Tips to Beat the Winter Weather Blues
BY JACEK GREBSKI
It’s no big secret that Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD, aka Winter Depression) affects people during the winter months, but there’s no better way to beat those winter weather blues than to get on our of the cold and go someplace warm, with sun, and turquoise water. Truth be told writing this water is already making me want to hop on a plane and say goodbye to the rain and overcast skies of Barcelona.
So where do we go how do we get there, and what do we do? Easy-peasy.
Most people will undoubtedly want to save those holiday days for some wonderful lengthy trip throughout the year, which is totally understood. That said, a weekend get away is typically the best option, but the Catch-22 is that weekend prices tend to be higher. So here’s what you do.
- Sign up for deals from airfare websites. Often you’ll find a flight for 1/4th the cost if you were to book normally.
- When the blues start biting, be sure to see what deals airfare retail websites offer at any given point in time. i.e. Just today we saw a round trip flight from London to Ghana for £140 (€160, $230), taxes included.
- And don’t forget packages. Often you can get a weekend package with a hotel and flight for about ½ the price of both together.
It may take you a week or two or random searches to get the deal you’re happy with but at this point in time it’s by far the best option to get away for the weekend.
Next up. Figure out what you want to do. If you’re heading to a beach locale, do you just want to vegetate on the sand and soak in the rays or see what else the country has to offer? For a longer get away, we’d say get a book, but two-three days, just head over to WikiTravel and print out the to-do’s at your destination of choice.
Maybe it won’t be as involved as a printed professionally written guide, but it’ll get the job done, and save you the hassle of running to the book store. That said, be sure to pack intelligently.
That said, here’s a few final tips to make your stay all the better.
Chances are you’ve spent the better part of the past few months in the cloud covered cold, and if you’re of the fairer complexion, your skin is not accustomed to the sun. Be sure to pack sun block, SPF 30 will give you enough cover and you should still see some color, and even if you’re olive skinned, or darker naturally sun block can still help prevent skin cancer, and aging.
If heading into a culturally different location, please red up on the customs. There’s nothing worse than winding up in a culturally awkward situation because you didn’t know the customs, and not to mention that a bit of cultural knowledge can go a long way and make your stay all the better.
Don’t bring your laptop, don’t bring your mobile, get away from work, and don’t even think about it. One of the biggest mistakes we make is bringing our work with us on holiday. Instead of relaxing, we wind up checking emails, and worrying about what’s going on in the office. Seasonal depression or not, you’re still on a mini holiday. So kick back and relax.
Top ten spots to spend the New Years
BY ROBERT WOOLFORD
Now that December is officially here, the streets are awash with holiday decorations, and the weather (if you’re on the Northern Hemisphere at least) gets just much chillier, and if you’re still trying to figure out what to do for the upcoming global bash titled New Year’s eve, you’re in luck. We’ve got ten spots that are surefire wins, so without further ado. The best places to spend New Years Eve.
10. At Home – Huh? Yes, totally out of the blue, but oftentimes the best NYE party is the one with some close friends. So planning a shin dig and get together at your home and inviting your closest friends and family may not be such a bad option, but if you’re inclined to go out. Here are some suggestions.
9. New York, New York – Yeah, we know the mother of all New Year’s parties, and while even our publisher is from New York, and tends to have his complaints about NYC for NYE, it’s got to be done at least once. So if you’re once of the brave ones who want to be in Times Sq. – get there early, better yet though, the city offers passes to get past the Times Sq. police barricade to certain organizations and outfits. If you can get your hands on a few of these Times Sq. is well worth it.
If you’ll be spending NYE in a club, restaurant, bar, etc… be sure to watch out for the “Drinks Free” deal that’s being advertised, it’s rubbish bottom shelf alcohol, there are usually restrictions i.e. one glass per person and the average wait time for the bartender to actually see you can be anywhere up to half an hour, and all this for the low price of $200. So we highly recommend you pass on these “deals” better go grab a dinner and then head to a bar or club with your close ones.
