N2S » Travel Tips

Accommodation Top Eleven – Review

hutch — Wed, 05 May 2010 17:48:49 +0000

G’day Guys and Gals

We’re doing some reminicing of our trip so far and came up with a list of our top eleven accommodation’s we have stayed at as of the 5th May 2010:

1. Las Dunas – El Calafate Argentina – Good food, good views, room with wifi, good rooms, good bath, good service, cable tv, bad pillows, more expensive and no liquardo’s! ****½ (4.5/5)
2. Las Lucarnas – San Martin De Los Andes Argentina – Quaint, cosy, great rooms, great beds, good location, bath, wifi in room, fantastic service, good breakfast, great value and cable tv.****~ (4/5)
3. Viajero Bed and Breakfast – Colonia Uruguay – Great rooms with balcony and view, wifi in room, cable tv, ok service, ok food, good value and good location. ***½~ (3.5/5)
4. Hostel Patagonia – El Chalten Argentina – Great new cosy rooms, fantastic service, cosy common areas, no breakfast, no in room wifi and good value. ****~ (4/5)
5. Buenos Aires Apartment – Buenos Aires Argentina – Self contained, balcony, convenient, good location, wifi and mobile phone, bit small and smelt awful. ***½~ (3.5/5)
6. HI Downtown San Francisco – San Francisco USA – Good room, great location, wifi in room, street noise, ok service and bad breakfast.***~~ (3/5)
7. La Balconada – La Paloma Uruguay – Fantastic staff/owners, personal touch, tiny rooms, expensive, no wifi and shared bath.***~~ (3/5)
8. Marcopolo Iguazu – Iguazu Argentina – Hotel-like, ok service, ok rooms, ok food, wifi in rooms, great bar, pool and ok location.**½~~ (2.5/5)
9. Hostel-Inn Bariloche – Bariloche Argentina – Great common areas, great view, ok service, good cars, smelt like gas, shared bathroom and dinner and breakfast included. **½~~ (2.5/5)
10. Hostel Ritz – Buenos Aires Argentina – Great liquardo de banana, room service, good location, ok rooms, hotel-like, smelt like mould and ok service. **½~~ (2.5/5)
11. Viajero Downtown Montevideo – Montevideo Uruguay – Tiny rooms, overwhelming smell of bleach, stuffy, ok food, good service, pretty building, good location and good common areas. **~~~ (2/5)

We have also found that the Lonley Planet is seriously seriously out of date though if you do find the hostel/hotel is still in business it usually is very good. Hostelworld.com reviews are way way off the mark and as useful as drinking salt water in a drought. HiHostels.com is average, booking has to be done at least 2 days in advance and the reviews are semi-accurate. Tripadvisor seems to be the most accurate but rarely has hostels.

Most of the places we have stayed in cost around US$40-50 per night for a double room with private bathroom and includes a free breakfast.

Any questions, ask away below.
Cheers
Jess and Hutch

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ATM Locator

hutch — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 06:21:38 +0000

Something that every guide book should have printed on their maps is the location of VISA, PLUS, MAESTRO, Cirrus and MasterCard friendly ATM’s for that city. Why? Well most of us modern traveller’s travel with ATM cards from our home country because they provide an easy, efficient and cheap(ATM exchange rates are usually based on the wholesale rate reserved for interbank transfers) method of getting cash internationally. Most of the banks nowadays are aligned with the Plus, Cirrus or Maestro to allow access to your money when travelling.

Furthermore with the advent and take up of Visa/MasterCard Debit cards more and more travellers will be looking to use these cards in foreign ATM’s. Luckily the web comes to the travellers aid as usual and provides us with the information:

VISA and Plus – http://visa.via.infonow.net/locator/global/

MasterCard and Maestro – http://www.mastercard.com/us/personal/en/cardholderservices/atmlocations/index.html

Now we just need a IPhone app that does this!

