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Language personality quiz

Featured photo: David Goehring

18 things you absolutely *must not* do abroad (and why)

Travel insurance company GlobeLink just published this helpful infographic, outlining some of the key faux-pas tourists might commit while traveling to any of these 18 major travel destinations around the world.

Don’t even think about it:

(via)

In France:

According to FranceToday, the cultural avoidance of money-talk may originate from an implicit cultural understanding that the love of money is something of a vulgar guilty pleasure, or come from a rich French history of grappling with tax authorities.

In the Ukraine:

From UkraineGiftDelivery, the custom of gifting odd numbers of flowers stems from the fact that even numbered bouquets are reserved for funerals. This also holds largely true for the majority of eastern European nations.

In New Zealand:

There’s a fair bit of controversy over whether or not this tidbit is a real thing, but Stuff.co.nz sheds a little light on the subject: “On New Zealand roads prolonged tooting at another motorist can sometimes put you at risk of a road rage pursuit or attack, so we Kiwis tend to be conservative and restrained in how we use them in traffic.”

In India:

Quora user Sayalie Joshi tackled this one head on, suggesting that the major contributing factors are a “conservative” namaste-based society leading to a reserved upbringing, and the fear of “sending out the wrong signals” to members of the opposite sex.

In Japan:

From AnnieAndre: “The general ideology is that the wait staff works for the restaurant as a team and if a customer enjoys their visit that they will return to the restaurant again, refer others and bring more business.  I guess you could say, your gratitude and repeat business is all the tip they need.”

In Mexico:

Frankly, I couldn’t find any background on this one… so instead: according to eDiplomat, it’s bad form to stand with your hands on your hips or in your pockets — unless you’re pissed off and want people to know it.

In Norway:

According to GapYear, “despite almost 85% of Norwegians belonging to the national church […] regular attendance is as low as 5%.” Hmm, awkward indeed.

In Turkey:

This well-documented cultural no-no comes from the resemblance of the circle made to a gaping anus. No, seriously… it’s pretty much how you call someone an asshole in Turkey. Look it up.

In the UK:

Back to eDiplomat, who suggests that talking about wages is one of those taboo subjects that pries a little too deep into someone’s private life (and therefore strays beyond an English-person’s typical realm of comfortable conversation topics).

In Ireland:

I suspect this one is more common sense than anything else. No one likes to feel like they’re being made fun of (and let’s be real, it’s crazy hard to do an Irish accent right).

In German:

Based on this article from Telegraph, the background on this is pretty simple: it comes from the superstition that folks might jinx the person, and they won’t actually make it to their birth-date alive.

In Kenya:

I think Globelink meant to say “first name,” since it is generally frowned upon to refer to peers by anything less than a title and a last name (as first names are used most often when speaking to subordinates). Sure, this relaxes some after the relationship shifts to become more casual, but without permission it can be seen as rude and condescending.

In Chile:

Silverware is essential when eating anything (seriously, ANYTHING) in Chile. Chalk it up to a heavy emphasis on table-manners.

In Singapore:

It’s not just taboo, eating anything on public transportation is actually against the law. A lady was recently fined $30 for eating a piece of candy on the bus there.

In the US:

I can corroborate this one, the members of our service industry really rely on your tips. And here’s the breakdown: if they’ve given you really appalling service, or you witnessed them spit in your food or rub their junk on your pillows, skip the tip. If the service was adequate to expected, 15% is the industry standard. For mindblowing this-person-went-the-extra-mile service, 20% and beyond– it’s your prerogative.

In Italy:

According to our friends over at TuscanTraveler: “To sip a cappuccino after lunch is a direct and major violation of an Italian Food Rule. Italians believe the fresh whole milk that makes up over half of the contents of this drink plays havoc with digestion. To order a cappuccino after 10am, unless you are breakfasting after said hour, is seen as suspect behavior worthy of at least a slight frown, advancing to a worried shake of the head, and can escalate to outright ridicule.”

In Hungary:

Apparently this one stretches back to the Revolution, where legend has it that Austrian generals clinked their beer mugs while executing Hungarian revolutionary leaders. Thereafter, Hungarians vowed to never clink their glasses out of respect for the fallen (and while technically the terms of this vow have expired, the practice is still observed).

In China:

The majority of Chinese gaffs (as well as puns, which are currently banned there) come from the ambiguity in pronunciation of the Chinese language. In this case, the words for “umbrella” and “clock” are nearly identical to the words for “sending someone to their death” and “to separate or disperse” respectively.

(feature: flickr)

h/t: boredpanda, globelink 

12 types of guys girls hook up with

Pictured: Jeremy Brink by Karim Konrad Photography

I HAD TO DO IT. I interviewed friends I’ve met while traveling from all over the world, and friends from home to suss out the types of guys girls hook up with while traveling. Okay… maybe I heard some stories the morning after too.

1. The Aussie

You hate to hear it, but girls love hooking up with Aussie guys. He’s probably really fit, absurdly attractive, and occasionally drinks too much because in Australia they actually legally measure drinks. You’re super confused because this babe can afford to travel, but doesn’t have some typical career routed from a four year university degree. You mean the whole world doesn’t go into DEBT for an education and career? Best part is, Aussie guys love non-Aussie girls… totally re-defining “down under.”

2. The “Gappie”

Every girl that has never kissed a guy younger than her will make an exception for the “The Gappie.” That European guy… usually British, German, or Scandinavian… who took a year after high school graduation to travel the world before going to uni. You of course, went straight to college after high school and are therefore older than him. Rock the cradle baby! This guppy… I mean “gappie” is totally in a different pond… and what happens overseas, stays overseas.

