(NOTE: This article has been graciously provided by our partner, Viking River Cruises, one of the most knowledgeable sources of information on the Yangtze River region)

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The Yangtze River region is filled with incredible sights, from bamboo groves to mist-covered mountains. And a cruise down the river on Viking River Cruises places you right in the heart of this mysterious and quietly majestic land.

Viking River Cruises offer the absolute best of China. In fact, you can expect to not only experience the sights and sounds of the Yangtze River from a most advantageous viewpoint, but you can enjoy the very best of the region’s cuisine during your cruise down China’s longest river.

The cuisine along the Yangtze River offers a spellbinding array of different flavors, textures and aromas. The primary ingredient is, of course, fish. And depending on your Yangtze River Cruise package, you can delight in the best of the local cuisine on board, or on shore.

Some of the culinary specialties a traveler should expect to find in the Yangtze River region include:

Steamed Wuchang Fish

A specialty of the Fankou section of the Yangtze, Steamed Wuchang Fish is the most famous dish in Wuhan. Perfectly braised in select stocks, this dish is equally light, tender and fresh.

Mandarin Fish in Tomato Juice

A complex dish featuring crispy fish and tomato sauce, this delight has hints of ginger and scallion for an uncompromised flavor that’s bright, rich and irrevocably oriental.

Eight Delicacies Orange Cups

As nutritious as it delicious, this specialty of the Yangtze region combines ham, chicken, water chestnuts, mushrooms, bamboo sprouts and walnuts carefully chopped, mixed and spooned into orange cups.

In the lower reach of the Yangtze River, Jiangsu cuisine reigns supreme. If you venture into this region, you can expect some of the best food China has to offer, including Jinling Salted Dried Duck, Clear Crab Shell Meatballs, Soft Shell Turtle Stew and other distinctive dishes.

We hope this helps!

The Travel Relic Folks

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A NOTE FROM OUR PARTNER:

Viking River Cruises offers spectacular gourmet cuisine, designed by famed celebrity chef, Martin Yan. Travelers have the option of choosing from the cruise’s menu or taking a more adventurous approach by diving in to the regional cuisine. Either way, you’re sure to be impressed and satisfied.

Visit Viking River Cruises>>

The recent earthquake has killed hundreds of thousands and displaced even more in the country of Haiti. The utter devastation is on an unimaginable scale and, as such, the efforts to support Haiti through physical and financial relief is at a scale rarely seen before.

The travel blog community can use this opportunity to spread their influence and aid to a nation that has suffered unspeakable damage. If you or anyone you know wants to help with the relief effort in Haiti are several ways to do show your support:

Donating Money Online

1. American Red Cross - Their operations in Haiti include deploying personnel, financial assistance, and relief supplies
2. UNICEF - One of their main focuses is helping the many children affected by the earthquake in Haiti. They will also be distributing basic supplies to those in need. You can also donate here>>
3. CARE - They will be handing out nutritional food in Haiti in the form of high-protein biscuits
4. Clinton Bush Haiti Fund - A fund dedicated to providing basics such as food, medical aid, shelter, and water
5. Doctors Without Borders – All funds go directly to financing medical teams on the ground in Haiti and provide for medical supplies that they will be using while providing care
6. World Food Program – Charity dedicated to providing food to the displaced and needy not only in Haiti but around the world
7. Save the Children – Funds will be directed towards the children in Haiti that are in desperate need of support and aid

These are just a few of the many charities and foundations that are providing help and aid to the people of Haiti. If donating online is not the way you want to attack this problem, you can still donate in other ways.

Donating Money Through Text Messaging

If you decide that your contributions to the Haiti relief effort should not be done online there is an easier way to do…. just text! There are several numbers that you can text in order to donate money to charities operating in Haiti. The number in here apply to SMS text messaging within the United States only.

1. SMS text “HAITI” to 90999 to donate $10 to Red Cross relief efforts
2. SMS text “YELE” to 501501 to Donate $5 to Yele Haiti’s Earthquake Relief efforts
3. SMS text “GIVE10” to 20222 to donate $10 to Direct Relief

Others Ways to Assist the Haiti Relief Effort

If you are low on money and can cash to the  people of Haiti isn’t realistic, don’t give up. There are other ways in which your help can make a different there.

