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Monday, 17 December 2018

My Favorite Hostels in New Zealand

December 17, 2018 0
Favourite hostels in New Zealand
Traveling around New Zealand, you’ll find a wide range of hostels in this small country: decrepit, run-down chains; modern conglomerates; quirky, little family-owned places; hip, modern flashpacker hostels, and everything in between. And, during my time there, I tried to stay at as many as I could, often changing hostels every night to accomplish this goal.
The hostel scene in the country has vastly improved since I was there in 2010, and there are much more variety and quality now. It’s a much better time to be traveler there and many of the hostels have stepped up their game in this competitive environment.
Here are the ones where everyone should stay during their trip:

Nomads, Queenstown

Nomads Queenstown hostel
This is one of the most amazing hostels I’ve stayed at — ever! (And I’ve stayed at a lot!) Nomads was one of the best when it opened in 2010 — and it’s still one of the best today. Most rooms have balconies, the showers have prodigious water pressure, and the pillows are thick (the manager told me they change them every few months to keep them fluffy — how’s that for service?). But what really sets this establishment apart is the HUGE kitchen and common area. There are activities every night (including a $10 pub crawl) and a free dinner and quiz night on Sunday. Not one traveler I spoke to wanted to leave.

Rainbow Lodge, Taupo

Rainbow Lodge
This is my second-favorite hostel in New Zealand. It’s a quirky independent hostel with a huge kitchen, big common room, pool table, outdoor grill and patio, friendly staff, bike rentals, and a free sauna. In short, everything a backpacker or budget traveler would want from a hostel. I had a stupendous time there and met a lot of solo travelers who weren’t on one of the big bus tours. You got more of the “independent” traveler here than the other hostels in town.

Kiwi Paka, Waitomo

Kiwi Paka Hostel
This is a clean and well-kept hostel where you can get a good night’s sleep. It has a huge outdoor porch overlooking the area, is quiet, and the restaurant cooks up tasty and affordable fare. But, what I really loved, was the water pressure in the showers (I think it took a few layers of skin off!) and the fact that the dorms have single beds — no bunk beds here! And the beds themselves are pretty comfortable.

River Valley Lodge, River Valley

River Valely Lodge
More like a lodge than a hostel, this is a stop on the Kiwi Experience tour (you probably wouldn’t stay here otherwise, unless you were on a romantic getaway or had money to burn). What makes River Valley awesome is its location: sitting outside on the patio, listening to the river rush past as you gaze out at the surrounding valley. Since there’s no light pollution here, looking up at the stars twinkling in the night is breathtaking. Moreover, there’s a sauna and hot tub where you can kick back and relax. There are also some really scenic hikes in the area. This is where you stay if you’re not on a budget, but, if you’re on a budget there are dorm rooms and camping available, too!

Urbanz, Christchurch

Urbanz hostel in New Zealand
This is an awesome modern hostel located right in downtown Christchurch. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, the kitchen is huge (and well cleaned), and there’s a pool table, fast Wi-Fi, laundry, a parking lot, a community bulletin board, movies, and comfy couches. The bedrooms are cleaned daily, and the beds, while not the best, are good enough for a night’s sleep. My only complaint was that there weren’t a lot of showers on the floor I was on, and the unisex nature of them was little shocking when I walked in only wearing boxers — but whatever, it’s a hostel!

Haka Lodge, Queenstown

Haka Lodge
The staff is here is super nice and helpful, the kitchen is huge and clean, there’s lots of outdoor space to hang out on a warm night, the beds are super comfy (I slept like a baby), and you get a lot of personal space. I appreciated the lockers too, which is still a surprising rarity in this country. The dorms are kind of small, so expect cramped quarters, and you have to cross the lobby to get to the showers, but beyond that, I’d stay there again in a heartbeat. Book in advance, though, as Haka Lodge is REALLY popular and fills up weeks in advance, especially during high season. (An outgrowth of a Haka Tours, this is one location out of many. I only stayed at this one, but, from what I heard from everyone around, the others are just as high-quality.)

Montrose, Franz Josef

Montrose hostel in New Zealand
The tiny town of Franz Josef sees enough visitors to have three hostels next to each other that are all permanently full. Out of the three, I found Montrose the most appealing. They had high water pressure showers, clean bathrooms, thick walls (so you didn’t hear people at night), and two kitchens and large common room, making it easy to cook and meet people. It felt a lot homier than the other two hostels in town.

Mountain View Backpackers, Wanaka

Mountain View Backpackers
This place made the list for three reasons: the guests, the staff, and the backyard. The staff is really friendly and try hard to get people to socialize and interact with each other. The hostel (a house, really) has a huge outdoor space with a grill, space to lie in the sun, and a big table to congregate around (there were many enjoyable nights drinking wine outdoors). And, since it’s one of the few hostels in town not connected to the big bus tours, you meet a lot of independent, solo travelers. The facilities, however, are just OK. The kitchen was the best stocked of any I came across in the country, but it was small and gets really busy and cramped at meal times. The beds were OK too, but the metal frames creaked a lot. Plus, there are no lockers and the bathrooms need a complete redo (they were really gross). Still, I’d stay here again because it’s the type of place that fosters community, which, in a country where hostels seem to have a very passive approach to guest relations, I found very nice.

