Hi there, I’m Charlotte! For me, travel is more than just a passion, it’s an obsession.
Travel Rebel is about daring to live the life you dream of, following your passion, taking risks, and bravely exploring uncharted territories. It is also about rebelling against over tourism and understanding the importance of sustainable travel. It’s about traveling with respect, traveling with your eyes – and mind – wide open.
And with that… welcome, fellow wanderer! Through this platform, I hope we can broaden our perspectives, connect on a human level, discover this world in a gentle way and make a positive impact.
About me Contact MeIf you think about Ireland, you probably won’t think about delicious food straight away. The Irish kitchen is known for it’s pies, stews, fish and sausage. And they don’t serve those equally well in every pub. But if you look a bit further, you’ll find that Ireland has plenty more to offer.
There is a huge amount of local produce in Ireland which makes them one of the most self sufficient regions in the whole world! The downpours that fly over every now and then make for very green and strong grass. Good grass feeds the cows, sheep and goats so therefore makes for delicious milk, butter, cheese and meat. Ireland is on the other hand surrounded by the ocean. So you can have your pick at a whole range of fresh fish products like cockles, mussels and oysters.
Local food has a ton of benefits for yourself and for the planet. Think about it when you want to eat Mexican in France or Thai in Germany next time. Local products have more nutrients and flavor. You eat according to the seasons and therefore support the local traders. The CO2 emission of the transport of your food from the soil to your plate is minimal, safer and better for the environment.
The chances are big you’ll pass through Dublin when visiting Ireland. Experience the city another way and go out with the Fab Food Trails. While you stroll through the red brick streets, you jump in at the best cheese store, a wine and charcuterie bar and plenty more. You’ll learn more about no waste farms and all the delicacies they make from nose to tail.
You can finish the day with a visit to the Supper Club from Erica Drum. Erica is the best host you can imagine. She welcomes you in her cozy townhouse and reveals all the secrets behind the great food she cooks. You can watch from her comfortable sofa while she tackles your dinner.
Do you prefer to go to a restaurant downtown? Then you’ve got a couple of places where the locals would go themselves: Coppinger Row, Forest Avenue and Leo Burdock’s fish and chips.
A good half hour drive outside Dublin, you reach the gorgeous domain of Cliff at Lyons. Once bought by Tony Ryan (indeed from the airplanes) and completely restored to this beauty. You can walk alongside the canal nearby, pass through the gardens afterwards and finish at the coffee bar, the cafe, the 2-star restaurant or the hotel. It’s a guarantee you’ll stumble upon a bride and her entourage here in the weekend.
What makes their food so unique and delicious is that it’s been made with 99% local products. The only thing they’re still trying to buy locally is sugar from sugar beets. They get a lot of products from their herb garden and green houses. But every week the chefs head out to go foraging in the woods and meadows nearby to return with wild ingredients. That way they make fantastic food with ingredients of which the inhabitants forgot they existed.
If the British queen gets her salmon from the English Market in Cork, you can bet they sell the best products here. Pat O’Connell, the famous fishmonger at the market, made the queen laugh about a mother in law joke here in 2011. And the rest is history. Besides royal salmon, you can come here for great jams from small batches, cheese, bread and snacks. A lot of stands sell durable pots and packaging to transport your food in.
Did you get hungry from sniffing around the market? You can get a delicious breakfast on the first floor at Farmgate. The location offers you a great view of the building at the same time. And if you don’t know what to get, take the salmon!
Every year the inhabitants of Kinsale prepare for months to go to the Mad Hatters Taste of Kinsale Festival in October. Tickets sell out long in advance and they tinker hard to make the maddest hat. Get carried away on this crazy afternoon where 6 groups alternate between 6 locations throughout the town. Every location has a variety of local dishes and drinks to keep you busy all day. An extraordinary experience that you have to live through to believe it!
Clonakilty is a town full of colorful house fronts and undertaking inhabitants. It’s even the first fairtrade town in Ireland. If you want to try something else than Guinness, Thirsty Frank will help you out. His microbrewery beer is on tap in the entire region around Clonakilty. He has blond beer with citrus flavors, light and dark pale ale and dark Irish porter. You should definitely ask him about the story of Tojo the monkey on his bottles. You can also find great chocolate in Clonakilty at Exploding Tree, good cuts of meat in one of the three butchers and local milk products from 2 yogurt producers. All the milk gets supplied by family farms nearby where they know the cows by name.
Val Di Fassa lies in the middle of the Dolomites in Italy. The Dolomites are known on their own for amazing views and rank on the list of UNESCO world heritage. You can find 115 kilometer of slopes here and over 50 lifts. You can also cross to the Sellaronda from this ski area but it’s worth it to avoid that popular ski route and explore the lesser known ski slopes closer by.
