And This Is Why I Travel

As a kid and to this day even, one of my favourite games to play is the one where you spin a globe, plant your finger on any place at random and then imagine all the fun adventures that await you.  I would be shocked if you could honestly tell me that you have never once tried this in your entire life.  I know the first time I spun the globe and planted my finger on a random destination I was pretty young.   The globe I used was of the out-of-date vintage variety sitting in my grandparent’s living room that still listed Russia as the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.  I was severely disappointed to be told that I was about 57 years too late to visit Siam (which was renamed Thailand in 1939). 

Have you ever taken the time to look at a map of the world?  And I mean really look at it.  Have you noticed just how big the world is?  It has so many different countries of a variety of different sizes, geographic locations, climates, cultures, topography, and other distinct features that makes each place unlike anywhere else on the map including their close neighbours. 

And yet, at the same time, the world is also incredibly small.  Despite the vastness of the oceans, with modern technology, people can visit literally anywhere in the world in under 24 hours.  But somehow, only a few people will ever see more than a small fraction of it.  How many people live their life in their own little corner of the world and think they have experienced a different culture because they eat Chinese food every Thursday night?

I don’t travel anywhere near as often as I would like to.  My hit-list so to speak of places to see grows exponentially faster than I can check places off the list.  Some of my less “flighty” friends, pardon the pun, often wonder why it is that I love travelling and even the idea of travel so much.  There is no one single answer of course but I will try to explain it as best as I can.

Travelling is always a new experience that can never be duplicated.  I don’t care what country, city or continent you visit, but your second trip is never going to be like your first and your third is going to be even more eye opening.  Some people argue that this is true of any experience.  However, in defence of my argument, going to the theatre for the first time to see Mamma Mia was an experience.  The second time my mother dragged me, not so much. And by the third time, I felt an overwhelming urge to toss the soundtrack CD that she picked up as a souvenir out onto the freeway as we were speeding home.  Touring the world however never gets old.  I could visit Cuba every year for the rest of my life and always find something new and exciting to witness be it the art, the music, a new little hole-in-the-wall restaurant or the even the local people.

Travelling is beautiful.  Whether it is the bustling city with the street vendors or the vast hillsides out in the middle of nowhere, I am constantly amazed with the variety of landscapes and wonders that our world has to hold.  That might sound a little too sentimental for some people, but I really do find our world to be incredibly beautiful with all the intricate details be them man made or found in nature.  Everything is so unique, alive and colourful that as someone who has a background in art and an eye for design, I can’t help envy the world’s unique and complimentary sense of style.

Travelling is a learning experience.  Whether you classify yourself as a nerd, jock, prom queen or otherwise, I think everyone in the world has at least to some degree, a sense of curiosity and a hunger for knowledge.  People want to learn, discover, ask questions, get their hands dirty and find out what makes the world go round.  I have learned so much over the course of my travels.  The people I meet always have something new to share.  The different cultures I come across are always eye opening and expand my viewpoints, challenging my opinions on certain topics.  I’ve learned much about how other people perceive me and my own culture.  I’ve learn how to prioritize and how to relax when things don’t go according to plan.  I’ve learned how to communicate better.  I’ve learned that folded paper maps are better than the electronic ones because the batteries in a paper map will never die and that only when I forget my rain jacket at home will it rain the entire week.

People travel for a variety of different reasons.  Each person is motivated by different things.  Maybe you are motivated to travel because for once, you want Thursday night Chinese food to actually be served in China and not your living room couch.  Maybe you travel because as a child, you spun an old globe in your grandparent’s living room and decided that you needed to see as much of the world as you could.  Comment below and share why you love to travel.

Don’t Delay; Put Off College Today

Have you considered taking a gap year? 

Students, if you have parents who are downright giddy about the idea of you going off to college or university, you might want to save this article until they are out of the room because chances are they won’t be overly thrilled with me for putting the idea of delaying the start of your post-secondary schooling in your head. 

And I understand that completely.  They want what is best for you, they want to help you succeed and get ahead in life and to them that equates launching yourself into more schooling so that you don’t lose momentum or fall behind your peers.

Choosing a college or university program is one of the most important decisions you will make in your young life.  It is a decision that will not only cost you a significant amount of money to pursue, but it has the ability to dictate what you will be doing for the next 45 years of your life.  Forgive me if I am wrong, but a poor choice here is the reason why many adults are so dissatisfied with their work lives.

There use to be a stigma involved with people that did not go directly into post-secondary education after graduating from high school.  They were drifters, lazy; under achievers who would rather spend a year undergoing what was sarcastically referred to as “self-discovery” than buckle down and become a contributing member of society.

This stigma doesn’t do anybody any service.

Gap years are not for the lazy.  They are a tool, that when used right, can contribute greatly down the line to total career satisfaction.  I’ve known many people, friends and family alike, that have taken that year of “self discovery” to work, volunteer, build their resumes and academics, and confirm what path they want their future to take.

Why do so many people think that is a bad idea?

Firstly, if you are not 110% sure of what you want to do with your future, why on earth would you want to plow ahead and spend upwards of $60,000.00 or more in tuition, books, and other fees pursuing a vocational goal that you might not like in four or five years?  Financially, it makes sense to take a year or even just a semester off to confirm that decision in your mind before you spend that money.  It is going to cost you a lot less in the long run to take that year off now rather than having to take another four years off down the road to go back to school after you discover that you really can’t stand your current career.  Take the time now to learn more about a few different career options.  This can be done through making some industry contacts, talking with them and maybe even completing an internship or some volunteer hours to get some hands on experience.