Bunkers Backpackers, Stewart Island

A view of Stewart island
If you make your way to Stewart Island (and you should), find this converted house. The owners take wonderful care of the place. You’ll find comfy beds, clean bathrooms, lots of kitchen space, a nice patio, and fast Wi-Fi. Stewart Island sees a lot of hikers, so people are either tired from their multiday hike or resting up for it, so this hostel is pretty quiet — you’ll get a fantastic sleep!
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Friday, 14 December 2018

14 Ways to Safely Hitchhike Across the United States

December 14, 2018 0
Matthew Karsten hitchhiking in the USA holding a sign offering free cookies

My first experience with hitchhiking was in Belize. Back in 2005, I hitchhiked the entire country, as it was the most common way locals got around. If they were doing it, why not me? It was a lot of fun and much easier and safer than I thought it would be. Since then, I’ve hitchhiked around a handful of countries and met some interesting (and not so interesting) people. Hitchhiking is still a popular and common way many people worldwide get around, but it evokes a lot of fears and concerns, especially among Westerners. Today, Matt Karsten from expertvagabond.com shares his experience hitchhiking around the United States and advice about how you can safely do it too. Enter Matt.
It was a chilly and overcast day on the Oregon coast when I nervously stuck my thumb out on the side of Route 101. For the next 20 minutes, drivers passed me over and over again — most with looks of disgust on their faces. But I kept on smiling. Would anyone stop for me? Was I wasting my time? I wasn’t completely sure.
Eventually my persistence paid off, and a massive orange pickup truck screeched to a stop in a cloud of dust. A wave of excitement rushed over me as I jogged up to meet CJ and her dog, Trigger. My first ride!
Yet this was just the first of many such pleasant surprises on my journey.
CJ wasn’t going far, only to the next town. When I asked why she stopped, she explained that I looked relatively normal and that she’d also done some solo hitchhiking in Montana when she was younger. This would become a common theme over the next five weeks. Drivers will often stop for you to pay back kindness they received in the past.
Before I left on my mission to hitchhike across the United States from coast to coast, I was told that no one picks hitchhikers up anymore. They said that it was dangerous these days, and that the golden era of hitchhiking was, sadly, over.
But after five weeks, 3,500 miles, 36 rides (from both men and women), a motorcycle, a boat, an airplane, a freight train, and a tractor trailer, I can say that those people were wrong. If you’ve always dreamed of hitchhiking but are unsure of how to do it, where to begin, and how to stay safe, here are 14 tips to hitchhike smart:

Be Confident

Always look drivers in the eye and smile as they pass. Not in a crazy axe-murderer way, but in a friendly and personable way. Smiling is very important. Pretend the next car is a friend who is planning to pick you up. Try waving hello or holding your gaze expectantly as they drive past. You really only have a second or two to make a positive impression. Think of it as a drive-by job interview, with only your eyes, appearance, and body language to guide the other person’s decision. Smiling for three hours straight in the sun or rain despite a constant stream of rejection is not easy, but you’ll get better at it. If you look nervous or scared, you will attract the wrong type of people, so be confident.

Look Presentable

Two guys posing in front of an airplane with a backpack and a thumbs up
No one wants to pick up a lazy, stinky-looking hobo. Dress in light or bright clothes. Avoid wearing black if you can. Don’t wear sunglasses (people need to see your eyes), and keep your hands out of your pockets. Don’t smoke, drink, or sit down on the side of the road.
Additionally, many drivers pick up people who look similar to themselves. I was having a difficult time getting a ride on the border of Colorado and Kansas until I bought myself a cheap cowboy hat! Soon after that strategic purchase, a trucker couple from rural Tennessee pulled over and proceeded to drive me 1,200 miles over the course of two days, country music playing all the while.

Choose a Good Spot

A hammock tied between two trees and a backpack sitting on the ground
Cars will not stop for you if they can’t do it safely. Interstate on-ramps are great because cars aren’t moving very fast and there’s usually room to pull over. Other good locations include intersections with stoplights or a stop sign and gas stations. The longer a driver can get a good look at you, the better. Keep an eye out for shady areas with protection from the sun, too. If you have Internet access on your phone, Google Maps in satellite view will show you where the best on-ramps are.
Hitchhiking out of big cities can be very difficult, and sometimes using public transportation to get to the outskirts is your best option. There are some places where it is almost impossible to get a ride, such as spots near sensitive government facilities (employees are forbidden to pick people up), prisons, or neighborhoods with high crime rates.

Make Conversation

There are many reasons why people pick up hitchhikers. Maybe they’re bored and want to listen to fun travel stories. Maybe they were once hitchhikers and want to share their experience (and karma) with you. Maybe they’ll try to convert you to Christianity/Islam/Scientology. Maybe they need help staying awake on a long drive.
Providing good conversation is how you pay these people back for their generosity. It can also lead to a free lunch, drinks, or maybe even an offer to host you for the night. Ed the yacht builder was the last ride on my cross-country journey, and he spent his whole afternoon giving me a personal tour of the Maryland coast before taking me out for dinner and drinks at his favorite seafood restaurant.