If you like impressive 360 degrees views and charming barns, the whole ski area is worth it to explore. But you can combine all beautiful views in over 70 kilometers of slopes and almost 40 lifts that connect 3 ski areas in the valley. You can do the panorama tour in 2 directions according to your plans.
The snow machines here frequently blow new snow on the slopes even if there is plenty of fresh snow already. This is to guarantee enough snow for spring time. They pump up the water from their own water reservoirs and a part of the snow machines already gets green energy from hydropower. A lot of hotels and restaurants also invested in solar panels the last couple of years. Let’s hope these initiatives spread out even further in the future.
Do you prefer to go hunting for the best pictures? Than you can’t miss a couple of spots. At the top of the Lezuo lift you get a view of the gigantic Passo Pordoi. For a great sunset, take your last slope in Vigo di Fassa and wait at the Ciampedie gondola for a pink spectacle. Or you can enjoy one of the most beautiful slopes here on the blue Pra Martin with gorgeous views on the Catinaccio (Rosengarten). In Passo San Pellegrino it’s best to cross all the way to the end of the Cima Uomo in the morning to start your day with breathtaking views over the mountain range with the same name.
A great initiative with local fresh food is the farm Agritur Weiss. If you have time to go out for dinner one night you have to come here without a doubt. They serve freshly made dishes with their own milk, eggs, herbs and vegetables. The meat is self-cultivated or locally sourced. They also have their own herb garden and homemade products like mint shampooing. An absolute must for an unforgettable evening!
Of course you can also eat pizza and pasta on the Italian slopes but this is the place to treat yourself with some extras. Try the typical dumplings, polenta or ciajoncie (ravioli filled with pears or figs). Or kick off your meal with some bubbling Trentedoc, an Italian sparkling wine in champagne style. In Moena you’ll eat the tasty local Puzzone cheese. Take some cheese, ham or sausage home as a souvenir and support the local traders and farmers.
You’ll notice in the Val Di Fassa ski area that everything is very clean. The ski lift operators and snow groomers spend their entire summer and winter season with cleaning the little garbage that still gets left behind. In 2018 they even highlighted the issue of cigarette butts on the ski slopes. If you didn’t know yet, they can take up to 10 years to decompose. So if you smoke on the slopes sometimes, take a little portable ashtray next time. It doesn’t take up that much extra space and you won’t leave your smoldering cigarette butts in the snow.
During winter season in Val Di Fassa there is plenty more to do besides skiing. You can go on a snow hike or snowshoe excursion, horse riding in the snow, paragliding, skating and cross-country skiing. Do you like slow traveling? Than this could be a fun alternative to the more rushed ski slope atmosphere.
Are you done skiing for the day or do you have some bad weather flying over? Discover a 3 stories paradise of healing baths, bio saunas, steam baths and relaxation rooms in the QC Terme Dolomiti. You can relax outside in the steaming waters of the healing Alloch source with great views over the valley. Even the outdoor saunas have glass sides to enjoy the vista at its best. Your calves will thank you for it.
From Belgium it’s best to take the train to Val Di Fassa and get off at the station of Bolzano or Trento from where you can take a bus into the valley. You can book a trip back and forth starting from around 200 euros. It will take you around 12 hours.
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 Bolzano, Venice or Innsbruck. Do you want get some tips for flying more aware? Read our 5 tips to fly more aware and how to compensate flights.
Vigo Di Fassa is a good base to spend the night, but that is also possible in Canazei, Campitello or Pozza Di Fassa. I slept at the Hotel Andes in Vigo di Fassa.
I can recommend 2 spots on the slopes for lunch: the Baita Checco with delicious mountain dishes in combination with a fantastic view from the veranda or Stube Anna in Passo San Pellegrino with a wonderful sun terrace and homemade pasta.
On the website of Val Di Fassa you’ll find all information on the ski slopes, lifts, activities and some sleeping and eating tips. Are you feeling the ski vibes already but you’re not sure yet where to go? You can read more about our experiences in Hochkönig and Kitzbühel.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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
Photo by TravelRebel Silke Lamoen[/caption]
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Photo by Silke Lamoen[/caption]
Eise Eisinga Planetarium[/caption]
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Eise Eisinga Planetarium[/caption]
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TravelRebel Silke wearing her TravelRebel Totebag[/caption]
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Oranjekoek[/caption]
Photo by Ronald Rozema[/caption]
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Photo by TravelRebel Silke[/caption]
Also addicted to books?[/caption]
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LOKAAL - Terschelling[/caption]
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Locally produced jam[/caption]
Terschelling - The Netherlands[/caption]
Terschelling[/caption]
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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.
