, whereas wool and silk are the best natural fibers. I just packed some normal tights and wore them under my jeans whenever I felt cold. Socks. And more socks. Keep some long ones for the hiking boots.   Although I took my regular jeans, I would recommend investing in durable trekking trousers if you plan to do multiple trips like this.   You definitely need a scarf, headband and beanie. My beautiful ones are 100% handmade, 100% baby alpaca wool, 100% fair fashion and 100% sustainable (not to mention, super cute too!).   A day trip backpack. The Fjallraven classics are always a good option. And that’s pretty much it, I think. If you need more help with packing for any kind of trip, let me know. It’s a process I’ve perfected with a lot of practice, so I truly hope it can make your upcoming journeys smoother and more memorable! " ["post_title"]=> string(41) "WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR ICELANDIC ADVENTURE" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(41) "what-to-pack-for-your-icelandic-adventure" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(175) "https://travelrebel.be/the-top-11-must-see-places-in-south-iceland/ https://travelrebel.be/iceland-on-a-budget/ https://travelrebel.be/iceland-the-xxl-golden-circle-itinerary/" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2018-12-02 08:36:57" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-12-02 08:36:57" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=1165" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "2" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [41]=> object(WP_Post)#4042 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(1160) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2018-09-04 11:51:23" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-09-04 11:51:23" ["post_content"]=> string(12190) "Is sustainable travel something that appeals to you, but like many other en vogue terms being thrown around, you’re not really quite sure what it means? Are you simply someone who’s passionate about traveling and are trying to pursue it in the most mindful manner possible? Or are you already an expert when it comes to eco tourism? Whatever the case may be, we can all do with doses of solid information from time to time… and where better to turn than the books? After all, knowledge is power, right? Here are Travel Rebel’s top five picks. Happy reading!    

• Going Local: Experiences and Encounters on the Road

   

Sure, this acclaimed book by Nicholas Kontis is packed with essential information, but it’s on this list because it’s also a beautiful read. From the get-go, the reader understands two things: this is a man who has traveled extensively, and he really knows how to get his message across. The importance of protecting local society and the wilderness is emphasized throughout the narrative. Aimed at the traveler who is looking for authenticity, the book explains in a convincing way how one can become a part of the sharing economy, why to choose experiential travel, and why ethical travel is the need of the hour.    

• Taking Responsibility for Tourism

 

Although a more serious read than Going Local, this book by Harold Goodwin (one of the leading figures in the field of sustainable tourism) is a goldmine of extremely useful information. It caters to not just travelers, but also activists, policy makers, and academics (so  pretty much anyone who wants to strengthen their understanding of tourism and its effects). Goodwin explains in great depth precisely why tourism should be developed in such a manner that is becomes a force for good. Many deem this to be the most thorough and impressive overview responsible tourism, and I can definitely see why!  

• Overbooked: The Exploding Business of Travel and Tourism

 

This well-written book by Elizabeth Becker is informative and interesting at the same time. In a truly eye-opening way, she describes the staggering dimensions of the tourism industry today and its massive effects on all spheres of our lives. The research is spot on and the anecdotes scattered throughout add much needed brevity (she has traveled all over the world to collect these gems). Many readers will be shocked by a lot of the stuff they learn about the major tourist destinations – don’t be surprised if you change your travel patterns forever after this read! If you’re even remotely related to the tourism industry, as a consumer or otherwise, do pick this up.    

• Fully Alive: Using the Lessons of the Amazon to Live Your Mission in Business and Life

 

Almost everyone I’ve met who has read Fully Alive has loved it, and I’m not surprised. Tyler Gage’s gripping read tells the story of a young and successful entrepreneur’s time in the Amazon and how it changes everything – from his spirituality to his outlook on life. He takes all that he has learned to create a sustainable, socially responsible company. Even if you don’t want to build a business anytime soon, consider going through this book because it will open your eyes and give you the courage to look at the world in a different way. You will learn how to respect everything around you and respect yourself – and once you do that, a whole universe of opportunities will open up. This kind of knowledge invariably translates into more authentic, sustainable travel experiences, so I’d say give it a go!    

• Eco Chic

 

Pascal Languillon’s Eco Chic just had to be added to this list because, let’s face it, sometimes even the toughest of us just want a nice, relaxing vacation. Here’s the best part: just because you don’t want to rough it out doesn’t mean you have you give up on your sustainability ideals. This book turns the limelight onto many hotels, spas, shops, lodges, and even restaurants that are dedicated to protecting our environment. In fact, the efforts of a lot of these institutions are actually not just protecting, but also actively improving, the condition of Mother Earth! Thanks to Languillon (a known name when it comes to sustainable tourism) you no longer have to sacrifice leisure for sustainability while booking your next adventure. Win-win situation!  " ["post_title"]=> string(44) "5 MUST-READ BOOKS FOR THE CONSCIOUS TRAVELER" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(44) "5-must-read-books-for-the-conscious-traveler" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(43) " https://travelrebel.be/my-mayan-adventure/" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2018-12-28 11:27:47" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-12-28 11:27:47" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=1160" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [42]=> object(WP_Post)#4043 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(1146) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2018-08-30 09:12:36" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-08-30 09:12:36" ["post_content"]=> string(10255) "How I travelled through Guatemala in a sustainable way My tilt towards sustainable travel goes way, way back. In fact, I think it was my first real backpacking adventure at merely 20 years old that shaped a lot of my views on tourism. This blog is a nostalgic retelling of that very significant trip.

Mindful lodging

It was the summer of 2012 when I got to experience first-hand a very authentic homestay project in Guatemala, thanks to Planterra, an organization that designs and supports community-owned enterprises to encourage responsible tourism. The Posadas Mayas Community Homestay Project in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, is an awesome example of a social enterprise that concentrates on building local capacity. Through its training programs and small business grants, the small village of San Juan La Laguna is connected to the tourism market. How can travellers, such as myself, help? Well, simply by being there. If you use the homestay for accommodation, the project continues to grow and provides opportunities for more families. And that’s precisely what we did! What better way to kick off our Mayan adventure? [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/x4FTuIC32Q/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed]

Crazy commute

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at Cafe Barista in Antigua, my travel companions and I hopped onto the first chicken bus of the day headed towards Chichicastenango. Luckily, this vehicle wasn’t too cramped and didn’t move at a breakneck speed. It dropped us off at an unpleasant place reeking of  dirt and pollution, from where we jumped onto the second chicken bus. This time around, we were less lucky. It was so crowded that there was only space to use less than half of a seat per person – I was actually amazed at how many people can fit into a single vehicle! And… that wasn’t even the worst part: as the bus lurched forward at full speed on the hilly terrain and took jarring turns, we almost had quite a dangerous accident. Despite that, there was no slowing down, so we clung on for dear life. During all of this, a child even crawled through the open window and onto the roof (yeah, I can’t make this stuff up!) and seconds later, some luggage dropped down, smashing a window. Glass was everywhere, including on me.  

Chichicastenango

We finally arrived in Chichicastenango, still alive... phew! This charming cobbled town with red roofs is actually home to one of the most vibrant markets in all of Central America. So, naturally, the first thing I did was buy handcrafted scarves and a traditional doll for my godmother to use in her class (she is a kindergarten teacher). Sustainable travel tip: Purchasing directly from artisans who are skilled in traditional crafts is actually great for sustainable travel. In this manner, you can play your part in preserving these crafts, which solidifies a community’s identity. This, in turn, gives visitors a more authentic travel experience, so win-win! Oh, also, this type of support is especially beneficial for women because handicrafts and other tourism-related services are often their only formal way to earn a livelihood.

Panajachel

After Chichicastenango we drove to Panajachel in the Guatemalan Highlands and spent the night by the edge of Lake Atitlan. It’s unlikely that you’ll have trouble finding a suitable place to stay here, especially if you search on Booking.com. Here, too, we went shopping and ended up having a better retail experience than that in Chichicastenango, where beggars and ware peddlers had approached us non-stop. In Panajachel, the goods seemed better and the markets were definitely less crowded. Overall, it was a much calmer and more pleasant shopping space. Sustainable travel tip: Giving money to beggars, whether they are adults or kids, isn’t advisable because it leads to dependency (try not to give them candy either, because teeth decay is a problem). The children are often forced into begging, which keeps them out of school. That said, begging can definitely get overwhelming, so if you really want to help, try to support an organization that addresses the root causes at a grassroots level. Also, remember that your support of the local economy has quite a big impact in the long run. After our shopping excursion, we had lunch at a very cheap place that an extremely persistent waiter practically forced us into. One bite in, and I knew I’d be sick (even though I had ordered french fries because fried food is relatively safer). As food poisoning hits you right away, I felt the full effects shortly after lunch… Imodium and Motilium to the rescue! In that sickly condition, I had to catch a boat to the island of San Juan on Lake Atitlan, so that was an interesting ride (I’ll save you the details but let me just say it was pretty bad). [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BYqkKgGhSA0/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed]

Island paradise

When we arrived on the island, we visited a local art gallery run by a female artist as soon as I gained some strength. Given the role of women in this society, this gallery was pretty unique. From here, we went to the Woman Association, where they were spinning cotton and weaving. I enjoyed every second of it and ended up buying a typical piece of clothing as a keepsake. Priced at around 300 quetzals, it was rather expensive, but definitely worth it. Afterwards, we met our host family and our interactions with them form some of my warmest memories. The sisters Milka and Maria, and their families, welcomed us with open arms. Maria’s children – Bila, Christian, Magali and Rebecca –  ran to hug as soon as we entered. Rebecca was just two years old back then, Christian was five, Bila was eight and Magali  six. My friend and I had bought a football as a small gift and we all played outside. Of course, these families are used to tourists and the children are keep getting gifts from travellers. Nevertheless, this homestay was one of my most vivid and best experiences in Guatemala. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BOCGmTShRn-/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed] The family only spoke Spanish and a Mayan dialect but my travel partner was pretty fluent in Spanish. The kids were super energetic and took about 300 photos with my camera (of the television, the corner, a chair… all blurry and useless, but hey, who cares?).  They also drew pictures in my travel diary and I still smile whenever I see these drawings. For dinner, we had black beans, an omelette and baked bananas, and it was all delicious. There was even some sweet bread and tortilla. All four kids wanted to sit right next to us as they told us about their family, history and traditions during the meal. They showed us their artisanal clothing (just a collar takes over three months to make!), explained how all the colors have special meanings, and what the 24 squares under the collar symbolize. They also talked at length about the 22 different Mayan languages and shared personal anecdotes. Needless to say, I will never forget the laughs we shared and the genuinely good time we had. There is nothing quite like mingling with the locals and learning about their world from them, the real authority on the subject. A fancy beach vacay at an overly touristy spot may be fun, but sustainable travel helps you grow in ways you cannot even imagine. You leave fundamentally altered, for the better.  " ["post_title"]=> string(18) "MY MAYAN ADVENTURE" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(18) "my-mayan-adventure" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(46) " https://travelrebel.be/music-makes-me-travel/" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2018-12-28 11:28:56" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-12-28 11:28:56" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=1146" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "7" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [43]=> object(WP_Post)#4044 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(1121) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2018-08-24 15:17:11" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-08-24 15:17:11" ["post_content"]=> string(11162) "And I’m back with the rest of my Puglia details. Just like part I , this blog is also jam-packed with information that will hopefully make it easier for you to plan your very own Italian adventure… or, at the very least, make you brush off the dust from those suitcases.