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Travelling – What to pack?

hutch — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 06:20:02 +0000

Whilst doing research on various different locations we might want to travel too i came across this fantastic list of what to take with you when your travelling:

http://www.travelindependent.info/whattopack.htm

Excerpt:

Here’s what you need to take backpacking, where to get it from, how to pack it and how to keep size/weight down. Quite frankly, there’s so much crap written on what to pack and a lot of scare mongering about taking this or that essential for fear that if left behind it could not be bought abroad. Many packing lists are aimed at mid-range travellers or are featured in travelogues as examples of ‘I took this’ whether or not it was useful/necessary. Stores that sell equipment, who of course want you to buy as much as possible (how often have you seen items like survival bivvi bag and stoves on their so-called travel packing lists) are also a big part of this problem. Anyone who has travelled before will feel nothing but disdain at short, ambiguous lists in travel mags, guidebooks and charlatan websites. For the record, you will have to think very hard of something not recommended on the list below that could not be bought abroad and normally much cheaper. Mosquito coils for instance appear on many lists: these are almost always available abroad and always at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries, leaving aside that there are much better ways to tackle mosquitoes.

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Google Labs – Google Maps

hutch — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:28:01 +0000

Today when visiting my favourite little travel planning tool – Google Maps i noticed something a little different. No it wasnt Google Buzz or Google Wave but Google Labs! It was a little potion bottle icon that when clicked displayed the following message:

Google Maps Labs is a testing ground for experimental features that aren’t quite ready for primetime. They may change, break or disappear at any time.

Google Labs - Maps

I thought cool, thanks Google for letting me try out these “experimental” tools!

Let’s go through them:

Drag n Zoom
Pretty simple really, select the drag n zoom tool then drag a rectangle on the map and it will zoom in. What do they say “often the simple ideas are the best” or something? Well this is definitely in the ultra handy category. Being able to browse around a map and then without double clicking or using key shortcuts or the zoom tools i can drag and it will zoom if rather accurately to a more detailed level. How it works out how far to zoom i don’t know but it’s quick and easy.

Aerial Imagery
Again pretty simple more detailed aerial images. Nice but haven’t found any topless girls sunbathing yet.

Where in the world game
Not too shabby. A simple fun game that presents the user with icon located on a map and the user has to guess what country in the world it is. Unfortunately you can select the map view which with a couple of zoom outs gives you the country name if you wanted to cheat.

Rotatable Maps
Handy for more detailed views to see things from another angle.

What’s around here
Shows user content of what is nearby where you are looking. Unfortunately your map gets littered with thousands of little markers so my advice would be to turn it on as needed.

Lat Lng Tool Tip and Lat Lng Marker
Yeah handy to quickly get the latitude and longitude of a place if you need it for other applications but nothing to write home about.

Smart-Zoom
Removes that “We don’t have imagery at this zoom level” message when you zoom too far in. Yawn.

Rating
A good effort by Google and the community of developers. I like little surprises and enhancements as a geek so 3 Plums.

***~~ (3/5)

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Travelling with Google Maps

Travelling with Google Maps

hutch — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:02:20 +0000

Google maps has to be the best travel planning tool on the web! There i’ve said it. It provides an excellent user interface with a vast array of information to make planning your next trip a breeze.

I’ll take you through planning a trip on Google Maps before you leave:

Login to your google account or create one if you dont have one already.
Click on Maps.
Click on My Maps
Click on Create New Map
Type in a Title, Description and decided whether you want this map to be public or private then click on Save.

Travel - Google Maps Step 1

Now figure out what you’re looking for? Things to do? Places to stay? Where your going? Hopefully you know this information already. You can either click on the Maker Icon and place it on the map or type the query in the search bar. In this example we’ll be going to Perth Western Australia.

Type in Perth Western Australia in the search bar and click Search Maps. You should then be presented with Perth WA in your map and other information in the “speech bubble” and on the left hand side. Click “Save to my maps” and select the map title you created above.
Click the “more info” link to get more photo’s, videos and popular places.

Travelling with Google Maps - Step 2

Travelling with Google Maps - Step 3

Next we want to find somewhere to stay.

Click on the Search Nearby link and type in “Hostel”
You should be presented with a list of results on the left and a map of them on the right.
Click on the result or the marker will give you a summary of information however we want to only see high rated hostels. So up the top select the Narrow By: “User Rating” link.
Select 4 stars and up. Google will then give you only 4 star rated hostels near Perth WA.
Travelling with Google Maps - Step 4
Click on a search result and then click the “more info” button again. This takes us to a page with all sorts of information such as:
Small Map.
Address and contact information.
StreetView where possible.
Photos and Videos.
Reviews including a paragraph of summarised reviews. Try hovering your mouse on one of these and a buddle should appear with more text.
Select add to my maps.
Travelling with Google Maps - Step 5
Repeat steps 6-13 as needed.