3. The local that picks up on tourists

That local who speaks perfect English and goes to the backpacker bars just to hook up with girls he knows are leaving. No commitment, no pressure, and he plays hero for showing you the town. Equally liberated by the situation, you’re a little more open-minded.

4. The local you can’t understand

Umm… body language! Who cares if you just smile and nod when he’s speaking. His eyes are much deeper than any conversation you could ever have. And you’ve always wanted to learn a new language. See, you’re totally not being shallow; you’re totally growing as an individual by exposing yourself to new cultures. Totally.

5. The cheater

Seriously. I did an entire interview on this and my friend wouldn’t let me publish it. I’ve heard her story so many times before. Guy is on a vacation tour, he hooks up with females regularly, Facebook friend requests are denied, and his girlfriend at home is in his profile picture. Don’t be that guy who’s too insecure to BE single and therefore selfishly cheats instead. Everyone hates you and you probably hate yourself. There’s no way you feel no guilt, so you probably would have had more fun if you’d just been single for your trip.

6. The guy from where you’re from

If you travel long enough, you transition from “OMG I love accents,” to “it’s comfortable to be able to connect with someone that understands where I’m coming from.” He wants to travel too. We’re soul mates. Unlikely… but at least you can bond about getting lost over a few beers.

7. The Latin lover

He’s likely Brazilian. Or Italian. And really hot. Enticed by the stereotype, you let him love you like Ricky Martin. Wait a minute, Ricky is gay – and this guy takes longer than you to get ready… don’t worry hun, it’s a Latin thing. Well-dressed and passionate, you’ll take it.

8. The American

He sounds like Paul Walker. And he’s so sexy because he’s from Hollywood. Okay, he’s probably not from anywhere near Hollywood and probably doesn’t know any celebrities, but whatever, he sounds like one!

9. The Canadian

You thought he was American. But “you know eh” (sounds like hey or aye), he’s Canadian and they travel more than Americans. That’s cool; you always thought about working abroad in Canada, this would be easier.

10. The travel friend

You know, that guy you’re traveling with who you had absolutely no interest of hooking up with, but the later in the wanderlust caught you off guard. Rooted to the vulnerability one experiences while traveling, or maybe you’re both emotionally infused by the epic-ness of your international adventure; there’s something different about being abroad, and there’s something different with you two.

11. The forbidden soul mate

He’s the one you hate to love because geographical distance is a real problem. Romeo visits you or meets up with you in another city. Torn between lust and logic you stay in touch. Some do something about it, others refuse to over-complicate it. Regardless, not all relationships are eternal, but special moments are.

12. Boyfriend/ Fiancé/ Husband

Sharing your travels with someone you already are involved with can invigorate a relationship. But… maybe take a few pictures by yourself just in case.

An original TravelBreak post

Daylife vs. nightlife in Vancouver

Photo: colink

This post is proudly produced in partnership with Heineken. #LiveLegendary

YOU HAVE 24 HOURS in Canada’s eco-obsessed, nature-surrounded western metropolis. Here’s the ultimate selection of places to eat, see, and do.

Daylife

Breakfast / Brunch

For some cities (ahem…European), tea and a croissant passes as breakfast. Can’t fool us around here. Breakfast, and especially brunch, is an important day starter. Intense recreation, after all, is difficult without a hardy meal.

Flew into town on a red-eye? Out drinking till late? The Templeton serves brunch until 3pm. This old-school diner in the heart of downtown has delicious eats using free-run eggs, handmade specialty sausages, naturally smoked bacon, and a touch of sass. Paul’s Omelettery is just across the Granville Bridge from downtown, and this well-loved establishment specializes in — you guessed it — the city’s finest omelettes.

Waffle lovers and coffee connoisseurs head to the tasty, bistro-styled Café Medina, situated two blocks from the elliptical, Coliseum-like Central Library downtown. Farmer’s Apprentice was once a Kitsilano neighbourhood secret…until it won restaurant of the year. And you can’t do that without a fantastic brunch. The smoked steelhead trout, potato salad, mussel emulsion, and sorrel will set you on the right foot.

You’ve eaten, now it’s time to enjoy what Vancouver does best — nature.

Beaches

Photo: roseannadana

As soon as summer hits, many locals try to spend at least a few hours at the seashore each week. There are nine city beaches to chose from; here’s what you’ll find at some of the favourite spots:

Third Beach: Considered more of a locals’ hang, this white-sand spot is tucked into the northwest section of Stanley Park. It features plenty of cut-off jean shorts, tattoos, beardos, and bicycles. Add to the bike pile with a rental from Spokes Bicycle Rentals, located near the Stanley Park entrance.

Wreck Beach: You’ll have to travel farther to get here, but you have the option of wearing nothing once you arrive. Vancouver’s only nude beach sits at the far end of the University of British Columbia, with the forest of Pacific Spirit Park as its backdrop. Nudity plus university students…you do the math. Distance from downtown: 12km (7.5 miles); Wreck Beach is 25 minutes by car, or 54 minutes via the #4 or #14 bus from Pacific Centre Mall.

Kits Beach: Across the Burrard Street Bridge from downtown is the closest thing you’ll get to a California beach experience — plenty of bikini babes, beach volleyball, beachside basketball, and ball-capped muscle dudes walking their pit bulls. Consider taking a False Creek Ferry or Aquabus from underneath the Burrard Bridge to Granville Island and stocking up on beach snacks at the Granville Island Public Market. And before you stroll the 2km (1.2 miles) to Kits Beach along the seawall, make sure you check out the six massive silo murals, painted by Brazilian twins OSGEMEOS, just east of the market.