Be Prepared

Always pack enough food and water to last a day, in case you get stuck in the middle of nowhere. I like to bring a few bananas, apples, tortillas, tuna, refried beans, and maybe a package of cookies to share. A filtered water bottle will let you safely drink from rivers and ponds. Take a couple of dark-colored permanent markers to create signs, some sunscreen, a first aid kit, warm clothes, and a rain jacket.
A USB car charger and external battery for your mobile phone is a good idea too. They’re perfect for listening to music, checking Google Maps, or calling for help in an emergency. A lightweight camping hammock or bivy sack will help you save money on accommodations. I frequently camped in the woods on the side of the road or behind churches on my trip.

Use a Cardboard Sign

Guy in a dumpster holding up a piece of cardboard for his hitchhiking sign with a truck passing
A simple cardboard sign indicating a town nearby helps a lot. Keep it short and write in large capital letters with a Sharpie marker. It needs to be readable at a distance from a fast-moving vehicle. Use destinations that are relatively close (within 20–50 miles), and you’ll be more likely to score rides. You can then negotiate longer ones inside the vehicle if the driver is going farther in your intended direction.
Funny signs work well too. A few successful ones I used were: “Free Cookies,” “Won’t Kill You,” and “Rabies-Free Since June.” That last sign was funny enough that Dan, a retired theater actor and pharmaceutical executive, had already driven to the next exit when he changed his mind and turned around to come get me!
You can find cardboard for signs at any gas station or fast-food restaurant, either by asking inside or by opening up the dumpster in the back.

Choose Your Ride Carefully

You are under no obligation to get into every car that stops for you. Is the driver in a good mood? Are they looking you in the eyes? Are they sober? How many people are in the car? If you don’t feel comfortable accepting a ride, thank the driver and say no. Make up an excuse if you have to. Pretend to be sick, or explain that you’d rather wait for a longer ride. Trust your gut instincts. On my own trip, I only turned down one ride. I was in a sketchy neighborhood (prostitutes were walking around in the middle of the day), and the vehicle that stopped was a truck packed with four young guys, with the smell of weed pouring from the windows. They were also only headed to the next exit. Odds are good I would’ve been fine, but the situation didn’t feel right and I decided to wait for a better opportunity.

Use Common Sense

Always wear your seatbelt, and if the person starts driving erratically, stay calm and polite but ask to be let out at the next safe pullover spot. Avoid hitchhiking (or picking up hitchhikers) at night. Not only is it very difficult to stop on the side of the road safely after dark, but it’s also much harder to see pedestrians at night. Not to mention, people are much more likely to commit crimes under the cover of darkness.

Stay Positive

Two guys on a motorcycle, on a motorcycle owner, the other is a hitchhiker in America
Hitchhiking is definitely a mental challenge. You’re putting yourself out there in public while engaging in an activity that isn’t considered mainstream. You’ll be judged by everyone who passes you, often in a negative way. People will laugh, flip you off, yell, honk, rev their engines, or maybe even throw things.

Stay in Control

Predators prey on weakness and insecurity. Don’t make yourself an easy target. Dress conservatively and steer sexual topics to something unsexy. Make it crystal clear you’re only interested in getting to your destination, and nothing else. Maintain an aura of confidence.
Keep your valuables on or near your body so if you must escape quickly, you don’t lose them. Avoid putting your bag in the trunk if possible, so the driver can’t take off before you can grab it. Snap a quick photo of the back of the car with your phone before you get in, then send it to a friend or your Twitter account. Once inside the car, find a moment to call a friend and tell them where you are and where you’re headed so the driver can hear you doing it.

Avoid Arguments

Hitchhiknig sign saying that Montana Won't Kill You
Try to avoid talking to your driver (or hitchhiker) about politics, religion, race, or other controversial subjects, at least until you get to know each other a bit and can gauge how they might react. You don’t want to provoke them into becoming angry or emotional while behind the wheel. If they attempt to start a conversation on these topics, try to change the subject or give boring/vague answers to their questions until they lose interest or you feel comfortable talking about them. This is how I responded to Captain Kitty Litter’s overly racist remarks and questions. Even though I disagreed with his views, I just kind of nodded along and let him talk.

Hitchhike with a Friend

If it’s your first time hitchhiking and you’re particularly nervous about it, try hitching with someone else who’s done it before. This is a fantastic way to learn the ropes and get more comfortable. While it might be more difficult to get someone to stop for two hitchhikers, it will always be a bit safer. I’m not saying not to go alone, but if you’re worried about safety, hitchhiking with a friend might be a good way to start out.

Expect to Wait

Male hitchhiker with a female driver riding along the road in a top-down convertible
My average wait time while hitchhiking across the United States was about an hour. But there were some days when it took 2–3 hours or more. You must be prepared to wait in one spot for at least a few hours. However, there were also many times when I was picked up after only 15 minutes. You just never know how long it will take.
If you’re in a particularly bad spot, it might take days to get picked up, which happened to me once outside Denver. I spent two nights in a motel waiting to get out of there. Are you getting sick of waiting? Maybe take a break and go do something else to break up the time. Having camping gear with you can help in these situations too. Walking a few miles to the next exit or catching a taxi to a better location are also options.