Santa Caterina

Santa Caterina is a beautiful seaside resort where you will encounter very few foreign tourists. Here, you can go wreck diving or simply enjoy the rocky beaches. We decided to have lunch at La Pergola near the beach. Luckily, some kind Italians recommended two fantastic dishes: Risotto alla crema di pesce and  pasta with crustics. Utterly delicious!

Pulsano

Our home away from home during our month long road trip through this magnificent country was Pulsano.  It is an unknown authentic village in Puglia where you can quietly observe the real local atmosphere and lifestyle of the Italians. Needless to say, I loved it. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the very charming  host Jacopo of the B & B Il Vicoletto. We were the first Belgians in his B & B since it opened in  March 2018 and there was a bottle of wine waiting for us in our fridge. This place is just around the corner from the central square, where there seems to be a village party every evening. During out time here, we ate at the Il Re Della Brace twice. This place boasts a huge outdoor terrace and a giant olive tree. You get to choose your meat and it’s immediately cooked on a huge bonfire. There are many options for salads, vegetables, fries, etc. For a total price of just EUR 19, we had huge servings of meat, veggies, fries and drinks for two. Our breakfast experience was typical Italian: mini espresso and gigantic sweet cakes. This is when Jacopo came to the rescue again -- after a short consultation with him, we received giant slices of fresh fruit in the morning instead. Yay!

Baia del Girasole

This  is a beautiful bay with azure water. Here, you can float freely and enjoy some downtime with the locals. For some fun, try jumping into the water from the rocks. (Do note that if you go looking for a quiet sandy beach, you will often be disappointed in Italy.)

Lecce

Lecce is a magnificent city where Baroque architecture reigns supreme. When we were here, it was very hot (about 40 °C… yikes!), so all we saw on the streets were other tourists desperately looking for shade.   Regardless of the heat, there’s quite a bit to see here, especially for those Baroque enthusiasts. Do check out the Church of San Giovanni Battista, the Piazza del Duomo, and the Roman amphitheater.

Le Due Sorelle

Le Due Sorelle, also called the ‘two sisters rocks’, was a typical tourist-run ombrellone beach. You know how I feel about touristy places, but this one is certainly worth a stop. I can’t deny the postcard-perfect beauty and the upbeat atmosphere. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl_KQgpnFjN/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed] Oh, and where does the name come from? Well, legend goes that two sisters dove into the rough currents, but shortly realized they wouldn’t be able to get back to the shore. The gods then turned them into these stunning sea stacks, to be admired forever.

Torre dell 'Orso

Less crowded and a bit rougher than Le Due Sorelle, this was another nice place to jump from the rocks into the mesmerizing azure water. The beach is framed by majestic cliffs and the sand is white and pristine. There were a lot of visitors here, too, but then again it’s summer in Italy! Water, sun and fun are really the best combo. Rest assured, there were plenty of places to park nearby.

Matera

Originally, we weren’t planning on stopping in Matera, but I am so happy we decided to drive around. This place is all set to be cultural capital of Europe in 2019 and let me just say that this tag is certainly not unjustified. As you walk breathlessly through the tangle of old streets in this completely car-free area, you will literally  feel the history engulf you. It’s a feeling like no other. The town is known for its cave-dwellings known as sassi. Visitors adventurous enough can even stay in these caves. Some believe that Matera may be the third-longest constantly inhabited human settlement in the world… let that sink in. The first inhabitants probably came here around 7,000 years ago. Do check out the Museo Nazionale Ridola which holds exhibits from distant eras of Basilicata’s history. Because the sassi are so extensive, you might want to book a tour to get the full experience -- also, a bit of historical context provided by a local can make all the difference in Matera. A visit here is truly like stepping back in time. So that’s what our long Italian road trip was like. In my opinion, it had just the right amounts of adventure, history, relaxation, and exploration. Would I do it again? In a heart beat. " ["post_title"]=> string(50) "PUGLIA PART II: AN UNFORGETTABLE ITALIAN ROAD TRIP" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(49) "puglia-part-ii-an-unforgettable-italian-road-trip" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(70) " https://travelrebel.be/puglia-part-i-an-unforgettable-italian-summer/" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-05-23 10:21:15" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-05-23 10:21:15" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=1121" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "2" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [44]=> object(WP_Post)#4045 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(1082) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2018-08-19 19:01:02" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-08-19 19:01:02" ["post_content"]=> string(13778) "Puglia, hidden in the boot of Italy’s heel, is an emerging region that’s ideal as a road trip destination. If you are looking to spend some quality sun-drenched time on phenomenal beaches and in beautiful cities, look no further. During our one-month road trip through Italy, we simply could not skip Puglia. However, it is also the ideal fly-and-drive destination, if that suits you. There are often very cheap holiday packages to Bari, the capital, and you can rent a car upon landing. (Tip: Keep an eye on Travel Rebel’s Facebook page for great deals from time to time.) If you do not have a driver's license, don’t fret – there are good train connections in Puglia, so you can still explore this region pretty well. We visited Puglia at the end of July and it was very hot. There were also quite a lot of (Italian) tourists as the countrymen themselves were on leave. In my opinion, the months of May, June, September or October may have been better for a visit. Beautiful weather and some quiet… sounds like a wonderful combination in my books! So let’s get down to the details:

Vieste

Since we drove from the middle of Italy to the south, Vieste was the first on our route. This is also one of our favorites in Puglia. Vieste is a part of the Gargano Peninsula. Most of the upland area of this peninsula is actually a part of the Gargano National Park, one of the 24 national parks in Italy. Needless to say, the beautiful rough landscape is stunning. It is dotted with countless olive trees, cacti and pine trees and enjoys the backdrop of the Adriatic Coast. Oh, it’s also known as the track of the Italian heel and you can be sure to enjoy the  sultry sea breeze running through your hair. The history buffs will find the Italian trabucco, an ancient fishing machine, quite fascinating (pictured below) here. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/Blr9WZbnVyo/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed] Even if you have traveled all your life, I am pretty sure you would not have seen this kind of fishing set-up anywhere. The trabucco of San Lorenzo is an age-old traditional machine that was created because of the need to continue fishing even during violent storms. Don’t miss out on some authentic seafood while you’re in the area. The restaurants near the edge of the sea are quite appealing, as is the idea of spending a day at the beach. The Pizzomunno, a beautiful white rock on the beach, also can’t (and shouldn’t) be missed! Do note, however, that once it’s dark, you can encounter some unique things in the forest. For instance, a bunch of bats flew around our car for quite some time. Cows and goats often run across the streets  during the day, but fortunately, you can usually hear them because of the loud cowbells (still, it’s a bit unnerving when so many of them stare at you during a nightly car ride). Some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Italy are near Vieste, such as Baia delle Zagare and the beach of Mattinata (or la farfalla bianca, the white butterfly).

Polignano a Mare

 

“Volare oh, oh

Cantare oh, oh,oh, oh Nel blu degli occhi tuoi blu Felice di stare quaggiù Nel blu degli occhi tuoi blu Felice di stare quaggiù, con te.” These are perhaps the most famous Italian song lyrics of all time, from Domenico Modugno’s  worldwide hit. What a lot of people don’t know is that inspiration behind the ‘blu’ from this song was not just the eyes of a girl… it was also the blue sea of Puglia! You see, Modugno was born in 1928 in the beautiful coastal town of Polignano a Mare. In fact, in the village, there is a three-meter high statue of its most famous inhabitant. But Polignano is so much more than just the birthplace of Domenico. It is a Pinterest/Instagram worthy town with lots of charming white streets, pastel-coloured window shutters and quaint terraces. [gallery link="file" size="large" ids="1097,1098,1099"]

Alberobello

Alberobello, known as the trulli village, is a UNESCO world heritage. We went strolling through the streets during sunset, which is the ideal time to visit this place. It’s not a hidden gem and quite known to the general public, so don’t get caught up in the tourist traps and more expensive menus. We ate fantastic and  cheap food at Trullo del Conte near the church, check that out if you can. [gallery link="file" size="large" ids="1094,1092,1091"] We slept at a beautiful agriturismo called Paretano. This is a gigantic renovated riding school with a beautiful location and an infinity pool. You can also easily book via Booking.com (if you have not booked with this site before, you can get a 10% discount via this link).

Martina Franca

A nice stopover for lunch was Martina Franca, an idyllic white village with narrow alleys and beautiful squares where you can wander around on foot because the historic center is completely car-free. The town definitely boasts an artistic touch and you can see quotes from Picasso everywhere. We saw our first Italian wedding (yup, in practially every city in Puglia, we saw a wedding).

We ate delicious, healthy salads at Pane, Amore e  Fantasia. Ostuni

Ostuni,  also known as Citta Bianca, is another Pinterest worthy tourist attraction. We bought the typical artisan sandals and wandered through the sweltering streets. After Ostuni, we drove in the direction of The Maladives of Salento, which proved to be a hugely over-hyped beach destination with noisy fairground attractions, crowds, and neon lights. Out of necessity, we had to spend a night here, but left early in the morning for better places. We also made a stop at a small beach Terremoto and took advantage of the warm water and beach before continuing onward. And that’s enough sharing for today… but I am definitely not done with this account of our Puglia adventures. So lookout for part II, coming shortly. Until then, have fun planning your very own Italian road trip! " ["post_title"]=> string(46) "PUGLIA PART I: AN UNFORGETTABLE ITALIAN SUMMER" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(45) "puglia-part-i-an-unforgettable-italian-summer" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(107) " https://travelrebel.be/unplug-in-italy-exploring-beautiful-le-marche-a-relatively-unknown-region-in-italy/" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-05-23 10:18:02" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-05-23 10:18:02" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=1082" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "1" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [45]=> object(WP_Post)#4046 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(1064) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2018-08-08 19:49:06" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-08-08 19:49:06" ["post_content"]=> string(10568) "

Exploring beautiful Le Marche, a relatively unknown region in Italy

When it comes to Italy, everyone knows about Rome, Venice, Naples, and even the region of Tuscany. During our month-long road trip through this beautiful country, we made it a point to get to know that other Italy – the real, less-talked-about Italy – and this is what led us to Le Marche. The Le Marche region is pretty much unknown and is often seen as an alternative to the popular Tuscany. Situated by the Adriatic Coast, this is the perfect place to completely avoid the hordes of tourists in high season. It is also very budget friendly, and boasts not only stunning coastal sights but also, in my opinion, the tastiest and purest Italian cuisine, expansive fields full of sunflowers and extremely friendly locals.

