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April 10, 2017 by Chase Vandros

Protecting the Oceans on Your Travels

Something that many travelers have in common is an insatiable desire to be beside the ocean. This is fantastic news, as anything which brings you close to nature should always be applauded. However, it’s actually really important to learn a little something about respect along the way. If you’re going to do any harm to the environment, forget about it. It’s all about minimizing our man-made impact on the world around us. Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photos. It’s important!

Save The Reef!

Popular activities whilst traveling so often revolve around being in the sea. From boat trips to snorkellng and diving, the ocean can give us a myriad of fun experiences and breath-taking images to look at in years to come.

When we are adventuring in the oceans, it’s so easy to be egocentric and to forget that the oceans aren’t our homes – in fact, they’re actually the homes of millions of special marine life. The ultimate key to exploring the vastness is to maintain respect. Don’t disturb sea creatures, don’t hurt them, and don’t take them home with you. Coral bleaching is also real (and it’s what’s destroying so many iconic reefs like the Great Barrier Reef in Australia), and you can help matters by not touching any of it, because it’s actually a living organism.

Sharks Are Our Friends

Yes, sure. They can be deadly. But you know what? There are so many reasons why they should be revered, not feared! Now, people don’t usually have to be told twice about respecting the likes of, say, dolphins – but when it comes to sharks, it’s often a whole other story.

As travelers, it’s our jobs to look beyond the media’s vilification and not cherry pick the marine creatures we choose as friends. Sharks are actually far less dangerous than people think; they’re just often misunderstood. Regardless of your thoughts on sharks, it’s undeniable that you should admire them, and in fact, they can teach us lessons to bring to our own lives! A shark knows when to strike. It’s a predator, but it’s pretty calculated. Once you know the traits of a shark and how best to apply these to life situations, whether it be in the world of business or even in the world of poker, you can actually often get things to go your own way! All it takes is knowing when to act ruthless and fearless, and when it’s best to be patient.

Don’t Encourage Captivity!

It’s really important to note that whilst you can – and should – love marine life in its natural habitat, it can often be counterproductive to go and see it in captivity. Whilst there are efforts to conserve and protect and this should be encouraged, many animals from the sea are subject to cruel conditions for the purpose of serving as a tourist attraction. You might remember the storm surrounding SeaWorld and the way it treats its whales. In reality, things are a whole lot worse than they even seemed, with animals essentially living out their days confined unnaturally until the release of (premature) death. You should also consciously consider things like swimming with dolphins, unless it’s in the wild. This is because cetaceans (sea mammals including dolphins, whales, and porpoises), simply do not belong in captivity.

As travelers, it’s our responsibility to think very carefully about our decisions. Whilst photographs are all you should take in theory, it’s about more than that perfect Insta pic. Life lessons can also – and really should – be learned, in order to make us better citizens of the world.

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February 23, 2017 by Chase Vandros

Five Ways to Tour Pearl Harbor

While most people visit the Hawaiian Islands simply for sun, sand and surf, staying on Oahu gives many an opportunity to visit and pay respects to those who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. There are many Pearl Harbor tours, though you don’t need to pay for a guide, if you know what the key attractions are and how easily they are accessed.

Visiting Pearl Harbor is more than just the Arizona Memorial. It includes the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum, the Pacific Aviation Museum and the USS Missouri Memorial, along with the interactive areas at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, before you even get to Ford Island. Keep in mind, Pearl Harbor is still a working Naval base and you won’t be able to wander off the beaten path here. Here are five ways to tour Pearl Harbor.

Visit the Arizona Memorial

Saying that the Arizona Memorial is a huge tourist attraction doesn’t properly describe what the memorial means to Hawaii, the United States and the world, in general. Among the many American tourists, you will see as many Japanese tourists, all with the same somber tone walking through history.

If you are planning a tour of the Arizona Memorial, plan ahead and purchase tickets online. Only 4,500 tickets are sold daily, some on a first-come-first-serve basis at the Visitor’s Center and others online every morning. Touring the Arizona Memorial starts with a boat shuttle across the harbor to the memorial sitting over the actual sunken ship where 1,117 sailors are entombed. The ship still cries for the lives lost, with approximately 9 quarts of oil leaking from the ship’s engine room each day. From various vantage points around Oahu, the Arizona Memorial’s design is unique, a reminder to all of our “initial defeat and ultimate victory,” as the architect intended.