English Bay: Less than 2km (1.2 miles) along the seawall from Third Beach and you’re at Vancouver’s main downtown strand. English Bay attracts West Enders and tourists in equal measure. Amenities include kayak rentals, a concession stand, Cactus Club Café, a swimming raft, and volleyball courts. Throughout August, English Bay also serves as the staging ground for the Honda Celebration of Light — the largest offshore fireworks competition in the world, drawing 400,000 spectators each evening.

Hiking

Photo: sharif sharifi

Vancouverites love to hike. The handful that hate being healthy can be found slamming PBRs at Dude Chilling Park. For the rest of us forest-trail enjoyers, here are a couple suggestions.

Quarry Rock: Thirty minutes’ drive from Vancouver in the North Shore Mountains is this easy, 1.5-hour hike. The rock outcropping at the top offers beautiful views of the Indian Arm of Burrard Inlet, the little village of Deep Cove, and the mountains around Belcarra Village.

As an alternative, rent a kayak or SUP board from Deep Cove Kayak and explore spectacular Indian Arm, the southernmost fjord on the continent. Afterward, stop at Honey’s in Deep Cove for Vancouver’s best doughnuts.

Goat Mountain: Take the Grouse Mountain Skyride up to the Grouse Mountain ski area (an experience in itself), then follow trail maps for this intermediate 8km (5-mile) hike on the North Shore. Four hours later and you’ll have incredible views of Vancouver, Mount Baker in Washington State, and Vancouver Island.

For a full list of hiking trails in the Vancouver region, check out Vancouver Trails.

Afternoon delight

Photo: cclogg

You’ve hit the beach, maybe gone for a hike. How about some art?

Vancouver Art Gallery: This retrofitted old courthouse sees many impressive national and international traveling exhibits come through. Currently showing until October 4th is “500 Years of Italian Painting.” And, on select Fridays, the gallery transforms into a space for art, music, booze, and live performance when it hosts FUSE.

Museum of Anthropology: Located on the grounds of the University of British Columbia, this award-winning, Arthur Erickson-designed building houses one of the world’s finest collections of Northwest Coast indigenous art, as well as cultural artefacts from around the world. Plus, it’s really close to Wreck Beach (see above).

Museum of Vancouver: Running from now until September 7th, “The Happy Show” takes over the museum’s galleries and in-between spaces (stairwells, hallways, restrooms) in order to ask, in the most interactive, fun way possible: What makes us happy?

Sundown pitch and putt

Photo: arvin asadi

The sun is setting and you still haven’t played any golf? Even if you’re not a huge fan of traditional golf, pitch and putt (18 holes ranging from 40 to 120 yards) is good times. Grab a few cold drinks, stow them in a cooler, and head up to Queen Elizabeth Park, located about 5km (3 miles) from downtown. Just remember to keep the drinks on the down-low.

Also in Queen E Park are the tropical gardens inside the Bloedel Conservatory and one of the city’s best restaurant patios at Seasons in the Park.

NIGHTLIFE

Photo: Bottleneck

Eat good food

For its size, Vancouver has an impressive selection of fantastic restaurants. You want steak and frites until the cows come home? Go to Paris. You want delicious, often organic and locally sourced veggie, meat, and fusiony dishes from around the world? Come to Vancouver.

In the vibrant, ethnically diverse Commercial Drive neighbourhood, try the lively atmosphere of La Mezcaleria. It offers a wide variety of mezcals and high-quality tequilas to go with traditional Mexican dishes.

If you’re a sushi lover and can’t make it to Japan for dinner tonight, Vancouver is #2 (some say it’s on par). Arguably the most famous sushi joint in town (since 1971) is the Anthony Bourdain-, Tom Cruise-, and Bon Jovi-approved Tojo’s. But if you want a fantastic and little-known sushi stop, my personal favourite is Kaide Sushi Bar, downtown at the edge of Yaletown.

For Indian, Vij’s is generally regarded as top pick. If you can’t swing it (it’s a bit on the pricey side), right next door to Vij’s 11th Avenue location is Rangoli, their poor-man’s version of themselves. Also quite salivating.

And then there’s the vegetarian fare. The Naam has been a local institution since 1968. Greenpeace started here over a Dragon Bowl and a Chai Shake. It’s open 24/7, which makes it an amusing place to be on a Saturday night / Sunday morning around 4am when the parade of post-rave revellers are coming down from their highs.

For a more upscale veggie and vegan experience, visit the beautifully designed Heirloom. If you’re on a budget and you don’t mind loud music or college students cooking your meal, check out Foundation on Main Street.

Drink more drinks

Photo: Shameful Tiki Room

Much of the world likes to drink. A lot. Vancouver is no exception. Here are some venues and nights that provide a platform for getting enjoyably sauced:

On Monday nights, good live jazz happens at Pat’s Pub & Brewhouse (established 1914), in the Patricia Hotel. It’s smack dab in the middle of the gritty Downtown Eastside, but don’t worry — while some area residents are in seriously rough shape (addiction, poverty, marginalisation), they’re rarely out to harm anyone. But, as with anywhere, be street smart.

The Twin Peaks-themed Black Lodge, is replete with cabin kitsch and campfire-scented incense and offers cool cocktails, along with vegetarian fare including the Log Dog: a smokie stuffed with avocado, cream cheese, tortilla chips, jalapeños, and salsa. The Shameful Tiki Room on Main Street comes with Polynesian décor, expertly crafted vintage cocktails like the Mai Tai, Voodoo Grog, and Volcano Bowl, plus live surf bands and ukulele players on select nights.