1. Google Map Aid- The first way is to help Google map the area of Haiti since so much of the country experienced catastrophic devastation. Your help in this effort could make a difference to aid workers on the ground. Go to the Google Map Aid website>>
2. Criss Commons - A recently created organization, they’re on the ground and Haiti and need your help. Visit Criss Commons>>
3. Haiti Volunteer Network - A gathering point for anyone wanting to volunteer financially or in person, it’s a great way to find your unique way of helping out those in Haiti. Check out the Haiti Volunteer Network>>

Haiti is in desperate need of relief, no matter how you decide to donate. These are just a few ideas and opportunities for you to do something about it and no matter what your choice is you can have a part in saving the lives of the people of Haiti.

Looking for someone in Haiti? Register your person on the Google Person Finder Network>>

Do you know another relief effort that we didn’t mention? Drop it into the comments below!

Winter Olympics 2010

The Winter Olympics this year will move back to the North American continent in the form of Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort, Whistler Olympic Park, and Whistler Sliding Centre. Situated in British Columbia this area boasts plenty of things to do and see besides the Olympic events which will take place there later this month.

For a full list of Olympic events and their locations visit The Official Vancouver 2010 Olympics Website>>

Staying in Whistler

If you are making the arduous trip to British Columbia, chances are you are staying in or around Whistler Village. The village itself is an attraction, one which will keep you entertained in between the Olympic events you will be attending.

Whistler Village is a pedestrian-only village meaning you will not have to deal with the hustle and bustle of cars coming in and out of the small town. There are nearly 100 bars and restaurants (like Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub, Buffalo Bills, and Bearfoot Bistro and Champagne Bar) to split your time up in and meet new people, spas in the village center to re-cooperate from the exhausting days, and enough shopping to keep the ladies happy.

A Comprehensive Guide to All Restaurants in the Whistler Blackcomb Area>>

When your day in the village is winding down and you are looking for that transportation home, take the Village Shuttle (view a map of the Whistler Village) . It is free of charge and runs from 8 in the morning to midnight, seven days a week.

Whistler Village Nightlife

The nightlife in town is as diverse as the people that will be rolling in town for the Winter Olympics. Check out Buffalo Bill’s, Garfinkel’s or one of the many clubs in Whistler if you are looking to meet new people, dance, or simply have some drinks with friends.

Whistler Activities

When wanting to get away from the village center head just outside for some different activities. Snowmobile riding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are all very popular activities to do during the winter months in Whistler and Blackcomb. Since there will be so much activity and so many people in Whistler for the Olympics and the weeks leading up to it, it will be a good change of pace to get out of town and enjoy the fresh snow without the company of the thousands of people flooding into town.

Vancouver Activities

While many people will be heading to Whistler for a stay during the Olympic period, many others will find themselves staying in Vancouver. Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in North America and it can be seen in everything from the fresh fish markets to the all-glass high rises which seem to dot the landscape like glimmering crystals. The proximity to the Pacific means it is naturally blessed with good, fresh seafood.

Tsunami Sushi, located on Robson Street, is known for being one of the best places to grab some sushi in Vancouver and with the seafood coming in fresh; it is a place you do not want to miss.

Steamworks , a popular restaurant and micro-brewery located in Gastown, is a great place to go if you are someone who appreciates a good, fresh brewed beer.

Things to see in Vancouver

Vancouver boasts a rich history and wide array of different cultures and in turn has a plethora of things to do and see within the city. A good place to start would be the area known as Gastown. While visiting attractions in Gastown, make sure to stop by and see the old steam clock. It sits on a street corner in Gastown and runs solely off steam.

For some sights of the city, check out the Vancouver Lookout. It is on top of the Harbour Centre and allows a 360 degree view of Vancouver and the surrounding landscape. Canada Place along the riverfront is a popular and recognizable landmark of Vancouver. Built for Expo 1986, it is now a host to the many incoming attractions and shows to Vancouver. Other places of interest in Vancouver are Granville Island, Stanley Park, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Whether you are making your way to Whistler along the Sea to Sky Highway or staying in Vancouver for a few days, there is no shortage of things to do. Vancouver is your source of local, Pacific-driven culture highlighted by natural seaside beauty. Whistler, Vancouver’s alpine cousin, is the go-to place for adventure sports, but not without its taste of nightlife and high culture.

(NOTE: This article has been graciously provided by our partner, Viking River Cruises, one of the most knowledgeable sources of information on the Danube River region)

The Danube River is Europe’s second longest river, flowing from Germany’s Black Forest through Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine and Moldova.

