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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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February 23, 2017 by Chase Vandros

Bangkok on a Budget

Thailand attracts thousands of tourists from around the world each year. Whilst most escape to the beaches to soak up the sun and hang out in the bars, the capital offers a more cultural and metropolitan trip for those that want it. You may have heard stories of how cheap Bangkok is – indeed it can be very affordable, although like any other city it has its tourist traps and money-saving secrets. For anyone looking for a budget getaway to this exotic city, here are some tips to ensure you don’t overspend.

Planning the plane journey

In most cases, the plane journey will be the most expensive part of your escape to Bangkok. There are ways to dramatically save costs such as booking your trip out of season (Bangkok is hot all year round, so why not go in January or February to cure the post-Christmas blues?). Cutting up your journey can also reduce costs, compared to a direct flight. Last minute deals are also worth looking out for if you don’t have to give your work too much notice.

Finding a Hotel

Bangkok is full of affordable accommodation. If you’re backpacking, you needn’t settle for a youth hostel – there are a lot of hotels that have cheap rates per night. Places on the outskirts can sometimes be a little cheaper, but as long as you’re not staying in a five-star hotel complex made for celebrities, you’re unlikely be paying astronomical rates.

Getting from A to B

There are all kinds of ways to get around Bangkok. Walking is always a reliable option, although I wouldn’t recommend this when getting from one side of the city to the other. Public transport is very cheap. You can book a taxi from booktaxibangkok, jump on a bus or ride a tuk tuk. Bear in mind that traffic can be heavy. If you want to avoid the roads, feel free to take the skytrain.

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Eat on the Street

Bangkok is full of brilliant Thai restaurants, but eating in these every night may not be suitable for everyone. Often the cheapest option is street food. Bangkok has a number of markets in which you can try out all manner of home-grown and international cuisines. Chinatown and Little Arabia are well worth a visit, whilst areas such as Sukhumvit Soi 33 offer some amazing Pad Thai.

Seeing the sights

There are all manner of sights to see, usually always charging a small admission fee but nothing major. The Grand Palace, Wat Arun and Golden Buddha are among some of the most popular attractions. You should be aware of scams – occasionally people will hang around outside these buildings claiming they’re closed and that they can offer you a ‘private tour’ of another nearby building that’s apparently only open ‘one day a year’. Most attractions should be open all year round – always go to the ticket booth and ask here before accepting the word of someone else. For those not too interested in the city’s landmarks, there are a number of markets and bar areas worth visiting.

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February 18, 2017 by Chase Vandros

G’Day Mate! Unmissable Australian Experiences

Famous for its iconic wildlife, gorgeous natural landscapes and buzzing cosmopolitan cities Australia is every adventurer’s dream. This vast, epic country is a goldmine of things to do and see; you could spend months here and still not tick everything off the list, as well as being home to some of the most stunning scenery on earth. We couldn’t possibly list everything so these are the activities that first-time visitors must do in OZ!

Pexels By: Catarina Sousa

How many Unmissable Australian Experiences will you take in?

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Pexels By: Kellie Jane

There are multiple ways of seeing the iconic Aussie bridge be it from the ferry, via helicopter or from the shopping plaza across the water. However, for those that love the heart-stopping, adrenaline pumping thrill of extreme sports, there’s another, more vertical, option. Why not book yourself in to climb the sides of the bridge itself? You’ll be securely fastened in a harness as you climb up under the watchful eye of your guide, as well as having 360 panoramic views all across the city once you’ve reached the top. While you might think that climbing the bridge once is enough, you may want to reconsider as the views while the sun’s up are amazing once darkness falls the bridge becomes something spectacular. The entire city is spread out before you in a huge carpet of glittering, shimmering lights as well as having the rare opportunity to see the white sails of Sydney’s infamous Opera House lit from above.

