vacation | Glen Sartain: Hobbies and Interests

5 Helpful Tips For International Travel

September 12, 2016 by glensartain

Travelling internationally is an experience that can be fun, adventurous, relaxing and educational. You can see incredible sights, immerse yourself in other cultures, and learn about yourself and the world. But international travel is not without its obstacles. Whether you’re travelling for leisure, business or adventures, you’re bound to come across some issues along the way. Here are a few tips to make your international travels easier:

1 ) Take the hotel’s business card

If you’re staying at a hotel, make sure to grab a business card from the front desk as soon as your check in. This way, you have the name and address of the hotel in the local language in case you get lost. While many populations of the world speak English, having something in the local language is always your best bet.

2 ) Take photos of your luggage.

Unfortunately, one of the biggest issues with airline travel is the possibility of having your luggage lost by an airline. If this happens, it can be very difficult to explain what your luggage looks like to the people who are trying to help you. This is even more difficult in another country where there is a language barrier. It is extremely helpful to have a photo on hand so that you can better indicate what your luggage looks like.

3 ) Follow the six month passport rule.

You can’t entirely trust your passport’s expiration date. While the U.S. allows you to utilize your passport up until the date inside the cover, there are many countries that deny entry to any travelers who have passports that expire in less than six months.These countries want to make sure that you have a valid passport to travel back to the U.S. in the event that you get stuck overseas longer than expected. It’s a good idea to just renew your passport during any downtime in travel about nine months before the expiration date.

4 ) Pick the best credit cards

It’s a good idea to use a credit card when abroad since oftentimes the best exchange rates are found using your credit card. But it’s important to pick the right credit card, since a number of credit cards tack on a foreign transaction fee. This fee can sometimes be a high as 3 percent and no traveler should be paying it. Two cards that don’t add this free are the Platinum American Express and the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. Also, avoid having a restaurant or hotel convert a charge into dollars first. This is a bad deal.

5 ) Medicine

When you’re traveling, it’s important to be prepared for any ailments you may have. Get some over-the-counter drugs so that you can easily fight back against those illnesses. While the vast majority of travel destinations have drugstores, you most likely won’t want to spend your time looking for these medicines and trying to bridge the language barrier. Make sure to buy some NyQuil, Advil, Tums, Immodium A-D and anything else you think you might need. In addition to over-the-counter drugs, a lot of travelers like to fill a prescription for the antibiotic ciprofloxacin just in case.

When you travel internationally, you can never predict what is going to come next. But with these helpful tips, you will be prepared for some of the most common issues that can come your way.

Do-Not-Miss Sights in Amsterdam

August 2, 2016 by glensartain

Amsterdam is a truly unique city. While one sometimes thinks of Amsterdam and vice in the same thought, there is so much history and authenticity to the beautiful city. It is a city of contradictions, wherein you can find one of the most pleasant, peaceful atmospheres hand-in-hand with a world famous party scene. The beautiful canals, incredible architecture both old and new, and a surprising local love of pancakes are just some of the treats in store in this gem. Here are some of my do-not-miss sights that may be a little bit “off the beaten path” in Amsterdam:

The Jordaan neighborhood is quiet, classy, and free from the larger crowds of tourists. It is a peaceful neighborhood, perfect for strolling. And don’t forget to stroll through the outdoor market there. Everything from fresh flowers to sausages can be found here, as well as many small local shops. I recommend making more than one stop for ice cream and coffee, as there are so many places to do both in this neighborhood.

While the Anne Frank home and the Van Gogh museum are probably the most famous museums in the city, and incredibly powerful afternoon can be spent at the Resistance Museum, learning more about the involvement of the Dutch in World War II. The museum is creative, informative, and while it is a small and less well-funded museum, you can be prepared to be enraptured by stories the entire length of your visit.

Micropia is the world’s only microbe museum. Good for children and families, but also for adults, this museum will shift your perspective for a time and show you the life of a microbe. Exhibits are interactive and lively, informative and occasionally eye-opening. There is a very fresh and fun feeling to this museum.

Obviously the canals are a must. Cruise down one, stroll down another, but absolutely spend some time in the beautiful streets lining the canals. Full of cafes, restaurants, and bars, each canal has it’s own personality and it’s own schedule.