What you won’t get from any brochure is an understanding of the emotional impact that the memorial has on its visitors. Both Americans and Japanese stand side-by-side, now allies taking in the depth of loss created by one day in history. Veterans from that day are often seen, many too frail to even stand, but remembering their fallen brothers. Family members often toss flowers or orchid leis from the end of the memorial to honor lost loved ones. For anyone with a pulse, the impact is lasting. On that note, keep the kids reigned in out of respect; they’re kids, we get it, but this isn’t a catamaran tour.

Tour the USS Missouri

The Arizona Memorial is to the start of the US involvement in World War II as the USS Missouri is to the end. It is on this battleship, launched in 1944, that General MacArthur signed the documents accepting Japan’s unconditional surrender, ending the war of September 2, 1945.

The Missouri is known as the Last Battleship, finally decommissioned after Operation Desert Storm and retired in 1992. While not all areas of the battleship are available for touring, you will learn to appreciate the life of a sailor. From the bridge to the sleeping quarters, every inch of space was used constructively. Standing near the guns on the main deck, it is hard not to imagine the force rocking the ship as these massive barrels launched shells at enemies.

Be prepared for a lot of walking on this tour. You will also be climbing steep stairs to the various levels of the ship. These are steep and narrow and there are often bulkheads that scream to meet your own noggin, if you aren’t careful. Because the tour is really designed as a loop going around the ship, people often rush through the lower decks and quarters. Slow down and enjoy the many artifacts and staged areas – they are authentic and not your typical history lesson. Some of your docents are actual veterans from the Missouri or World War II, though fewer and fewer remain. Listen to their stories. Ask them questions. But please, don’t forget to thank them for their service.

World War II Planes

History will not only remember the ships of the war, but the many types of planes and aviators that were needed to support all efforts of the war. Pearl Harbor is no different. The Pacific Aviation Museum is a short bus shuttle from the Missouri Memorial. It’s the newest attraction to the Pearl Harbor tours, but one of the best. Considered one of the top aviation attractions, it is complete with hangars and the restored Control Tower that stood the day that Pearl Harbor was attacked.

You will see the bullet strife across the tower, while you can see one of the greatest collections of aviation artifacts in the two hangars converted into the museum. What makes the museum pretty cool for anyone with an imagination is how many of the plane artifacts are staged as they were found. This means that the museum works in coordination with aviation archeologists who have recovered crashed planes from the islands in some of the most remote areas imaginable.

Though it isn’t that large of a museum, it packs a lot into its small footprint. Though its slant reflects the impact of aviation during World War II, the museum is complete with the transition into jet fighters in the post-war era.

Submarine Tour: USS Bowfin

Most people don’t even think about the Bowfin, until they are sitting waiting for their shuttle to take them to the Arizona Memorial. Because it’s an afterthought, tourists often race through the loop on the World War II sub. Launched one year after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Bowfin is affectionately called the Pearl Harbor Avenger.

Everyone enjoys going through the submarine, trying to imagine how 80+ men lived on a length of 311 feet that is only 16 feet wide inside. Now that tiny homes are becoming the rage, the Bowfin epitomizes organization and efficiency.

Yes, certain sailors had the luxury of sleeping over the torpedoes. That is certainly something to enjoy on the tour. But, take a few minutes to see that this efficient vessel had an efficient crew that earned high honors because it not only patrolled, but it sank the enemy and make a difference the Pacific during the war.

Tour The Visitor Center

If you are really on a budget or just can’t get a ticket to the Arizona, you can still get a lot out of spending some time at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. The bookstore is heaven for history buffs and, if you are lucky, you can have a few words with an author doing a book signing or lecture at the center, getting insights that surprise even the most avid World War II historians.

You can walk the exhibit gallery, seeing the faces of the real life heroes, many of whom have you feel like you already know through history and movies. Get up and personal with the large guns and turrets, now calling the shore their home and serving as interactive historic pieces.