Taking a river cruise down the Danube is one of the best ways to see the cities and culture of the region at a manageable pace.  Here’s a list of the must-see museums along the Danube River.

Lentos Museum of Modern Art

Located in Linz, Austria, the Lentos Museum of Modern Art sits right along the Danube and is filled with an excellent collection of modern works of art.

Visit the Official Lentos Museum Website>>

Varna Archaeological Museum

Located in Varna, Bulgaria, this museum famously holds the world’s oldest gold and a collection of artifacts pre-dating 4200 BC.

Visit the Official Varna Museum Website>>

Hungarian Museum of Water Administration and Environmental Protection

Also known as Danube Museum, this museum in Hungary has a collection of hydraulic structures and techniques that map out Europe’s water administration history.

Visit the Official Danube Museum Website>>

The Croatian Museum of Naïve Art

The CMNA is a quiet respite in a Viking River Cruise journey through Europe. Capturing the localized flavors of Croatia in art, this museum is the perfect place for a romantic escape.

Visit the Official Croatian Museum of Naive Art>>

The Danube Delta Eco-Tourism Museum Center

Located in Tulcea, Romania, this museum is the most visited in the region. It features a number of natural exhibits and an aquarium, focusing on the ecology of the Danube Delta.

Visit the Official Danube Delta Museum Website>>

Tulcea is also home to other important museums, including the History and Archaeology Museum, the Ethnography and Folk Art Museum, the Art Museum and the Natural Sciences Museum.

We hope this helps!

The Travel Relic Folks

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A NOTE FROM OUR PARTNER:

Viking River Cruises offer the perfect way to travel Europe. Frequent stops along the region’s most influential ports allow travelers the opportunity to experience this area at its best. Steeped in history, but with a finger on the pulse of tomorrow, the museums of Europe have something for everyone whether you are traveling by land or a Danube River Cruise.

Are you looking for the best way to travel around South America? Well we’ve spent some time in America Sur and have some “best practices” that should make your traveling much, much easier.

In 2004 we spent a month backpacking between Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru. After landing in Santiago, Chile, we were making our way directly to Chile to take advantage of the great exchange rate.

Getting around South America means taking a bus. That’s the “secret”. Get ready to jump from bus terminal to bus terminal. Railroads are more or less non-existent and flights, even when booked in advance, are amazingly expensive. But bus travel in South America can be surprisingly nice. If you (Americans) are used to seeing the less-than-attractive Greyhound buses on the interstate, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the features and quality of the buses that dot the highways of Brazil, Argentina, and Chile (note we didn’t mention all SA countries).

General rule that applies to all bus travel in South America – book your trip as early as you can. Unlike Europe where you can usually hop on a train and go, in South America, buses are the main form of travel and often times congested. How did we learn that lesson? We were able to immediately book a bus ride from Santiago to Mendoza, but ran head into university students on holiday in Argentina (being stranded for 3 days in the Argentine wine country isn’t that bad, though, we must admit!)

Also – book your exit ticket from a city before you leave the bus station upon arrival. Burned several times before learning our lesson, you prevent extra expenses to return to the station solely to buy tickets and also greatly reduce the chance of being stranded.

Alter your eating and drinking habits while on long bus rides. Consider the length of the trip and the, uh hum, “quality” of the bathrooms before you decide to drink another mate. Also, most buses in South America have attendants that will come by with free snacks and drinks on a 2-hour interval. Learn to say NO. Lastly, make sure to hop off the bus whenever it stops. Your legs and back will thank you.

Keep cash on hand. Buses make rest stops frequently but more often than not, they’re in rural areas that take only cash.

Here’s a summary of what you can expect for in terms of bus travel in the major South American countries from Brazil to Chile:

• Argentina: by far the nicest buses in South America, a luxury, double-decker overnight bus from Patagonia to Buenos Aires costs you only $25. Expect LONG rides. Argentina is a large country with a widely distributed population. A trip on a bus between major cities frequently takes 20 hours or more. In Buenos Aires, the bus terminal is near downtown and is massive.
• Chile: orderly and clean is how we would best describe the buses in Chile. Although Argentina seems to take bus travel to an art form, traveling by bus in Chile is easy and comfortable. Be prepared for extremely long trips in Chile. With mainly 3 areas of population density (north in Arica, central in Santiago and south in Puerto Montt), all trips are extremely long.
• Brazil: not quite as nice as Argentina, buses in Brazil are fairly homogeneous in quality and are a comfortable way to get around. Similar to Argentina and Chile, make sure you buy your ticket early, as buses are often congested. Buses often stop in major bus terminals for quick bites of soldades (tasty, fried snacks) so be prepared to jump off, use the bathroom and make your purchases.
• Bolivia: Wow, another world, and we’re not just talking about the extreme landscape and altitude. If you’re arriving by plane from one of the above countries, as we did, you’ll be surprised by how different and less organizes the transportation system is. Within the city of La Paz, you can find the bus terminal a short walk from the main capital square. Make sure to BOOK EARLY, especially for bus rides to Cuzco. Make sure you arrive early to hop on the bus, as they normally overbook seats. Expect the driver to stop frequently for “extracurricular” ridership, as it’s fairly common in Brazil, Peru and Bolivia.
• Peru: Slightly better than the quality of travel in Bolivia, there’s still a chance you’ll have a chicken on your bus. The most noticeable thing about travel in Peru, mainly true in the eastern part of the country, is the sparseness of population and distance between stops. Make sure you buy food and drink whenever possible, as you may find yourself hungry otherwise. Bus travel in and out of Cuzco is one of the toughest areas in South America to navigate. Be extra vigilant

Language help. Here’s “Bus station” in the languages of South America:

• Spanish – Retiro
• Portuguese – Rodoviaria

Security: Be attentive to your luggage, but avoid becoming paranoid. Luggage on and off the buses is most often controlled by the driver or another attendant, and you’re usually given a slip to retrieve your luggage upon arrival.

This should be sufficient preparation for your trip to South America. As a place that doesn’t really abide by strict schedules, make sure you remain patient and roll with the punches. Blessed with amazing food and gorgeous vistas, travel by bus in South America is an amazing experience.

Salude!
Travel Relic

Are you planning a trip to Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany?

Here are a few links that should help you during your planning process:

• The Official Oktoberfest Site, run by the city of Munuch
• The Oktoberfest Map, to help you plan your time there
• TripAdvisor Travel Advice
• Hostels Accommodation Advice and Information

10 Things You Need to Know About Traveling Internationally (to Europe) with Your Road or Mountain Bike

My name is David Silver, and I am entering my 3rd season as an elite / pro triathlete.  I got my start in triathlon five years ago thanks to a group working in the Radiology Department at a local Atlanta hospital.  As a former collegiate swimmer, competitive sports are in my blood.

As a really great/good/average professional triathlete, I’ve come to realize a big perk of the sport is the ability to travel to farther, more  interesting places to compete. In June 2008, my wife and I traveled to Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Netherlands, and England with the goal of competing in two ITU triathlons (ok, maybe there was some drinking at the Hofbrauhaus, Jack Johnson in Hyde Park, and European Cup soccer involved as well!).  I decided to do two European Cup triathlons, which meant the bike had to travel with us to Europe.

Now, I’d never taken a bike and tri equipment on such a long jaunt before. Was this going to be tougher than watching Brent Musburger broadcast the Rose Bowl?  Only time would tell.

Surprise, surprise – I should have done my homework. Here’s a summary of my lessons traveling internationally (Europe) with a road bike:

The Top 10 Things You Need to Know About Traveling Internationally with a Bike

1. Get a good case with good wheels and a good handle.  Plastic wheels will fall prey to those nasty European cobblestones.  Put your name all over the bike.  One thing to know before you go…a multi-week European trip could test your case to the max
2. Stuff your bike case with whatever gear you can. You are going to have to pay the bike fee, so why not maximize what you can get out of that bike fee.
3. Know the type and size of the plane before you go to the airport.  Some “pond jumper” planes are limited in their luggage capacity, so your bike may be left to fly standby if the plane has reached its weight limitation.
4. Know what size car you are renting before you land in your international destination as rentals are typically smaller, especially in Europe
5. You do not have to pay bike fees when traveling between countries in Europe.  They actually reward fitness in Europe, which is the antithesis of the United States….hurray for anti-obesity! 
6. If assembly/disassembly of your bike is an issue, don’t worry, there are plenty of bike shops in Europe. And the service is top notch (at a low cost!)
7. Know your terrain – there are some serious climbs in Europe – consider a compact double crank set up, or replace the rear derailleur with a mountain bike setup
8. Purchase extra CO2 cartridges while you are over there b/c you want to be able to change a flat if you are out in the middle of nowhere, especially in countries where you do not speak the language, or countries with cobblestones (which is every European country)
9. It is not worth traveling with a bike to Munich, Amsterdam, & London.  All three have limited and low quality riding, and you risk your bike being stolen in Amsterdam.  Also, careless, hybrid riders are everywhere and they bottleneck the bike paths with their hundred pound tank bikes.
10. Consider your other luggage when traveling with a bike case; the bike case is very heavy and awkward, so plan to travel lighter with your other luggage.  You might also consider luggage like duffel bags that can be placed on top of the bike case when you are pulling it.