Photo by TravelRebel Silke Lamoen[/caption]
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TravelRebel Silke & Bart in West-Canada[/caption]
https://www.instagram.com/p/B0pro6nnrHG/?utm_source=ig_embed
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
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
[caption id="attachment_3757" align="alignnone" width="900"]
TravelRebel Silke Lamoen in Austria[/caption]
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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!
There really are better places, just waiting to be explored.
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.
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!
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Charlotte Noël in Australia[/caption]
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.
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!
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Photo by Zen Travellers[/caption]
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!
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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!
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/
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/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.
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!
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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.
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string(23050) "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.
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/
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.
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.
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!
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.
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/
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.
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 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.
If you short on time, I would suggest you catch domestic flights from Dhaka. Not the most sustainable way but definitely time efficient.
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.
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/
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.
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.
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/
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.
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.
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:
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).
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/
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.
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]
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.
[caption id="attachment_3080" align="alignnone" width="700"]Be forewarned, you probably won’t get a hotel-type king-sized bed with room service, but it definitely will be an unforgettable experience.
Photo by Stefanie Orlans (Senegal)[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_2270" align="alignnone" width="700"]
Charlotte Noël during homestay in Kenya[/caption]
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]
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]
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]
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.
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.
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" } [16]=> object(WP_Post)#3958 (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.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.
[caption id="attachment_3202" align="alignnone" width="1024"]"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.
Photo by Evie Harris - Guest blogger of TravelRebel.be[/caption]
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:
Photo by Evie Harris - Guest blogger of TravelRebel.be[/caption]
Photo by Evie Harris - Guest Blogger of TravelRebel.be[/caption]
Text by guest blogger Evie Harris.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BxkHTKthJyZ/
Evie Harris[/caption]"
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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.
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.
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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.
Using Pinterest? Feel free to pin my photo's
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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]
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.
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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"
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.My tip: rent a bike!
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.
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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.
"Waking up among the trees, near the sea"
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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!
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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]
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.
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!
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!
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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 standardCharlotte 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.”“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. ”
"We have to change now if we want the next generation to also get the chance to explore this inspiring globe.”
5. Parent-child journeys
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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.
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!
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!
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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]
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 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.
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string(15596) "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.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.
(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.
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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.Just one with the African rhythm, back to the basics.
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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!”
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.
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!
[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.
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" } [29]=> object(WP_Post)#3971 (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) "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.
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
"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?
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?
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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.
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The Lifestraw products are available online.
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.
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.
You can easily order a Water-to-Go bottle online at http://watertogo-benelux.eu/.
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.
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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!
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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.
Find out more: UNWTO global report on adventure tourism"
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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"]Siberia is an absolutely wonderful destination for adventure seekers – make the most of it!
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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.
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.
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.
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"]
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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!
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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.
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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.
Source: www.watercalculator.org
Source: www.wildhelpers.com
Source: www.peta2.com/news/captive-animal-facts/
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1. Good travel insurance
2. Money, money, money!
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!
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.
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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!)
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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.
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!
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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!
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]
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!
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.
Torre dell 'Orso
Rest assured, there were plenty of places to park nearby.
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.
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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:
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).
“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
We ate delicious, healthy salads at Pane, Amore e Fantasia.
Ostuni
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!
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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).
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!
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.
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.
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!
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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.
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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!
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(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!
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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.
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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?"
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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!
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Read on to find out all about my first solo trip.
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.
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]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:
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.
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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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]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.
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]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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[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/-o4RmDi309/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed]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 – 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 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
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
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BFTmIO8i3ws/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed]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
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
" ["post_title"]=> string(36) "5 WAYS TO EXPLORE BARCELONA FOR FREE" ["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) "5-ways-to-explore-barcelona-for-free" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(46) " https://travelrebel.be/music-makes-me-travel/" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2018-12-28 11:38:16" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-12-28 11:38:16" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(29) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=812" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "3" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [55]=> object(WP_Post)#3997 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(805) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2018-06-18 18:53:58" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-06-18 18:53:58" ["post_content"]=> string(7547) "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.
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.
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]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.
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.
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.
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]
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!
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.
" ["post_title"]=> string(51) "WHY YOU’LL FALL IN LOVE WITH MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA" ["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) "why-youll-fall-in-love-with-melbourne-australia" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2018-12-28 11:41:56" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-12-28 11:41:56" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(29) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=805" ["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)#3998 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(785) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2018-06-18 18:40:22" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-06-18 18:40:22" ["post_content"]=> string(10888) "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]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!