There you go, that’s the basics, you now have your own map with accommodation and places your visiting with detailed reviews, ratings, photos and videos. The only thing missing, Weather forecast, prices and flight information. With a bit more time you can add route information, your own information, different marker icons etc etc.

Go ahead plan your next holiday.

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Google Labs – Google Maps

Working Holiday to Canada via South America

hutch — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 07:24:21 +0000

So we’re going to Canada to work and holiday! Moving overseas has been a lengthy exercise with plenty, and i mean, plenty of little annoying things to get done depending on what your leaving behind in Australia. This is my experience.

Hutch: “I’ve got a fine idea! Let’s screw it all and go travelling for a while, we could work in Canada”
5 Min’s later after the excited rambling stops.
JB: “Hmm i dunno what about this, what about that”
3 months later…
JB: “You know what i reckon we do it!”
Hutch: “Do what?”
JB: “Go to Canada!”

That’s how it started, then the idea grew:
Hutch: “I reckon we should do as much travel before we get to Canada as possible. You know South America, USA etc. Maybe rent a RV and trek across the USA”
15 Min’s later after the excited rambling stops.
JB: “Hmm i dunno what about this, what about that”
Hutch: “Yes your probably right about the RV thing Ben does snore a lot, but still it makes sense to travel beforehand else we’re just moving house really”
2 months later…
JB: “You know what i reckon we do it!”
Hutch: “Do what?”
JB: “Travel beforehand around South America”

And that how the idea was scoped. But there are many things to consider when moving overseas, most depend on how much your leaving behind. For example previously when i lived in the UK i left my folks house and arrived in the UK it was fairly straight forward but this time round we had cars and a house to consider. This list of activities can easily pile up and make it difficult so with my project management hat on a set about creating a plan. This is an extract of the major activities/things we had to consider, please click on the links to their own article:

Canadian Working Holiday Visa
USA B1/B2 Visa
Travel Insurance
Canadian Bank Accounts
Flights
Shots
Pack List

We hope the above articles help out our fellow travellers.

See ya!
Hutch

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Canadian Working Holiday Visa

hutch — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 07:20:24 +0000

First things first we’re going to need a visa so, OK this is fairly straight forward if your an Australian aged between 18-30 at the time the application is received and without any specific medical conditions then you’re eligible to apply for the Canadian Working Holiday Visa. I won’t get into anymore details about the visa itself because that’s the job of the WHP Canada site but i will mention that currently the working holiday visa is no longer a once in a lifetime opportunity it can now be renewed on a yearly basis.

The process of applying is fairly straight forward:
1. Fill in the online form;
2. Print it;
3. Photocopy passport info/photo page;
4. Attach passport photos to application;
5. Obtain Australia Post – Express Post envelope;
6. Obtain Postal Money Order or Bank Cheque for the Visa Processing Fee;
7. Put documents and fee in envelope, write the address and send it.
8. 2-3 weeks later receive Letter of Introduction.

Remember the letter of introduction is not your visa. You obtain your visa once you arrive in Canada.

Other things to consider:
If you’re travelling through or stopping by the USA you may need to apply for the USA B1/B2 Visa as the Visa Waiver Program(VWP) counts time spent in Canada and Mexico as time against that Visa. For example if you flew to Los Angeles and spent 3 days there on the VWP, went up to Vancouver and worked there for 6 months then flew back down to San Francisco you would of overstayed your VWP by 3 months(give or take a few days).

Related Links
http://www.whpcanada.org.au/

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USA B1/B2 Visa for Australians

hutch — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 07:19:18 +0000

If you’re travelling through or stopping by the USA on your way to Canada or Mexico, as we are, you may need to apply for the USA B1/B2 Visa as the Visa Waiver Program(VWP) counts time spent in Canada and Mexico as time against that Visa. For example if you flew to Los Angeles and spent 3 days there on the VWP, went up to Vancouver and worked there for 6 months then flew back down to San Francisco you would of overstayed your VWP by 3 months(give or take a few days).