Feel like going out on the town at night? Visit Leidseplein. It’s the hub of the entertainment and performing arts scene. With theaters, concert halls, casinos, cinemas, and nightclubs, there is a little taste of nightlife for everyone. Steer clear if you don’t like crowds, and if you want to avoid the rowdier crowds make sure to book your hotel in a different part of town, as the noise and revelry can go quite late. I was surprised at the variety of restaurants in the neighborhood!

Can’t Miss Spots in Phuket, Thailand

June 15, 2016 by glensartain

Phuket is one of the most popular spots to visit in Thailand. They have a surplus of small offshore islands, beautiful beaches with crystal-clear blue oceans, and inexpensive accommodations.

With this island, you have everything from dramatic-whirlwind nightlife to lazy, relaxed beach towns, to an art-filled and culturally rich city, to Sirinat National Park, all in one province. From deep-sea-diving to an incredible array of world cuisine, there are so many options in Phuket.

Here are some things to keep in mind while visiting Phuket:

While it is marketed as a luxury-shopping haven, it is actually the land of the knock-offs. While the luxury-vacation set has brought in some legitimate brands and stores, most of the clothing you see will be fake designer items. Don’t pack an extra suitcase for your shopping spoils here, save your money for the experiences.

Getting pampered in Thailand is notoriously easy. There are legitimate, clean professionals all over the place in Phuket just ready to pamper men and women alike. Massages, manicures with free wifi, foot massage, tiny-live-fish-pedicures, skin treatments, aromatherapy, and more. Phuket is just brimming with personal services. Make sure that you go into a place with air-conditioning, because most services are walk-in, and you may have to wait.

The food is incredible, but you’ll actually find more Japanese, Turkish, Chinese, Korean, and Persian food than you will find Thai food. You’ll want to ask and look around, because the authentic local Thai food isn’t always easy to spot, depending on your neighborhood, but it is almost always worth it.

Sites to see:

Make sure to visit Wat Phra Thong, Phuket’s ‘Temple of the Golden Buddha’. The statue is half-buried, so only the head and shoulders are above-ground and visible. There is a legend that anyone who has attempted to unbury the statue has fallen severely ill or encountered accidents. Visit the museum here too.

Don’t forget kayaking! There are some incredible tours into caves around the island supposedly filled with diamond crystals.

Phuket’s only working distillery, Chalong Bay Rum, has a 30 minute tour and a handcrafted mojito upon arrival.

Khao Phra Thaew Royal Wildlife & Forest Reserve is protected virgin evergreen monsoon rainforest. It’s royal status means that it is pristine and untouched. And while the largest animals that used to inhabit the forest are no longer there, there are everything from wild boars, to monkeys, slow loris, langurs, gibbons, civets, flying foxes, cobras, pythons to be found in this rainforest.

Wat Chalong is a three-story high pink temple, full of 36 golden Buddha statues, covered in elaborate decoration, and surrounded by lotus ponds.

5 Top Attractions In Bangalore, India

May 12, 2016 by glensartain

Bangalore, also known as Bengaluru, is a stunning Indian city filled with culture, attractions, and delicious food. Whether you’re on an adventure-seeking trip, a romantic getaway, or a family vacation, there is something for everyone in the vibrant city of Bangalore. Here are a few of the attractions that you won’t want to miss.

1) Lalbagh Botanical Garden

Enjoy the beauty of nature with a visit to this large and astounding botanical garden. While visiting this incredible garden, you can get a tour guide, or just walk around the park and enjoy the tranquil environment. The garden is full of lovely vistas and provides some shade on a hot day. This park is always a must-visit, but the best time to go is during the annual flower show. The variety of flowers is sure to astound you.

2) Wonderla Amusement Park

This amusement park is a perfect stop for anyone traveling with children. This place is typically known for its water activities, but there are activities outside of the water as well. And just because children love these activities, that doesn’t mean adults can’t get in on the fun, too! A trip to Wonderla is bound to be exciting for the whole family.

