November 24 is International Buy Nothing Day – but are travellers up for the challenge?
Originating in Vancouver, Canada, International Buy Nothing Day was created to call attention to over-consumption – an issue that is especially pressing this year in light of the focus on climate change. The challenge seems simple: don’t buy anything for 24 hours.
But is this possible for travellers, who need often need to purchase items that often can’t be purchased ahead of time, such as food, transportation, souvenirs and accommodations? Not spending any money can be difficult, or even impossible.
If you’re on the road, you can still observe the spirit of Buy Nothing Day by using your tourist dollars to support local economies. Avoid typical tourist traps and flashy souvenirs. Instead, spend your money in local shops and restaurants where your cash will help support the local economy. Look for other ways to make your travel environmentally and socially responsible.
For more information, see the official website.
October 29, 2007
October 25, 2007
Get a little French culture – for free?
A new pilot program may be a hit with budget-minded travellers.
According to an article on Expatica.com, starting January 1, 2008 fourteen museums and chateaux -- including the Cluny Museum of Mediaeval Art and Guimet Museum of Asian Arts – will offer free entry for a period of six months. The pilot project aims to make museums and cultural treasures more accessible to the public.
The article also notes that cultural heavy-weights like the Louvre, the Musee d'Orsay and the Pompidou modern art museum will participate – offering free admission to 18 to 25 year olds one night of the week.
While the article doesn’t specifically address whether the offer is open to tourists, the prospect of free admission is certainly worth a look for budget travellers.
According to an article on Expatica.com, starting January 1, 2008 fourteen museums and chateaux -- including the Cluny Museum of Mediaeval Art and Guimet Museum of Asian Arts – will offer free entry for a period of six months. The pilot project aims to make museums and cultural treasures more accessible to the public.
The article also notes that cultural heavy-weights like the Louvre, the Musee d'Orsay and the Pompidou modern art museum will participate – offering free admission to 18 to 25 year olds one night of the week.
While the article doesn’t specifically address whether the offer is open to tourists, the prospect of free admission is certainly worth a look for budget travellers.
October 22, 2007
Feasts, festivities and death
Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos differs from its counterparts Halloween and All Souls’ Day.
Unlike the more sombre All Souls’ Day – a Christian holiday to commemorate the dead –Mexico’s La Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a joyous celebration of death and rebirth. Many people build altars to deceased loved ones, featuring flowers, bright coloured streamers and offerings of food, as well as tending to and decorating the graves. While many of the themes are the same as Halloween – featuring costumes, skulls, bones and sweets – this holiday is a combination of Christian and indigenous (rather than Pagan).
If you’re in Mexico for this holiday, look for special treats such as sugar skulls and pan de muerto (bread of the dead) – but remember the spirits get first choice of the feast.
For more information and photos, see Mary J. Andrade’s website Dave of the Dead in Mexico at www.dayofthedead.com.
Unlike the more sombre All Souls’ Day – a Christian holiday to commemorate the dead –Mexico’s La Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a joyous celebration of death and rebirth. Many people build altars to deceased loved ones, featuring flowers, bright coloured streamers and offerings of food, as well as tending to and decorating the graves. While many of the themes are the same as Halloween – featuring costumes, skulls, bones and sweets – this holiday is a combination of Christian and indigenous (rather than Pagan).
If you’re in Mexico for this holiday, look for special treats such as sugar skulls and pan de muerto (bread of the dead) – but remember the spirits get first choice of the feast.
For more information and photos, see Mary J. Andrade’s website Dave of the Dead in Mexico at www.dayofthedead.com.
October 15, 2007
Settle your business before you depart
Many people travel for business, but disputes could delay their plans in some countries.
According to government advice for Libya, foreigners who are involved in business disputes in that country might have their passports confiscated and may not be allowed to leave the country until the matter is settled.
Knowing the local laws and customs before you go can help you avoid potential problems.
According to government advice for Libya, foreigners who are involved in business disputes in that country might have their passports confiscated and may not be allowed to leave the country until the matter is settled.
Knowing the local laws and customs before you go can help you avoid potential problems.
October 12, 2007
Serious risk or innocent mistake? When to let airport security decide.
Today’s travelers and security personnel are more vigilant than ever. Compiled from various government sources, here are three situations where you should contact security immediately:
1. If you see unattended luggage. Travelers are warned to never leave their luggage alone, so an unattended bag is automatically suspicious whether it's in an airport, at a hotel or on a bus. It could be an innocent mistake, but that's for someone with security training to decide.
2. If someone asks you to carry a bag through security for them or to put something in your bag. While we hate to turn down someone who asks for assistance, chances are whatever they are asking you to transport isn't legal or safe.
3. If you notice evidence of luggage tampering. Check your luggage for signs of damage and broken locks or seals. If you suspect something has been stolen from (or slipped into) your luggage, you should notify security immediately to file a report. Having an inventory of your luggage contents can help when filling out insurance claims.