If you find yourself on the cobbled streets of Gastown, be sure to stop by Guilt & Co, a cool, alluring basement lounge with thick stone walls, cute and friendly staff, an extensive beer selection, live music, burlesque dancing, and comedy.

Feeling a little risqué? On the last Wednesday of each month the Astoria on East Hastings hosts Rent Cheque, Vancouver’s tattooed hipster-girl amateur strip night (winner takes home $500). It’s refreshingly devoid of money-to-burn, suit-and-tie hedge-fund dudes. But be warned, this night of wild fetish mayhem is not for everyone.

Granville Entertainment District

Photo: caseyyee

If clubbing is more your thing, well…luck be with you. Every summer weekend Granville Street downtown closes to vehicles and becomes a pedestrian party zone. Tons of clubs attract hordes of young bridge-and-tunnel revellers, and honestly it can turn into a bit of a hot mess.

Two pubs stand out as saving graces, however. At the south end of Granville is The Morrissey, a rock’n’roll hideout that’s hosted Kings of Leon, the Pixies, Band of Skulls, and more. The Bottleneck, on the opposite end, is a low-key spot providing quality food, inexpensive drinks, and nightly DJs. And because it’s right underneath the world-famous Commodore Ballroom (opened in 1929), it’s the perfect place for pre-show drinks before heading up to see international touring acts.

A break from the booze

Photo: gcD600

If pubs and clubs aren’t your thing, see a Broadway musical or 20th-century classic theatre performance at the beautifully restored Stanley Theatre, a South Granville landmark since 1930. Or check out a performance by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra at the 2,780-seat Orpheum Theatre, opened in 1927.

A 15-minute skytrain / subway ride from downtown to Bridgeport Station will have you at the Richmond Night Market, North America’s largest night market since 2000. It provides Vancouverites and visitors with a North American take on the massive street markets found in Asian cities like Hong Kong and Taipei, and features 250 merchandise booths, 80 food vendors serving Asian street food and desserts, and diverse, family-friendly entertainment.

Most locals are happy to point you in the right direction and give you suggestions for what to do. Some may even invite you to join in their own festivities. Just remember to enjoy your visit, explore the city, have and make fun. You’ll likely want to move here.

This post is proudly produced in partnership with Heineken. #LiveLegendary

13 reasons to travel to Turkey NOW

1. Many of the best attractions are completely free.

Photo courtesy of the Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism

Explore the sensory overload that is Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. Look up to take in the intricate tile work of the Blue Mosque. Admire the baklava, dripping with honey, piled three feet high in window displays on bustling İstiklal Caddesi. Or beach-hop along the Mediterranean from sophisticated Bodrum to turtle-inhabited İztuzu; Brit-crazy Fethiye to secluded Patara; resort-heavy Antalya to the endless sandy expanse of Alanya. You won’t spend a lira.

2. You can stuff your face with summer’s bounty for pennies — without leaving your beach towel.

In Turkey, the street food comes to you. Whether you’re sprawled under an umbrella in Bodrum or joining the locals for a nightly picnic in İzmir’s seaside Kordon park, you can’t escape the musical call of the street vendors.

Start with a cone of sesame- and honey-glazed peanuts, then move on to midye dolma — stuffed mussels, served up for 30 cents a pop from massive round trays, and carried on the vendor’s head from customer to customer. Pay attention as the midyeci shows you how to use the top shell as a spoon for scooping out the aromatic rice that’s been flavored with a dash of cinnamon and a squirt of lemon juice.

Flag down the roasted-corn-on-the-cob cart, or watch the procession of seasons as the plum cart’s stock transitions from tiny, tart, green yeşil erik in May to plump, juicy, purple tatlı erik by July. Whatever you sample, save room for a slice of honeydew kavun, deftly carved in front of your eyes. The sweet, juicy flesh tastes even better after a long, hot day of sightseeing.

3. Your summer vacation photos will double as indisputable evidence that you’ve been to Mars.

Photo courtesy of the Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism

There’s no other way to put it: Cappadocia is wildly out of this world. The Star Wars-meets-Flintstones landscapes of soft, twisted rock makes for incredible hiking. Wander long enough in any direction and you’ll find fresco-decorated cave churches almost 1,000 years old.

Start the day early with a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise. Later, hike down the Güllüdere I (Rose Valley I) to the abandoned cave village of Çavuşin, scramble up the towering rock formations of “Love Valley,” and then take shelter from the heat of the day in the cool relief of your cave hotel.

4. You can follow Turkish “Highlanders” on their annual migration to greener pastures.

In the deep-valley hamlets of Turkey’s Black Sea region, the start of summer means time to take the cattle up into the mountains so they can graze on the fresh, untouched grasses that sprang up during spring. You can watch this seasonal tradition, which ends in July with the Vartovor festivities, when people celebrate by playing instruments that look (and sound) strikingly similar to Scottish bagpipes.

5. Turkish cuisine is reinventing itself, thanks to hot young chefs.

Photo courtesy of the Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism

Fresh, delicious ingredients have always been central to Turkish food, but the newest generation of chefs in the country have turned the tradition to obsession, treasure hunting around Turkey for the finest regional products. Their creations (and those lucky enough to taste them) have benefited extraordinarily.

A few names to keep an ear out for include Mehmet Gürs, Didem Şenol, Civan Er, Arda Türkmen, and Kemal Demirasal. These artisans are consistently putting imaginative dishes on the table, from classics with a twist to totally original offerings. Most have signature restaurants with killer settings and accessible tasting menus.