How did I learn these ever-so-important lessons? Follow with me as I cover what I learned and how I learned it.

The Equipment: What I Took with Me

I ride a Giant Advanced 2 Road Bike and a Felt B2 triathlon bike.  Both are amazing bikes, but because I was racing draft-legal races only in Europe, I packed the Giant for this trip.  I ride Blackwell Research wheels in ITU (International Triathlon Union) races.  I use a SunLite Bike Suitcase, which held up well, that is, until we got to England.  I packed my Specialized Triathlon shoes, a Louis Garneau helmet, a bike pump, Tifosi sunglasses, transition bag, a couple Roswell Bikes bottles, and a couple other items in the SunLite case.  It was packed to the brim.  All of my stuff was provided to me by my Atlanta-based sponsors:

Roswell Bikes (http://www.roswellbicycles.com/)  
The Sport Factory (http://www.thesportfactory.com/site/index.shtml) (thanks guys!)

Flight Purchase

The key is to get to Europe as cheap as you can. Here is the most important thing I will write within this blog:  YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PAY BIKE FEES WHEN FLYING BETWEEN COUNTRIES IN EUROPE! If you get to Europe with a cheap flight, then you can then fly the cheap European carriers between countries with no worries about an additional $100 bike fee.

Atlanta to Switzerland:

We flew from Atlanta to Newark to Zurich, Switzerland on Continental Airlines.  I paid the bike fee as I have been caught fibbing in the past (one of the agents in Manchester, NH called my bluff that my bike case did not contain a tuba and instead contained a bike, surprise…luckily that story worked 10 times before that).  We rented an Alfa Romeo wagon, which was an excellent choice as the bike case fit nicely.  Make sure you know what kind of car you are renting before you land in Europe as the rental cars are typically much smaller over there. In Switzerland, the steering wheels are the same as in the States, which was a pleasant surprise.   I did not ride in Switzerland as we were only there for a brief period of time.

Switzerland to Austria:

We traveled to Tirol, Austria and stayed at the Alpenhotel Ernberg.  I was able to catch a leisure ride in the Tirol Mountains, which are part of the Alps…totally beautiful.  I assemble and disassemble my bikes all the time, but if assembly/disassembly is an issue for you, don’t worry, there are thousands of bike shops scattered throughout Europe. It is important to note that a lot of the riding will have some series climbs, so I would consider a compact double crank set up, or replace the rear derailleur with a mountain bike setup.

Austria to Germany:

After a couple days in Austria, we traveled to Schliersee, Germany for the 2008 Schliersee ITU Triathlon European Cup.  We stayed at the Seehotel  Schlierseer Hof, which was absolutely beautiful with some amazing views of Schliersee Lake.  I got some great swims in the lake prior to the race and was able to cruise around on my bike no problem.

However, on race day, I was shocked to learn that this would be the hardest course I I’ve ever encountered (much harder than the Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon).  Halfway into the  grueling mountainous course, I fell apart and only stayed in the race because of the hounding thought – “When would I ever do a tri in Germany again?”.  I swallowed my pride and suffered through the race to finish in the bottom 20% of the field.  If that race had been in the states, I would have “abandoned ship” after the bike.

     

The Tour de France-style climb that broke me during the Schliersee ITU European Cup

From Schliersee, we traveled to Munich (Munchen), Germany.  This is a really frustrating city for riding a road bike.  Why?  Because the bike paths are overpopulated with hybrid cruiser bikes – like University of Georgia fans at a barn raising – these bikes are everywhere, and the people who ride them are overly careless.  The Munich bike experience was one of the less enjoyed rides, as it was way too busy and bordered on dangerous with the high volume of cars and careless hybrid riders.

From  Munchen, we traveled to Rothenburg (our favorite European city), which is an amazing medieval city spared from bombing by the Allied Forces in WWII.  This town is all cobblestones, so it is very difficult to ride through.  I refrained from testing my balance and prevented any wheel damage by not riding in this town.  I did run to and from a local Olympic size public pool, where I was able to lap swim twice.