HOW TO GET THERE

You can take a direct flight from Brussels Charleroi, Berlin Tegel, London Stansted, Munich (or many other European cities)  to Marche Airport, formerly known as Ancona Falconara Airport. If you only want to explore the coast, travelling by train is doable. However, if you want to discover more of the region, I recommend renting a car.

WHERE TO STAY

We stayed at an unimaginably beautiful agriturismo called Vecchio Gelso. It was located on top of a mountain in Ortezzano, a region known for its fruit trees, vineyards and unspoilt nature. It was super cozy and quiet, and we received a very friendly welcome. You can take a dip in the pool if you want to unwind. Oh, I must mention the food! Everything on your plate is locally produced and pure. We ate incredibly delicious meals and ordered a bottle of local red wine for just EUR 6 (Tip: Be sure to try the artisanal green tomato jam).

WHAT TO SEE AND SO

The Frasassi Caves

This is the largest cave system in Europe. I have been to several caves all over the world and these were the most impressive by far. Apparently, the first chamber of the Frasassi Caves is so large that even the Duomo di Milano (the Milan Cathedral) could easily fit inside. It is mandatory to visit the caves with a guide (which costs about EUR 18 per person) or you can do a speleo tour. When you’re driving towards the caves, you will first pass by a large parking lot full of tourist shops where you can leave your car and then take a tourist bus to the caves. You know me – I go ballistic when I see things like this. So, we drove to the caves, where there just a few parking places. Yay, lucky!

Temple of Valadier

This beautiful church in a cave was a definite highlight of our trip. If you keep driving a little further, say for five more minutes, from the Frasassi Caves, you will be able to spot the Temple of Valadier high up on the rocks if you look closely. Keep an eye on your Google Maps, otherwise you will definitely drive past it because there aren’t any indicators or signs. This dome-shaped temple was built in a hidden cave mouth as a refuge for sinners in search of absolution. The steep 700-meter climb is somewhat intense, but there’s a paved road and it’s really worth it. We only met a few people along the way, and once we arrived at the church, we found ourselves to be all alone. If you walk a bit into the cave, the pleasant temperature drop will cool you down and you’ll enjoy stunning views.  

Lago di Fiastra within Monti Sibillini National Park

This is truly one of my favorite lakes in Italy. It’s big, beautiful, quiet and you can swim everywhere. The beaches alongside are pebbly, so take water shoes with you. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BlnO941nUfv/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed] And it’s also the ideal camping place (yay, wild camping!) if  you want absolute tranquility and love staying in the water. There are also kayaking and slacklining options, if you’re into that kind of thing. If you continue to drive to the tourist area (which, thankfully, isn’t too big), you’ll find some catering establishments, campsites and a sunbathing area.  

Ascoli Piceno

When I think of a city with feeling and atmosphere, Ascoli Piceno immediately fits the bill. While we were there, the local market occupied the most beautiful square, the majestic Piazza Arringo. This square is the place where the locals meet, both now and in the past, and the palpable buzz is pleasant. Here, there are two beautiful fountains that were built in 1882 (depicting bronze seahorses, a fish, angels and gargoyles) and the locals still drink from these. In this town, they are used to seeing tourists and travelers, which is certainly not the case in some places in Le Marche. Here’s a little geographical perspective for you: Ascoli Piceno is located in central Italy, in the south of the Le Marche region. It lies at the same height as Rome, but on the other side of the country, 25 kilometers from the sandy beaches and the Adriatic Sea, at the foot of the Apennines. A culinary stop at Migliori in Piazza Arringo is a must. Be sure to order a portion of olive ascolane, the city’s speciality. These are meat-filled olives that are breaded and deep fried. Near Piazza Arringo is the Palazzo dell'Arengo. Passing through, we saw some little girls enthusiastically rehearsing new songs they had learned in kindergarten. A nice stop for a drink is Sestili bar. Also, Caffé Meletti in Piazza del Popolo is perfect for a coffee break.  

Loreto

This town is kind of like that little sister of Assisi. It boasts an impressive cathedral and is a one shop next to another with Holy Mary statues. And so, these were some of the  highlights of my trip to Le Marche. Given the impressive sights and sounds, the charming people, the history, and the delicious cuisine, would I visit again? Absolutely! Have you been here? Let me know about your experience! " ["post_title"]=> string(84) "Unplug in Italy: Exploring beautiful Le Marche, a relatively unknown region in Italy" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(82) "unplug-in-italy-exploring-beautiful-le-marche-a-relatively-unknown-region-in-italy" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-05-23 10:27:17" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-05-23 10:27:17" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=1064" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "4" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [46]=> object(WP_Post)#4047 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(1045) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2018-08-06 12:26:19" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-08-06 12:26:19" ["post_content"]=> string(14632) "We all know how a song can immediately take you back to a specific moment, place or person. Here are some tracks that I can always turn to when I want to relive some of my adventures.   Hotel California instantly takes me back to that moment we got stuck on a small mountain road in Guatemala because all the freight fell off the truck right in front of us. Melons, melons everywhere… just imagine! On Top of the World by Imagine Dragons reminds me of a camping road trip through Portugal with my best friends (so does Mambo No. 5, for that matter). Fun times, indeed. Whenever I hear California Girls by NoMbe vs. Sonny Alven, I close my eyes and can immediately feel the wind in my hair and the salt water on my skin. I can even smell the ocean. The first time I heard this song was on the British Defender sailboat in the Whitsundays. That beautiful feeling of happiness, excitement and contentment is one I’ll never forget. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BUB-3Cfha4T/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed] Havana by Camila Cabello transports me to the moment when Peter, an ex boyfriend, started mumbling Havana-na-na-nah in the middle of a night shop in Seminyak, Bali, accompanied by some intense dance moves. Needless to say, the entire store was soon singing along! [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BdwwCNohZ8N/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed]   (Sittin’ on) the Dock of the Bay brings back thoughts about my favorite pizza spot in Zeebrugge, right by the marina. Beautiful ambience, delicious food… what a fantastic combo! [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BLWnxF1hBJc/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed] Pitbull’s International Love and Timber were very popular when I was on Erasmus in Toulouse. Although this wasn’t (and still isn’t!) my type of music, as soon as I listen to these tracks, memories of all those nights dancing with fish bowls full of alcohol (I kid you not – fish bowls are buckets of Southeast Asia, but even larger! ) with my little dysfunctional family in Toulouse come rushing back.   Titanium by David Guetta might be too pop-y for me, but oh, what fun times it brings back! Four girls in Rome. We partied for free and I still have no clue how we got home.   Play something like Internet Friends by Knife Party and I will easily switch to party mode. This kind of music, fueled with some beer or rum, is my favorite genre when it comes to having a good times. Lots and lots of memories!   End Credits by Chase & Status – well, of course there’s a story here, too. Burning up with 39 degree fever and yet I danced to this song at I Love Techo in Gent. No way was I staying home from an awesome party because of  a silly little fever.     Ain’t No Sunshine is the background music to my my favorite ouuuh moment. When I had to leave Barcelona to move to Berlin, one of my very best friends played this song for me on his guitar in a hilarious and heart warming manner. Oh, the feels. Let me tell you, he is quite an entertainer, especially with his guitar… well, actually, he’s pretty much like that 24/7. Isn’t it awesome how music can preserve memories of all the cool people in your life?   Oh, and speaking of cool people, everyone has that one special song with their best friend, right? Well, ours is Blood Sugar by Pendulum. I was kind of obsessed with this kind of music back in the day… I even had my very own DJ gear! When we want to reminisce, we play this track. Everyone close to me knows about the soft spot I have for the film Into the Wild ( in fact, I even wrote an essay for school about the book/movie when I was just 16 years old). On a surfing road trip from Belgium to Portugal, my boyfriend at that time bought me the Eddie Verder’s Into the Wild CD (on the condition that I’d let him get a special edition Michael Jackson CD and one of Johnny Cash). That’s a whole lot of kilometres with Michael, Johnny and Eddie! So whenever I think about that trip, I turn back to Eddie.   7 seconds by Youssou N’Dour… oh, all those discussions in the car about the upcoming lyrics.   Chan Chan may be cliché but it’s truly is the best way to describe the unbelievable vibe of nights in Cuba. The sultry evenings, slow and  fast at the same time. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BNZ2jnMhKB3/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed] Sunrise by Norah Jones is all about that early morning drive to Ayers Rock, Australia. The red glow of the morning and this song… travel perfection. On the Road by Sunset Sons is all about my first night in Berlin. I was a fan of this unknown British-Australian indie band for years but had never seen them live… until that night.   Follow the Sun by Xavier Rudd speaks to me about those great weeks snowboarding up in the mountains in Tignes, France. Friends introduced me to this song over a croque monsieur during a cozy night in their tiny apartment.   Lord of the Boards by Guano Apes – can their be a better soundtrack to riding that perfect line on an early morning with fresh powder snow? And there’s that full Shakira album, Grandes Exitos. I can hear you think “Shakira? Really, Charlotte?”. Well, my mom discovered her via MTV unplugged (yup, appreciating a wide range of genres is something I get from my mom) before she became really famous. This album was the soundtrack of some memorable trips to the South of France and the Alps when I was about 10 years old. Listen to Estoy Aqui --isn’t it crazy what she can do with her voice?   Champagne Supernova by Oasis reminds me of a typical karaoke night in Vietnam. This is one experience you should definitely have while travelling through Vietnam. Only by Ry X is, for me, all about the bonfire on the beach in Vieux-Boucau just a couple of weeks ago. As is I’m on Fire by Bruce Springsteen.   You’ll Be in My Heart and On My Way by Phil Collins prove that I am a Disney generation kid and I am not ashamed to show it. My favorite Disney movie: The Lion King, of course. Not into the princesses, even as a small girl… except Pocahontas, she rocks! In Barcelona, I lived with even crazier Disney freaks -- can you imagine all the swirling and dancing that went on in that apartment?   As the Bottle Runs Dry  by The Wolf Banes takes me back to the long bus rides in Cuba. Listening to this song with my travel partner is something I can’t forget. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BZvCCsUhnyn/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed] And last, but certainly not the least, is the Pure Music Vol. 4 CD by a local radio station in Belgium. This album can’t even be found on Spotify – it’s only available on an old-school CD in a second-hand webshop (trust me, I just checked). As soon as I think about it, I’m overcome by the memories of sleeping in the back of the car as a young kid while we were enroute to our holiday destinations. I always, always  fell asleep at the same song. According to my parents, I was an easy child, always happy and content. When they would start up the engine for an eight-hour drive, I would ask “Is it still far away?”. Then, I’d nestle comfortably in the back with my blankets and pillows (and teddy!) and sleep until we arrived at our destination. How jealous I am of young Charlotte now, as I don’t sleep so easily anymore. It’s always nice to revisit those times with this CD which contains songs such as Passion by Gipsy Kings and La Vita è Bella by Nicola Piovani. It always calms me down, it always makes me want to travel. (La Vita è Bella holds a lot of personal meaning for me but that’s a story for another night… perhaps over a glass of wine).   Phew… let’s wrap up this long post! But that’s what happens when talk about music and travel, two of my favourite things! What tracks hold the most travel-related memories for you?" ["post_title"]=> string(21) "Music makes me travel" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(21) "music-makes-me-travel" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(158) "https://travelrebel.be/erasmus/ https://travelrebel.be/5-ways-to-explore-barcelona-for-free/ https://travelrebel.be/why-youll-fall-in-love-with-trinidad-cuba/" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2018-11-01 11:43:48" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-11-01 11:43:48" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=1045" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(2) "10" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [47]=> object(WP_Post)#4048 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(1010) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2018-06-24 18:59:03" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-06-24 18:59:03" ["post_content"]=> string(4712) "