6. No need for a watch tan line — ditch it and tell time by the call to prayer.

Though the exact time changes every day, the ezan is reliable enough to plan your day around. You’ll wake up just before daybreak for Sabah. Get up, see some sights, and right around Öğle it’ll be time to find some lunch. If you plan to visit a mosque, do it before the shadows cast by objects are equal to their height, or else you’ll arrive at İkindi — when non-Muslim tourists are denied entry. By the time Akşam rolls around you’ll be ready for dinner. And as the last rays of light disappear from the horizon, listen for the final warbling strains of Yatsı.

7. Turkey will prove you’ve been exfoliating wrong your whole life.

Photo courtesy of the Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism

You don’t know clean, silk-like, summer skin until you’ve had your earlobes, pinky toes, and everything (yes, EV-ERY-THING) in between doused in citronella-scented bubbles and scrubbed down by a heavy-handed attendant armed with a gritty goat-hair kese. And this all goes down while lying on a heated marble pedestal in the middle of a 16th-century hammam.

8. Locals will welcome you into their kitchens.

You want to know what’s in the kofte? The waiter will happily bring you out back to the kitchen to meet the chef. Wondering how baklava is made? The woman selling it in İzmir’s massive Bostanlı Pazar (“BosPa” for short) won’t speak much English, but she’ll happily pantomime the day-long production for you.

And in Eastern Turkey, you can trade in the hostel for a homestay. That’s where you’ll get the best cooking lesson from the ultimate Turkish chef — a mom. Imagine rolling sarma with grape leaves picked off the very arbor you’re sitting under.

9. You’ll never be more than an arm’s length from a steady supply of hot, fragrant çay.

Photo courtesy of the Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism

Even in summer, it’s never too hot for çay. Turkish coffee might be famous internationally, but for modern Turks drinking tea is second only to breathing. Each day begins with at least two tiny, tulip-shaped cups of çay, and it keeps flowing till bedtime. Large offices and factories employ a person to make and deliver tea, and workers get breaks specifically for drinking it. Regional buses offer free tea service. And some street corners are rigged with intercom ordering lines to the closest çayevi.

10. You might not be expecting it, but yes, Turkey has waves too.

None of Turkey’s shores touch open ocean, but at Alanya on the Mediterranean and Kerpe on the Black Sea, some crazy Turks are riding the waves. The Alanya Surf Team and Danube Surf House and Academy are two small communities where you’ll learn that there’s a certain subculture of Turks who are constantly checking weather reports and will jump in the car at a moment’s notice to jet to a remote seaside town where waves are going off, however briefly.

11. Walking through the calcium deposits and mineral springs of Pamukkale is like being in an alternate universe, where snow is warm and water glows neon.

Photo courtesy of the Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism

These naturally formed, terraced thermal pools have been a destination for relaxation and recuperation since the 2nd century — and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.

12. Turkish ice cream doesn’t melt very fast.

Maraş dondurması is made with salep, a flour derived from orchid tubers, which creates a stretchy, marshmallow-like treat that melts at a controllable pace. So slowly, in fact, you can do as the locals do and order it sandwiched between kağıt helva wafers. You’ll find it all over the country, but you can also go straight to the source: Maraş, the city in southern Turkey famous for producing this Turkish version of the ultimate summer treat.

13. You can go on your very own “blue voyage.”

Photo courtesy of the Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism

The gulet is a two- or three-masted sailing vessel traditional to Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, particularly around Bodrum and Marmaris. In the mid-20th century, gulet cruising became popular among local and visiting artists and writers — today, there’s no shortage of Blue Voyage operators who can take you out on a multi-day cruise, on ships that resemble floating boutique hotels, within a landscape of pure turquoise.

Powered by Turkey Home.

9 of the most eye-popping mountain passes in South America

The Andes Mountains stretch from the far north of Venezuela all the way down to South America’s tip in Argentina and crosses seven countries. It spans around 4,300 miles making it the longest continental mountain range in the world. And with mountains come stunning passes.

(All photos by Coen Wubbels)

1. Venezuela — Pico El Aguila (4,100 meters)

A largely asphalted road winds from Mérida to the summit of the Aguila Pass where you can stop to take in the views, buy souvenirs and coffee at roadside stalls, admire the bronze statue of a condor, or say a prayer at the small white-and-green chapel at the highest point. The landscape is characterized by páramo with the high-altitude shrub frailejón (espeletia schultzii) that is endemic to the Andean Mountains of Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela. From the summit it’s a beautiful switchback drive down all the way to Lake Maracaibo.

2. Colombia — Old Road From Manizales to Líbano (about 4,000 meters)

I don’t have a name for this particular mountain pass in the Cordillera Central of the Colombian Andes, but it is one of the best we drove in this country. The road meanders through a high-altitude wilderness with white peaks, sections of páramo vegetation, and the active Ruiz Volcano. Twenty kilometers south of Manizales you take a turn-off to Gallinazo after which the asphalted road hugs the northern section of Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados. Near the summit, at about 4,000 meters, is a thermal bath called El Balcon (ask around for specific directions as there is no road sign).

3. Colombia — Secondary Road from Salento to Ibagué (2,750 meters)

Instead of taking the regular highway that links the two towns, take the unpaved road via Cerro Volcán Machín. It starts right behind the church on the plaza of Salento, direction southeast, and twists its way through valleys with wax palms, the highest palm trees in the world. The road climbs steeply to some 2,800 meters, hugging the Cerro Volcán Machín. Thanks to the underground activity of the volcano there is a (very basic) thermal bath right along the side of the road, in a curve, after you’ve passed the summit. You pay the owners across the road a couple of pesos. For cyclists with their own tent this may a good place to stop for the night, as the road is too long and tough to cycle in one day. There is no campsite but you can pitch your tent along the side of the road.