Protect Yourself

You will almost certainly never need to use it, but packing a weapon of some kind to help with self-defense is always a good idea. I like to bring pepper spray along with me. When Captain Kitty Litter started telling me about the time he threw another hitchhiker out of his moving car, I subtly placed one hand in my pocket where pepper spray was hidden (just in case). Luckily I never needed to use it!
My experienced hitchhiker friend Shannon carries a stun gun openly on her belt (this can be illegal in some states). However, a simple pen shoved into the ear or eyes of an assailant should work in a pinch too. In my opinion, a knife should not be your first choice for self-defense unless you’ve been trained to use it, as it can easily be turned against you if the situation takes a turn for the worse. Please note that using a weapon is an absolute last resort — only use it when communication doesn’t work and you honestly fear for your life.

Is Hitchhiking Safe?

Hitchhiking has become progressively more rare over the years. Irrational fears about hitchhiking are brought on by paranoid horror stories promoted aggressively by the news and then turned into movies by Hollywood. Bad news is what sells, so that’s what we’re exposed to. I’m still waiting for CNN to do a story about my successful hitchhiking adventure, but I’m not holding my breath. I had a wonderful time, met great people, and nothing bad happened. It’s not sensational enough to be considered news.
Based on my own experience and after listening to other people’s hitchhiking stories, it’s likely that some weirdos will pick you up. But rarely will it result in a dangerous situation. Out of 36 different rides during my own adventure, I had maybe two or three “odd” (socially awkward) drivers.
I was told countless times that hitchhiking would be dangerous. While it’s smart to be prepared for worst-case scenarios, in reality you don’t have to worry about these horror stories too much. Most of the people I met while hitchhiking were friendly, fascinating, and full of entertaining tales. But that doesn’t mean you should let your guard down.
While hitchhiking is not nearly as dangerous as some people make it out to be, there is risk involved. If you choose to engage in this activity, you are accepting those risks. Crimes are committed against hitchhikers from time to time, as well as against drivers (although much less frequently).
If you ever feel threatened or uncomfortable once you’re already in the vehicle, first ask the driver to stop and let you out at the next exit or gas station. Make up an excuse if you want to. If the driver still fails to stop, remind them that you sent a photo of the car and plate number to friends. In an absolute emergency, you can always grab the steering wheel or handbrake and cause a small accident. Remember, only use these techniques as a last resort, when you genuinely fear for your life. Even small accidents can kill you or someone else. It’s not something to take lightly.

One Final Legal Note

Hitchhiking in the United States is legal. The confusion lies with the United States Uniform Vehicle Code. The law states:
“No person shall stand in a roadway for the purpose of soliciting a ride.”
Sounds illegal, right? Yes — until you read its definition of “roadway:”
“That portion of a highway improved, designed or ordinarily used for vehicular travel, exclusive of the sidewalk, berm or shoulder even though such sidewalk, berm or shoulder is used by persons riding bicycles or other human powered vehicles.”
What does that mean? It’s illegal to stand directly on the road (for obvious safety reasons), but standing on the side of the road, the shoulder, or a sidewalk is fine.
Each state also has its own laws, though, and a few specifically ban hitchhiking. These include New York, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Wyoming.
However, getting caught hitchhiking in these states doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll go to jail. Police officers may stop and question you, give you a warning, or fine you. In fact, hitchhikers may experience this from authorities even in states where it is technically legal, due to ignorance of the law or boredom.
Man standing on the beach with 3 girls in bikinis and a cardboard hitchhiking sign saying THE END
Hitchhiking will definitely be a challenge. But it will also open your mind, build your confidence, teach you patience, and introduce you to new friends. There’s something magical about the open road and the uncertainty that comes with sticking out your thumb with no plans.
You could meet a friendly schoolteacher who’s never picked anyone up or an ex-con with hilarious stories to share. Or maybe you’ll meet the inventor of the Ultimate Pancake Sandwich. I was picked up in fancy Land Rovers, an airplane, a boat, a motorcycle, and a car held together with duct tape. You don’t know who will stop, if anyone will stop, or how your day will unfold when someone eventually does. That’s what makes hitchhiking so special. It’s the unknown.
It’s an absolute roller coaster ride full of emotions: thrilling one minute, then completely discouraging the next. But in the end, hitchhiking might just be one of your most memorable or rewarding travel experiences, as it has been for me. I’ll never forget the feeling of accomplishment I experienced when jumping into the Atlantic Ocean at the end of my long journey.
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Thursday, 13 December 2018

How to travel with unlimited Wi-Fi with WiWander

December 13, 2018 0
Getting access to Wi-Fi, let alone unlimited access, is becoming more important to travellers than the type of accommodation they choose.
In fact, studies show that Wi-Fi has a significant impact upon where people now choose to stay on their travels.
In my early days of travel is was where to buy a postage stamp, which later gave way to, where to find the nearest internet cafe.
Now we travel with all our devices and do everything online including booking our trips, sharing with friends, transferring money and, for some of us, continuing to work so we can earn and travel.
wiwander unlimited wifi (2)
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I travelled to the LA for a week for the Blog Her conference and partnered with WiWander to test their Wi-Fi device as a way to get unlimited Wi-Fi when you travel.
I’ve written before about the dangers of data roaming through your normal telecommunications company. They charge more than $200 AU for 1 GB of data, which means total bill disaster for you when you return.
I’ve also spoken about the hassle of finding local SIM cards and getting the right plan for your data connection needs – unlimited data plans are getting harder to find.
Finding reliable free Wi-Fi is also a pain.
I don’t want to make travel decisions based upon where I can find free Wi-Fi, particularly since we move so much and a large part of what we do is to be online sharing on social media. It’s a pain to discover something worth sharing on the street, but can’t share it as you can’t find any Wi-Fi connection.
It’s a hassle to be connecting and reconnecting, finding Wi-Fi passwords, or even feeling obliged to buy a coffee or muffin to get it.
Let me go wherever, whenever and still be connected in an unlimited way.
wi wander unlimited wifi
I fell in love with the WiWander device. It was effortless to use, and once connected upon arrival through US immigration, I forgot I even had it. I was online the entire time without a worry of bill shock or not being able to do the things that make my travels better.
I could use Google maps to hep me explore the city, I could update to my social accounts, read reviews and suggestions on places to see and eat, and phone Craig and the girls wherever I was using Skype or Facebook messenger.
There were no dropouts or connectivity problems.
Table of Contents