1. If you see unattended luggage. Travelers are warned to never leave their luggage alone, so an unattended bag is automatically suspicious whether it's in an airport, at a hotel or on a bus. It could be an innocent mistake, but that's for someone with security training to decide.
2. If someone asks you to carry a bag through security for them or to put something in your bag. While we hate to turn down someone who asks for assistance, chances are whatever they are asking you to transport isn't legal or safe.
3. If you notice evidence of luggage tampering. Check your luggage for signs of damage and broken locks or seals. If you suspect something has been stolen from (or slipped into) your luggage, you should notify security immediately to file a report. Having an inventory of your luggage contents can help when filling out insurance claims.
October 10, 2007
“Green means go” in a whole new way
Stop lights are literally turning green in South Africa. According to an article in on AllAfrica.com, a pilot project in Cape Town, South Africa aims to reduce a common drain on energy resources: traffic lights. Cape Town’s stop lights use the same amount of electricity as an estimated 1 200 homes.
The project is testing the effectiveness of solar powered traffic lights – and the possibility of extending the project all across the country known for its year-round sun. So far, the lights have been installed in one main intersection.
In addition to using clean, renewable energy, the new lights are hoped to reduce traffic chaos due lights not working. Another bonus? The lights will continue to function during blackouts.
For more information, see South Africa: Cape Town Traffic Lights Go "Green"
The project is testing the effectiveness of solar powered traffic lights – and the possibility of extending the project all across the country known for its year-round sun. So far, the lights have been installed in one main intersection.
In addition to using clean, renewable energy, the new lights are hoped to reduce traffic chaos due lights not working. Another bonus? The lights will continue to function during blackouts.
For more information, see South Africa: Cape Town Traffic Lights Go "Green"
October 4, 2007
Can you use your credit card overseas?
Credit cards a boon to travellers because they can help manage expenses and are convenient to use. However, before you too heavily on your cards, ask yourself two questions:
Are credit cards widely accepted at my destination?
Some countries are “cash economies”, meaning that credit and debit cards are not widely used or accepted. You’ll have to opt for another form of payment if you aren’t staying at a resort. Make sure you know where and how to get money in an emergency.
Looking for more information? Try the government travel advice for your destinations – the advice covers money and currency.
Will foreign merchants accept my card with/without a “chip and pin?”
Many countries throughout Europe have moved to a more secure “chip and pin” system for credit card purchases. However, if your financial institution or destination isn’t following suit, you might find your credit card is denied. Check with your credit card company about its international policies.
Want to know more about the problem? Take a look at a recent article on news.com.au called “Chips are down on magnetic strips”.
Are credit cards widely accepted at my destination?
Some countries are “cash economies”, meaning that credit and debit cards are not widely used or accepted. You’ll have to opt for another form of payment if you aren’t staying at a resort. Make sure you know where and how to get money in an emergency.
Looking for more information? Try the government travel advice for your destinations – the advice covers money and currency.
Will foreign merchants accept my card with/without a “chip and pin?”
Many countries throughout Europe have moved to a more secure “chip and pin” system for credit card purchases. However, if your financial institution or destination isn’t following suit, you might find your credit card is denied. Check with your credit card company about its international policies.
Want to know more about the problem? Take a look at a recent article on news.com.au called “Chips are down on magnetic strips”.
October 1, 2007
$40 000 makes a “G’day” in Queensland
The locals are Queenland’s best tourism asset.
Tourism to Queensland, Australia is on the rise with an 11 percent increase in international visitor spending in the last yet alone (that’s a whopping $336 million dollars). An article on news.com.au reports that the latest promotional campaign isn’t targeted at foreign visitors – it’s for the locals.
Premier Anna Bligh recently launched the $40 000 promotional campaign to “remind Queenslanders of the vital role they play in the state’s $3.3 billion international tourism industry”. According to the article, Bligh says that while visitors are impressed with the natural tourism attractions, what they “love most is the friendliness of the people.”
Tourism is expected to continue to rise over the next decade, and this campaign is part of a ten-year, $48 million dollar Tourism Strategy.
Tourism to Queensland, Australia is on the rise with an 11 percent increase in international visitor spending in the last yet alone (that’s a whopping $336 million dollars). An article on news.com.au reports that the latest promotional campaign isn’t targeted at foreign visitors – it’s for the locals.
Premier Anna Bligh recently launched the $40 000 promotional campaign to “remind Queenslanders of the vital role they play in the state’s $3.3 billion international tourism industry”. According to the article, Bligh says that while visitors are impressed with the natural tourism attractions, what they “love most is the friendliness of the people.”
Tourism is expected to continue to rise over the next decade, and this campaign is part of a ten-year, $48 million dollar Tourism Strategy.
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