Even if you are entirely confident of your future career, taking that year off can still be incredibly beneficial and by taking the year off I don’t mean spending the next 12 months lying on your parents’ couch watching old sitcom re-runs.  If you are going to take a gap year, be smart about it.  If you are positive about your career choice, use your year to build up your resume, get some job experience and network with other industry professionals.  This experience will push you to the top of your class when you do go to school the following year (which your parents will love) and set the stage in your future when it comes to finding a summer internship or entry level job when you do graduate. 

Going the post-secondary route is never something I would discourage anyone from doing.  Be it college, university, an apprenticeship program or whatever, the time and money you spend on your education is never a waste.  But neither is the time or money you spend testing the waters of your future career.  Use your gap year to gain some experience, build your confidence, and set yourself up for a successful and happy career.  So don’t delay, do some research and talk to your guidance counsellor today about your gap year options.

Health Check: Travelling Abroad

No one likes getting sick.  Even the slightest head cold can make some people feel miserable and cause the people around them to run and hide so that they do not become the outlet for that misery.  And going to the doctors is even worse.  Now on top of being sick, you get to sit in a waiting room for two hours surrounded by sick people only to get poked and prodded and sent home with a prescription for some medication that may or may not actually cure what ails you.  Personally, I’d rather just stay home in bed and wait it out than go to the doctor.

Yet imagine for a minute that crawling into your own bed and having your mom bring you chicken noodle soup was not an option.  Going to your family doctor is also not an option because you are not only just sick, you are sick while travelling abroad and are therefore half a world away from your doctor, mom and bed.

Seeking healthcare while travelling abroad can be a haphazard experience if you are not prepared.  Depending on where you are in the world, the standard of healthcare might differ, there may be language barriers between you and your doctor, there might be questions of whether your health insurance will cover medical expenses incurred abroad and if they don’t, how will you pay for your trip to the clinic and any medication needed.  Of course, the key phrase here is, “if you are not prepared”.  There are many things that the intrepid explorer can do to ensure that if their health does take a turn for the worse, they know where to go, who to turn to and how they are going to cover the costs.

First, know where the local hospitals and clinics are located.  Your consulate would be a good resource to ask in this case.  They should be one of your primary resources if you do get sick as they know the area and they know which medical centres have a good reputation and track record for dealing with travellers.  They may even be able to point you to one that have staff on hand that will speak your language and ease the communication barrier as you try to explain your flu like symptoms sans vivid and potentially disturbing hand gestures.

Another good first step is to gather your health information prior to leaving.  You should have on hand:

•          Your family doctor’s office contact information
•          Insurance company contact information
•          Travel insurance company contact information if applicable
•          Embassy contact information
•          Medical emergency bracelets in case of serious allergies or medical conditions

 Next, check with your health insurance provider.  Most will not provide complete coverage while you are travelling outside of your country and many will not extend any coverage at all.  It is a good idea to look into obtaining international health coverage through a specialized agency if you are planning on being away for an extended period of time.  When travelling with a specific tour group, like International Career Studies for example, many of their tours and programs require participants to provide proof of insurance before departure and will provide a list of partnered companies that offer competitive quotes.  Even the healthiest of people get sick on occasion or run into some sort incident that will require medical attention.  Canadians travelling internationally often take for granted our easy access to healthcare until it is no longer there and costs an arm and a leg.

Know the generic names of all medication that you regularly take.  You might not be able to find brand names that you recognize when travelling and it helps it you know that Advil is ibuprofen and that Benadryl is diphenhydramine.  If you know there are certain medications that you will certainly need during your travels, be sure to pack an ample supply before you depart.

I know it sounds scary.  But there are many places in the world that offer outstanding medical care.  Just because you are travelling abroad does not mean that if you get sick, you give up.  Just like any trip, a little planning and forethought will save you a lot of anxiety if something does happen. 

http://www.independenttraveler.com/travel-tips/safety-and-health/health-care-abroad

Olympic Fever in Cuba

With the 2012 London Summer Olympic Games having officially launched on Friday, I couldn’t help but get caught up in the Olympic fever of watching newscasts and poring over articles celebrating triumphs and sympathizing with defeats.  As a Canadian, this is easy to understand as we are still winding down from the feeling of patriotism and excitement that was a national staple for the 2012 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games.  But what about those other countries?  What about those countries that did not host the Games a couple years back? What about those countries that have never hosted the Games?  Are they still as enthusiastic about the whole process and the chance of competing (and winning) on the world stage?

Cuba definitely is. 

The Olympic Committee of Cuba or Comité Olímpico Cubano for those of you that speak Spanish, was formed in 1926 and recognized by the National Olympic Committee (NOC) in 1954.  Cuba first participated in the Paris Olympic Games in 1990.  They brought home two medals in total; one silver and one gold.   Since their first showing on the international stage, Cuba has brought home almost 200 hundred medals, most of which have been gold. 

At the Summer Games, Cuba is a dominant power in events such as boxing in which they have 32 gold medals and 19 and 12 silver and bronze medals respectively.  They are also regular contenders in sports such as track & field, wrestling and judo.