How to make the most of this awesome student exchange adventure

Have you ever been on Erasmus? If you have, then you know that this is the time of your life! A time when anything is possible, a time of absolute freedom and no responsibilities, a time when you really get a chance to live life to the fullest. For those of you who don’t know, the Erasmus Programme is actually a student exchange programme in the EU that was established in 1987. Millions of students have participated since its inception, and for many it’s actually the first time they get to live in a foreign country all on their own. So, in other words, it’s a pretty cool opportunity.   I was the first student from my Belgian institution to go on Erasmus, which obviously meant that I had to deal with A LOT of administrative hurdles. But, I wanted to go, so I would… I’m quite stubborn, remember? Hours and hours were spent researching potential universities, and even more hours were spent trying to convince my home school to let me go. Then, finally, a whole lot of discussion and too many change of plans later, the scene was set: Toulouse Business School in… you’ll never guess… Toulouse, France! Now, even after all these days, I get goosebumps writing this. You see, going to Toulouse Business School felt like a homecoming in so many ways – for me, it was the ideal education and the ideal school.    Unfortunately, even though I made it to Toulouse, the administrative drag was far from over. As many of you know, moving to another country always brings with it a significant amount of bureaucratic pain (and let’s just say that France is certainly not the easiest location when it comes to paperwork). Luckily, however, my host school was a great help… and besides, a bit of paperwork wasn’t going to stop me from making the most of this experience!   Also, if you’re thinking about taking part in Erasmus, don’t worry – many partner schools within the network are catching up super fast and these administrative issues are shrinking by the way.   And now, without further ado, here are my top five tips to studying abroad:   Be patient! There will be bureaucracy and administration issues, but they will be resolved. To find good housing, join as many Facebook groups created by students in your Erasmus city as possible. While finding an affordable and decent apartment isn’t the easiest task, Toulouse is a real student city, so you will find something! Don’t stress. Everything always works out, so what’s the point of stressing out? You’re not the first (or last!) student to embark on the crazy Erasmus adventure. Do some good research about the local systems, including bank account procedures and telephone subscriptions. I had to deal with some problems that could have been avoided. Enjoy! Remember at all times that this is your chance to get to know different people, to party, and to have the time of your life! After all, you have nothing tou-louse! " ["post_title"]=> string(36) "Tips for Erasmus in Toulouse, France" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(7) "erasmus" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-07-04 07:33:00" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-07-04 07:33:00" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(30) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=1010" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "1" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [48]=> object(WP_Post)#4049 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(937) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2018-06-20 14:09:14" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-06-20 14:09:14" ["post_content"]=> string(7612) "

Why I love traveling solo, and why you should try it out at some point

The concept of solo travel has been embraced wholeheartedly in recent years, especially by more and more women. It’s not just for the daredevils among us –  in fact, everyone can (and should!) take a trip on their own at least once. You see, when you travel solo, you not only learn to stand firm in your own shoes, you also learn about your inherent softness, and that of others. Read on to find out all about my first solo trip.

An experience unlike any other

The first time I  flew to the other side of the world, I was merely 20 years old. As I stepped on the plane to Mexico, I could feel my heart thumping, my insides knotting up and my eyes getting a bit teary in panic. During the entire flight, I constantly kept questioning my decision. ‘Why am I even doing this?’ I thought. ‘The summers in Belgium with friends & family are so much fun! How can I possibly backpack through Central America? How can I get to my hotel in one piece tonight… oh no, I’m arriving in Mexico at night!’   It didn’t end there –  there was more, so much more. ‘What will I do if I am harassed? What if my mobile doesn’t work, just as it didn’t during the stopover in Canada? What if my bank card doesn’t work? Why don’t I just take a direct flight back to Europe? All my friends will go to such amazing parties in Belgium’. Yup, FOMO is my middle name! In retrospect, however, this was one of the best experiences of my life and I am infinitely grateful for holding my ground at that moment. Everything was fine, I just had to reign in my own thoughts, I had to disable that doomsday mode.  I had to take a deep breath and realize that flying alone is actually something I really like to do, whether it is to Australia or Biarritz… or even Mexico.   And what happened when we landed? I stepped off the plane, breathed in the smell of Mexico, and instantly felt calmer. That’s all there was to it.   After that, I lugged my far too heavy backpack with panache and basked in the sultry, heavy heat that came over me as I got into a taxi in the middle of the night. There were only a few taxi drivers waiting around at that hour, but I had luckily already booked one to my hotel beforehand for some peace of mind.   “You look like you need a tequila!” was the first thing a local said to me.  He was right – I was excited for some tequila and a whole lot of adventure. Olé!

An awakening

So what did I learn? Above all, I learned that solo travel is something you do to meet yourself, to silence those crazy voices in your head, to reach a state of acceptance. Many think that solo travel is lonely, but that’s far from truth. There are so many people you get to know, and a whole world of experiences to tap into, if you’re open to it.   Sure, sometimes it doesn’t seem like the coolest idea to eat alone, but if you can just pluck up the courage to say hello to those around you, you’ll be surprised by how many interesting conversations you will get to be a part of. For me, these spontaneous encounters are the best part of such travel – you hear stories and experience things that you never thought possible.   I also immensely enjoy the freedom that comes with solo travel. You can travel at your own pace and  indulge in activities you’re 100% interested in. When you meet someone along the way, you can travel together for however long you want – when you want to be alone again, you can simply part ways.   I’m an extrovert and can easily connect with strangers, but if you’re more of an introvert, try staying in hostels. In these set-ups, you get to know other travelers really quickly, and talking to someone while doing the dishes becomes a breeze. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/Biv8x7anAGO/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed]

Are up up for it?

  So why do I travel solo? Well, actually, I’ve realized that my travel plans aren’t contingent on anyone else. It’s not a conscious decision I make, it’s also not that I don’t have friends with the time and money to travel … it’s just that I never bother to ask. I book a flight, and if a friend wants to travel with me, that’s not a problem at all, but I’m okay on my own as well.   I often hear people whine about how they want to travel more but have no one to go with them. To them, and to you, I ask: have you ever considered booking that ticket on a whim and just seeing what comes next? Traveling alone will help you grow. This sounds very cliché, but it’s the truth. You’ll never be the same again. So, just go for it. Book that ticket. Pack up that bag. And just step into the plane headed to the destination of your dreams.   Need some more inspiration? Here are my top five destinations for solo travel: Australia Indonesia New Zealand Iceland Thailand   Good luck, folks! Let me know how your solo travel experience is!" ["post_title"]=> string(15) "Ticket for one!" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(23) "solotravel-ticketforone" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(171) "https://travelrebel.be/2018/06/18/why-youll-fall-in-love-with-melbourne-australia/ https://travelrebel.be/2018/06/18/how-to-make-the-most-of-the-nusa-islands-in-indonesia/" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2018-11-01 11:47:07" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-11-01 11:47:07" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(29) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=937" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "3" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [49]=> object(WP_Post)#4050 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(841) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2018-06-18 19:29:33" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-06-18 19:29:33" ["post_content"]=> string(6867) "

We all know how important trips with our girlfriends are, for sanity’s sake. In this crazy, fast-paced life, they guarantee lots of much-needed amusement, deep conversations and wonderful memories. And there is nothing quite like discovering a new city with your best friends!

Well, this is precisely what my girlfriends and I did when we flew to Copenhagen together. Thanks to the amazing attractions, the cool atmosphere, and the Danish concept of Hygge (tricky to define, but loosely about drawing contentment from the small things), we had a truly awesome time.

Let’s talk logistics

Our flights from Charleroi to Copenhagen and back were just EUR 27 per person. We left really early on a Friday morning, so we got that full day to explore, too. (Travel tip: it may be hard, but try to sleep a bit early the night before, so you can ready to take on the city when you land!)

  [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BPW9PS2BhxH/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed]

Easy on the pocket?

Copenhagen is a stylish city with a cool hipster vibe. I know what you’re thinking… hipster usually equates to expensive. However, rest assured, it’s perfectly possible to explore Copenhagen in a budget friendly way.

Here are some helpful pointers:

• Sleep in hostels. We  stayed at a very nice and cozy hostel named Sleep in Heaven.
• Try to find the cheapest flights. My favourite tool is Google Flights.
• Explore the city by bike. We easily rented bicycle from our hostel.

Must-see places

Want the classic Copenhagen experience? If so, you really can’t miss the following:

Nyhavn: This iconic 17th-century waterfront district is as Copenhagen as you can get. There is lots of do here, including relaxing in the sun with a nice drink or going on a canal tour.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BNhpoqwhHZj/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed]

The Little Mermaid: You really can’t miss this bronze statue of a mermaid on a rock at the Langelinie promenade. She’s over a hundred years old and a real beauty.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BNlrxOLBCwg/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed]

Tivoli Gardens: The world’s second oldest amusement park is really a treat. Games, rides, musicals, even concerts… must I say more?

Kastellet: This is one of the most well preserved fortresses in all of northern Europe and quite stunning.

Rosenborg Castle: Speaking of stunning, this is another place you must visit if you’re a history buff. The castle holds 400-year-old stories of royalty and magnificence.

Rundetarn: You really can’t miss this tower... and the architecture fanatics among you will certainly not! It’s in central Copenhagen and was originally built as an astronomical observatory.

More into unconventional attractions? Check out these off-the-grid places:

Christiania: This autonomous district has its own rules and regulations and is totally independent of the Danish government. Home to about 900 people, there’s a lot to do here, including some awesome music venues, cafes, and souvenir places.

Green Light District: A small part of Christiania, this is where the cannabis trade used to happen. After a crackdown, however, most of these stalls have been forced to close, but there are still whispers here and there.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BNl_A6Yh8SS/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed]

Dansk Arkitektur Center: This is the country’s national center for the spread of all sorts of architecture and urban planning information. It’s quite a place to see.