8. Sydney, Australia – While the Island Nation of Kiribati will celebrate the coming of 2010 first, the first major city to celebrate the coming of 2010 will be Sydney Australia. The good is that the party typically runs until dawn and with the warm weather you’ll be able to celebrate NYE on the beach, or if that isn’t your cup of tea, you can always head into the pub. Best of all, when you call your friends in say California they’ll probably be having breakfast.
7. London, UK – Yep! London, not because it’s GMT +/- 0, but because on NYE you’ll get up to 400.000 people out in central London, the party is staggering, and the fireworks over the Thames aren’t half bad either. They shoot off from the Eye and the best views are in either Embankment or Westminster Bridge, but if you’ve passed Lancaster Place, you’ll know you’ve gone too far. In any case, the fireworks last 15 mins, starting when Big Ben strikes zero hour.
6. Lapland, or Stockholm, Sweden – While it may be too late to book a room at the Ice Hotel in Lapland, you can still head up north to see the Northern Lights with that special someone, however, if that special someone isn’t there, and you’re looking for full on shenanigans – then what better place than Stockholm.
5. Tokyo, Japan – The great thing about spending the New Year in Tokyo is that it’s not just a one day affair, the festivities start on the 29th of December and go until the 4th of January. Be warned though that if you are strictly going to Tokyo as a tourist many of the sites will be closed, however, you’ll be able to experience something truly amazing – which is the Watch-Night Bell, and while there be sure to get your hands on some New Years Eve Noodle (Toshikoshi Soba).
4. Venice, Italy – The Fiesta di San Silvestro and Il Capodanno are two Italian celebrations celebrated on the 31st of December, and the 1st of January. The best place to pass NYE in Venice is in St. Marks Square, but be sure to bring your mask as the whole place pretty much turns into one masquerade ball, and don’t forget to wear your red undies as they’re said to bring good luck.
3. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - Copacabana Beach is illuminated by thousands of candles as Afro Brazilian dancers beat their drums and half the city dances to the sound of the approaching new year. To add to the goodness, you’ve got summer time temperatures, meaning you can leave that winter jacket at the gate.
2. Barcelona, Spain – We love Barcelona, and we also love the Noche Vieja – why? Because Barcelona offers the New Years Eve goer a monstrous selection of things to do. Meaning anything from rock, clubs, live performances, ballroom dancing, whatever you want it’s doable, and the party has been often known to last for a week. At midnight be sure to follow the still followed Roman tradition by eating 12 grapes, one after each bell sound. They are after all supposed to make the New Year Begin Sweetly
1. New Orleans, Louisiana -There is possibly no city better suited to host a smashing New Year’s Eve Party like New Orleans, and with a city that can put on the Mardi Gras annually and lives by the catch phrase “Laissez les bons temps rule” you’ll know that everything’s going to go down peachy. The weather can be a bit tricky and it’s recommended that you check the forecasts. Bourbon St. and the French Quarter tend to be the stomping ground of choice by many, but don’t forget that the ball drops in Jackson Square.
With that, best of luck, have fun, stay safe, and have a most wonderful New Year’s Eve.
ProjecTravel’s Guide to Crossing Borders in Developing Nations
Photo by Geoff Shingleton
BY JACINTO VIDRÓ
Without doubt crossing from the DRC into Angola is by no means the same experience as crossing from Austria into Germany. Many travelers tend to find the border experience in many developing nations to be more than a hassle, but a dreaded experience filled with being hassled, scammed, and worst of all thoroughly irritated. Well, we’re here to help.
However before we cross into some best practice areas of how to mitigate the hassle of crossing from one country into another, we should note that the scamming, hassling etc… exists because of poverty, and those people who live in these areas often have little other means of making a living as profitable as getting cash out of tourists, and as such when travelling, remember not to blame them – they’re just trying to make ends meet. But enough of that, and onto the juicy stuff.