New to their list of Olympic successes however is baseball.  Baseball has been a symbol of pride for the people since the 19^th century, and enjoys immense popularity with the locals second only to their love of amateur boxing.  Baseball however, though unofficially a part of the Games in 1904, was not accepted as an official Olympic sport until 1992.  It was then that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) granted it medal status, allowing qualifying teams to compete in an eight team tournament that consisted of a round robin, semi-finals and finals. All players were required to be amateurs until the 2000 Sydney Summer Games which was first to allow professional players.

Since it became an Olympic event, the Cuban team has risen to the top of the sport and become a force to be reckoned with.  With the event only having been held five times, Cuba has medaled each and every year with gold finishes in 1992, 1996 and 2004, and silver finishes in 2000 and 2008.

Baseball is a great pastime for the people of Cuba.  You can always find a pick-up game going on in the streets, junior leagues competing at the local park, and at least a handful of locals willing to debate the greatest players, athletic feats of greatness and memorable moments.

Interested in playing with Cuban baseball players on your next trip to Cuba?  They’d be happy to have you.  Contact International Career Studies to find out more.    

Elephants on Parade with Edutourism

From 1957 to 1989, elephants in Thailand were primarily used in the logging industry.  They were domesticated and trained by local villagers to work and provide the family with an income.  By the end of 1989, the logging industry had grown so rapidly that the forests had been depleted to a point where only 20 percent of the forests remained forcing the government to ban the trade.  With the logging industry effectively shut down, many Thai families found themselves without a source of income, a situation made worse by the fact that they were still in possession of a very large animal with a very large appetite.  Some owners turned to illegal logging near Burma, while other mahouts train their animals to give rides to tourists or roam the city streets begging for money.

 

The lucky elephants however end up on reserves like the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand where they join a herd of domesticated animals, roam at will and enjoy leisurely baths down at the river with their mahout.

Unfortunately, despite the government’s ban on logging, the forests of Thailand are still slowly being depleted.  There is little natural habit left for elephants and only 5 percent of Thailand’s elephant population remains wild.  That is why the work the volunteers are doing at the Elephant Nature Park is so important.  In addition to providing a sanctuary for the elephants, food and nutrition, veterinary care, mental stimulation and a family environment, they also provide educational resources for guests and volunteers.

This is not just another “get your chance to ride an elephant” program. 

Conservation and raising awareness of the elephants’ situation is a vital part of what the nature park is about.  They invite tourists from around the world to come and interact with the elephants first hand.  Participants in this edutourism program can choose to volunteer for one or two weeks and be taught by the mahouts on staff about elephants, their habitat, herbal medicines, conservation efforts, and how they can help to save this endangered species.

Edutourism programs, such as the volunteer positions at the elephant park in Chiang Mai, are ideal for people and groups that want to get more out of their travels than a few photographs.  The programs are designed to be engaging, educational and informative; providing an experience and unique insight into another culture, another activity and even another social political issue such as the conservation of an endangered species.

If you are interested in participating in an edutourism program with elephants in Thailand, contact International Career Studies for more information.

Everyone Needs a Vacation Now and Again

Perhaps this blog topic is just a marketing scheme to get people to consider taking a trip or perhaps it is inspired by the fact that as I write this I am sitting on a dock, drink in one hand and computer on my lap, watching the sun go down while I feel more relaxed than I have in months.  The fact remains however that work related stress and burnout affect a large percentage of our population and the tried-and-true method for dealing with these feelings is to simply take a break.  Everyone needs a vacation.

Employers are under no legal obligation to provide workers with a light at the end of the tunnel also known as “vacation days”, paid or unpaid, whether you work on a salary basis, commission or get paid an hourly wage.  Yet many companies offer employees vacation days and holiday time and this isn’t just to lure you in like a moth to a flame and trick you into accepting their job offering. 

Studies and doctors agree that taking the occasional vacation is actually good for your mental and physical health.  There have been strong links found between vacation time and longevity.  According to the Framingham Heart Study research project, people who go on vacation just once a year decrease their risk factors for heart disease by a whopping 20%.  Aside from the direct health benefits; time away can also improve your leadership skills and will help put your work in perspective. 

Companies realize that rested employees with outlets for their stress and time off are healthier overall and become stronger assets to the business with better problem solving skills and creative, cost saving solutions.  In fact, some companies even demand that their employees use the available time off.  Case in point: I was recently at a point where I had gone almost a year without taking a vacation and my employer started sending me not so subtle e-mails reminding me how many days I had available.

And now that I have spent eight days sitting in the sun down by the water with a book and sunscreen, doing absolutely nothing work related, I find myself more focused on the task at the hand.  And despite the pile of work I know will be sitting on my desk and the flood of e-mails that await me upon return, I know that I can handle it and approach it in a less frantic and stress free manner while still meeting my deadlines and exceeding the company’s expectations.

Everyone needs a vacation now and again, whether you go to Thailand and ride elephants or go to your cottage and blame the bad cell phone reception for not being able to check your voicemail.  Your work will wait, your company will survive without you, and you will return more relaxed, focused and healthier than you were prior to your trip.

And if your employer hesitates, just tell them that it is per doctor’s orders.

http://www.inc.com/guides/set-workplace-vacation-policy.html

http://www.thestreet.com/story/11148574/1/5-reasons-why-you-need-a-vacation.html

http://www.framinghamheartstudy.org/

http://english360.ca/internationalcareerstudies.php

Living Abroad: Your Adopted Family

Staying with a local host family is one of the most affordable types of accommodations available to independent travellers going abroad.  Student studying in foreign countries often find this option extremely appealing as do solo adventurers that have committed to staying in one centralized location for at least a few weeks if not longer.  It is far more budget-friendly than staying in hotels or renting a place for the duration of your stay.