Germany to Netherlands (The Low Country):

After Rothenburg, Germany we traveled to Holten, Netherlands and stayed with some local triathletes on a farm just outside of Holten.  I was able to ride through the farmlands in preparation for the race.  .  The race was the 2008 Holten ITU Premium Cup.  I came out of the swim about mid-pack and quickly fell back after T1 as I had trouble with one of my shoes.  I got into a good bike pack, and we began to make up ground and real more and more riders in.  We made it through the first lap and were holding a good clip.  On lap 2, I was hanging in just fine and felt good.  It rained the entire day, so the course was pretty slick.  On the cobblestone section of lap 2, I slipped on the cobblestone and went off course.  I then got back on the course and rode the final three laps solo…the slip cost me the chance at scoring some ITU points.  Once again, I finished the race, even though I was out of contention for any type of a good placement.

Holten was great.  Riding in the Netherlands is very flat and easy.  You can compare it to riding in Florida or Louisiana.  However, riding in Amsterdam is a different story.

From Holten, we went to Amsterdam where I repacked my bike into the bike box. It is not worth riding your road bike in Amsterdam, as there are too many ways to damage your bike and hurt yourself.  Top that off with the amount of thieves in Amsterdam, and it is well worth keeping the bike in the hotel room.  You should, however, rent one of the hybrid cruisers and ride around Amsterdam – these bikes are tanks and riding through the old Dutch city is an enjoyable experience.

Netherlands to London:

After the Netherlands, we flew British Airways to London Heathrow Airport.  They have a good thing going in Europe with the free bike transportation on British Airways.  However, when you fly from Europe to the United States on any American carriers, you will pay the bike fee.

Traveling with a bike in London is painful. It is not worth it; it might be worth it outside of London, but we did not travel outside of London.  I actually wore out the wheels on my SunLite Bike Suitcase lugging it around London, to the point that two of the wheels cracked.  I then proceeded to drag my bike suitcase around London.  I didn’t even attempt to ride my bike in London; that seemed way too difficult.

After 17 days of travelling with a bike, it was nice to return to the states and maneuver without the bike case.  If it weren’t for the London leg of the trip, it really would have been a pretty easy trip in terms of traveling with a bike.  Hopefully, this will help some fellow cyclists or triathletes.

David Silver is a Pro-Triathlete whose day job keeps him busy at a major pharmaceutical company. He’s based out of the Philadelphia area. 

As the dollar plummeted in 2008, people were rethinking their travel plans and asking themselves, “Is a trip to Europe still possible?“. The answer is YES – there’s no better time than now to travel to Europe.  Here’s why a trip to Western (or Eastern) Europe should still be on your calendar:

• Since September 2008, the US Dollar has surged and made Europe the most affordable it’s been in years
• Hotel rates are falling and prices are great
• Fewer travelers are travelling – travel by Americans is down 5% 

So, as you plan your trip to Europe, keep our advised travel strategy in mind - use a mixed formula of discount flights for long distance travel and train travel for a radius of 300-400 miles. This strategy allows you to keep travel costs down, maximize time in the locations you want to be while insuring you see panoramic country vistas along the way. 

Why are trains such a great idea for travelling around Europe?

• Trains deposit you directly in downtown areas
• No need to pay sky-high parking fees at hotels
• Avoid the stress of driving
• Relaxed, large sitting areas
• The ability to soak in the country side

Considerations when purchasing your train ticket:

• Night trains – some folks swear by them, but we advise avoiding them if possible. Stealing of luggage while asleep is all to common.
• Avoid high speed trains – are you in a hurry? Frequently costing 2x regular trains, these should be reserved for businessmen and locals looking to return home as fast as possible. Take the slower train and enjoy the view.

Ready to buy your ticket? Here are some great websites for discount train tickets to Europe:

• Rail Europe – 20% Off Britrail Passes until March 2009
• Eurail Pass – Discounts for Couples

As you plan your trip to Europe, use these resources to plan your train and plane travel: 

European Train Schedules:

• Use the German train schedule to plan most travel. All train schedules in Europe are based on German train lines, as they have proven to be the most predictable. If you’re travelling in Italy or Spain, you’ll need: Italian Train Schedule or the Spanish Train Schedule.