What is WiWander?

travel unlimited wifi wiwander
WiWander is a portable, pocket-size Wi-Fi router, and a must-have travel accessory.
You rent the device (just order online), which gives unlimited data to outbound Australian travellers for multiple destinations around the world. WiWander is perfect for leisure or business use when travelling and ensure excellent internet connection wherever you are.
WiWander is perfect for leisure or business use when travelling and ensure excellent internet connection wherever you are.
The cost of renting the device varies depending upon your travel destination. It can be as low as $5 a day in Singapore, to $15 a day in the US, to $20 a day in Europe.
For long-term travellers, buying a local SIM card would probably work out more economical, but if you’re changing countries often, then the WiWander device would work well. Finding a new SIM card in each country is a hassle and can work out expensive if you’re required to purchase a month-long plan, but will only be in the country for a few days.

What I love about WiWander

  • The device comes to you. No racing around to find any SIM cards or solution. You order and rent it online and the courier drops it off and picks it back up from you when you’re done.
  • The battery life on the device was excellent. When fully charged it would last all day and night. The only time it died on me was when I forgot to charge it overnight and went to a full conference day on half battery. It died by 10pm and I tell ya, I missed it at 2am when I wanted to call an uber. I had to walk to my friend’s apartment, connect to her Wi-Fi and then call an uber!
  • Consistent connection. Once you connect to the Wi-Fi you’re done. While friends of mine were running around trying to connect to free Wi-Fi, I was always on and not stressing about data limits.
  • Unlimited data. Perfect for our needs. On this trip, I was Skyping as well as live streaming, uploading videos and photos to social media, and doing all other online activities. If I wasn’t so busy I would have watched a Netflix show or two. If I had any other plans, I would have capped out on my data pretty quick. It was so great to not worry about data limits!
  • My Wi-Fi connection speed was fast almost the entire time I as away. There were only one or two experiences where it was a little slow, but it didn’t last long. I was very happy hearing many around me at the conference complaining about using the slow conference Wi-Fi and not able to connect. I was delighted to have my own personal connection. Bear in mind that it does connect to local data providers so is dependent on their speed.
  • A secure connection. If you have your own device, you have an extra layer of security than if you are using free Wi-Fi. Often times your mobile phone won’t even let you get on certain sites when you’re using pubic Wi-Fi, which is a pain.
  • You can connect multiple devices at the one time – up to 5. I had my phone and my lap top connected when I was in my LA apartment working, which did not affect speed. The WiWander device would be super handy when we’re traveling together as a family. Imagine all family members connected to the device on unlimited data!
wiwander unlimited wifi

What I didn’t like about WiWander

  • The only thing I didn’t like, which is a little picky, was the on/off button. It was a little slow to pick up so you were unsure if it went on or not, which sometimes resulted in you actually turning it back off. A minor issue as I often have the same problem with my phone or other tech devices.
  • The device is a little big. It’s not that much bigger than my Samsung 6 and fit okay in my clutch purse, but some people may think it’s too big. It wasn’t a problem for me.
  • It can be more expensive than getting a local SIM card. The backpacker in me protests, but, the business woman I now am argues back that for convenience and ease it’s worth it. It will depend on your length of stay and how many devices you need data for. If it’s more than one, the WiWander might make better sense.

How to book WiWander:

  1. Book and pay online via wiwander.com at least five days before departure.
  2. Your pocket Wi-Fi router is delivered to your address at least one day prior to your departure.
  3. Enjoy unlimited Wi-Fi every day throughout your entire overseas trip.
  4. A courier collects the router from your address one day after you get home.
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Tuesday, 13 November 2018

Why We Stay in Apartments with kids

November 13, 2018 0
As you can tell from following our journey around Australia we don’t always stay in our five by three-metre camper trailer. I’d go insane living ONLY in that for 18 months.
I like the stability of it and always having a place for my things, but sometimes you just need a bit more comfort and space, especially traveling with kids and running our business.
I love staying in holiday apartments for a refreshing escape and to get some decent rest, to have a clean private shower for awhile, and to be able to wake up in the middle of the night and go to the toilet without having to grab the torch and shuffle in the dark for 50 metres to the amenities block in the campsite. And I love having a big kitchen, with an oven.
I miss not having an oven in the camper trailer as I love to make meals like vegetable lasagne, lentil shepherds pie and Mediterranean vegetable bake. And maybe a chocolate cashew tart or two (sugar and gluten free!!)
Plus, we always find the girls get a good rest and enjoy having their own room and separate beds. And we don’t have to go through the dreaded 90-minute pack up and set up time-consuming process with our camper.
 