4. Peru — Abra Malaga Pass (4,316 meters)

On the Continental Divide of South America in Peru lies a phenomenal pass that you will cross when traveling to Machu Picchu via the ‘back route’ (meaning not taking the train as most people do but using private or public transport to Santa Teresa and hike to the ruins from there). After the Inca town of Ollantaytambo the asphalted road climbs in numerous hairpin bends, each offering a still more spectacular view of the Sacred Valley. On the eastern side of the summit, the road descends into an area de neblina — a rugged area characterized by mist, puna grasses, and fens.

The Abra Malaga Pass is popular with bird watchers and the route going down from the pass to the Sacred Valley is high on the list of cyclists as well.

5. Peru — Punta Olympico (4,890 meters)

In the Cordillera Blanca, in central Peru, you may expect roads consisting of countless twists and turns (such as the so-called ‘1,000-turn section’ with 46 hairpins). The almost 74-kilometer-long Carretera de Chacas, which crosses Huascaran National Park, is arguably the most challenging. For the most part the paved road runs between Chacas and Carhuaz. Expect snowfall at the top and landslides along the way. Be sure to leave early so you have all the time to maneuver safely on the critical stretches.

6. Chile — Tapaca Volcano (around 4,876 meters)

The far northern corner of Chile — east of Arica — is so sparsely inhabited that when turning north from Putre on Rute 11, you will encounter more vicuñas and alpacas than people. The animals eat the scrub or the soft grass in verdant bofedales: swampy alluvial grasslands. Between Putre and Visviri runs a spectacular, unpaved trail that varies from smooth surfaces to stretches of washboard. Its highest point hugs the Tapaca Volcano, which is at an altitude of 4,779 meters if we trust our GPS or 5,242 meters if we believe the road sign.

This story was produced through the travel journalism programs at MatadorU. Learn More


7. Chile — Argentina — Paso de Jama (4,800 meters)

The northernmost border between Chile and Argentina lies at 4,320 meters but the summit is on the Chilean side, at 4,800 meters. Due to snowfall the pass may be closed in winter. While the Argentinean side is relatively easy to drive and you can focus on the vast views of the Andes Mountains, the tricky part is on the Chilean side. It’s not vertigo-inducing but breathtaking nevertheless. Forty kilometers of this stretch are one continuous, straight descent without curves or changes in inclinations. Along the road are emergency lanes filled with gravel into which motorists, whose brakes have given out, can steer their vehicle to come to a stop. Unfortunately, the number of overturned vehicles along the side of the road is testimony that not everybody succeeds in doing this.

8. Chile — Argentina — Agua Negra Pass (4,780 meters)

The highest border crossing between Chile and Argentina offers one of the most intriguing landscapes. While many passes have snow, I have not seen penitents, as the frozen snow formations are locally called, on any other pass. Because of the altitude the pass may be closed during winter because of snow. In the summer you have a fair chance of seeing the snowy landscape. Because you climb so steeply and quickly your best chances of not getting sick are to eat little and lightly and drink a lot of water.

9. Argentina — Carretera de Iruya (4,000 meters)

Just north of the UNESCO Site of Quebrada de Humahuaca you will find a good reason to leave the main road and take the turn-off to the picturesque village of Iruya. The local people are more reminiscent of Bolivians than of Argentineans with their long, black braids tied together at the end, their short, layered skirts and sombreros, sometimes pimped with a fresh flower. The some 50-km-long road is partly paved / unpaved. Few people use it and the area is home to vicuñas. Just before reaching Iruya you will reach a beautiful gorge, rough and barren yet colorful in tinges of red and brown.

French words we should be using

Photo: nate bolt

1. Tartiner

To spread jam, butter, honey, etc. on a piece of bread (une tartine).

This verb can also be used in a figurative way to convey the meaning that someone is putting a lot of something on top of something else.

Example:

No need to tartiner your face with make-up. Nothing can cover that massive pimple!

2. Sortable

Worth being taken out in public.

Example:

He isn’t sortable! Every time we eat at the restaurant, he picks his teeth with the tip of his knife in the middle of supper.

3. Incontournable

Something that you should not miss or ignore.

Example:

Many people believe that Eat, Pray, Love is incontournable for travelers. I say you should stay 10 feet away from that damn book. At least.

4. Trouvaille

A good find/idea.

Example:

I got a Le Creuset pot for $4 at the Sally Ann. Now, that’s a trouvaille! Your $60 Birkenstocks aren’t.

5. Retrouvailles

The awesome feeling you get from getting together with someone you have not seen in a very long time.

Example:

Their retrouvailles was the highlight of her year, although, after 10 minutes spent with her brother, she remembered why she stayed away from him for so long.

6. Être à l’ouest

To be in your own, strange bubble.

Example:

Although Stephen lived on the Eastern seaboard, his weekly bathing in donkey milk makes him very much à l’ouest.

7. Flâner

Walking aimlessly enjoying the simple pleasures of life.

Example:

Flâner is much better than going to the gym. You sweat a lot less that way.

8. Dépaysement

The feeling one gets when they are away from home and all things familiar.

Example:

If you want a good dépaysement, go to Japan. There’s nothing like walking the streets of Tokyo to make you feel like you are on a different planet, where you definitely don’t belong.

9. Cartonner

Literally: to cover with cardboard. Figuratively: to be successful.

Example:

Jeff cartonne at covering the floor with cardboard. He’ll go far.

10. Empêchement

A last minute change that prevents you from doing something you had planned.

Example:

I won’t be able to go to work today, I have an empêchement in Bali. On the beach. I can’t miss it.

11. Yaourter

Literally: To yogurt. Figuratively: to make up words or sounds when you sing a song but don’t know the lyrics.