Sunset Over Uluru

Flickr By: Tchami

uluru

Uluru or Ayers Rock is the country’s most treasured natural attraction as well as being the sacred spiritual rock of the Aboriginal people who have lived on this land for hundreds of years. Uluru features prominently in the Dreamtime stories, Aboriginal tales of how they believe the world was created. Consequently, it’s decorated with intricate rock art and ancient, awe-inspiring engravings. While the locals ask that you don’t climb Uluru, there is a rope, and hewn stairs cut into the rock for visitors but it has become less common for people to do so. Instead, marvel at the crimson earth while walking around Uluru’s base, it’ll take around three hours but the silence, space and time for reflection are well worth it. It’s also the one place that tourists request to see the most while on Australia vacations. Try to plan your trip to coincide with sunset when the rock comes alive in a blaze of color as the light shifts magically across the smooth surface.

Fly Or Dive The Great Barrier Reef

Flickr By: Robert Lindsell

You can either hire a seaplane and skim the crystal, clear waters of this vast, eco-friendly habitat or get up close and personal with the marine life that lives here. The Great Barrier Reef is also home to some of the most endangered coral in the world, as well as over 1500 species of incredible, fascinating fish, white and tiger sharks, rays, marine turtles and the endangered dugong. Get yourself suited up, head under water and dive into the mysterious depths of mother nature’s best-kept secret while discovering for yourself why the Australia’s most popular reef is the ultimate destination for divers all over the globe.

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February 11, 2017 by Chase Vandros

Eat Your Way Around Europe

Holidays are a chance to explore and immerse ourselves in different cultures and ways of life. The best holidays broaden the mind, but also our waistlines! Food plays an important role in many cultures. It can tell us about their traditions, their history, and how they live their lives. From essential oils in Italy to snails in France, it’s worth exploring Europe from the inside of a restaurant.

Italy

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Italy is a country of opposites. Head to Florence or Venice and you will be surrounded by grandiose architecture, stunning Basilicas, and of course the Grand Canal. If you venture to the lakes, Como, or Garda, you will be met by a more relaxed and less urban vista. With such diverse regions and environments, Italy is famed for its varied cuisine. In the northern region of Italy is Emilia-Romagna, here you will find the city Modena. This ancient town boasts cathedrals and piazza’s, but it also has strong links to exceptional food. Osteria Francescana is widely considered one of the best restaurants in the world. It holds three michelin stars and can be found sitting unassumingly on a street in Modena. Run by acclaimed chef, Massimo Bottura, the restaurant serves dishes which evoke strong memories for Bottura. Modena is also the home of Modena Balsamic Vinegar, which is sold all over the world. There are plenty of tours, such as Italy Escorted Tours, that allow you to discover this compelling country. Just be sure to sample lots of it’s cuisine!

France

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Much like Italian cuisine, French cooking has inspired chefs all over the world. Widely considered some of the most sophisticated food, the French continue to serve up exceptional dishes. Amongst some of the more unusual delicacies are snails, or escargot. Despite what you might think, this starter is more popular in the Catalan region of Spain than France. These edible land snails have been eaten as early as 1892. The French prepare them by removing their shells and cooking them in garlic and wine. Some other national dishes you may be up for trying are croque monsieur, foie gras, and bisque.

Spain

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As well as its favourable climate and laid-back atmosphere, Spain also boasts some of our deli counter favourites! Paella, a Valencian rice dish, has been replicated and adapted all over the world. Although you may find some Paella with chicken and chorizo in, Valencians will assure you that the authentic version is the seafood variety. Spanish cured meats, including Iberian ham, are also something of a delicacy worldwide. The meat comes from black Iberian pigs and is considered by some to be the finest ham in the world. Pincho, otherwise known at Pintxo is northern Spain’s answer to tapas. These small dishes are traditionally served in bars, or whilst relaxing with friends and family. They get their unusual name from the word pincho, the Spanish for spike. All of these bite-sized dishes are skewered with a toothpick to make them easy to eat.