Their tag line is “there’s room for everyone” and they’ve become our little home away from home that offers us all we need from our break and typically they come with AMAZING views like this one in Coolangatta.
Mantra Coolangatta Beach - Queensland, Australia
Mantra Coolangatta Beach, Gold Coast
 
We raced to the Mantra in Perth. Like literally raced there! We were meant to stop in Jurien Bay for the night to break up the eight-hour drive to Perth from Kalbarri. And because we wanted to visit The Pinnacles – limestone formations contained within Nambung National Park on the Coral Coast.
But, then along the way I came down really sick. I have a few food issues sometimes and I think I’d eaten some gluten somewhere. My stomach was on fire and I was sure I’d have to see a doctor or go to the hospital.
So we headed straight down to Perth and were thankfully able to get a room at the Mantra on Hay Street.
Mantra on Hay Street, Perth, Western Australia
Mantra on Hay Street, Perth
Night time view from our balcony
Night time view from our balcony
I didn’t even see the Pinnacles, which was on my bucket list.
We stopped in there hoping to drive through it so I could get a glimpse through the window, but our camper trailer was not allowed on the road and we weren’t about to unhitch it.
So Craig went walking around to have a look, while I sat clenched over with the girls in the car.
The Pinnacles, Western Australia
The Pinnacles
I really didn’t care that I was missing it, I just wanted to get to the Mantra and lie down.
Which was what I did.
We arrived and I lay straight on the couch, numbing out to a bit of TV.
Craig and the girls dialed in pizza and I collapsed into bed for a restful sleep. It was exactly what I needed. I woke up in the morning still sore and a bit hazy, but feeling like I did not need to see a doctor anymore.
I was so grateful for the apartment the next day as I just hung out and got the rest I needed to recover, and got in a little bit of work whilst the kids watched cartoons.
That afternoon, I was able to take a walk outside to discover the city. We love central apartment stays in the city.
Mantra Apartments in Perth, Western Australia
Mantra Apartments in Perth, Western Australia
Mantra Apartments in Perth, Western Australia

The Mantra on Hay, Perth

The location of the Mantra is on Hay Street and easy 10-minute walk to the CBD, or a short walk down to the river, and for cricket fans, the WACA. It’s also close to the Hay Street and Murray Street Malls for the shopaholics.
I certainly enjoyed that on the Friday morning with Lululemon, an athletic clothing store, offering a free yoga class! AWESOME! I almost had the city to myself as I walked down for a bit of vinyasa flow to start my day in the right way.
Close by was Northbridge, which offered 6am morning rooftop yoga. The class completely kicked my butt, but I loved starting my day looking at the skyline while doing my upward dogs. The rooftop also has evening outdoor cinema in the summer.
How to maintain a yoga practice on your travels
The Mantra on Hay also had lovely lighting coming into the living room window and modern decor, which was really important for me. It was the perfect opportunity for me to shoot my videos for our upcoming free training series for my Money Cleanse.
There’s no way I can get those conditions in the camper trailer so I have to look for those opps when we stay in apartments. This was exactly what I needed. Craig took the girls for a swim in the indoor pool on the top floor of the Mantra and then for a play down by the river while I got busy shooting the videos.
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Mantra in Perth swimming pool
Fun by the Swan river
We’ll be staying in a few apartments in January, so hopefully I’ll finish off my videos then. At least I’ll have space and comfort and no 2am walks to the campsite toilets.
Yay my own bathroom.
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Friday, 23 March 2018

6 Exciting Reasons Jackson Mississippi is a Soulful Family Getaway

March 23, 2018 0
We weren’t sure what to expect from our family getaway to Jackson Mississippi.
We didn’t know too much about it, except that it was the birthplace of blues and had a checkered history with the Civil Rights Movement.
Jackson, Mississippi
When we organized to visit in partnership with Visit Jackson CVB to showcase the family fun, I couldn’t stop singing the Johnny Cash lyrics,
“I’m going to Jackson”
And then I googled it and found out it wasn’t written about Jackson Mississippi at all, but Jackson in Nashville.
Seemed like I had a lot to learn!
I wasn’t sure what we’d uncover, but I love arriving in a destination without any expectations.
You tend to arrive with a more open and curious heart and leave with plenty of memories of unexpected surprises.
Jackson was full of surprises and memorable moments.
We did discover why Jackson is known as the City With Soul and has everything required for a happy family getaway – interesting attractions, delicious food, and plenty of soulful entertainment.
Here’s why we think Jackson is a great family getaway.