People always ask about diving the waters around Pearl Harbor. Sorry, this isn’t allowed for security purposes, since the harbor is an active military base.

Make Pearl Harbor a pit stop or a full day; either way, it’s worth it.

You might also enjoy: Eat your Way around Europe

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February 23, 2017 by Chase Vandros

Best Camping, Campervan and Glamping Destinations in the UK

For many, heading out into the great outdoors for a trip full of adventures and exploring is the perfect kind of holiday. With so many beautiful locations across the UK and a wide range of activities and opportunities, there’s nothing more exciting than loading up the car, ready to make some incredible memories. Whether you’re a camper, glamper or have a campervan, there are so many wonderful places that you can visit and it can become difficult to decide on where to go, so here are a few pointers on how to choose your camping destination, what to look for and everything you should consider throughout the planning process!

Type of Campsite

There are so many different campsite types, with different sizes, shapes and facilities, so it’s important to decide what kind of campsite will work best for you and your trip. For those who are keen to be part of a camping network, there are a selection of club sites that have a number of clubs dotted around the UK. You then have certified sites, which are the camping sites that are exclusive to members of the club only, enabling you to have perks and benefits when enjoying your trip. The most popular type of campsite, however, is the commercial site. A commercial campsite is smaller, quieter site, always positioned in a beautiful location. There are thousands of these sites across the UK with so many different facilities that you can really make the most of your camping trip.

Campsite Grading

When a campsite is graded, it doesn’t always mean that the rating or grade is based upon the quality or good they are, but they are often to show how good the campsite facilities are and so on. You’ll often see the grading emblem underneath the campsite name or logo. Try not to make your decision solely on whether or not a campsite has 5 stars, as a smaller campsite in a stunning location may never receive that fifth star, simply due to not having a swimming pool. This doesn’t mean the site isn’t a relaxing, enjoyable site in a breath-taking location, so try to read reviews when it comes to the site itself.

Campsite Location

Where you choose to camp is entirely down to personal preference. There are thousands of beautiful camping destinations across the UK, all with good quality, facilitated campsites for you to enjoy. Start by thinking about what kind of things you want to get from your camping trip. If it’s a family trip, you may want to choose a location with lots of child friendly activity areas and nature walks to enjoy. For couples, you may want to choose a remote, quite location and for those who want to enjoy their new VW camper conversions, your location choice may be one that allows you to travel from campsite to campsite and enjoy a number of different locations throughout your trip. One of the best things to do before choosing your location, is to research into a number of popular locations, looking at reviews and pictures to give you an idea of the type of place it is. This will help you to visualise yourself going there and figure out whether it will work for the kind of trip you want.

Campsite Criteria’s

Once the location has been decided, you can focus on choosing a campsite that will suit your needs. There’s a standard campsite criteria that most people are looking for, which often includes the same facilities everywhere you go. It doesn’t matter if you intend to camp, go glamping or stay in your campervan, these rules and facilities are ones that will be useful and accommodating to all types of campers! Firstly, is the site family friendly? You often find that a few campsites are adult only, and it’s important to check this before you and the family set off for your big adventure. It’s also important to make sure the campsite allows you to have a camp fire, has a beautiful setting, distanced from main roads and busy areas and is also a welcoming, friendly place to stay. You then have additional extras such as showers, swimming pools, toilets, a kitchen and so on.

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April 14, 2016 by Chase Vandros

How To Find Eco-Friendly Resorts In Mexico

When it comes to going to places as far flung away as Mexico and the United States, it can be hard to travel green. So, if you want to offset your carbon footprint after flying, it’s essential that you look into staying in an eco-friendly hotel. But, how do you find them when they are so far away, on another continent? Well, you can start by following this guide – read on to find out more!

Why Mexico?

Mexico has long been a popular destination for all kinds of people. But, in recent years, there has been a concerted effort by the Mexican tourist industry to appeal to the more eco-conscious amongst us. The only issues are finding the right places to stay in the many loved destinations, including Cozumel and Cancun. So, here are some tips to get you started.

