Let's Getaway - 5 Pragmatic Travel Tips

Bag - Billabong womens

Travel - something we all do, but can we do it better? It is no secret that travel has come to dominate our lives. Whether we seek travel as an escape from our daily lifestyle, a route to self discovery or simply a way of fulfilling the expectations of the fast paced 21st century lifestyle - it is undeniable that its come to define the popular culture of today.

Whether you have travelled for years or just days - here are some pointers which can make your travel a little easier (at least I hope so! :) )

1) Research earlier

Before planning any trip research the destination(s) that interest you and learn a little more about them. 50% of the travelling thrill comes from the built up towards it - it's great to have something to look forward to when you're drowning in day to day activities. Hence whether you'll read an article, buy a lonely planet guide or chat to someone who travelled there before - do it! It will only make you feel better & more confident about the destination. My go to is internet research & a Lonely Planet guide - these are great not only once you'll there but you can find out a lot of practical info about the country  or place you're heading to - things such as monsoon season, currency or VISA requirements. It's good to get one of these in advance as it makes all of the admin ahead much easier.

2) Prep

This step basically goes together with research. However apart from all of the theoretical research there may be some practicalities to go along with it. These can be required vaccinations, health checks or things like visiting the embassy for a visa ahead of time. It's good to get a notebook and keep track of vaccination schedules and all other things. You'll find a lot of info on the www.who.int/ith/en/ website. For specific vaccines I always use google or the www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice . Additionally whenever I travel, (being a hyperchondriac Med student) I always consult with a doctor who specializes in travel medicine just to make sure I didn't miss anything. I do always research online beforehand but it's always good to get extra expert advice especially when heading out into the tropics. Finally, it is important to remember that regardless of what sort of precautions you'll undertake something can always happen - it's a risk we all take when travelling afar.

3) Flights

Flight availability, route or price can often make or break an independent (travel company free) trip. In order to avoid that start researching alternative flight routes months in advance. Some ticket prices go up rapidly, some linger at a bargain price for a while - that's just the way it is. When browsing for flights, I often go "incognito" on google chrome in order to avoid additional tracking by companies so that they dont inflate the price. Sometimes long haul flights with long stop overs are unappealing - but if the stopover is long enough and at a cool destination- why not get out of the airport and explore? It doesn't hurt to make the most of your travel even before reaching your final destination.

I always use skyscanner.com ebookers.com & edreams.com - then I double check and compare the prices independently on the airline websites - as essentially it's easier later on with changes if you're booking directly through them (sometimes it is cheaper, sometimes more expensive).




4) Travelling itself

For long duration trip it's good to have a packing list with all the essentials. Don't overpack on things - take only enough for the time you're there - you probably will be using less  than half of these anyway. For tropical destinations I would only recommend bikinis, shorts & comfy lounge wear to travel in (a thin rain jacket is a must too, especially when travelling during the monsoon). I always stock up on anti-emetics, painkillers, anti-mosquito spray and loads of antibac. These are my 'go to' when packing my toiletry bag.

With things like expensive camera equipment or other technology -make sure to have a good worldwide travel insurance. If you're cautious nothing is likely to be a problem but accidents DO happen. It's better to have that extra security, especially when you're taking part in extreme sports or other specific activities such as diving etc - double check your policy covers that.

5) Capture it

These days we all are definitely way too much "on our phones" therefore often living our lives via social media - when absorbed in all of the surrounding technology, we sometimes forget to enjoy the actual moment. However, regardless of this fact, it's good to record our experiences - eg. make movies and later on look back on it all. This doesn't mean you have to be with a camera 24/7 but make sure to choose a day or two when you'll capture some of the essential aspects of the trip - if you don't, you'll only regret it later on. I always take a GoPro when I travel to document my voyages, it's small, waterproof and easy to carry. If you're not the type who likes to carry a huge SLR with lenses - with the abilities of todays smartphones - even a phone is enough to take good quality photos or vids.