Copenhagen Contemporary: This may not be for you if you don’t like contemporary art, but  I do, so I really enjoyed my visit here. They attract international talent and have super cool installations and exhibits.

Fuel for the body and soul

There are many famous eateries in Copenhagen, including the super duper famous NOMA.

At places like the buzzing food hall Torvehallerne, you’ll be able to find something to please everyone in the group. Want a great cup of coffee? Look for the Coffee Collective here -- I loved it. .

Oh, and here’s another food recommendation: Try Pluto, I loved it!

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NUSA ISLANDS IN INDONESIA

The Nusa Islands – Nusa Ceningan, Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan – are three  small islands just below Bali in Indonesia. Here, you can experience beautiful beaches, bright blue waters, rugged cliffs, soothing quietness and a super relaxed island vibe.

These islands were absolutely my favorite part of Bali. We stayed a short five days, but definitely could have stayed for more.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BcWfjOHhIfk/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed] Getting there If you take the speedboat from Sanur, you will already be in Nusa Lembongan in merely 30 minutes. We arranged a cheap taxi from our hotel in Ubud to Sanur, which added to the convenience factor. There are a lot of speedboats that depart from Sanur, so you can get your ticket on location.

We booked our stay in Nusa Ceningan in advance through Booking.com and asked the owners of our accommodation to pick us up at the beautiful Yellow Bridge that connects the islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. (Using a sort of automated tuk-tuk, the speedboat company will be able to safely drop you off on one end of this bridge.)

Big vehicles aren’t allowed to be on the Yellow Bridge, so be prepared to sit on a scooter. The owners came to pick us up on two scooters as we were two travellers and we got on these with the hosts and our large backpacks!  But rest assured, the Indonesians really are awesome at everything to do with scooters.

And here we were… hello, Nusa Islands!

Top 9 must-do activities

1. Explore the island on a scooter You can easily explore Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan on a scooter. Renting one costs just about EUR 5 to 6 per day and it’s a super convenient way to get around. Live like a local and feel the wind in your hair!

2. Relax in the lap of nature

You can surf, visit mangroves or just enjoy the surrounding nature.

 

3. Find the perfect beach

If you like beautiful and quaint little beaches, you’re at the perfect address! These beaches are idyllic, to say the least, and you will often find Pinterest-worthy bars close by. Some beaches to definitely see: Mushroom Beach, Sunset Beach and Dream Beach. 4. See Devil’s Tear On Nusa Lembongan you’ll find Devil's Tear, a rocky stretch of coastline where gigantic waves strike the rocks hard, especially during high tides, resulting in water being sprayed high up in the air. We experienced a truly beautiful sunset here and the best part is there were only a few other couples around. You can apparently also also see turtles swimming sometimes.

Oh, and getting there is easy with a scooter. It’s located between Dream Beach and Sunset beach.

 

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc02dMYB1Pi/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed]

 

5. Go to the Blue Lagoon The Blue Lagoon was quite close t o where we were staying (the Dafish Accomodation Bar and Cafe ). The name of this sight speaks for itself – it’s a serene, quiet and beautiful lagoon that you can easily reach with a scooter.

 

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BcJT-3NB3B2/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed]

 

6. Chill out at the Jungut Batu Beach Jungut Batu is Nusa Lembongan’s longest beach and boasts a perfect view of Bali and the Agung volcano. Did you know that this volcano had just erupted several times when we started our Indonesian vacay? Yup. In Ubud, we could practically feel the dirty ash in our eyes and lungs. But Jungut Batu was like paradise.

You can spend the whole day relaxing in the sun with drinks from Lembongan Beach Club and Resort. When you purchase drinks from them, you can use the sunbeds and bean bags for free. They also have a super nice pool near the sea and a stunning white beach.

7. Take note of the Yellow Bridge As mentioned above, the Yellow Bridge that connects Nusa Lembongan with Nusa Ceningan is beautiful and something definitely worth seeing.  It collapsed in 2016 but has now been completely rebuilt. Needless to say, it’s kind of like an icon of the Nusa Islands, so shouldn’t be missed.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BgVp_02hDxk/?taken-by=travelerie.snoeck[/embed]

8. Check out Mahana Point in Nusa Ceningan After the Blue Lagoon, if you go a bit further, you will reach Mahana Point, a nice surf bar. Here, they also have a kind of springboard that you can use to jump directly into the sea (with your surfboard). A very cool surfer vibe, indeed.

9. Take some diving lessons The Nusa Islands are an ideal destination for diving. If you want to get your PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certification, you can certainly do so at Ceningan Divers. They have a super friendly and  highly qualified team and you’ll be in good hands. Take out at least three days for  a PADI Open Water course, which costs about EUR 325. I was already an Advanced Open Water diver myself, but Peter, my fellow traveller, really wanted to learn how to dive.

Be ready to find very healthy corals and a large variety of tropical fish underwater. Oh, and on the nearby island of Nusa Penida, there’s Manta Point where you have almost a 100% chance of seeing giant manta rays. Of course, you can also simply snorkel – no shame in that at all!

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Get up with the sun and to the sound of the waves. It is a dream.

And you know what makes it even better? Sitting side by side to figure out what the day will bring.

This is precisely what my partner at the time and I did when we  impulsively decided to go to Indonesia for almost a month. This trip truly gave us the sense of freedom we craved. Here’s how everything transpired:

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BdktDn7Bnzq/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed]

Lucky with logistics

While we knew that we would travel together for a few weeks, none of the details were penned. When? Where? How long? Oman, the Philippines, Bali? We really had no clue.

As soon as we realised that we could take a few weeks off, we booked our flights to Denpasar, Bali. I personally got very lucky with the last-minute bookings and snagged a return ticket to and from Bali for just EUR320 with Qatar Airways. My luck must have been shining those days, because on both my flights out (Brussels to Doha, Doha to Denpasar) I enjoyed  full rows of seats all to myself!

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb_fQ8ZhLt2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link[/embed]

Booking at the last minute and having no chalked-out itinerary was terribly exciting. As the two of us were flying into Bali from different countries and on different days, the only plan in place was to see each other again in a fancy hotel suite in Ubud. One thing we did know was that we wanted to go diving on the Nusa islands, so we had made some arrangements beforehand for that. 

 

The spontaneous explorer

Can you solve problems on the spot? Are you good at dealing with some chaos? Can you enjoy just being while you calmly sip a drink along the water, under the sun?  If so,you should probably try some spontaneous traveling.

It’s fortunate that both of us had impulsive and adventurous traits, along with substantial travel experience under our belts. And yet, although this kind of travel gives you an immense sense of freedom, I’m convinced it’s not for everyone. If you know that your travel partner needs more structure, it’s probably more sensible to plan some things in advance – trust me, it’ll give you some much-needed mental peace and lead to fewer conflicts.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BdwwCNohZ8N/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link[/embed]

We were also fortunate in other ways: this time around, we both had the luxury of traveling without any shortage of time and any financial pressure (which is not always the case). More often than not, a trip has to be a bit more organized so that you can see and do a lot in a short period of time. Better planning especially pays off for  more expensive destinations, such as the USA and New Zealand, where saving on things such as domestic flights can really help keep that budget in check.

Whether you’re traveling solo, on a budget, or spontaneously, it’s always useful to be a real "Plantrekker" (Typical Flemish word which cannot be translated: close to Globetrotter, self managing). Believe me, if you’re not a real plantrekker just yet, impulsive travel may just be a hard lesson.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc02dMYB1Pi/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link[/embed]

Vacation mode

For me, Indonesia was more of a holiday rather than a travel experience, and this was a first. As you know, when I travel, I want to get everything done. I’m that person who gets up at ungodly hours and goes out early in the morning in search of adventure. I’m that person who covers a crazy number of kilometers and jumps from one adrenaline rush to another.

Indonesia was about letting go. It was about enjoying just being alive. It was about forgetting the work, forgetting the nuisances of real life, and just basking in the glow of each other’s company.

Eva Daeleman phrased this distinction quite well. "Going on vacation is relaxing, enjoying and  resting, in any way,” she said. “Traveling is pushing your boundaries, encountering yourself and sometimes just working hard. "

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Planning a trip to Barcelona? Dreaming of palm trees, delicious sangria and the Mediterranean sea? Here are five hidden gems that you can explore for absolutely free!

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Santa Caterina Food Market

Forget about the overcrowded Mercat La Boqueria and explore this amazing local favourite market! Mercat de Santa Caterina is located near the Barcelona Cathedral and the undulating, brightly coloured roof will catch your eye immediately. Explore the market, enjoy the vivid atmosphere and practice your Catalan/Spanish skills with the locals.

Located inside is Cuines Santa Caterina, a restaurant that offers a delectable array of outstanding quality food. Cuines translates to ‘kitchens’ in Catalan, and here you can explore four different types of kitchens – Asian, Mediterranean, Italian and vegetarian.

Metro L4-  Jaume I

The magic fountains of Montjuïc

The magic fountains of Montjuïc – or Font màgica de Montjuïc – should definitely be on your list of hidden gems in Barcelona. This site offers a spectacular display of colour, light, and water acrobatics accompanied by music from Thursday to Sunday in the summer and every Friday and Saturday during the winter.

Also located on Plaça d’Espanya (and definitely worth a visit) is Arenas de Barcelona, a former bullring that is now a shopping mall. The roof terrace boasts various restaurants overlooking Plaça d’Espanya and the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC). With the beautiful Barcelona skyline in the background, this rooftop offers the perfect view of the fountains. Do keep in mind that although the bars and restaurants are open till late, they are generally overpriced.

Metro L1 + L3 – Plaça Espana

Thirteen geese living in a Gothic cathedral

Thirteen geese in a cathedral. I know what you must be wondering… 13 geese, where, what? Well, I’m not kidding! The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia (Catedral de la Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia), also known as Barcelona Cathedral, is certainly is one of the most beautiful Gothic buildings in Barcelona. It is dedicated to Eulalia of Barcelona, who was gruesomely tortured (put in a barrel with knives stuck into it and rolled down the street), paraded naked in the public square, and martyred for refusing to recant her Christianity. Today, this poor young virgin is the co-patron saint of Barcelona.

Plaça Garriga I Bachs is located right next to the cathedral and it is here that you’ll find the entrance to the cloister where the 13 white geese are kept. The specific number is explained by the assertion that Eulalia was 13 when she was martyred.

During the weekend (Saturdays at 18.30 and Sundays at 12.00) you’ll bump into people dancing the Sardana, the traditional circle dance of the Catalans, at the Plaça de la Seu in front of the cathedral.

Want a food recommendation? Bilbao Berria is a good Basque restaurant on the plaça in front of the cathedral.

Here’s another tip: the romantic, slightly faded Plaça Sant Felip Neri is also unmissable. The narrow, labyrinthine streets of the Quarter lead to this unexpected tiny square with a charming little fountain in the center overlooked by the Baroque church of Sant Felip Neri.