Example:

Listening to Anne singing in English is like being on a high-calcium diet. All she does is yaourte.

Why Utah is one of the best places on the planet to stargaze

The state of Utah gets its name from the Native American Ute tribe, which means people of the mountains. This is indeed the state of the mountains; Utah mountain peaks are on average the highest in the country. But this is also the place for natural monuments, such as Arches and Capitol Reef, and oh-so-epic night skies. Here’s another reminder as to why we all need to go stargazing in Utah ASAP.

This project was filmed by Nate Atwater with the help of his brother David. They spent two weeks living out of a Ford Escape whilst travelling all over the state.

Things Montrealers need to explain

Photo: Andréa Portilla

1. There’s more than one place to get the best smoked meat sandwich.

See that giant line of tourists outside of Schwartz’s? They’re queuing up for what they’ve been told is the best smoked meat sandwich in town. Now look across the street at Main’s. See how there’s no line?

2. Every greeting is choose-your-own-adventure.

You’re likely to be greeted with the salutation “Bonjour hi” wherever you go. The language you respond in will determine how that person addresses you — it’s all one to them, since pretty much everyone who works in any kind of service job is fluently bilingual. So if you’re a unilingual anglophone, don’t respond with “Bonjour”, or they’ll assume that’s your default preference and you’ll get an earful of French.

3. We use the bike lanes to commute.

Montreal is one of the top twenty most bikeable cities in the world, and that’s mostly due to the fantastic network of bike lanes throughout the city. Don’t stand on, park in, or otherwise block them: you’re messing with our daycare drop-off or trip to work.

4. We live outside in the summer.

Our favorite bar’s terrasse is way more important than saving those extra three street parking spots. And any grassy spot in the sunshine will be crammed with people in small amounts of clothing. We don’t want to hang out indoors when we’ve just done that all winter long!

5. There’s still things to do here in the winter.

Whether it’s Igloofest or Nuit Blanche, we do not slow down our art festivals just because it’s -40C outside. It may take us an extra ten minutes to put on some layers, but we’re going dancing just the same.

6. Even though it looks like a hill, it’s a mountain.

You may be used to the Rockies, but Mont Royal is the only mountain we have, so cut us some slack.

7. Atwater is better than Jean Talon.

If you’re looking for fresh fruit and veg, free range eggs, or hand-dipped chocolates, the guidebooks say you should head to Jean Talon…but Atwater market, in St Henri, is less crowded and has a great bulk selection and poissoneries to boot.

8. You can buy beer (and sometimes wine) in the dep when SAQ is closed.

While the provincial liquor store, Société des alcools du Québec, closes at 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays, most corner stores, or dépanneurs sell at least a small selection of beer until the wee hours. Then you have the glorious “beer dep” on Laurier Ouest, near Esplanade, which prides itself on having more varieties than your average bar.

9. We really do like the Habs.

Even the buses will change their signs in hockey season to read “Go Habs Go”. Don’t diss our hockey.

10. Jaywalking is practically a sport.

You know how some people wait politely on the corner for the light to change to the little walking man? Yeah, that’s not us. We cross whenever and wherever we feel like it.

How to travel the world for (almost) free

Photo: megan cope

I work while I travel

As you might know from previous posts, I’ve been an au-pair and this is how I started traveling long term. I was 18, just finished senior high and had absolutely no money. I didn’t even have a bank account.

So I worked my way around and moved to London, one of the most expensive European cities. I got paid to live there and I worked part time doing childcare. When things went sour with my horrible host family, I signed in for another au-pair gig in the USA, where I lived for a whole year and earned around 6.000 dollars, back in the year 2000. That money lasted for years.

This year, I decided to spend the winter somewhere new, so I headed to Switzerland.

I was an au-pair in Switzerland and managed to live at one of the world’s most expensive cities and get fully paid to do so. I earned 400€ a month, absolutely all expenses covered, including my airplane ticket.

Although my time as an au-pair is over, I strongly advise you to give it a try. You won’t just travel for free, but you’re going to get paid for it! For me personally, this is the best trick to travel long term on a budget.

You can teach English as a foreign language

The most profitable way to travel long term, is by teaching English as a foreign language. If you speak perfect English or you’re a native speaker (lucky you!) you can easily find jobs and make seriously good money. For all the info you need, check out my friends Nick and Dariece’s amazing guide to teach English as a foreign language.

You can work exchange while traveling

Another strategy I’ve used to keep my long term travel adventures, was doing work-exchange. This however, is not my favorite way of traveling because of how time consuming it is, in most times for very little in return.

I was a volunteer in Thailand for 17 days. I didn’t do it for the money, but as a cultural experience. What I found out is that most hosts are actually making a business out of it, charging for money (which is 100% against the rules) or refusing to offer food. Do I really want to work for free and have nothing in exchange other than a bunk bed? Hmmmm, not me, unless the experience would be absolutely out of this world.

Volunteers have to value their time and work. By accepting anything, they’re lowering the value of our work, making it impossible to find a good deal.

There is a free new website called Volunteer Base where you can find hosts and projects around the world. In case things go wrong with your hosts, as it went with mine, you have nothing to lose.

But I have to be really honest, I prefer not working and have lots of free time when I’m traveling, so after seeing a couple of friends living for free around the world, I’m now becoming a house & petsitter too and Travel the world with no accommodation costs. But more about that in detail later on…

Sharing travel costs is the best way to cut travel expenses

Many people I know hitchhike in order to save money, have a great adventure and meet new people. I did a bit of hitchhiking back in the day, but I confess waiting for rides is not my cup of tea! Carpooling or ride-share can be a great option, specially for solo female travelers and for people who hate flying. If you have a car, just post an add searching for people to share the expenses with. If you need a ride, scoop through the ads and write whoever is doing your route.

