Blogging Abroad

So you are packing up and heading out for a trip, and want some laid back joints for the flight. That’s awesome, but did your know your iPod can do way more for you than serenade your ear drums?

1. Learn a language:

The latest version of iTunes allows you to download educational podcasts that can teach you the language of your destination. This is basically passive learning, just download, and throw those white buds in your ears. Listen to these on the flight over and you’ll be asking for the bathroom and ordering water like a local in no time. Best of all it’s free!

2. Familiarize yourself with your destination:

Also in the world of podcasting are destination guides. As a traveler I’m sure you have all heard of lonely planet and know the quality of their advice. Well they produce a comprehensive podcast also, download these and you will know what the real deal is in your new host country. These guides and reviews sometimes have real insider information that can’t be attained anywhere else. These are iTunes freebies as well, so freeload that’s what they are there for. Another noteable source for tour guides is iToors.

3. Record your experience:

Make a podcast of your own and email it to your friends back home or post it on your website. The iPod has accessory microphones that you can pick up for about $20. These mikes will allow you to capture sounds anywhere you go, whether it’s the hustle and bustle of a Hong Kong market or the sweet calming waves crashing in Byron Bay Australia.

4. Store your shots:

Running low on memory card space and don’t want to delete any of those precious memories? Just get the photo cable and you can use your iPod as an external hard drive, making room for more of your memories to be captured.

5. Pack a map:

You can upload subway maps from all over the world to your iPod so you won’t be a lost tourist at the subway station. iPodSubwayMaps.com has come with a free download that enables you to get the maps on to your iPod.

PS Don’t forget to pack your charger!

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I was quite excited to have discovered that Chris Michelle’s article on my blog was posted on San Francisco Chronicle’s Website. Chris is an British writer for TravelHappy.info mentioned in my previous post. His articles on travel guides and tips are frequently posted on SFGate.com. His Travel Discussion Forums Search Engine was published there today. He compiled top 10 travel forums, and provided a google search engine on his site. Now with TravelHappy Travel Forum Search, you won’t have to spend hours visiting 10 different travel forums to find the answers you need. One stop meets all your needs. I just tried it myself, searching for Phi Phi Island. All threads on Phi Phi Island topic from those 10 travel forums came up instantly. It worked really well. I wish I had found a similar search engine before my honeymoon. It […]

Original post by Jas and software by Elliott

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I stumbled upon TravelHappy while browsing MyBlogLog directory a few days ago. I got blown away by the amount of travel information and the extended travel tips provided there. Whether you’re a backpacker to Thailand, a first timer to Japan, or an adventurer to Cambodia, you’ll find some juicy stuff on TravelHappy. Go check it out.

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Original post by Jas and a wordpress plugin by Elliott

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One of the most common questions travelers ask on the online travel forum is whether they should bring cash, traveler’s cheques or credit cards for their trips to Thailand. Here’s my 2 cents based on my personal experience.
Cash - bad choice. In general, it’s inconvenient to bring a large sum of cash when you travel. And you’ll never get it back if it’s lost or stolen. I only brought a small amount of cash with me for emergencies.
Traveler’s Cheques - good choice for people who are conscious about exchange rates. All banks in Thailand accepts TC. TC offers away better rate than cash and credit cards. Credit card companies offer you the worst rate of the day and take a big chunk out of each transaction. That’s how they make money. There’s a service charge (about $1 CAD or […]

Original post by Jas and software by Elliott Back

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If you have time to bargain and has some basic knowledge about jewllery, do explore the dazzling selection of gold, silver, pearls and precious stones. They are readily available at all shopping centers and night markets. Be sure to ask for a certificate if the jeweller didn’t provide one. Personally, we found that pearls are great bargains, especially sea pearls, which are considerable more expensive in North America. For people who are looking for an engagement ring or wedding bands, you’re at the right place. Also for precious stone lovers, you’re in heaven.
If you are looking for clothing and silk, there are plenty to choose from. What we discovered was that their fashion sense is very well up to date, and the price is incredablly affordable. We bought everything from T shirts, jackets, caps, footwear to silk scarves (Ladies, get lots of silk […]

Original post by Jas and software by Elliott Back

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Beaches are nice, but Phuket Town is a very exciting place to explore. It’s about 30 minutes by car from the beach. You can get there by local bus, tuk tuk(taxi), scooter, motorcycle, or private car.
We rode the bus once. It was an interesting experience, and we enjoyed it. It’s very economic to travel by bus there. It costs less than 1 dollar(25 bhat) per person to Phuket Town from the beach and you can sightsee along the way. Its downside is slow and you have to wait for it by the street. It comes every half an hour. If you miss it, gotta hang around the beach for another half an hour. Image standing in the heat of 30 celsius plus humidity, hum..not very fun, or running for the bus in that kind of heat, which is what we did…huh..wishing […]

Original post by Jas and plugin by Elliott Back

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