Metro L4-  Jaume I

Free rooftop swimming pools

Grand Hotel Central

This modern five-star hotel within a stone’s throw of most attractions in the Old City is the best place for a refreshing swim and spectacular views. Although the rooftop bar and infinity pool is technically only accessible by customers, my friends and I managed to sneak in pretending were patrons of the hotel. Another way to grant yourself access is by playing it cool and actually going for a drink at the Skybar which is open from April to October. This is a great place for a Martini-with-a-view (particularly if you fancy a dip as well).

Metro L4 - Jaume I

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Hotel 1898

Terraza La Isabela, the rooftop bar of Hotel 1898, is named after a beautiful island in the Philippines. This oasis is located directly at the Ramblas, providing a great place to relax and sip fancy cocktails. The rooftop bar has a lounge feel and offers amazing views of Montjuïc and Tibidabo. Boasting serene music, cocktails and tapas, this bar is indeed a very special one. Just pretend to be a guest at the hotel, dress well, and follow others onto the lift to enjoy this awesome space.

Metro L3 - Liceu

 

District Sant Pere

Perhaps the least visited part of the Old Town is the medieval barri of Sant Pere. I lived in this charming neighbourhood for a while and can honestly say it’s my absolute favorite part of Barcelona.The charming streets with almost no traffic will offer you a slice of much-needed tranquility in the city. (I know, I know, I might seem biased just because I lived here but this barri just keeps on enchanting me to this day.)

Just wander around during a late afternoon, try to get a real sense of this little pocket of the city, and treat yourself with a steaming cup of coffee as you people watch. Nomad Coffee Productions is an up-and-coming coffee shop situated at the corner of Sant Pere Mes Alt and Passatge de Sert, a charming small street worth a visit. Just across this cool coffee shop is Casa Lolea, a beloved restaurant that serves vermouth, wine, artisanal sangría and tapas all day long.

The best way to end the night is with a concert at the Palau de la Música. Please make sure you book ahead.  Then, if you’re still up for drinks after visiting this stunning Art Nouveau concert hall, go have a beer at L’antic Theatre and enjoy the magical, light-strung garden bar.

Metro L1 +L4 Urquinaona

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I can hardly control the growing  jitters of excitement in my stomach during the weeks leading up to my departure. Over enthusiastic, with a gigantic smile planted on my face, I step on the plane headed to Melbourne. A short stop in Doha and an overall pleasant journey with Qantas later, I finally arrive … and the jitters are instantly replaced by another feeling. That of love.

“This is it. I finally made it to AUSTRALIA! "

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BTwaXDDhymj/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed]

Ever since I was little, I’d been saying “I am going to live and surf in Australia one day”. Well, the living part may not come true right now, since I have to be back in the office in a few weeks, but I will finally get to feel the Australian soil under my feet for a brief, yet intense, period of time time.

As I step through immigration and customs at the airport, I am slightly disappointed because there is no extraordinarily beautiful Australian stamp in my passport. Never mind, though! Immediately, I start looking for a bus to the city center and get my first  glimpse of Melbourne, beautifully lit in the darkest hour of the night.

I check in at the hostel Nomads Melbourne and soon realize that you should not be here if a quiet night’s sleep if what you’re after – after all, there’s a great party raging at the bar downstairs. But, after more than 24 hours of travel, I think I’ll probably fall asleep on a block. Well, guess again! A ten-hour  time difference does lead to some pretty serious jet lag.

After a few hours of staying awake on the upper bunk bed, I decide to explore Melbourne with the first morning sun. I walk through the still fairly quiet streets and see only a few early runners and business professionals stepping through the doors of giant skyscrapers.

A brilliant brunch

Soon, I find exactly what I’m looking for: Hardware Societe,  one of Melbourne's top spots for brunch. I order the lobster benedict and it’s an absolute hit. This cafe has a charming French touch and  super friendly staff.

Street art scouting

Melbourne, a foodie’s paradise, is also known for the amazing coffee, boutique shopping, sports/F1, and also spectacular street art! Thus begins my search for the well-known Hosier Lane.

You can do guided tours through Hosier Lane but I visit it on my own. It is just a two-minute walk from the Flinders Street railway station and Federation Square. But do keep in mind that it’s not just Hosier Lane that has impressive street art. In fact, you can see so many other cool (and sometimes very funny) street art installations elsewhere around the city. Just stroll through the streets and let these artworks come to you.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BSmuV8KBR5V/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed]

>Healthy lunch

The beautiful interior and healthy options on the menu convince me to have lunch at The Grain Store. It is great, although slightly expensive because you can easily end up paying around AUD 26 ( almost EUR 17) for the meal. All in all, I fully enjoy the atmosphere of Melbourne. One of my favorite things that I do when I'm in a new city is to deliberately trying to get lost. This way, you get to chance upon the nicest places. After just the first day I’m convinced: Yes, I want to live here.

Queen Victoria Market

After another night with very little sleep (thank you, jet lag!), I try to find the most fresh breakfast… and where better than the Queen Victoria Market for that? Here, you will not only get fresh food products but it is also a real shopping mecca. I travel around with my backpack because I do not want to be overburdened with souvenirs during just the first leg of my trip.

Royal Botanic Gardens

Want to flee the chaos of the city for a while? Make your way to the Royal Botanic Gardens asap. This space is huge and you will see an insane variety of subtropical flowers from all over the world. You can walk around for hours… oh, and it’s completely free.

Eureka Skydeck 88

Do you want to get a bird’s eye view of Melbourne from the highest point possible? I do, so I find the Eureka Skydeck to be an awesome experience. You can clearly see the Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit and even though I am not a fan of fast motors, I enjoy every single  moment.

  [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BSQTlcxBrx9/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed]

 

St. Kilda

You can easily get to St. Kilda with the old tram. This is a vibrant area by the Bay of Melbourne where  you’ll find numerous restaurants, pubs, hostels and other attractions. From the historic pier you can see the keen surfers in action when there is some wind. Don’t forget to walk along the beach and watch penguins down by the the pier. It is a super memorable sight!

Coffee (and wine) sippin’ all day, everyday

Although I find myself to be a fan of Dukes Coffee Roasters, there are countless good coffee places in Melbourne.

In the evening, with some friends who live in Melbourne, I enjoy delicious Australian wine along the water. Unfortunately, the name of this bar has eluded me, but the memories remain intact.

Melbourne, I love you and I will be back.

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When planning a trip to Cuba, don’t forget to add Trinidad to your list. For us, this charming town – dotted with horse-drawn carriages trotting through cobblestoned streets – was one of the highlights of our adventurous trip through the country.

Once in Cuba, we travelled around without a plan, armed with just our backpacks, slept at casa particulares with locals and shared taxis with other travellers.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BHwZwX0hPkk/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed]

Transport

To get from Cienfuegos to Trinidad, we tried the bus instead of shared taxis for the first time during our trip. This is because the bus can more comfortable than sharing a taxi with six other backpackers. However, while transport in Cuba is slow,travelling with the Viazal bus is a real test for your patience level!

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BNZ2jnMhKB3/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed]

 

Within Trinidad, everything is within walking distance. When you decide to travel outside the town (for instance to Playa Ancon), you can arrange a taxi on the street. Don’t forget that it’s cheaper to share cabs with other travellers. Oh, and always decide on a price before you step into the car. Feel free to haggle away!

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Where to stay

Upon arrival in Trinidad via the Viazul bus (note: there are more tourists than locals on these buses), what greeted us was pure madness. Dozens of locals started waving their cards under our nose,

 chanting “we have the best casa” or “the cheapest casa” and so on. We squirmed away from the busy crowd and came across a young backpacking couple who were kind enough to guide us to their casa particular.

We stayed at Casa Luis XVIII and were there for 30CUC/night (a bit over EUR25) for the two of us. It was the perfect location with a very welcoming family and breakfast was served on their rooftop terrace.

Food

There are many nice restaurants in Trinidad and in these places you’ll easily bump into other travellers to share your exploration stories with.

Giroud

One of my favorite restaurants in Cuba is Giroud. It’s very Pinterest-worthy (well, in Cuban terms at least) and super cosy. It’s a small place, so be prepared to queue. Definitely try the pumpkin tapas!

Cubita

If you want large portions and a good vibe, you’re at the right address once inside Cubita. If you like a decent piece of meat, try the Sword of David. They have excellent daiquiris and  it’s a good place to try the lobster (yup, lobster isn’t that expensive in Cuba).

Los Conspiradores

We enjoyed some refreshing milkshakes and shrimp cocktails at Los Conspiradores. You really can’t miss this place as it’s right at Plaza Mayor.

Casa de la Musica

This is the place to be to hang out in the evening or at night with locals and travellers while sipping some cheap rum cocktails.

Taberna La Canchanchara

Ever tried a real canchanchara? You must! It’s the traditional drink of Trinidad, made of rum, lime, honey and soda water.  In this bar, you won’t be able to make your way out without trying some canchancharas and dancing with some fun locals.

Three must-do things

Enjoy Trinidad

Definitely stay in Trinidad for a few days. It is a unique place where you can quietly get a real sniff of authentic Cuba (in fact, it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988). Lose yourself in the Cuban rhythm (literally and figuratively, because you can and should dance there all night)!

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Relax in Playa Ancon

Playa Ancon is also a must if you want to enjoy a day of clear blue water and white-sand beaches. A taxi ride to Playa Ancon costs about 8CUC. You can easily get beach chairs and umbrellas and then enjoy some refreshing drinks.

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Sail to an deserted island

Here’s a unique tip: search for this small ‘tourist office’ and ask for a sailing trip to an uninhabited island. I think it was about EUR50 for an entire day, which is quite expensive for Cuba. But it is still my favorite memory of Cuba. In the morning, you will be picked up by a taxi that will take you to the marina. Here, you will hop aboard a beautiful catamaran with about six to eight other people. After a few hours of sailing, you can put on some snorkeling gear and discover the stunning underwater world.

Oh, don’t forget to put on some sunblock of at least SPF 50 and keep your t-shirt on. I have been to a lot of warm places, but have never experienced a scorching sun more powerful than that one!

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BJzRMpshbRB/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed]

The only inhabitants of this uninhabited island are the Cuban stone iguanas, some very bizarre (and fast) crabs, octopuses, and the likes. However, the crew provides a nice lunch in the shade. It was 45 degrees Celcius (or more!) when we were there, so we couldn’t even walk for more than 15 minutes in the bright sun.

To this day, we have no idea what the island is actually called. But you can ask for this sailing trip at that small desk.