Besides being easy on the wallet though, staying with a host family has a number of additional benefits.  Other than having a comfortable and safe place to stay, you can also have included in your fee most if not all utilities, meals, daily interactions with the locals a.k.a. the family, a local guide if necessary and in most cases, an immediate adopted family that will look out for your well being for the duration of your stay and prove to be life-long friends.  It also offers a safe place to get over your culture shock, joyous family type relationships, laughter filled bouts of miscommunication and intercultural learning.

Here are some tips and feedback from other people who have lived with a host family.

“Do not be afraid to ask a lot of questions. The last thing a host family wants is their student to feel awkward in their home-stay.  It is your home too, so enjoy it!” –Alex M., Canada

“Be sure to express your appreciation for your host family’s hospitality at every opportunity.  The more you consciously and visibly appreciate what your host family does for you, the more they will be inclined to create and share fun experiences with you in the future.” – Yosuke T., Japan

“I have found that successful home-stays really add to effective language study programs because you are fully immersed in the language and culture rather than for just a few hours a day.”­ – Thomas U., Nigeria

“My home-stay was the beginning of a deep and enduring international friendship. With any luck, your home-stay will also be the start warm and lasting relationship so take the time to get to know your family.” – Cesar P., Cuba

“Depending on what country you are in, do not expect ‘American’ privacy - your family may not be afraid to walk into your room while you are changing and tell you that it is time for dinner.”­ – Stephanie G., United States

“I found that to really appreciate my host family that the best rule of thumb was to spend as much time with them as I would with my own family. This generally included eating dinner together and having quality conversations with my ‘parents’.” – Meaghan J., Canada

“Having a real ‘home’ to come back to at the end of the day was extremely comforting.  No matter what had happened that day, I always felt safe coming home and was able to relax.” – Paola S., Columbia

“Make sure you are open to experiencing another culture when you go into a home-stay situation because you are going to be faced with it every day and it can be both challenging and extremely exciting at the same time.” – Arturo L., Spain

“Your host family is going to treat you like another member of the family.  Your parents will give you chores sometimes and your brothers and sisters will want you to play with them.  They really do adopt you into their family and it really makes it easier to be so far away from home.”  - Kai W., Thailand

Have you ever participated in a home-stay?  What was the best part?  Do you have any advice for others considering the same option for their trip abroad?

International Spices for Your Culinary Experience

I am going to give into my glutinous side for a minute and declare that I love food.  I love cooking food, eating food, experimenting with new recipes, discussing food with friends, family and strangers.  I love going out to eat at new restaurants.  I love Italian food, Chinese food, Thai food, Mexican food, Greek food and even the traditional Canadian staple known as poutine.  So for me, one of the highlights of any trip or vacation is discovering the little mom and pop shop tuck back into a corner that sells the most mouth watering and authentic local fare. 

As much as I like all types of international food, I will have to admit that my skills in the kitchen leave much to be desired and the contents of my spice cabinet can fit in the palm of my hand.  Most of my culinary experiments result in something akin to Hiroshima.  My version of Italian includes frozen pizza and don’t even get me started on Thai (think a package of Mr. Noodles).  It can’t be my fault though; I am confident that it is a genetic flaw passed on by my mother but where she got it from I have no idea because my grandmother can make stroganoff that will make you cry it is so delicious.

But I digress back to the point at hand.  International food.  How many of us wish that we could replicate the flavours of Thailand or the spices of Cuba for ourselves and win the approval of any dinner guest?  Or rather how difficult is it to find authentic international cuisine in your local area that isn’t sitting under a heat lamp swimming in grease and MSG?  I’ve been trying unsuccessfully to find a good Greek restaurant in my town since moving here almost a year ago.  Even good Mexican food is hard to find and you got to wonder how hard can it be to make a decent taco?

It seems the only solution is to travel more.  And hey, I am not opposed to travelling to Thailand in order to experience, what I can only assume, will be amazing Thai food.  Unfortunately, I cannot go and pack a year supply of take-out and leftovers in my carry-on in order to bring the flavours of Thailand back with me.  Same goes with Cuba.  Refried-refried beans just don’t sound as nice. 

The good news is that there are great programs available to students and tourists travelling to foreign destinations that allow them to bring all the food they love home with them, no doggy-bag required.  It is called “learning-to-cook-it-for-yourself”, or, if you prefer, “culinary school”.

Through a number of organizations including International Career Studies, tour groups and individual travellers have been invited to travel to destinations such as Cuba and Thailand in order to work alongside master chefs and culinary experts in order to learn how to combine ingredients and spices, work with the different traditional cooking methods, and create menu items that scream authentic flavour.

The Cocina Culinary School of Cuba is just one of the schools that are opening its doors to international students.  For three hours a day, three to five days a week, you can take a short course of Cuban cuisine that will cover regional foods and typical menu items, cover some theory, provide lots of hands on instruction and in the end students receive a certificate from the Federation of Association of the Republic of Cuba as proof of participation.

Courses are designed for beginner to advanced cooking students and the chance to learn to prepare international cuisine from professional international chefs sounds irresistible for someone like me that truly appreciates good, genuine regional food. 