LEARN THE BORDER CROSSING PROCEDURE – No other piece of advice will help you more, and the general trend is that bureaucracy is the in thing to do. So typically if you don’t know what you’re up against, the process can be much more frustrating than it needs to be, you may wait on the wrong line, run back and forth between different offices while at the same time trying to figure out what on earth it exactly is that you’re supposed to do. Read up on the practices, if you’re travelling in any given direction ask people who have been there and through the process, and see if they can offer some advice, also make sure that you can get the visa at the border, the worst thing is being turned away when all you needed to do was call the nearest embassy or consulate.
BRING U.S. DOLLARS – While the U.S. Dollar may no longer be the de facto international currency it still hold its mettle and especially so in the developing world. If crossing from point A to B, chances are that your visa, toll, or bribe will most likely have to come in the form of the greenback. As such carry around $200 with you at all times in cash, and be sure to take the necessary precautions to adequately hide the money, thieves may or may not be about. Also, when exchanging or getting USD make sure the notes are not older than 2 years – oftentimes officials will not accept older notes.
ProjecTravel’s Safari Guide to Driving in the Bush
By JACINTO VIDRÓ
While most Safaris are about as dangerous as taking a stroll to the supermarket, a few of the more adventurous of us hire a 4×4, buy a map and head into the veldt. While in principle adventurous, it’s also very stupid. As such, here are some tips to prepare you for an adventure trek holiday through the Kalahari.
DRIVING TIPS
4×4 Hire – When hiring a car to take you across precarious roads you’ll find that most adventure seekers will hire a brand new, or near brand new model of 4×4. While a 2009 Nissan is sleek and can pump out cubic metres of air-conditioning a second, actual parts for it in the bush WILL be scarce, and in the event of some part of it going faulty you’ll be stuck in the middle of nowhere.
As such, leave your ego at home and hire an older model, anything from mid 1990s to mid 2000s will do just fine, and in the event that something should break, your friendly local bush mechanic will be able to fix it for next to nothing.
In terms of models, we highly recommend the Toyota Hilux, – it’s simply indestructible.
Off-Road Driving – Buy a book about off-road driving and read it. You’d be surprised how often people get stuck in the sand and don’t know how to get out. In certain places there may not be anyone coming by for a couple of weeks, so it’s best you practice a bit as well. If possible, hire a truck with a rotating pull rope in the front – if you do get stuck, you’ll be able to attach it to a tree and get yourself out.
Projectravel’s Goddess Guide: or how to look lovely on the beach
Image Courtesy Wikimedia
Live up to classical standards; follow these tried and tested beach beauty tips…
THE BASICS
1. Drink at least two large bottles of water a day.
2. Brush your skin in circular motions – towards the heart to help eliminate toxins
3. Try to exercise three times a week. Something cardiovascular and then something that stretches such as Yoga or Pilates
4. Buy a bikini in the sale. For a flattering shape and quality fabrics it is worth investing in designer swimwear.
5. We all know how dangerous sun damage is; so invest in a high-end sun cream. Sisley’s range is unbeatable. At the lower end of the market Nivea Sun SPF 30 is a good product that will give you all the protection you need.
THE BEAUTY TRICKS
1. Two weeks before you leave cut out all sugar, wheat and processed foods from your diet.
2. One week before your holiday cut out all dairy and salt. Anything containing these products can lead to bloating.
3. Steam; boil some water and pour into a large bowl. Put your head over the bowl and cover yourself with a towel. Take deep breaths and you will soon be left with a supernatural glow.
4. To prepare your skin; steam, scrub and oil. Then add a little self-tan for a truly sun-kissed look.
5. Be Confident
BEACH STYLE
1. Heidi Klein, Jets and American Apparel; all do a good bikini
2. Buy a kaftan or sarong and a printed beach towel to lie on. Patterns divert attention from anything you may wish to hide!