3) Ragigudda Anjaneya Temple

Located in the Jayanagar region of Bangalore, this temple is a beautiful landmark with deep religious significance. At the entrance is a beautiful waterfall, and the temple is just as beautiful. Climb the steps to see a breathtaking view of the entire Jayanagar area. This temple is huge and peaceful, leaving everyone who visits in awe. The only people who may not want to visit this temple would be older people or anyone else who would have difficulty climbing up many stairs.

4) Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum

This is one of the most fascinating museums in the area. If you have a child who loves science, or you’re an adult who wants to learn the science behind things you previously learned in school, this is a the place to go. This museum is very large and filled with exhibits that are sure to reach you something new. If you want to check out everything there is to explore in four-story high museum, you’re likely to spend your whole day there. You won’t regret it!

5) ISKCON Sri Radha Krishna-Chandra Temple

This tranquil temple is a lovely place of worship. Just entering this temple will relieve any visitors of stress. Large crowds gather to enter this temple, but nonetheless, the environment is very calm. Visitors will feel comfortable amongst each other in this stunning and peaceful and beautiful place. This temple is huge and visitors will most likely spend two to three hours there if they want to see the entire temple.

Bangalore is an incredible city with too many attractions to count. But these five attractions are absolute must-sees. If you want a trip to Bangalore that is fun, informative, and full of beauty, you’ll have an easy time find many things that fit the bill, but these are some of the best.

Vacation in Maui

March 11, 2016 by glensartain

While all of the Hawaiian Islands are beautiful, there is just something special about Maui. It is the best blend of all of the islands. It has Kauai’s outdoor adventures, from ziplines through the lush canopy, to hiking past lava flows, to surfboarding. It has the great food and nightlife of Oahu, without being as populated. It has the history of Molokai, and the resort possibilities of the Big Island. But it also where you find the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii, possibly the world. Ka’anapali Beach is perhaps the most well-known and iconic of these beaches, but there are more the island has on offer as well.

You can visit the Ke’anae Peninsula to see this little slice of old Hawaii, with a church from the 1860’s, and beautiful lava rock shoreline, as well as Ke’anae Arboretum, which is a botanical garden with free entrance, it sits right along a stream in a rainforest. View traditionally-grown hibiscus, papaya, and more, including the beautiful “rainbow eucalyptus”. There are also taro patches fed by stream that families have tended throughout the generations.

There is the best traditional Luau on Maui, the Old Lahaina Luau, which regularly sells out, sometimes up to weeks in advance. An evening of traditional cuisine, music, dancing, and crafts, along with stunning views of the beach at sunset while the Kalua pig is unearthed from its underground oven (called an “Imu”) where it has been roasting. You can choose between a more traditional seating on cushions on the grass in front of the stages, or there are regular tables and chairs.

Take a tour of Surfing Goat Dairy, a working goat farm that makes the chevre cheese you will find on most menus throughout the islands. There’s free samples as you tour, and afterward you are welcome to bring wine with you, order some extra cheese and sundries from the farm store, and enjoy the view from outside the dairy. There are different types of tours, one of which includes “evening chores and milking” if you feel like getting hands-on with your cheese.

Lana’i Snorkel & Dolphin Watch Cruise and whale-watching tours leave from Lahaina harbor, with naturalists to point out flora and fauna, and describe what you are seeing while out on the water. Though it is unlikely, if you do not see a whale on your trip, the next trip is free!

For food there are several mainstays of the island, as well as some newer inclusions. Don’t miss Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto’s self-named Morimoto restaurant. Elegant food with an excellent view. Sidle up to the sushi bar for a more casual experience in the event you can’t get a reservation here. World famous Mama’s Fish House is one of the busiest restaurants on the island for a very good reason. Friendly service, casual home-style Hawaiian fare with an eye toward perfect seafood. Check out Hali’imaile General Store, set within what used to be a plantation worker’s camp house in a pineapple field. The acclaimed restaurant specializes in gourmet dishes, expertly prepared, focusing on the local island’s produce, like taro and Maui sweet onions. End your day with Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice. This is not the Hawaiian shave ice that the mainlanders have come to know. With toppings like sweetened condensed cream, and pickled mango, in addition to more familiar flavors like the “Hawaiian Rainbow” which comes with strawberry, pineapple, and vanilla flavorings. This place is as popular with the locals as it is with the tourists.