Team up with travel buddies

Another option is to check out the Couchsurfing webpage and see if someone wants to team up as a travel buddy. Although traveling alone is (in my opinion) the most empowering experience in the world, traveling with a buddy or a group it’s generally cheaper, since you can share both transportation and accommodation expenses. If you pay for a hotel room (not per person) it gets 50% cheaper.

Travel off-season — the best budget vacations trick

A good old one and always high on my list. I only travel off season – you can check my 6 month trip to India where I spent 600€ only – that’s it!Prices for accommodation and flights can drop as much as 50%. In most cases you’ll be avoiding the crowds and you can have the beach for yourself! I search for a cool destination within my budget limits off season only.

If you are a long term traveler who likes to settle in one place for a long period of time, you can negotiate hotel rates and drop them even lower.

Best places to travel on a budget

What is your budget limit? What are you searching for — exotic, relaxing, or adventure?

Make sure you know what you want to experience first and then start searching for your destination, be flexible! South East Asia, as well as India and Nepal are some of the cheapest place in the world for long term traveling. If you want to explore Europe, head to Eastern Europe and if you’re after something exotic but not too far from Europe, go to Morocco. Once you’re there, your money will last forever!

If you can’t fly there, then be really adventurous and check out all flying companies in search for the best deals, no matter what the destination is. Choose the cheapest destination and go for the adventure of unpredictability!

Avoid direct flights!

This is one of my favorite tricks! I rarely fly directly to my destination. Usually, direct flights are more expensive and you might be missing the chance to visit another country for free on the way there.

Yes, that’s what I did when flying to Thailand, I had a 24 hour layover in Istanbul on my way there and a 48 hour on the way back. I never even thought about visiting Turkey, but the cheapest flight had a layover there, so I extended my stay for free! I payed nothing to fly to Turkey, a perk that saved me a few hundred $$ if I would have decided to visit it another time.

In a couple of months, I’m flying to Greece with a three-day layover in Rome — Italy!

Use public transportation only

Buses, trains, trams and other forms of public transportation, will always be cheaper than renting a car or taking a taxi. It’s also a great way to experience the culture and meet people.

Travel the world with no accommodation costs

The very best option to travel the world without having to pay for hostels or hotels is to become a housesitter or petsitter. I love animals and have been a foster family for many years, so being a pettsitter is actually a pleasure for me. There are houses and apartments worldwide waiting for a sitter: from the most expensive European cities, to the most exotic places like the Caribbean Islands. Since I don’t like to spend money while traveling, I just signed up with Trusted Housesitters, the biggest housesitting and petssitting website. It cost me €65.88 for a year membership (the price of a hotel night) and I can sign as many housesitting gigs as I want, wherever I want.

Couchsurfing is also a wonderful option, with the down side that you can usually stay with a host for 3 days only. So CS is great for very short stays whereas Trusted Housesitters have longer term opportunities.

How to get free food

There are several ways in which you can get free food. Trust me, it’s not hard, I spent years without buying much food.

Visit the local markets before they close and ask the vendors for fruits and veggies they’re about to throw away. They’re usually very generous and will give you lots, of free food!
Most bakeries, pizzerias will throw away everything they couldn’t sell that day Ask them for the left overs. This strategy won’t work with big food chains, but with small family business.
Exchange favors! I had a neighbor in Spain who owned a takeaway business. One day she approached me and asked if I’d like free food in exchange for window cleaning once in a while. This was a wonderful deal! She saved lots of fresh food for me on a daily basis and I cleaned her window once every 15 days or so. It took me about 15 minutes to do the windows and it was a great way to live without paying for food.

When I travel I only eat local foods.

And I’m vegan which means, my food will always be cheaper than if I’d eat meat dishes. Maybe you should consider trying to go vegan!

Explore free attractions first

Why spend tons of money on museums or certain monuments right away? First try to explore everything there is on offer for free. You might be surprised! Also, many European countries offer free museum visits for free on Sunday morning, so make a good google search before paying for tickets.

Budget travel Europe

In Europe, I basically only travel by van. Ok, you might say: but I don’t have a van like you do!

Well, I also didn’t have my van before I bought it!

Now seriously, this was the BEST financial investment I’ve ever done throughout my traveling life. It was not easy, I worked 12 hour shifts, 2 jobs simultaneously, from Sunday to Sunday, no day off for 4 months. I lived at a friend’s living room, so I didn’t pay rent and cut seriously on food expenses. It was a bit crazy, but I managed to buy my second hand van really fast and later transformed into a mobile home. I’ve lived in my van for extended periods of time and loved it.

I can tell you I never paid for a hotel or a restaurant in Europe. I can cook in my van, sleep in the van and wake up wherever I want at my own pace. I can share fuel expenses and gather free food from the bakeries and stores along the way. How much money have I been saving so far? Thousands of $$$! Seriously, thousands of $$!

Are SQUATTS free hotels?

Please, don’t go around searching for squatts, like some ignorant people advise on travel forums. Squatts are HOMES, NOT free hotels! It’s not only disrespectful but seriously annoying. Be mindful that squatts are NOT free accommodation and people living in Squatts don’t usually live for free. Most people pay for the bills in order to gain rights, spend hundreds of Euros in Lawyers to protect them and don’t want to be disturbed by strangers passing by or find their addresses in Travel forums.

If you don’t go around knocking on random people’s doors asking for a free bed, why the heck should you do that on squatts?

This article originally appeared on Heart of a Vagabond and is republished here with permission.