And there you have it. So, keeping all this in mind, plan your vacation to Cuba, the perfect internet detox destination, soon! Enjoy the peace and serenity, away from the rest of the world. So what if there’s almost no internet, and a lot of the travel guides are incorrect? Just go. Go with the Cuban flow.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BLQBUFOB4Iv/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed]" ["post_title"]=> string(45) "WHY YOU’LL FALL IN LOVE WITH TRINIDAD, CUBA" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(41) "why-youll-fall-in-love-with-trinidad-cuba" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(46) " https://travelrebel.be/music-makes-me-travel/" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2018-12-28 11:44:15" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-12-28 11:44:15" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(29) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=785" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "2" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [55]=> object(WP_Post)#4056 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(774) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2018-06-18 18:17:22" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-06-18 18:17:22" ["post_content"]=> string(9628) "When you think of Central America, Belize is probably not what immediately comes to mind. After all, it isn’t as popular as, say, Mexico and Costa Rica. Well, I, for one, am glad it isn’t! On the map, Belize doesn’t look too impressive, but looks have never been more deceiving –  enveloping rainforests teeming with all manner of wildlife and  jungle vegetation, charming colonial villages, ancient Mayan ruins, and mile upon glorious mile of white-sand beaches await travellers curious enough to come looking for them. And, as much fun as they are to explore by day, this country truly comes alive at night – often to the beat of salsa, calypso or reggae. Beautiful Belize may be unfamiliar, but now is the best time to get introduced! A couple of years ago, I took off on my first real adventure. Destination: CENTRAL AMERICA!! Armed with only a backpack full of courage, the 20-year-old version of myself wanted to get out of her comfort zone and this was the perfect first big trip I could have wished for.   Belize is not like the rest of Central America. It’s democratic, English-speaking and peaceful. And above all, it boasts the most friendly and easy-going people I have ever met.   Here’s some more information about my two exciting, yet very different, stops  in Belize.

Caye Caulker

  Entering Belize from the border of Mexico isn’t a big deal. I started my trip in Cancun and going through customs was easy as Belize is an English-speaking nation. You can find relatively cheap flights from Europe to Cancun. I had a stopover in Montreal, Canada on the way to Mexico and booked my flights with Air Canada, which offered a good deal at that time.   I didn’t stay in Belize City for long and immediately took a chicken bus. Whenever you travel through Central America, make sure you try this mode of transport at least once. It is not only thrilling but also  gives you a glimpse into the local way of living.   After five  hours on the chicken bus and one  hour on a boat, we arrived at Caye Caulker, a tiny island in the Caribbean Sea. When you set foot on this little paradise, the first thing you’ll see is the only traffic sign considered on this island: one that  instructs golf carts and bicycles to 'go slow’, a directive that is taken very seriously. With hammocks swaying on white-sand beaches, stunning orange sunsets, and slowly moving turquoise waters, Caye Caulker is the perfect setting for a television commercial. We stayed at one of the only hotels on the island, the Ocean Pearl Royale Hotel. It’s a clean and cheap place for a couple of nights. Although it isn’t too luxurious, they do have hammocks and air conditioning. On our first night, we went for a BBQ with some locals and partied the night away at I&I Reggae Bar, a small club. As their are only a few official streets on the island, you’ll easily find all the described places. The funniest things happen on this small island on the other side of the world. During my short time there, I bumped into some people from my hometown and others who had participated in a Belgian hitchhike competition (Route Du Soleil). I received several marriage proposals in only a couple of days and had one of the drunkest nights of my entire life. We even went on a Rum Sunset Sail Cruise and ended up drunkenly skinny dipping in the middle of the night. But... what happens in Caye Caulker, stays in Caye Caulker, right? Oh, and that’s not all. My friends and I also went snorkeling and I strongly recommend you explore the breathtaking underwater world whenever you are in Belize. We saw sharks, sea cucumbers, sea turtles, and more. Lunch was on board and of course there was unlimited rum. What would you expect ;) So enjoy the Belizean way of life by sipping some coconut water, taking refreshing dips into the Caribbean Sea, and drinking lots of rum!

San Ignacio

  Then, it was time to bid goodbye to paradise and say hello to the jungle! Tip: go prepared for the tarantulas and poisonous snakes, and don’t forget to take your malaria pills with you.   Our very first night at an ecolodge was one of the most interesting experiences I’ve ever had. Here, it was all about going back to the basics. Almost no electricity, no flushing toilets (yes, you’ll wipe your ass with bits of  bark), and spiders on the watch as you find your peace in a ‘luxurious’ place of rest with no mattress. From the ecolodge, we arranged a trip to the Blue Hole National Park to explore the Crystal Cave. We hiked through a lush rainforest, descended steep and slippery slopes (nope, converse shoes aren’t the best option for this trip!), then slinked down ropes to begin this extraordinary experience. Our guides showed us how to survive in the jungle eating termites and armed with machetes. Crab walking and crawling, we made our way through the cave and headed to the Mayan Xibalba (the underworld). As we slid down mud ramps along rock faces, we were awed by the stalactites and stalagmites, wall carvings, pottery, ancient fire pits and haunting skeletal remains of humans sacrificed by the Mayans to appease their gods.   To end this exhausting yet amazing trip, we drove to the Blue Hole River to wash off the mud and relax in the cool water. " ["post_title"]=> string(19) "BLISS OUT IN BELIZE" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(19) "bliss-out-in-belize" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(66) " https://travelrebel.be/why-youll-fall-in-love-with-trinidad-cuba/" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2018-11-01 12:02:44" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-11-01 12:02:44" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(29) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=774" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "1" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [56]=> object(WP_Post)#4057 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(767) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2018-06-18 18:08:39" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-06-18 18:08:39" ["post_content"]=> string(4306) "

Can Tourism Ever Be Terrible?

Casting the critical limelight on holiday tourism is a relatively recent phenomenon.Until just a few years ago, tourism was always hailed – by individuals and nations alike – as a fruitful activity that spurred economic activity, increased cultural appreciation and goodwill among different countries, and generally made the lives of locals better. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn_joMlnMiG/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed] However, it’s 2018, folks – high time to get some facts straight. Tourism today accounts for almost a whopping one-tenth of the world’s carbon emissions. There are approximately two billion tourist arrivals annually, and this figure is rising by at least six percent a year.   Want a more visual description of the crippling effects? In many frequently visited destinations, rent prices have soared high enough to push out the locals themselves. Long preserved landmarks have been desecrated. Wildlife has dwindled. The air in supposedly scenic locations has become unbreathable. Once quaint areas are brimming with litter. The list can go on...   So what precisely is overtourism? Well, although it’s a multifaceted issue, here’s a fundamental description: a popular destination being inundated with tourists in an unsustainable way.   Thus, sustainability is the key world. Overtourism is on the rise, now more than ever before, because the tourism industry, like most other industries, is obsessed with growth. Everything is about profits, and no second thought is given to the impact. This monetary focus obviously trickles down to the consumers as well. You don’t need to travel to realize this – just look around you! How many of us give a second thought to sustainability when it comes to our fashion choices? Sadly, a very small percentage. How many of us think about how ethically those delicious fruits on sale were produced? Again, very few of us. This is why platforms like Travel Rebel – and people like YOU, people who are willing to educate themselves – are the need of the hour. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BlXV2n-ndI2/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed] The good news is that recognizing the problem is the first step to finding solutions. As I, and countless other mindful travelers have observed first-hand, travel can be sustainable, wholesome, beneficial for all, and enjoyable… all at the same time. " ["post_title"]=> string(29) "CAN TOURISM EVER BE TERRIBLE?" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(28) "can-tourism-ever-be-terrible" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2018-12-28 12:03:02" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-12-28 12:03:02" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(29) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=767" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "5" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [57]=> object(WP_Post)#4058 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(762) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2018-06-18 18:04:01" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-06-18 18:04:01" ["post_content"]=> string(4635) "

Best Destinations

I truly believe that sustainable and ethical travel is the future. Travel is exciting, inspiring and even life changing, but it should also have a positive impact on communities, the environment and the economies of the visited destinations. [embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BdwwCNohZ8N/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed] Here’s a fact: around ten percent of the world’s population depends on travel-related jobs for their livelihood. This makes travel the largest industry and undoubtedly one of the most powerful economic engines over all. It directly influences how entire nations deal with their citizens, indigenous peoples, oceans, wildlife, rivers and forests. This means that travelers have an enormous impact (and, in turn, responsibility). When you travel, you not only leave a trace at each place you visit, you also directly invest money in those places. Just by the simple act of picking out your destination in a mindful manner, you can bring about positive change.   Speaking of sustainable travel, here’s a small rule I swear by: whenever I visit a place, I try not to change it in any manner. In fact, I let that place change me. Isn’t that the true purpose of travel anyway? To open our eyes and our minds, to help us grow, to broaden our perspectives? Each year, Ethical Traveler evaluates the policies and practices of many countries in the third world to select the ten countries that do the most impressive work of promoting human rights, protecting the environment and supporting social welfare. By visiting these countries, you are actually rewarding their beneficial work and supporting their sustainable practices through your economic input. A small disclaimer: as Einstein realized long ago, everything is relative – and so is this list. In other words, no country is perfect, so do expect shortcomings (some more serious than others) everywhere. However, each country in this alphabetically arranged list does sincerely make an attempt to do good. And with that, here’s presenting the ten most ethical destinations of the year:  

• Belize
• Benin
• Chile
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Mongolia
• Palau
• St. Kitts & Nevis
• Uruguay
• Vanuatu

  So, what are you waiting for? Get those itineraries in order and start exploring… sustainably!  " ["post_title"]=> string(35) "Top 10 ethical destinations of 2018" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["ping_status"]=> string(4) "open" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(35) "top-10-ethical-destinations-of-2018" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(55) " https://travelrebel.be/2018/06/18/bliss-out-in-belize/" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2018-12-28 11:48:12" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-12-28 11:48:12" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(29) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=762" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [58]=> object(WP_Post)#4059 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(739) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2018-06-18 14:16:44" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-06-18 14:16:44" ["post_content"]=> string(12625) "

Backpacker's Paradise

When I was just 21, I went backpacking in Asia for the very first time -- and it was fantastic. After a few enriching weeks in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, my eyes were wider and my life seemed fuller. The last leg of my tour was Laos.

Laos is a lesser known destination in Southeast Asia, but as you already know, I’m totally a fan of places that aren’t overly touristy. Traveling in Laos is still... pure. Untouched nature, extremely gentle and hospitable locals, and a whole lot of culture. It’s also very budget-friendly:  overnight stays are cheap, the food  is tasty and reasonably priced, and the beer costs almost nothing. What does all this add up to? The perfect backpacking adventure!

From Hanoi, I flew to Vientiane, the capital of Laos. It was a short and comfortable flight. The passport control was also pretty smooth and, before I knew it, I had a brand new stamp in my passport. 

VIENTIANE

There’s a lot to do in Vientiane and the  easiest way to explore is on foot and by tuktuk.

Pha That Luang, the national symbol of Laos, is a beautiful gold-covered buddhist stupa. I’d say it’s definitely worth a visit. Moreover, Wat Si Saket, a stunning Buddhist temple, is worth seeing as well, but go early so that you can observe the locals offering food to the monks.