3. Wear lots of gold chunky jewellery with your tan and high-heeled shoes to make your legs look super-long.
4. If you are fair buy blue eyeliner. Brunettes should opt for a gold shimmer powder on the eyes.
5. Be active! There is nothing more boring than the beached whale look and the girl who only sunbathes… So go swim, play Frisbee, sail or surf and enjoy your holiday.
A Spoonful of Lovin’ in The Capital of the World – NYC by Summer
China Town in NYC
BY SCOTT CAVAZOS
New York organises a cadre of activities in the summertime, many of which are completely free. So if you find yourself in the city that stays up kind of late, you may want to take advantage of the following:
1. GO TO A BURLESQUE SHOW
There are many reasons to visit Coney Island before the city scrubs it into a family friendly shell of its former glory, but it’s hard to find a reason better than Burlesque at the Beach. Every weekend at 10pm Coney Island features troupes of the best burlesque and variety performers such as Lucky Pandora’s Box o’ Tricks, Le Scandal and Sugar Shack; and like everything else on the boardwalk, there’s always a twist. For a complete schedule go to Burlesque at the Beach.
2. EAT LIKE A BROKER (WITHOUT GOING BROKE)
Restaurant week is actually two weeks and happens twice a year, but with outdoor seating and international crowds flocking to the city, the summer session is the one you want to hit, when exorbitantly priced restaurants offer prix fixe meals at a fraction of the cost for lunch or dinner or both. Visit Open Table for reservations.
3. KAYAK ON THE HUDSON
Manhattan is known for many things butwater sports is not one of them. However if you feel the need to get wet, you can always rent one of the free kayaks at the Chelsea piers and paddle out into the Hudson. Find them at Pier 40 from 9am until 6pm on the weekends and in the evenings on weekdays. Visit Downtown Boathouse for more details.
4. WEAR SHORTS TO THE ORCHESTRA
On summer days, Central Park offers classical music outdoors with the Naumburg Orchestral Free Concert series. There is no charge and no dress code. Naumburg Orchestral Concerts has the full schedule.
5. EXPLORE GOVERNORS ISLAND
New York hasn’t lost all of its character just yet. In fact, there’s still enough weirdness that it could take a lifetime to see it all; you just need to get out of the officially sanctioned neighbourhoods. Enter Governors Island – a small landmass just south of Manhattan full of abandoned barracks where all manner of twisted performances, art fairs, and installations take place. Go to Governors Island for the full schedule.
6. ROCK OUT IN HARLEM
Amid the brownstones and boulevards of Harlem is a weekly concert series featuring jazz, salsa and world music at the Charles A. Dana Discovery Centre on 110th Street (between Fifth and Lenox Avenues) starting at 2pm every Sunday from June 21 until September 6.
7. HUNT GHOSTS
Washington Heights boasts the oldest and according to some, the most haunted house in the City. Alleged murderess, mistress then wife to Aaron Burr (and later demented recluse) Eliza Jumel has been terrorising visitors to the historic site since 1904 when the city bought her former mansion. The Museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm and Monday through Tuesday by appointment. The Morris Jumel House is located at 65 Jumel Terrace between West 160th & West 162nd Streets. Visit Morris Jumel Mansion for more information.
8. DONATE TO THE ARTS
Most museums have donation days on which admission is up to the patron. Pay what you wish, but expect to encounter hushed breath admonitions if you simply walk through. For more information check Museum Deals.
9. WATCH A FILM WITH ONE THOUSAND OF YOUR CLOSEST FRIENDS
Bryant Park is most commonly associated with fashion week, but every Monday from June 15 until August 17 the park screens free films at 5pm. Blankets and picnics are more than welcome, but be discreet if you’re bringing drinks. Visit Bryant Park for listings.
10. SUNBATHE IN THE BUFF
While there is no (sanctioned) public exposure in the city itself, a ferry from Pier 11 shuttles daily to and from Sandy Hook, NJ, home of Gunnison Beach, the northeast’s largest nudist beach. Due to Gunnison’s status as federal land, the municipal and state ordinances against wearing your birthday suit outside don’t apply. Visit Sea Streak for schedules.
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