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BP1uPbdl4Wj/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed]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)!
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BIWiK-rBFBs/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed]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.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BHfLhVvhcuL/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed]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" } [57]=> object(WP_Post)#3999 (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.
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!
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.
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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.
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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. "
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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:
So, what are you waiting for? Get those itineraries in order and start exploring… sustainably!
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string(12625) "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!
" ["post_title"]=> string(31) "LAOS: A BACKPACKER’S PARADISE" ["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) "laos-a-backpackers-paradise" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(78) " https://travelrebel.be/how-to-make-the-most-of-the-nusa-islands-in-indonesia/" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2018-12-28 11:50:19" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-12-28 11:50:19" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(29) "https://travelrebel.be/?p=739" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "1" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [61]=> object(WP_Post)#4003 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(720) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "1" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2018-06-18 14:04:44" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-06-18 14:04:44" ["post_content"]=> string(8761) "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]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.
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]
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]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!
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.
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.
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!
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BjcXLW2ggri/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed]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.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/Bi2THk-DPlB/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed]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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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.
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/BjFHb4rgnn1/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed]Oh, did I mention that you can visit the beautiful sights of Iceland for free?
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/Bi4hv3EgeH3/?taken-by=travelrebel.be[/embed]Will you visit this famous aircraft wreck when you are in Iceland? We did, and we don’t regret it one bit.
Well, Iceland actually has several volcanic beaches, but Reynisfjara is without a doubt the coolest black-sand beach with its crazy basalt columns, lava formations, towering cliffs and amazing caves. After all, National Geographic did label Reynisfjara as one of the 10 most beautiful non-tropical beaches in the world back in 1991.
This world famous black-sand beach is right next to the small fishing village of Vík í Mýrdal. Vik is ideal for finding good food, stocking up at the local supermarket (oh yes, I budget travel) and staying overnight.
The Eldhraun lava field was formed by an eruption of the slit volcano Lakagigar in 1783. This eruption, which swallowed up entire farms and churches over a length of 60 kilometers, was of one of the most catastrophic in Icelandic history and lasted no less than nine months. An staggering area of 565 square kilometers was buried under the thick layer of lava, leading to enormous consequences for both humans and animals. Hundreds of thousands of animals died as a result of the sulfuric acid released, and a quarter of the population died of food shortages in the three following years.
Today, moss has literally masked this black page in the history of Iceland. The beautiful green and red hues of the moss give this beautiful landscape a peaceful and calm appearance… the deadly history buried underneath cannot be seen.
I personally wanted to see this very much, but am truly impressed by how the Icelandic population resolutely chooses to protect nature instead of determining everything with the goal of increasing tourism. If only other countries would take note!
A few dozen kilometers after the lava field, you will once again driving past small, beautiful waterfalls and charming farmhouses. You will also cross some impressive rock formations that look a bit like smaller versions of Yosemite.
Look out for Skaftafell, a wilderness area on the southern edge of the Vatnajökull National Park, on the way to Jökulsárlón. It is halfway between Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Höfn, and only a short drive from the Ring Road. It is somewhat of a hidden gem, but you can find yourself by some beautiful glaciers after driving on a dirt road.
[caption id="attachment_716" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Drone shot Iceland[/caption]
We just got back from our road trip through Iceland – and it was, by far, one of the most incredible places for nature I have ever seen!
As the country has been promoted so often on social media over the last few years, I expected it to be more touristy. However, even in the most touristy places, such as Geysir, Gullfoss and Seljalandsfoss, the number of tourists wasn’t overwhelming at all.
You’ve probably heard about the stunning waterfalls, spectacular beaches, unpronounceable names… and also about the hefty price tag that comes with it all! Well, don’t worry – here are some of my top tips to visit Iceland on a budget:
It’s considered very normal to ask for tap water everywhere (restaurants, gas stations, hotels, etc). In fact, there’s usually a bottle of tap water on your table in every restaurant.
We visited Iceland in the middle of May and the sun was out every single day. Yep, we’re lucky bastards.
Alcohol is ridiculously expensive in Iceland due to high taxation.
We paid approximately EUR 250 for five days.
This is self explanatory.
Iceland is easy and safe to travel through all by yourself. Rent a car and go explore.
I did not spend money on expensive activities such as whale watching, quadriding and helicopter rides. Nevertheless, I always prefer to splurge on experiences rather than things, so if your budget can allow, go for some of these!
Unlike many other places, hitchhiking is very common in Iceland.