The only other option to satisfying my craving for time-honoured Cuban home cooking is to move there permanently but I doubt my employer would allow me to telecommute nor does that entirely solve my problem of wanting to experience different types of international food.  And if I thought finding a good Greek restaurant here was hard, I can only imagine the limited options found in the Caribbean.   Plus I would miss poutine.

What are some of your favourite international foods?  Would you be interested in learning to cook them for yourself?

Lost in Translation: There’s an App for That

Foreign destinations are always a thrilling place to visit.  After all, you can only get so excited about traveling somewhere local.  Traveling overseas, however, offers so much more in terms of new things to see and experience, and for most true globetrotters, it is those differences that make it all worthwhile.  Going abroad can present some challenges other than trying to figure out how to occupy your time during lengthy airport layovers.  Communication.  Chances are, your foreign destination also comes with a foreign language and unless you are a multi-linguist, you may encounter some harrowing interactions with the local that leave you frustrated with your English-to-[insert language here] dictionary and performing flamboyant hand gestures in hopes of bridging the communication gap.

We at International Career Studies encourage you to always try and learn a new language.  Becoming bilingual has many benefits which we spoke about in another post done back in March entitled “Je ne parle pas le français… o español”.  Speaking the language on a regular basis is the best way to learn of course, but for the intrepid traveler who is concerned about getting by between now and the day they are completely fluent in Yiddish, here are some helpful tools for your mobile device or computer that can help make the transition between blundering mono-linguist to smooth talker a bit easier.

1.       Jibbigo Voice Translator

Despite the funny name, Jibbigo is a fantastic speech-to-speech translation app for your iPhone or Android device.  Voted one of Travel & Leisure’s Top Travel Apps, this application allows the user to speak into the device and then have the device speak back the sentence in the desired language. 

It features state-of-the-art voice recognition software, a vocabulary of over 40,000 words, includes a dictionary, onscreen speech display and for super convenience, the app does need to be connected to a network in order to function.  And what is perhaps the best feature, is that Jibbigo is bi-directional which means that you can turn it towards the person you are trying to communicate with in order to carry out a full conversation.

2.       Word Lens App

Developed by QuestVisual, this application for mobile devices had an amazing launch with the spread of a viral demonstration video which amazed and astounded people.  This is a visual app that allows you to point the camera on your iPhone at words on a menu, sign or even billboard and have them translated.  It also features a dictionary and like Jibbigo, does not require you to be connected to a network.

The downside is that it can get a little pricey and the translations only go one way.  For example, you would have to purchase the English-to-Spanish translator for $10.00 and the Spanish-to-English translator for another $10.00.  However for travelers who are constantly befuddled by street signs and menus, this magical app is definitely worth it.

3.       Reverso

This free online translator, while not horrible pretty to look at, gets the job done.  While it does require a connection to the internet in order to access, this service allows you to copy and paste in your text and then translates it into the desired language with just a simple click.  It also offers a dictionary, conjugation guide, grammar tutorial and a few other nifty features that go beyond simply translating a phrase to helping you understand the sentence construction which is great if you are actually trying to learn the language.

4.       Google Translate

And of course, let us not forget Google.  This powerful search engine offers a basic online translation service and app for your mobile device for free.  Whether you only need to enter a single word, a single sentence or an entire document, it can handle just about anything you throw at it.  Simple and easy to use, Google Translate has voice input for 17 languages, spoken translations for 24 languages and text translations for 63.

For anyone who has used this service before, you already know that it has the potential to distort many of the available translations, specifically those with abstract alphabets and characters; however, it is accurate enough to get the gist across when traveling and it is free so we can forgive it for being grammatically incorrect at times.

Now, that’s not to say a standard hard copy dictionary isn’t worth investing in for that time when your mobile battery dies but with so many fast and easy applications out there, it is hard for the average traveler not to admit the value in having a digital copy at hand that won’t leave pronunciation up to the imagination.  Do you have a favourite app that you use while traveling?  We’d love to hear which tools you have used and found useful.

How Obnoxious Are You When Travelling?

Travelling is great.  I can’t imagine why some people don’t like it but the chance to go somewhere new and experience something different from the mundane existence of everyday life is exciting and honestly I don’t do enough of it.

However, with all those foreign places come foreign cultures and a host of behaviours to avoid.  Other than the cultural woes that might lands you in trouble like exposing the bottom of your feet in Thailand, there are some other more common practices that tourists have that earns them the label of being obnoxious. 

1.       The “Inappropriate Fashionista”

It may be okay where you are from to walk around in short shorts with your underwear popping out at the waist and a shirt that has less fabric involved than a handkerchief but it might not be at your destination.  The inappropriate fashionista doesn’t care though and will continue to dress however they desire no matter how many jaws drop for a less than appreciative reason. A word of advice to the wise: dress to blend in, not to stand out when travelling abroad.

2.       The “Snap Happy Photographer”

Nothing irks the locals more (or even other tourists for that matter) than the snap happy photographer that takes pictures of literally everything from the cab driver parked on the side of the road to the watermelon fruit basket in the buffet line.  This tourist can easily be identified by the way they walk in a zig-zagging line, eye through the lens, running into walls.  You know exactly what I am talking about whether you’ve been stuck walking behind this person or you are this person.  I have nothing against photographers who are trying to capture memorable moments and breath taking landscapes but that watermelon fruit basket isn’t really that amazing and the rest of the buffet line will appreciate you moving forwards.