I personally also liked Patuxai  which seemed kind of like an Asian version of the Arc de Triomphe, but what left  the strongest impression on me was Cope Laos. This organization helps thousands of people with mobility-related disabilities and provides access to prosthetic and orthotic services. By doing so, they give people back their mobility and dignity.

Why is this especially relevant? Well, here’s a bit of a history refresher: many people do not know that Laos is one of the most bombed countries in the world. In fact, President Obama even described Laos as the most heavily bombed country in history. Eight bombs were dropped per minute during the Vietnamese war between 1964 and 1973. This is more than the total number of bombings during the Second World War. Seeing the work being done at Cope Laos, and talking to the volunteers and victims was heartening, to say the least.

 

VANG VIENG The ride to Vang Vieng is phenomenal. Between the lush green mountains are low, often threatening clouds, and you can regularly spot ferocious waterfalls. (With one of my favorite songs, ‘Le Vent Nous Portera’, playing in the background, the journey almost seemed otherworldly.)

All the small wooden houses along the way, the sweet children draped in colorful clothes, and so much more… you see so much, how people laugh and talk and write, and regrettably you can’t remember all the minute details  forever. This is a real fear of mine.

Whenever I spend hours on a bus or train, I often reflect on travel and what it does… in fact, I start mentally preparing for my next adventure even before the current one comes to an end. My hunger to explore new countries, languages, cultures and sights is almost tangible, and I feel it the most on a moving vehicle speeding past new places.

“Focus, Charlotte, focus!” I tell myself to break the reverie at times like this. “There are still days left in this adventure. Make the most of it now, live in the present”.

Coming back to Laos, an unforgettable moment here  was a toilet visit en route from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang. A toilet visit? Yup, you read correctly. Well, hear me out: I’m talking about a squat toilet with just three walls. The open side had a spectacular view of the mountains and the jungle!

The nature of Laos is overwhelming and the locals are super friendly. That's how I got talking with a girl from the country with a contagious smile. She chatted away and even introduced me to a new of fruit that looked a bit like lychee and  rambutan (Yummm… rambutan!). However, it was smaller and greenish yellow. In fact, I tried more types of fruits and vegetables during this trip than I can name or count. (Oh, and speaking of fruit, I even tried things like bat -- very bizarre, but not bad. Better than crickets, I’d say, but locusts are my favorite so far.)

Vang Vieng is known as ‘the world's most unlikely party town’. It’s backpacker's paradise deeply hidden in the jungle where there are simply no rules.

However, a word of caution: deadly casualties regularly occur during this wild party. Luckily, I knew this because of my travels. While I was there, we weren’t allowed to go tubing over the river because the current was dangerously volatile. So, we kayaked. Along the banks, you will find one bar next to the other -- it’s almost like "De Overpoort" by the water!(I think you can probably imagine how some roll out of their kayaks after just a few hours.)

The evenings are super cozy in Vang Vieng. In this small village without tarmac lanes, you will always find welcoming bars where backpackers come together with their guitars. Such is the charm of this place that I almost missed my bus to Luang Prabang in the morning. Let’s just say it’s a bit hard saying goodbye to this place.

LUANG PRABANG After arriving in Luang Prabang, we explored the city and the night market, which I am a big fan of. That evening, I ate at Lao Lao Garden where I tried water buffalo steak for the first time.

The next morning, we went mountain biking, but from 9:00 am onwards,  it became unbearably hot.

 

At 30 kilometers south of Luang Prabang you will find the Kuang Si Falls. This waterfall is one of the most popular things to do in the area and a sight to see for sure.

Before entering the park, you will be asked for an entrance fee of Kip 20,000 (approximately EUR 2). Then, you will pass a shelter supported by  Free The Bears organization, where a number of bears that have been neglected or abused in the past reside. While observing the bears does not cost extra money, you can make a donation to this foundation or buy something from the shop.

When you are in Luang Prabang, I challenge you to watch the ‘ceremony’ of the monks. They walk through the streets at 5:30 in the morning and receive food from the locals. This is a tradition that they want to keep alive locally and it actually shields them from tourists. Throughout the day, the monks only eat food that they have received during the morning walk. At 6.30 am we boarded a slow boat for a few days  on the Mekong river to Thailand..

In the  early evening, we went to a hill tribe village where we would spend the night. According to tradition,  men and women are not allowed to sleep in the same house, so I slept with some friends I had met along the way.

In terms of experience, this was the first time where I found it rather difficult to make contact with my host family. The village consisted of pile dwellings and there were  ducks, chickens, dogs, pigs (and so much more) EVERYWHERE, inside and out. There was no electricity and no running or clean water. It would be pitch dark by 6:00 pm.  The food comprised rice and the catch of the day, such as fish, birds or lizards. Once, when the sun had long set,  I bumped into a local who proudly pushed his win under my nose -- a 6 kg  fish caught from the Mekong village! Oh, the village only had one phone that worked just the edge of the river. The locals were very proud of it, but to us, it looked like a toy.

Needless to say, staying with the locals in these basic circumstances taught me a lot. We take so much for granted on a day to day basis. However, one thing is for sure: going back to the basics can be therapeutic. I needed just my very own pop-up mosquito net when I crawled into bed, but the sounds of raw nature outside were extremely soothing.

And I was back on board at 5:30 am, sailing towards my next destination … North Thailand!

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The breathtaking scenery of Iceland keeps pulling me back. Just returned from my trip and yet I catch myself searching for the cheapest flight back to this spectacular destination with Icelandair.

It’s only a three-hour flight from Brussels to Reykjavik, but there are many inexpensive US/Canada connections to Iceland as well. (Here’s a cool insider tip: Return flights from London to Iceland are super cheap, so you may want to do a combo trip – Iceland and  London together sound pretty awesome!)

Upon arrival at the airport, you can easily pick up a car you reserved beforehand with one of the many car rental companies. I would strongly recommend renting a 4x4 because this kind of vehicle will help you find the best hidden gems. We turned to  SADcars – one of the cheapest out there with really friendly staff and great service – to rent our 4x4.

When it comes to exploring the Golden Circle, the famous route in southern Iceland, you can easily make Reykjavik your base by starting and ending your day there. You’ll always find good places to eat in the city, and can definitely take advantage of the many fun AirBnbs (it’s also a great way to support the locals).

Here’s how our exploration of the Golden Circle went down… I hope this helps you plan your next awesome adventure!

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IyucZou5Pc[/embed]

THE XXL GOLDEN CIRCLE

Prepare yourself for an intense day! We travelled through Iceland in May, so there was light outside as early as 4:30 am. If that’s the case, you can hit the road early in the morning and be at the hotspots before the tourists arrive. Along with help from GPS/Google Maps, don’t forget to take an old school map with you.

STOP ONE: THINGVELLIR

The National Park Thingvellir (or  Þingvellir) was our first stop. Here’s the cool thing about this park – it actually lies in rift caused by the drift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. That’s why there’s a six meter wide and  40 kilometre long subsidence that grows by a centimeter or two each year (in fact, the valley has subsided by at least 4 meters since Iceland was settled).

Because of this unique tectonic activity, the park is prone to major earthquakes, but the unusual landscape has also created pockets that are great for diving and snorkeling. One such place is the very popular Silfra canyon.

Oh, and did I mention that this is Iceland’s first national park? Yup, pretty cool indeed.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BiprHB2HPuE/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed]

 

STOP TWO: BRUARFOSS

Bruarfoss was our first major WOW moment. Getting there isn’t easy and requires some off-roading and hiking, but it’s so worth it. Due to the fact that it’s a bit harder to reach, there are almost no tourists there. We saw a few other travellers on the way to Bruarfoss, but when we got there, we were all by ourselves!

We found this spot using our trusty Google Maps.

[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BjCwN0qgWQP/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed]

STOP THREE: GEYSIR

Geysir is, by far, the most touristy spot we visited. It’s super easy to reach and you can park your car/campervan with utmost ease.

I must mention that we had some great fish stew there as we arrived just before lunch.

Oh, on the way from Bruarfoss to Geysir, there is apparently a very cool spot to eat. It’s called the Tomato Green House. A friend recommended it and said it’s the best tomato soup you’ll ever have, so take note!

STOP FOUR: GULLFOSS

One of the typical highlights of Iceland is, quite obviously, Gullfoss. Super easy to find and you only have to walk a bit to see this beautiful piece of nature. Must mention that it was very windy when we got there. A raincoat or windstopper and hiking shoes are not an overrated luxury in Iceland.

Gullfoss means ‘the golden falls’ and rightly so. It’s 32 meters deep and flows over two cascades into a deep canyon.

STOP FIVE: THE SECRET LAGOON

The Secret Lagoon isn’t as secret as you’d think. This natural hot spring boasts a temperature of 38°C to 40°C the whole year round. Although we found it to be a bit too touristy, it’s a nice stop to get warm. Getting there is easy, as is parking your car.  Plus, they offer food and  warm drinks, which is nice.

STOP SIX: HAIFOSS

THIS IS A MUST-VISIT DESTINATION!

Even though I kind of want to keep this perfect, raw, and hidden gem to myself a bit longer, I will share it with you (but shhhhh… don’t tell anyone!).

Haifoss, the fourth highest waterfall in Iceland and also called the Tall Falls, has a staggering 122 meter drop. For us, this was the best part of our road trip.

We only saw one small group of adventurers there, and it’s quite easy to explain why. It takes some serious off-roading skills to get there, along with a bit of hiking. You definitely need an adventurous streak to reach this place but it’s soooooo worth it!

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STOP SEVEN: KERID

After an extremely packed day, we were ready for our last stop, Kerid – a volcanic crater with bright blue water surrounding it.

Kerid is easy to reach and the only place where you need to pay for the entrance. Over all, it’s a great stop to end your XXL Golden Circle road trip.

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STOP EIGHT: REYKJAVIK

Once you’re back in the capital, rest up and then go out for a local dining experience. Reykjavik is a charming hipster city where you can enjoy local specialties such as fermented (read: rotten) shark and lamb.

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1.  Gljúfrabúi

Every country has its hidden pearls and Gljúfrabúi is one of the finest hidden pearls in all of Iceland. Better known as Gljúfrabúifoss, this is a 40-meter high waterfall on the south coast, not too far from the famous Seljalandsfoss waterfall.

Despite the fact that Gljúfrabúi is not as popular as its friend nearby, it is by no means less impressive. Roughly translating to ‘canyon dweller’ or ‘dweller of the gorge’ in English, this waterfall is especially stunning because it is completely hidden behind steep cliffs. You can’t get there without braving the water. You must jump from rock to rock in the water to get through the cliffs. Then, to reach the foot of this gigantic waterfall, you have to tightly crawl along the rock wall. Be sure to bring waterproof shoes, a raincoat and protection for your camera.

A good photo shoot of this mighty sight is not the easiest task to accomplish because there is little light between the cliffs and a lot of water drenching the camera.<