We went out for dinner every evening and it wasn’t too cheap. You end up paying at least EUR 20 per meal.
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If you think about Ireland, you probably won’t think about delicious food straight away. The Irish kitchen is known for it’s pies, stews, fish and sausage. And they don’t serve those equally well in every pub. But if you look a bit further, you’ll find that Ireland has plenty more to offer.
There is a huge amount of local produce in Ireland which makes them one of the most self sufficient regions in the whole world! The downpours that fly over every now and then make for very green and strong grass. Good grass feeds the cows, sheep and goats so therefore makes for delicious milk, butter, cheese and meat. Ireland is on the other hand surrounded by the ocean. So you can have your pick at a whole range of fresh fish products like cockles, mussels and oysters.
Local food has a ton of benefits for yourself and for the planet. Think about it when you want to eat Mexican in France or Thai in Germany next time. Local products have more nutrients and flavor. You eat according to the seasons and therefore support the local traders. The CO2 emission of the transport of your food from the soil to your plate is minimal, safer and better for the environment.
The chances are big you’ll pass through Dublin when visiting Ireland. Experience the city another way and go out with the Fab Food Trails. While you stroll through the red brick streets, you jump in at the best cheese store, a wine and charcuterie bar and plenty more. You’ll learn more about no waste farms and all the delicacies they make from nose to tail.
You can finish the day with a visit to the Supper Club from Erica Drum. Erica is the best host you can imagine. She welcomes you in her cozy townhouse and reveals all the secrets behind the great food she cooks. You can watch from her comfortable sofa while she tackles your dinner.
Do you prefer to go to a restaurant downtown? Then you’ve got a couple of places where the locals would go themselves: Coppinger Row, Forest Avenue and Leo Burdock’s fish and chips.
A good half hour drive outside Dublin, you reach the gorgeous domain of Cliff at Lyons. Once bought by Tony Ryan (indeed from the airplanes) and completely restored to this beauty. You can walk alongside the canal nearby, pass through the gardens afterwards and finish at the coffee bar, the cafe, the 2-star restaurant or the hotel. It’s a guarantee you’ll stumble upon a bride and her entourage here in the weekend.
What makes their food so unique and delicious is that it’s been made with 99% local products. The only thing they’re still trying to buy locally is sugar from sugar beets. They get a lot of products from their herb garden and green houses. But every week the chefs head out to go foraging in the woods and meadows nearby to return with wild ingredients. That way they make fantastic food with ingredients of which the inhabitants forgot they existed.
If the British queen gets her salmon from the English Market in Cork, you can bet they sell the best products here. Pat O’Connell, the famous fishmonger at the market, made the queen laugh about a mother in law joke here in 2011. And the rest is history. Besides royal salmon, you can come here for great jams from small batches, cheese, bread and snacks. A lot of stands sell durable pots and packaging to transport your food in.
Did you get hungry from sniffing around the market? You can get a delicious breakfast on the first floor at Farmgate. The location offers you a great view of the building at the same time. And if you don’t know what to get, take the salmon!
Every year the inhabitants of Kinsale prepare for months to go to the Mad Hatters Taste of Kinsale Festival in October. Tickets sell out long in advance and they tinker hard to make the maddest hat. Get carried away on this crazy afternoon where 6 groups alternate between 6 locations throughout the town. Every location has a variety of local dishes and drinks to keep you busy all day. An extraordinary experience that you have to live through to believe it!
Clonakilty is a town full of colorful house fronts and undertaking inhabitants. It’s even the first fairtrade town in Ireland. If you want to try something else than Guinness, Thirsty Frank will help you out. His microbrewery beer is on tap in the entire region around Clonakilty. He has blond beer with citrus flavors, light and dark pale ale and dark Irish porter. You should definitely ask him about the story of Tojo the monkey on his bottles. You can also find great chocolate in Clonakilty at Exploding Tree, good cuts of meat in one of the three butchers and local milk products from 2 yogurt producers. All the milk gets supplied by family farms nearby where they know the cows by name.
If you think about Ireland, you probably won’t think about delicious food straight away. The Irish kitchen is known for it’s pies, stews, fish and sausage. And they don’t serve those equally well in every pub. But if you look a bit further, you’ll find that Ireland has plenty more to offer. A soil full of precious goods There is a huge amount of local produce in...
Val Di Fassa lies in the middle of the Dolomites in Italy. The Dolomites are known on their own for amazing views and rank on the list of UNESCO world heritage. You can find 115 kilometer of slopes here and over 50 lifts. You can also cross to the Sellaronda from this ski area but it’s worth it to avoid that popular ski route and explore the lesser known ski slopes...
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...