Online research

As with many things in life these days, your best bet is to search online for some ideas. There are plenty of places on the web that promote greener holidays – take our little guide to green activities in Mexico, for example. Most of the major holiday operators all have eco-friendly sections right now, which is great for those with a green outlook in life. There are, however, a few things you should be looking out for.

Green hotspots in Mexico

First of all, look for the best places in Mexico with the biggest green credentials. One of the most prominent eco-friendly destinations is the Tres Rios. It’s eight miles away from Playa del Carmen. One of the major highlights is the Hacienda Tres Rios. It is an amazing eco-hotel located where three different rivers meet the Pacific.

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It’s also worth paying Cozumel a visit – especially if you enjoy underwater activities such as snorkelling. There are some stunning coral reefs to explore, and the residents are determined to keep them the way nature intended. There is also a reserve used as a sea turtle sanctuary, which is extra brownie points for the green holidaymaker.

Green certification

Eco-friendly holidays in Mexico are only a recent thing. So, it can be tough to separate the real deals from those that make big claims but deliver little. Your best bet is to look out for a reputable independent body such as Green Globe, for example. Lists like these can give you an instant snapshot of the type of accommodation – and eco credentials – you can expect.

Hotel commitment

It doesn’t matter whether you are looking for Cancun holidays or an adventure in the Lacandon Jungle. You can almost guarantee that nearly every hotel will advertise their green credentials to attract extra custom. But, if you are looking for the real deal, make sure you inspect their websites with a fine toothcomb.

Avoid advertising slogans like ‘organic’ and ‘eco-friendly’. Unless, of course, they have specific facts to give you. If there is no evidence or no links to green certification, it isn’t likely they will take their eco responsibilities as keen as you are hoping. Companies that are serious about their efforts will go to great lengths to prove their worth. So, if you don’t see that evidence, look elsewhere.

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February 23, 2016 by Chase Vandros

Top safest countries in the world to visit in 2016

According to the latest report from the Institute for Economics and Peace, a global think tank, Iceland is the safest county in the world while Syria is the most dangerous place to visit.

Now on its ninth edition, the Institute’s Global Peace Index (GPI) presents a ranking of 162 independent nations, covering 99.6 percent of the world’s population, according to their “level of peacefulness.” The index itself is composed of 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators from highly respected, globally-accepted sources, including metrics for measuring violent crime levels, prison population, safety and security in society, weapons import and export, extent of domestic and international conflict, economic impact of violence, political instability and many more. In essence, the GPI gauges peacefulness using three broad themes: the level of safety and security in society, the extent of domestic and international conflict and the degree of militarisation.

Based on the Institute’s ranking system, the following are the 10 safest countries in the world to visit, if not settle in:

1. Iceland, which has a GPI score of 1.148

2. Denmark, which has a GPI score of 1.150

3. Austria, which has a GPI score of 1.198

4. New Zealand, which has a GPI score of 1.221

5. Switzerland, which has a GPI score of 1.275

6. Finland, which has a GPI score of 1.227

7. Canada, which has a GPI score of 1.287

8. Japan, which has a GPI score of 1.322

9. Australia, which has a GPI score of 1.329

10. Czech Republic, which has a GPI score of 1.341

With Denmark, Austria, Switzerland, and Finland among the top ten, Nordic and Alpine countries are particularly well represented in the Instutute’s list. Asia-Pacific is also represented at the top, with New Zealand ranking 4th, Japan ranking 8th and Australia ranking 9th. Iceland’s selection for the topmost ranking may be attributed to its relatively low level of militarisation and conflict both domestically and internationally. In fact, Iceland is one of few countries in the world without a standing army.

Canada, the lone representative from the American continent and a green destination, has never been a target of global terrorist activities despite being the largest country in the world. It also has the highest immigrants rate per capita in the world. Most of those who’ve who settled in the country claim that their quality of life has been improved dramatically.

On the other hand, based on GPI scores, the least safe countries to travel to, more so to settle in, are Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Central African Republic, Somalia, Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Pakistan, and North Korea. Comprised primarily of states in the Middle East and north and central Africa, these ten least safe countries in the world suffer from frequent bouts of civil war and the effects of the global “War on Terror.” North Korea, the rogue Asian state, made it to the bottom ten in the Institute’s ranking.