European Discount Airlines: Once comparatively less luxurious than US-airlines, they are now comparable in fees and service. The ideal way to get between far distances at rock-bottom prices.

• Utilize discount carriers to get around Europe. Our advice is to find the most inexpensive flight to Europe (most likely the UK/Ireland) and then fly to your local city (especially the more difficult-to-reach cities, like say, Riga, Latvia) using these cheaper flights. Our favorites are:
• Ryan Air - with the largest network in Europe, it’s an excellent choice. Hub: Dublin
• Easy Jet - nearly as large as Ryan Air, it’s also a great option. Hub: London
• Wizz Air - the best option for Eastern Europe (Poland and beyond), it’s extended west significantly west. Hubs: Poland and Hungary
• See a full list of European discount airlines>>

Our advice to Europe is based on our personal visits to 20+ countries, from the British Isles to the edge of Russia. Our experience of taking trains is a stress-free way for avoiding high fuel costs, ridiculous parking fees and the stress of driving in foreign countries. So relax, sit back and take a train.

New Zealand is an amazing place – a unique blend of local culture, British history and unmatch natural beauty. As you think about a trip to New Zealand, we would like to share with you our advice on the mandatory photo ops, the best way to get around and more. To cap it off, we’re also supplying you with our unique Printable Travel Planners – an 8.5×11″ .pdf that you can use to record all important info for your future trip.

Planning Your Itinerary:

The details of travel can get out of hand if you’re unprepared. Our Travel Relic Planner is a great way to keep the details of travel organized – the locations, the hotels. the flight, and more – in one easy to create location. Just download and print (standard 8.5×11″ print), and you can track the important information for your upcoming trip.

How to Get Around:

The two main entry points into New Zealand are Auckland (North Island) and Christchurch (South Island). If you’re coming in on a long-distance, international flight, you’ll most surely be arriving in Auckland. Once you land, you’ll need to get around. Buses are the ideal way to travel among islands. If you plan to travel between islands, avoid the ferry between islands, as its cost is equal to or higher than flights between Christchurch and Wellington.

Bus Companies for Travel Between the Islands:

Our favorite: Atomic Shuttles. With the ability to schedule pickups with an easy phone call, it’s cheaper and faster than other bus lines, this was our choice option during our time in New Zealand. Here’s a link to their schedule of bus arrivals and departures: Atomic Shuttle Timetable.

Other options include:
-  InterCity Coachlines: the national bus option. A tad bit nicer, they’re the more expensive option, but with a less flexible schedule.
-  Naked Bus: as the new guys to the show, they are a blend of bus transport and a siteseeing tour operator. With unique package option, these guys may be your easiest option for cheap travel and getting between the sites you’re intending to see.

Where to Stay:

Our favorite hostel chain in the country is BASE Hostels. Featuring great package deals that make discounted stays possible no matter where you are in New Zealand, they’re ideal for those looking for inner-city, exciting stays. If you’re looking for a hotel, Mainstay Hotels offers access to hundreds of hotels in the country.

Things to See and Do:

The North and South Islands offer vastly different vistas but pretty similar activities. The mecca of outdoor adventure is by far Queenstown, on the South Island. With hundreds of ways to strap yourself in and pump up your adrenaline, it’s followed by Taupo (parachuting) and Auckland (bungee, nightlife).

South Island: as the more distant option from the Auckland airport, it may be a little more difficult to get to, but don’t let that stop you. As our favorite area of New Zealand, it’s more rugged natural beauty lends itself to outdoor activities. Make sure to:

• Hike the Franz Josef Glacier
• Ski outside of Queenstown
• Bungee at the world’s first bungee site
• Visit the English-like city of Christchurch
• Take a brewery tour in Greymouth
• Hike the Milford Sound

North Island: with rolling green pasteurs and a more cosmopolitan atmosphere, the North Island has many options not found on the South Island. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Bungee from the Auckland bridge
• Parachute in Taupo at one of the world’s most inexpensive parachute sites
• Surf the north coast

Don’t Miss Photo Ops:

As you travel by bus, your driver will most likely stop at unforgettable vistas to let you take some pics. Here are some you just shouldn’t miss:
North Island: Auckland from a high viewpoint, Wellington harbor, the northwest coast
South Island: “Mt. Doom”, Lake Wanaka, top shots over Queenstown, the western coast south of Greymouth

We hope that helps. Our time in New Zealand helped rank this small and beautful country as one of our top five favorite locations in the world. Get there as soon as possible!