3.       The “Traffic-Accident-Waiting-to-Happen”

Traffic laws don’t seem to apply to this type of tourist.  Traffic laws are more like suggestions anyways right?  Crossing at a cross walk and waiting for the light to change are unnecessary to them.  And heaven forbid they actually rent a car because staying in the right lane is a silly rule as is avoiding cyclists and yielding to pedestrians.  Just because you are a tourist, and even if you are only a pedestrian at that, doesn’t mean that you should not educate yourself on the traffic laws of the country you are in and you should definitely obey them in order to avoid coming into contact with a traffic cop or worse, someone’s front bumper.

4.       The “Friend”

This person is everyone’s friend or at least thinks that everyone wants to be their friend and so they are constantly introducing themselves, handing out their e-mail, asking to exchange contact information and otherwise becoming BFF with everyone they meet.  You may meet someone who you really connect with and are genuinely interested in being long term friends with but a good number of the people you meet are only smiling and nodding politely until you go away and have no intention becoming your pen pal.

5.       “Oblivious”

You just flown half way around the world and landed in a completely different country with different traditions, religions, cultures and mannerisms but none of that matters because you feel right at home.  Everyone is so friendly and polite, stepping out of your way and being 100% accommodating.  There is no need for you to even try to learn the language or the customs because, you are a tourist and they don’t mind.  In fact they are quite happy to have you around so that they can learn about your culture and your mannerisms.  If they didn’t, they wouldn’t have stayed home… right?  People do mind that you are rude and are oblivious and/or indifferent of their customs.  Don’t be the “oblivious” tourist. 

6.       The “Back-Home Reminiscer”

“Back home in my country, we eat with a fork and a spoon, only mow the lawn on Saturdays and wash our camels in the driveway because it is illegal to wash them in the bath tub.”  All I have to say to this type of tourist is that we are not in your country and therefore unless I ask, I don’t want to hear you compare it to the place we are currently in.  The “back-home reminiscer” has a bit of a superiority complex and loves to talk about their home.  It is great that they love home so much but with all that talking and comparing that they are doing, they are missing out on the rich heritage that is right in front of them.

7.       The “Mono-linguists”

Everyone speaks English right?  Therefore I should not have to make any attempt to try and learn the local language.  If I speak loudly enough with flamboyant hand gestures, they will understand eventually.  “Mono-linguists” are the type of tourists that buy a phrase book before travelling and then use it as a coaster instead of an important resource.  Yes, learning a new language can be difficult, but it is even more difficult trying to find your way back to your hotel if you can’t even ask for simple directions.

Do you fall under any of these obnoxious tourist types?  I’ll admit, I might be guilty of one or two on the rare occasion and I always feel bad after realizing it since having worked in a town that attracts a lot of tourist, I’ve been on the other side plenty of times myself a.k.a. irritated local.  Pass this list on to someone you know who might be guilt of one of these travelling crimes and save another local somewhere else in the world the headache and your friend the label of obnoxious tourist.

Culture Shock Déjà-vu

Culture Shock Déjà-vu

You were expecting this.  The sudden onslaught of a new culture as you step out of the airport thousands of miles and an ocean away from home. 

The people are different.  The food is different.  The houses are different.  And everyone’s behaviour just seems weird to you.  You feel alone and out of place. 

This is called culture shock and it is quite normal actually when people travel to foreign places with cultures that are vastly different from their own.  For example, Canadians travelling to the United States don’t experience a strong level of culture shock.  Other than having to get over the fact that ice tea does not come already sweetened (an issue I have experienced and that still irritates me to this day), there isn’t much difference and most misunderstandings are small and irrelevant.  Compare that to travelling from Canada to Thailand, however, and my unsweetened ice tea fiasco pales in comparison. 

Most travellers are aware of this phenomenon and prepare for it accordingly.  A little bit of research beforehand can do wonders in preparing a person for the sudden change in culture; helping them adjust more easily so that the shock wears off sooner rather than later.  The same is true for students participating in internships or exchange programs for extended periods of time.  They might miss their families back in their native country but soon enough they feel quite at home conversing with the locals, bartering with the street vendors and immersing themselves in culture.

And then they go home and it is like déjà-vu.

The culture shock hits them again but this time it is their own culture.  One would think that going home would be easy.  After all, home is familiar.  The culture and the people there have been with you throughout your entire life. 

Yet, all of a sudden the people are different.  The food is different.  The houses are different.  And everyone’s behaviour just seems weird to you. You feel alone and out of place.

I had a friend who travelled to Africa for a year to teach English.  I love her to death, but when she came back, there were a few habits we had to break her of before taking her out in public.  She had completely adapted to the local way of life down in Africa and it took her a little while to become “Canadian” again.

As “off” as she seemed to us though, I can only imagine how we all seemed to her. 

When you have travelled somewhere foreign for an extended period of time, you become fully integrated into a different lifestyle.  You alter your behaviours and you adapt.  You pick up on some of the local habits and idiosyncrasies without even realizing it.  The realization only hits when you finally come home.

You obviously won’t have to do all the pre-planning and research in order to lessen the culture shock déjà-vu, but you will have to be prepared for it.  After living a different life for so long, don’t be surprised if you need to take a while to ease yourself back into your previous life.  You’ll adjust.  But don’t forget everything you learned about your adopted homeland and definitely remember to keep in touch.