1. An Educational Experience

Families are beginning to see travel as a way to provide valuable educational opportunities for their children.
Children learn best from real life experiences they can engage and interact with the. The more fun and relatable it is, the faster they will learn.
I know this from years of experience as a teacher, and now as a homeschooling mum who has slowly unwound from a strict homeschool curriculum to more of an unschooling approach.
Both the girls are thriving with little teacher led instruction. That’s a yippee from me!
It means we have more time to travel and have fun together.
Jackson, Mississippi was full of engaging and interactive museums and opportunities to learn.
I’ll split some of them into more specific categories, but all of them could fit under this reason that makes Jackson a great getaway for families.
Mississippi Agricultural Museum Jackson family getaway
Now the girls are becoming more involved in our travel blog, they are fascinated with words and productions.
They both said learning about old ways of printing at the Mississippi Agricultural & Forestry Museum was their favorite part, and that blogging makes it so easy to share your words!
They discovered just how heavy those printing machines are.
Museum of Mississippi History captured the girls attention and enthusiasm, with their interactive exhibits sharing the stories from hear stories from the people who shaped Mississippi.
They loved going into the video room to record their own personal stories and thoughts on Mississippi. And they were able to write a postcard which the Museum sends for you.
Not sure if they will send it to Australia, but we popped it in the box anyway.
The girls will never forget the two-headed snake they saw at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. They felt like they had just walked into Voldemort’s Den.
I will also never forget the creepy fascination of it. In over 20 years of travel, I’ve never quite seen anything like it.
As our tag line says, “Travel More. Create Better Memories.”

2. A place to appreciate art, create and play

Museum of Art, Jackson, Mississippi
Museum of Art
The artwork at the Jackson Mississippi Museum of Art was exceptional.
You rarely see art museums on this blog as we aren’t passionate about it and usually find them boring. To be honest we were expecting the same but were completely surprised.
It’s a very inviting space that feels very welcoming to children, especially with the family corners set up throughout the galleries where kids can play with objects, read picture books, create artworks and reflect.
Museum of Art, Jackson Mississippi
The museum tells the Mississippi story and is organized into time periods.
Each section has which had older pieces and then a more modern piece interpreting the story from that time. It made the displays fresh and interesting.
I loved the art appreciation lesson my girls got with our two college students from the Teaching Fellows program.
They helped them to see how to look at a piece of art and use their observational skills to discover what it was trying to tell you and to draw out what they saw and liked.
The incredible Haitian Postcard painting offered an interactive section with questions that helped the girls (and myself) find more things in the painting that told the story of slavery.
As we had learned so much of the Civil Rights history on this Deep South trip, I loved that there was a Civil Rights section which the girls could easily connect to.
My favorite piece was Red April which was created to depict the assassination of MLK and the emptions behind it.
Museum of Art, Jackson, Mississippi
Red April
I love this picture of our girls reflecting upon it.
I was so grateful they had this experience, as I am not particularly artistic so am not the best person to enrich their artistic souls.
It’s not just the Art Museum that opened up the way for creative paly for my girls, but the incredible Mississippi Children’s Museum, which was the best we have been to so far in the US (and we’ve been to a lot).
Children's Museum, Jackson, Mississippi
The Express Yourself Gallery is where the girls had a ball making spinning art with paint, twirling and flipping in the dance studio, and playing with instruments and recording songs in the music room.
Okay, so maybe I hogged the microphone and karaoked just a little bit.
And how could kids not love a play area designed like the gastrointestinal system and farts as you run through it?
Just another memory of Jackson they won’t forget in a hurry.
Visually, it’s bright and colorful and conducive to play.
Childrens Museum things to do in Jackson Mississippi with kids
For sport loving families, the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum gives you a place to bond over your heroes and have a space for a few cartwheels and games in the interactive baseball/basketball arena.
Some of the most famous NFL Footballers of all time hail from Mississippi; Jerry Rice, Walter Payton, Brett Fave and Archie Manning.
See more in our video: Top 10 things to do in Jackson with kids:

3. Learn about social issues and how to be a better person

I want my girls to be aware of their privilege and to learn how they can use it to create a better world.
I want them to grow up as tolerant, compassionate, strong empowered women. We seek out these experiences when we travel so they know they’re here not just for themselves alone.
We spent time at the new and very sobering Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson.
Civil Rights Museum, Jackson, Mississippi
The eight galleries focus on the years 1945–1976 when Mississippi was ground zero for the national Civil Rights Movement.
The galleries encircle a central space called “This Little Light of Mine.”
A dramatic sculpture hangs from the ceiling and glows brighter as inspiring music such as “This little light of mine” and “We shall overcome” plays.
Mississippi Civil Rights Museum Jackson MS a soulful family getaway
It’s a good space to sit and reflect, especially if you need a dose of hope.
The kids (and you) may need to take a break in here as the story shown within the museum is heartbreaking.
I recommend working with your child, in the final exhibition, to create their statement for what they promise to stand for. They can write on the computer to be projected onto the walls.
We continued the story by visiting the home of Medgar Evers, a prominent Civil Rights Activist.
Medgar Evers Jackson Missisippi
I’ll never forget the look on Kalyra’s face as she sat on the floor in his home listening to our guide, Minnie, share his story and the dangers he and his family faced in Jackson.
She hung off every word with a look of confusion and shock, especially when her eyes traced the path of the bullet that killed Medgar in his driveway.
It went right by her head into the kitchen.
I was a bit worried it may have been too traumatic for her, but she handled it well and we were able to talk about the position of privilege that she experiences now is a result of the sacrifices of many that went before her.
These are experiences and lessons that cannot be absorbed through a text book or teacher lectures in school.
It’s vital that our children are given opportunities when we travel to see how the world has grown and evolved and to know they play a role in continuing that today.
They are our future, it’s up to us as parents to nurture in them that sense of service for the greater good.
Travel is more than just about the number of like on an Instagram memory.