For information on the VWP please see: http://canberra.usembassy.gov/consular/visas/niv/vwp.html

For information on the B1/B2 Visa please visit: http://canberra.usembassy.gov/consular/visas/niv/business-pleasure.html

Specifically, we’re concerned with the B2 Visa as the B1 Visa relates to business travellers. So the B2 Visa is appropriate for:

Tourism or Family Visits
Medical Reasons (see below for further details)
Participation in Social Events
Armed Forces Dependents
Dependents of Crewmen
Short Course of Study
Amateur Entertainers and Athletes

Why do we need it? Well as mentioned above if you’re going to Canada on a working holiday via the USA you may need to consider the B2 Visa. Other benefits of this visa are that it is valid for up to 5 years and allows multi entrances to the USA.

The costs and process isn’t as straight forward, clear or simple as the process for many other countries. The process involves filling out a lengthy online application, which you have to pay a fee for the pleasure of submitting it, then book an interview at your nearest consular general again pay a fee, take “relevant” documents( what is relevant isn’t exactly clear but you can pay $12 for a phone call and not get any more information) you’ll also need a self addressed Platinum Post envelope, passport, bank statements etc and then appear with your relevant documents at the interview. The interview and staff at the consulate (at least the one in Perth, Australia) are very friendly and helpful. If you get through this interview successfully your application is sent off for the Visa provided you pay another fee.

The process to apply is quite a lengthy one but easy enough, it took us several hours to complete and then an hour to attend the interview. Receiving the visa and passports back only took a couple of days and the people at the consulate were very friendly and helpful.

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Canadian Bank Accounts

hutch — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 07:18:03 +0000

If you’re like me, you like to get things sorted before you arrive. Therefore being able to setup a bank account in the country your moving to before you arrive is handy. HSBC through their International Banking Centre provides a service where you can setup bank accounts in the country you’re moving too from your current location provided it has a HSBC branch nearby. Luckily i had used this service previously when i moved to the UK and i am unaware of any other banks that can provide this international service.

Ironically the bank billed as “your local bank” and the “international bank” doesn’t allow transferring accounts internationally, so if you’re a current customer in the country you’re in you cannot transfer it overseas which is a real pain. The process does involve providing 3 months of bank statement from your current bank, A$4000 and 4 weeks+ but it does give you peace of mind to know you can focus on getting a job or having a good time once you arrive. All in all it’s a an excellent service I’ve used twice now and HSBC must be applauded for providing it in such a professional manner.

If your Australian, follow this link to the HSBC International Banking Services contact page:

http://www.hsbc.com.au/1/2/personal/international/move-os/apply

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North American Travel Insurance

hutch — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 07:17:02 +0000

One thing I’ve never used, touch wood, but never leave home without is travel insurance, not because i worked at an insurance company but because if things go bad especially with my health I want to be sure i can get adequate treatment. If you’ve purchased travel insurance before you may of noticed when you select a region, North America and Japan are separated from the rest of the world. Now without confirming with an insurance expert i assume this is because in those countries(USA, Canada and Japan) you’re required to have private health insurance to get medical assistance or at least have some means of paying for it. I know for certain to obtain the working holiday visa once you arrive in Canada you will need to provide proof that you have insurance.

So in the context of the working holiday you will need to obtain insurance for the time you are there. This means if you’re there for a year you’ll need insurance for a year. I like to sort these things out before i go so i have less to worry about whilst I’m on the road so i researched into options for 12 month travel insurance and let me tell you it is not cheap. Yes, we could get 3 months then extend as we go but given we are doing some travel beforehand we chose the 12 month option. These are the companies we found that provide travel insurance for extended periods of time:

http://www.worldnomads.com

https://www.insure4less.com.au/travel.php?step=2

http://www.columbusdirect.com/aus/step2.cfm

http://www.itrektravelinsurance.com.au/travel/coversummary.html

We went with World Nomads as they seem to provide the cheapest and most comprehensive insurance cover, what we particular liked was the adventure sport cover such as skiing, white water rafting etc. They also seem to be associated with the fantastic Footprints Guides, which gives them good traveller credit.

In the context of general travel it may be a requirement of your entry that you provide proof of travel insurance and i’d advise anyone that they’re downright crazy travelling without insurance.

Late-r
Hutch

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