Top 30 "You-Gotta-Try-This" Cuban Vacations

Everyone wants to make sure they get the most out of their vacation.  After all, you have precious few vacation days to use each year and you don’t want to waste them on something as dull as your second cousin’s niece’s ballet school’s dance recital. (Go figure).  So if you do take a vacation and Cuba is your destination, here is a list of the top 30 things that you don’t want to miss out on.  

1. Snorkeling at Pilar Beach (Playa Pilar), Cayo Coco 
2. Sun bathing on the Varadero Beach, Varadero 
3. Horseback riding in Valle de Vinales, Vinales 
4. Learn Spanish at the University of Havana, Havana 
5. Wind surfing at Playa Paraiso Beach, Cayo Largo 
6. Photography in Old Havana, Havana 
7. Ride a catamaran around Cayo Blanco, Matanzas 
8. Jazz street music at Old Square (Plaza Vieja), Havana 
9. Swim in the El Nicho Waterfalls, Cienfuegos 
10. Art restoration at the Romance Museum, Trinidad 
11. The Revolution history at the Mausoleo del Che Guevara, Santa Clara 
12. Soak up the nightlife at Plaza Mayor, Trinidad 
13. Traditional Cuba dancing in Plaza de la Catedral, Havana 
14. Get a glimpse of colonial Cuba at the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de Cuba, Havana 
15. Witness historical architecture at the San Pedro de la Roca del Morro Castle, Santiago de Cuba 
16. Play with the dolphins at Bahia de Naranjo Natureu Park, Holguin 
17. Catch a game of baseball at Estadio Latinamericano, Havana 
18. Nightly water ballet shows at the Oasis Turquesa Resort, Varadero 
19. Fire off a canon at Castillo de San Carlos de la Cabana, Havana 
20. Tour the Christopher Columbus Cemetery, Havana 
21. Hit the greens at the Varadero Golf Club, Varadero 
22. Take a jeep tour through Saturno Cave, Varadero 
23. Dig into literature at the Museo Hemingway Finca Vigia, Havana 
24. Artists can spend the day painting the scenery at Josone Park, Varadero 
25. Take in a theatre performance at Gran Teatro de la Habana, Havana 
26. Mix up some cocktails and fun at Punta Gorda, Cienfuegos 
27. Roll your own cigars at the Partagas Cigar Factory, Havana 
28. Check out the sea turtles at the Sea Turtle Hatchery, Cayo Largo 
29. Develop your own perfume at Chateau Madrid Perfumeria, Marianao 
30. Classic car show in the Plaza Jose Marti, Cienfuegos

Avoid Stepping on Thai Toes - Cultural Dos & Don'ts

If you do manage to wade through all the paperwork and travel details required for you to travel abroad for an extended length of time, (good for you by the way), be prepared because the hard part is not yet over.  North American’s like to believe that Western culture is predominant everywhere we go and therefore expect other to understand that being loud, boisterous and prone to colourful language are just some of the innocent ways in which we express ourselves.  And while the locals might to a certain extend understand that yes, that is just the way foreigners are, remember that you are a guest in their country and are obligated to adhere to their way of life and not the other way around.

Therefore here are some cultural dos and don’ts for visiting Thailand.  Get them wrong and in many cases you risk offending someone.  Worst case scenario, you go to jail.  Consider yourself warned.  (dun, dun, dun.)

The Dos of Thailand

• Smile.  It’s that simple.  Thai culture teaches that any issue can be resolved with a smile so even if you are having trouble with negotiating a price with a vendor, just smile and remember that being polite will often get you much better results.
• Leave your shoes outside. There are some exceptions to this rule such as large shopping centres but traditional Thais will always remove their shoes before entering a room.  This is especially enforced when you are entering someone’s home or a temple/religious place.
• Eat with a spoon.  This may sound a little odd but Thai people will use the fork to push food onto the spoon and then eat from the spoon.  Asking for chopsticks will just get you a funny look.
• “Wai” when greeting people instead of a handshake.  The “wai” is a traditional Thai greeting done by giving a short bow from the waist with your fingertips pressed together near your chest or face. Traditionally, a person of lower rank will “wai” first with their hands closer to their face as a sign of respect.
• Another sign of being polite in Thailand is to ask questions about age, salary or marital status.  These types of questions might sound too open or even rude to tourists but they are actually very common among the Thai people.  You don’t have to answer, just tell them that it is a secret or ‘mai bok’ (not telling).  And always remember to smile.
• Buddhism is the dominant religion in Thailand and almost all Thai people practice this religion.  You must take extra care to avoid offending their religion.  Wear appropriate clothing when entering a temple – avoid sleeveless shirts, flip flops, short shorts or skirts or any clothing with crude statements.  Remove your shoes before entering.
• Try to learn some of the local language.  Even learning a simple greeting will impress the Thai people with your openness and willingness to try to bridge the language barrier. It will earn you metaphorical brownie points.

I said “Nay, nay.”

• Never shout, lose your temper or cause a scene in public.  This goes with the first point but mainly the gist of it is that Thais do not ever want to been seen “losing face” and doing so is seen as disgraceful.
• Public displays of affection, even between married people, are frowned upon.  Avoid acts such as hugging, kissing or even hand holding when out and about.
• The head and the feet of a person are considered to be sacred and taboo respectively.  Do not touch someone on the head and never display the soles of your feet to anyone so avoid crossing your legs.
• It is illegal to take an image of Buddha out of the country unless special permission has been granted by authorities.  Shops will sell you items but they may not tell you about this restriction.
• Never show disrespect to the King or the monarchy.  The Thai people have a great respect and affection for their King.  In fact, not only will even the friendliest jest be considered impolite, it is also against the law.  You must also remember to show respect to all things that bear the King’s image.  Local currency falls into this category so it must never be stepped on, crinkled or mishandled.
• Engaging in prostitution, illegal drugs, trafficking or gambling will land you in prison.  It is as simple as that so don’t.

