Posts for Travel Tips Category

Visiting the Killing Fields of Cambodia: Why It is so important?

Getting Lost, Travel Tips - Amanda - November 29, 2020

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When you arrive in the Killing Fields at the village of Choeung Ek, the first thing that you see is That:

Looking at it from a distance, you would not understand this was a website of mass genocide. In that stupa would be the skulls of tens of thousands of Cambodians who have been brutally slaughtered by the Khmer Rouge.

In general, Pol Pot and his Khmer Rouge soldiers murdered around 1.7 million Cambodians.
While the Nazis constructed gas chambers for mass slaughter, the Khmer Rouge murdered people in the least expensive manner possible. To save money on bullets, they simply bludgeoned or Letting people to death rather.

In attempting to enforce his ideology, Pol Pot became more paranoid and murdered anyone who had been regarded as a hazard to the Khmer Rouge regime. The Khmer Rouge killed physicians, professors, teachers, attorneys, engineers and many others, and quite few of Cambodia’s educated course survived.

With the entry fee into the Killing Fields you get a sound guide, which requires you to different numbered posts around the website. It clarifies what things could have seemed like, and paints an image of exactly what occurred here. Visitors leave colored bracelets as a sign of respect.

As you walk around the region you’ll pass mass graves and pits that included the victims’ bodies. You will find glass boxes full of items of bones and clothing that have been found around the website.

Frequently bones, bones and clothes come to the surface after heavy rain due to the high number of bodies buried in the pits.

It is a harrowing and grim narrative, and possibly the oddest part is that the Killing Tree, in which the executioners smashed infants against the back.

Eventually, after the excursion, you walk within the tall stupa, where tens of thousands of skulls are laid out on shelves that reach all of the ways to the very top.

I am still not sure how I feel about dark tourism’ because I always feel quite awkward, walking around areas such as this, particularly with my camera. But, I do believe it’s important to observe such items, admit they exist, make folks conscious of what occurred, and make sure we attempt to stop genocide from happening in the future.

The Killing Fields are approximately 15km out of Phnomh Penh plus also a 30-40 minute ride at a tuk-tuk. Entry into the Killing Fields prices $3 USD.

How do you feel about genocide tourism?

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Scuba Diving in Cenotes: A Few Tips to Consider

Travel Tips - Amanda - September 9, 2020

scuba diving in cenotes

A cenote is a natural pit. They are natural sinkholes. In the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, the Central American nation, we can see a lot of cenotes. Yucatan Peninsula, a low, flat land with almost no surface streams or rivers. The physical structure is a sign of the geological past of the region. Thousands of years ago, the Yucatan Peninsula was a coral reef in the bottom of the sea. While there is little surface water today, the Yucatan is currently home to three of the most extended subterranean water networks in the world. Cenotes form due to the collapse of the limestone bedrock. When the upper surface fails to stand, the crystal clear groundwater below the limestone bedrock rises from below. As a result, the cenotes form.

For many years, these cenotes, spread all over the Yucatan Peninsula, have become popular scuba diving spots for divers. These caverns made by nature are the dreams of every diver. Approximately 6000 cenotes are present in this Latin American destination. These cenotes offer some of the most beautiful waterways in the world for scuba divers. Therefore, we have made a list of tips for scuba diving in cenotes for all the scuba divers who want to witness this surreal experience. Continue Reading

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5 Great Alternatives to a Cruise Vacation

Travel Tips - Amanda - August 19, 2020

You want a luxury vacation but the last thing you want to do is board a floating petri dish with 3000 strangers. But how else do you attain several delicious dining options within walking distance of your room? What other alternatives make it possible to visit multiple destinations after booking just one trip? Fortunately, depending on what aspects of a cruise you find most appealing, you have several stellar options and many last minute vacation deals to choose from. Continue Reading

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Haida Gwaii: The Ultimate Fishing Destination

Travel Tips - Amanda - August 17, 2020

fishing destination

People who are in search of a fishing destination should visit Haida Gwaii. Fishing is a universal sport in Haida Gwaii. The place, which was formerly known as Queen Charlotte Island, is excellent for fishing all year round. Haida Gwaii is an archipelago located in Northern British Columbia, Canada. The migratory path of fishes such as chum, coho, Pacific salmon crosses this landmass first while traveling from Arctic feeding grounds to Pacific Northwest. Haida Gwaii offers both saltwater and freshwater fishing to their tourist.

The Haida people are one of the oldest traceable people who are living there for around 11000 to 13000 years. Salmon fishing is seasonal, but one can visit the place to catch other fishes all year. Some of the fishes that one can catch are rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, or Dolly Varden inland. One can also go to the ocean to catch halibut, lingcod, and red snapper. Many anglers often fill their small boats with water to catch a halibut. These fishes are enormous, so be very careful while fishing.

Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve

The Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve is a known place among Canadian people. The Haida National government and the Canadian government maintain this park. This is the only place in Canada that is protected from seafloor to mountaintop, holistically. The site has over 20 species of whales and dolphins, 750000 seabirds and various endemic land mammals such as North America’s largest black bear. Haida Gwaii also has a very rich history.

Tourists who want to visit the place should know that it has no roads and trails. The only way to go around the park is by sea, which makes it attract very few travelers. Although there are sailboats available, people who want to experience the wilderness should opt for kayaking and camping.

How to reach Haida Gwaii?

To visit this fishing destination, one has to take a flight from Vancouver’s South Terminal Airport to the Masset’s on Haida Gwaii. Then one has to take a 15-minute helicopter ride to the lodge. This helicopter ride will make you witness a stunning view.