Lanzarote, Spain

As some of you may already know, I ventured out to Lanzarote a couple of weeks back. I haven't had a proper chance to write about the island since then, as I have been seriously cought up with the preparation for my Internal Medicine exam. I managed to pass it, which is great news for me!! Hence, right now it's time for a much needed catch up on the site! Alex & I really love contributing to Chat Blanc & sharing our experiences with you all, however it can get a little tricky sometimes with both of us being full time students, apologies for the delay!

LANZAROTE

Being one of the 7 Canary Islands, located just off the Northern coast of Africa, Lanzarote is very well known as a popular holiday destination for Europeans all year round. With stable temperatures & constant winds, the Volcanic Canary isles - especially Fuerteventura and Lanzarote- attract not only regular tourists but numerous water sport enthusiasts..

Lanzarote is definitely very specific, quirky and unusual. With it's volcanic ashes and lack of natural green vegetations, it is not your stereotypical looking island, however it's uniqueness does grow on you! Here are the highlights from Lazarote:

Wine Farms & Aloe - from the few things that can be grown on the island, wine can be found in abundance within the La Geria area of Lazarote. The predominant wine type grown here is Malvasia, favoured by the climate of the island. Here, wine farmers tackle the tough growing conditions by protecting each grapevine with crescent shaped volcanic rock "walls". In this way the vines are sheltered from the ever blowing wind. If you're visiting make sure to check out such a 'bodega' - a winery in Spanish. Not only the wine tastes good but the views are incredible. Furthermore, in addition to wine,the area is famous for Aloe growing! Make sure to check the Aloe farms - the natural creams & gels work wonders on exposed & dry skin.

Windsurfing, surfing - the wind is very prominent on the Canaries, making them a staple choice for European windsurfers & kitesurfers. Surfers of various kinds can find good conditions on the beaches within the small village of Famara, North of the isle. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced enthusiast, you'll find a suitable spot. El Quemao is a famous world class surfing spot known for it's shallow volcanic rock-reef break, mainly enjoyed by very experienced individuals. Whilst beginners can find comfort in the gentler waves of Arrieta.

Beaches - Lazarote provides with plenty of beach spots. Clustered calas are a popular choice. Playa del Papagayo is one of the most popular spots, however within its vicinity you can find alternative calas & beaches like Playa Mujeres just a 5minute drive from Papagayo.

Timanfaya National Park, home of the Montanas del Fuego (Mountains of Fire) that were formed by Volcanic eruptions in 1730-1736 are a must go. Craters of Volcanos & volcanic rock formations set the atmosphere of this park. Due to its intense protection by UNESCO as a world heritage site, access is highly restricted hence the area can only be explored by bus or on a camel. The rawness of the lava formations resembles a Martian-like landscape that is home to many species of plants & animals.

Famara - an adorable fishing village that attracts surfers. It has a really rustic feel to it & incredible fresh seafood on the beachfront restaurants.

Cuisine - in general the Spanish cuisine is well known for it's varied & rich tastes. The fresh seafood of Lanzarote is definitely a prominent feature. I think any sea food lover will satisfy their tastebuds on the isle. Within Spaniards, Lanzarote is known for it's sauces called the "mojos" that are largely enjoyed with boiled potatoes for their taste. Make sure to give those a try. It is said they taste the best when eaten on the island!

El Golfo - also known as the green lagoon. It is a a beautiful colour palette of contrasting colours. A specific chemical reaction between rock and salt water gives this "lagoon lake" its hypnotically green colour. It's mesmerising as you see all of the various  natural elements come together in one place..

Other tourist attractions - still, there is always something more to explore whether you want to see the caves of Jameos del Agua, Los Hervideros, El Mirador del Ri, Jardin de cactus (with its thousands of cactus species) or even the house of the late Manrique - the patron of Lanzarote and an artist whose art aesthetically dominates the island. For example, it's because of him that all the housing is strictly to be painted white or cream. All of these are very unique & unforgettable experiences that you can only find on this particular island.