Of course, this list only scratches the surface so be prepared to do your own research before travelling to Thailand.  If you have any more Dos and Don’ts of your own to add to the list, I want to hear about them so leave a comment and tell me about your experience in Thailand.  Travelling is a great way to meet new people and expose yourself to new cultures and perspective which in a world that is becoming more and more globalized, is extremely important.

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travelblogs/825/29842/Dos+and+don%E2%80%99ts+in+Thailand?destId=357640

http://www.hasekamp.net/dodont.htm

http://www.reservethaihotels.com/Vol.1/staying-out-of-trouble-in-thailand-cultural-dos-and-donts.html

http://www.thaizer.com/thailand-dos-and-donts/

Socks… check. Toothbrush… check. Non-Immigrant Type B Work Visa… check.

Aside from the typical stuff you cram into your suitcase such as shirts, shoes, clean underwear and a picture of Mr. Snickers, your beloved family pet, preparing for an extended vacation can be a bit overwhelming.  You have to figure out a way to pack four months worth of your personal belongings which is essentially your entire life into a suitcase that cannot exceed 60 lbs or whatever your airline sets as a restriction.  Chances are you are going to struggle with the zipper when it finally comes time to try to close the darn thing.  You may even resort to sitting on the top in a vain effort to make the contents magically decrease in size.  I will admit, I have resorted to this tactic more than once and my abused luggage is proof.  You may eventually breakdown and relent to packing a second bag even though the airline is going to charge you an exorbitant fee for doing so.  Don’t they understand that shoes alone can take up an entire bag?  Do they really intend to deprive your feet of comfortable and stylish footwear?  Yes, yes they do. And that isn’t even the overwhelming part because you aren’t just going on a vacation.  You signed up for an international internship in Thailand where you will be working in a Thai school as an ESL educational assistant for the next four months.  And therefore, all your personal items actually rank low on the list of priorities when it comes to ensuring that you have everything you are going to need for your trip.  Sorry Mr. Snickers. Whether you have actually signed up for an internship or not, the following information applies to anyone who plans to travel internationally for longer than three weeks.  Hopefully, your travel agent or tour company will be helping you with the logistics of it all since it can be confusing for a first time traveller.


 Pre-Departure Preparation:

□ Read the Travel Report for your host country, available on the Foreign Affairs & International Trade Canada website.   Check it often to stay aware of any potential issues that may arise while travelling.

 □ Consider registering with the Canadian government before you travel abroad.  The Canadian government offers this service in order that they may contact you and assist you in an emergency should it arise while you are in a foreign country, i.e. a natural disaster or a family emergency.
 □ Carry a Canadian passport that is valid well beyond the date of your anticipated return to Canada; keep a copy of the identification page separate from the original.  This is perhaps your most important piece of identification.  A passport is the only reliable and universally accepted identification document that proves your right to re-enter your home country.
 □ Obtain any required visas well in advance.  The type of visa required will vary greatly upon your destination, length of visit and the type of travel you are participating in be it leisure or work related so be sure to check with the consulate if you have any concerns.
 □ If travelling with children, carry documentation proving your right to accompany them (e.g., a consent letter or court order).
 □ Arrange for supplemental travel health insurance.  This is required by many travel companies as a prerequisite for participating in their program if your trip extends beyond a certain time frame.  Your current health insurance may not cover you outside of the country.

□ Leave copies of your passport identification page, itinerary, and insurance policy with friends or family.
 □ Anticipate financial needs, such as local currency, visa fees, within country transit costs, baggage fees, and departure tax.
 □ Check to see if any special electrical adaptors are required in order to use your electrical devices.
 □ Take care of health needs: vaccinations, prescriptions, medical certificates, supplies, extra eyeglasses.  Take extra care to document and pack any prescriptions to avoid hassle at customs.  Be sure to check with airlines to know what you can and cannot pack in your carry-on.
 □ Check whether dual citizenship is an issue for you.
 □ Carry an Emergency Contact Card with the coordinates of the nearest Canadian government office in your destination country.  This should be kept on your person at all times while travelling abroad.
 □ Obtain an International Driving Permit, if required.


Traveling with an Agency:
If you have arranged your program through a travel company, insure you also know any additional requirement for your trip.  With a service such as International Career Studies, you will also want to make sure you have the following information: 
□ Arrangements for airport pick-up service. 
□ Name of your in-country contact and program coordinator. 
□ Emergency contact numbers for your program representative. 
□ Where you will be staying for the first two nights during orientation and your subsequent accommodations once you settle into your program routine. 
□ Internship placement information regarding where you will be working, manager’s name, your job title, responsibilities, professional dress requirements. 


If you have any further questions about preparing for your trip abroad, feel free to contact the International Career Studies for tips and travel help or check out the FAQ section on the Canadian government’s website.


 http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/ctry/reportpage-en.asp


 http://www.voyage.gc.ca/preparation_information/menu-eng


 http://www.voyage.gc.ca/faq/menu-eng


 http://www.english360.ca/internationalcareerstudies