4. An opportunity to connect to the language of the soul

Guitar lessons at Fondren Guitars Jackson MS
Guitar lessons at Fondren Guitars
Jackson is the birthplace of the Blues and the City of Soul.
And while Johnny Cash may not have written his famous song about this city, there are plenty of other great musicians adding the depth of its musical soul blueprint.
I’m sure you can tell with our trips to Nashville and Memphis that we seek out musical experiences.
And yes, once again, we’re happy to prove that you can go to music venues with kids.
Blue Monday, hosted by the Central MS Blues Society, Inc. at Hal and Mal’s is an iconic tradition in Jackson.
Their regular blues band plays a set of about five songs before calling up people from the audience to come jam with them.
Hal and Mal's Blue Monday City With Soul Jackson Mississippi
Hal and Mal’s
We’re normally not huge blues fans, but we thoroughly enjoyed this evening.
The music was incredible, the location small and intimidate, and everyone was relaxed, friendly and having a wonderful time.
There are plenty of options to appreciate music over meals, like the Sunday Brunch we had at the Iron Horse Grill.
Iron Horse Grill, Jackson, Mississippi
Iron Horse Grill
And the BBQ and Blues event at the Cathead Distillery.
Cathead Distillery, Jackson, Mississippi
Cathead Distillery
Not only will the kids love the music in a relaxed, family friendly atmosphere, but the giant games of Jenga, Connect Four and cornhole!
The girls have now put in a request for a guitar after an exciting half hour guitar lesson with Patrick at Fondren Guitars, where they learned a few riffs with the bluesy E chord.
I love travel experiences that introduce them to new hobbies and passions and keeps them connected to real life experiences instead of a world governed by devices and highlight reels.

5. Soulful Food to remember

Bullys restuarant Jackson Mississippi
Bully’s Restaurant
We’re usually wary of food traveling in the South as it has a reputation for fried food and a BBQ. Being gluten intolerant this brings out a bit of trepidation.
The food in Jackson was incredible.
We had some of the best meals so far on our road trip across the country.
You can still get some of that great southern cooking (some of which has won James Beard awards) but you can also get more modern twists on southern food.
You can read more about some of those dishes in our post on things to do in Jackson with kids coming soon!
Parents, know you will be satisfied.
For now, let’s focus on the food the kids will remember, because we all know unhappy hungry children is a recipe for a completely disastrous family getaway.
Okay so you know I’m talking about ice cream here. What else right?!
What about hot choc sundaes and Nutella milkshakes?
Brent's Drugs, Jackson, Mississippi
Brent’s Soda Fountain
Yeah, it took me five minutes to decide which one too. Good thing families who share together stay together.
Brent’s Soda Fountain has been dishing up ice cream and milkshakes since 1946. You may recognize its charming turquoise mid-century decor from the movie, The Help.
It’s also one of the friendliest places for families in Jackson and still has the old style communal gathering place vibe.
But, wait. There are healthy ice cream choices in Jackson as well.
Head to Deep South Pops for some healthy, hand crafted popsicles.
Deep South Pops, Jackson, Mississippi
Avocado Chocolate Cake and Avocado Coconut Cream
The flavors change regularly, whose yumminess includes chocolate avocado cake, Strawberry lemonade, and pineapple coconut cream.
Oh, and parents you can drop your pop into a beer that complements its flavor too.
Yep, it’s a Jackson Mississippi thing! I just wish I could have given it a go.
There are plenty of bakeries as well.
The girls gave a double thumbs up to the gigantic cinnamon rolls at Broad Street Bakery and the cupcakes and Mississippi shaped teacakes at Campbell’s Bakery, where they also had a cake decorating lesson.
Jackson, Mississippi
Broad Street Bakery and Campbell’s Bakery
They now have permission to take over my kitchen and have baked a few treats since returning from Jackson.
Keep it up girls!

6. A restful place for your soul

Westin Jackson Mississippi with kids
Westin Hotel
If you are visiting a City With Soul, you definitely want to stay in a place that is restful for the soul.
For a fantastic family friendly place to stay in Jackson Mississippi, don’t look past the Westin Hotel.
The Westin Jackson MS is only 8 months old and has a central location near many of the attractions. The girls can be harsh accommodation critics, but they loved the comfort and style of this hotel in Jackson.
I loved the amenities of the hotel, in particular, the well-stocked and spacious fitness center, providing me with everything to keep up my fitness routine.
There is an indoor pool as well that the girls enjoyed swimming in.
Westin Jackson Hotel
There is a notable restaurant, Estelle Wine Bar & Bistro.
I recommend starting the day in the right way with a delicious cast iron frittata with sausage, Tomatoes, Shiitake Mushrooms, Cheddar Cheese for breakfast.
Here’s something especially cool that can only happen in Jackson. Depending on your room package, you can take one of the gorgeous guitars on display up to your room for a jamming session.
How amazing is that?
And then there is the Soul Spa (open to the public as well).
The girls enjoyed a little giggling pampering pedicure, accompanied by ticklish feet. (I kinda loved my facial and massage too. The quality and restorative treatment and service was exceptional. The best I have had in a very long time)
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