-The Travel Relic Team

Are you looking for the best way to travel around South America? Well we’ve spent some time in America Sur and have some “best practices” that should make your traveling much, much easier.

In 2004 we spent a month backpacking between Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru. After landing in Santiago, Chile, we were making our way directly to Chile to take advantage of the great exchange rate.

Getting around South America means taking a bus. That’s the “secret”. Get ready to jump from bus terminal to bus terminal. Railroads are more or less non-existent and flights, even when booked in advance, are amazingly expensive. But bus travel in South America can be surprisingly nice. If you (Americans) are used to seeing the less-than-attractive Greyhound buses on the interstate, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the features and quality of the buses that dot the highways of Brazil, Argentina, and Chile (note we didn’t mention all SA countries).

General rule that applies to all bus travel in South America – book your trip as early as you can. Unlike Europe where you can usually hop on a train and go, in South America, buses are the main form of travel and often times congested. How did we learn that lesson? We were able to immediately book a bus ride from Santiago to Mendoza, but ran head into university students on holiday in Argentina (being stranded for 3 days in the Argentine wine country isn’t that bad, though, we must admit!)

Also – book your exit ticket from a city before you leave the bus station upon arrival. Burned several times before learning our lesson, you prevent extra expenses to return to the station solely to buy tickets and also greatly reduce the chance of being stranded.

Alter your eating and drinking habits while on long bus rides. Consider the length of the trip and the, uh hum, “quality” of the bathrooms before you decide to drink another mate. Also, most buses in South America have attendants that will come by with free snacks and drinks on a 2-hour interval. Learn to say NO. Lastly, make sure to hop off the bus whenever it stops. Your legs and back will thank you.

Keep cash on hand. Buses make rest stops frequently but more often than not, they’re in rural areas that take only cash.

Here’s a summary of what you can expect for in terms of bus travel in the major South American countries from Brazil to Chile:

• Argentina: by far the nicest buses in South America, a luxury, double-decker overnight bus from Patagonia to Buenos Aires costs you only $25. Expect LONG rides. Argentina is a large country with a widely distributed population. A trip on a bus between major cities frequently takes 20 hours or more. In Buenos Aires, the bus terminal is near downtown and is massive.
• Chile: orderly and clean is how we would best describe the buses in Chile. Although Argentina seems to take bus travel to an art form, traveling by bus in Chile is easy and comfortable. Be prepared for extremely long trips in Chile. With mainly 3 areas of population density (north in Arica, central in Santiago and south in Puerto Montt), all trips are extremely long.
• Brazil: not quite as nice as Argentina, buses in Brazil are fairly homogeneous in quality and are a comfortable way to get around. Similar to Argentina and Chile, make sure you buy your ticket early, as buses are often congested. Buses often stop in major bus terminals for quick bites of soldades (tasty, fried snacks) so be prepared to jump off, use the bathroom and make your purchases.
• Bolivia: Wow, another world, and we’re not just talking about the extreme landscape and altitude. If you’re arriving by plane from one of the above countries, as we did, you’ll be surprised by how different and less organizes the transportation system is. Within the city of La Paz, you can find the bus terminal a short walk from the main capital square. Make sure to BOOK EARLY, especially for bus rides to Cuzco. Make sure you arrive early to hop on the bus, as they normally overbook seats. Expect the driver to stop frequently for “extracurricular” ridership, as it’s fairly common in Brazil, Peru and Bolivia.
• Peru: Slightly better than the quality of travel in Bolivia, there’s still a chance you’ll have a chicken on your bus. The most noticeable thing about travel in Peru, mainly true in the eastern part of the country, is the sparseness of population and distance between stops. Make sure you buy food and drink whenever possible, as you may find yourself hungry otherwise. Bus travel in and out of Cuzco is one of the toughest areas in South America to navigate. Be extra vigilant

Language help. Here’s “Bus station” in the languages of South America:

• Spanish – Retiro
• Portuguese – Rodoviaria

Security: Be attentive to your luggage, but avoid becoming paranoid. Luggage on and off the buses is most often controlled by the driver or another attendant, and you’re usually given a slip to retrieve your luggage upon arrival.

This should be sufficient preparation for your trip to South America. As a place that doesn’t really abide by strict schedules, make sure you remain patient and roll with the punches. Blessed with amazing food and gorgeous vistas, travel by bus in South America is an amazing experience.

Salude!
Travel Relic