Weather and Rainfall

Compared to other countries, Haida Gwaii has a moderately cold temperate all year with 7-degree Celsius. The place is known to witness a lot of rainfall annually. The rainfall is around 1578mm. Make sure you carry proper clothes and gear to protect yourself from the rain and cold. Canada is known to have powerful winds that can make Haida’s wakes reach a height of 35 meters.

Where to stay and what to do?

There are various hotels, cabins, and lodges available in Haida Gwaii. But people who want to stay in a fishing resort should opt for Queen Charlotte Lodge in the Naden harbor. This place is fantastic to stay with fishing buddies or family. They provide excellent facilities and accommodation to their customers.

Apart from fishing in the Pacific, Haida Gwaii also has other things to offer. There are many hiking trails, kayaking, camping, and many tours are conducted to learn about Haida’s history and culture.

Should I carry my equipment?

Traveling thousands of miles to go fishing can be a tough job if you have to carry your equipment. Queen Charlotte Lodge has a vast fleet of boats available for the tourists to hire. They also provide various fishing reels and rods. There are two types of packages available, guided and self-guided.

Highly trained staff make sure that all the anglers are working correctly for people who choose self-guide. There is a “fishing master” that keeps track of people who go fishing on their own with Zodiac’s help. Although you are supposed to have more adventure when you choose a self-guided tour, they are less likely to catch fishes.

On the other hand, people who opt for guided tours go straight to the Pacific with some of the most experienced salmon fishermen. Every season these fishermen spend about 1000 hours on the water that makes them skillful. You are more likely to catch fishes when you take a guided tour.

Which places should I visit?

Many people are not aware of Cape Freeman. This place is very remote, and hardly people visit the beach. Although fishermen suggest that one should only stay for an hour or else, they could get stuck because of the weather and tide. Just over the horizon lays Japan that seems closer than Canada.

SGang Gwaay is a UNESCO work heritage site that is protected by Haida watchman. If you are lucky, then you can taste the delicious halibut prepared by the locals.

When is the best time to visit?

In May, June, and July, the place has 18 to 20 hours sunlight, and between July and mid-August, the temperature stays between 60 to 70 degrees.

Can I get wildlife spotting?

People can witness as many as 20 species of whale and dolphins in this area. Sea lions and otters are prevalent, and one can observe them playing in the water. The famous Haida’s black bear can also be seen in this place.

Haida Gwaii is a bird watcher’s paradise. There are over 750000 birds here that one can see. But most rare of them all, Haida Gwaii northern goshawk lives here. But according to a survey, only 20 adult birds are alive. Visit this place if you are wildlife enthusiasts and want to take some of the best photographs.

Haida Gwaii only allows 12 people at a time to step onshore. The locals are very protective of their land, and they respect the rich historical background. Tourists who are very much interested in fishing should go there and book a guided tour. This is the best fishing destination for all fishing enthusiasts. Make sure to book and plan your trip six months to a year prior. Also, try to do as much study about the place before visiting. This will help you find the best place to say when to visit and cover other essential factors.

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Guide To Avoid Travel Scams

Travel Tips - Amanda - August 2, 2020

Travel Scams to Avoid

Traveling can be an addiction to many of us. Going to a new destination, meeting new people, learning about their culture and food can be an extraordinary experience. But when we travel abroad or to an unknown destination, there are chances of us getting scammed. This article discusses travel scams to avoid when you’re going somewhere new.

Ten scams to avoid when you are traveling

Here is a guide that talks about travel scams to avoid in 2020.

1. Currency Exchange

Exchanging currency is essential while traveling. Make sure to exchange the money before your trip. Visit only trusted currency exchange counters such as airports, banks, western union, etc. Please do not fall for locals who approach you by saying they have the best exchange rate.

2. ATM Scams

Many people in the ATM would offer help when your cash gets jammed. Make sure not to share your details with them. Only visit ATMS of reputed banks and do some research beforehand.

3. Charity Scam

Most of the tourists, the spot has people scamming you in the name of charity. Many people create a fake name of NGOs and forms to get money from you. Be very cautious before signing any piece of paper. If you want to give money to a noble cause, first do some research.

4. The Shell Game

This is a popular way of scamming people. We often see people doing a card trick. If they get it right, we pay some money. Then the person will say if you guess the trick, you’ll get money. But you will not win, as it is a scam and keep on betting money.

5. Child Beggar Scam

We often see a woman carrying a baby and begging. But this has turned into business nowadays. Ignore them until they leave. Or you can buy them food instead of giving money.

6. Pickpockets

This is a common way one can lose their valuables. Someone will bump into you and then walk away. After a while, you’ll notice your valuables missing. Try avoiding crowded places and keep your valuables in a more secure place apart from your pockets.

7. Taxi Scam

Taxi drivers often take a longer route to reach your destination. Try to avoid paying the extra money by booking a cab from a taxi booking application. You can also look into Google maps to get the shortest route.

8. Overpriced goods

When we go street shopping in tourist places, the vendor charges extra money for the items. Make sure you do some research before visiting and bargain to get a great deal.

9. Free products

Most of the time when someone offers free products, it’s a scam. They charge more money later for it. Try to avoid trying anything for free.

10. Friendly guide

The locals who help you when traveling can lead you to a scam. They often help and offer to take you to their shop and sell items at a higher price.

The above-mentioned points are a few travel scams to avoid when you are traveling to your next destination.

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