Koh Phi Phi – Better The 2nd Time Around

It’s no secret many travel destinations are better the 2nd time around — it’s always easier to have a good time if you know the lay of the land, spoken to a few friends/travelers who have visited the same destination, and have already figured out what NOT to do. I visited the island of Koh Phi Phi back in 2008 and stayed 3 nights — and thought the island was truly an unreal experience. But four years later, my friends and I visited and ended up staying 6 nights. I couldn’t live on the island (it’s a bit too “busy” for me), but I’d definitely recommend an extended stay if you can.

For those visiting Koh Phi Phi in the future, you should make sure you do the following:

  1. Do a day tour and see Maya Bay, Viking Cove and Monkey Beach. You can get a cheap tour for 350 baht that lasts 4 hours (but note the boat is essentially a water taxi and the only food you get is pineapple at the end)
  2. Hike up to the viewpoint that overlooks the whole island. It’s easily one of the best views I’ve ever seen anywhere in the world. There is quite a crowd that gathers up there for sunset.
  3. Watch Muay Thai boxing at the Reggae Bar
  4. End your night by hitting up all the various beach bars playing techno music
  5. Eat at Papaya and Noodles. Papaya is right near Reggae Bar and has amazing food (the cashew chicken is amazing) at great prices — but don’t visit Papaya is you HATE cats. Noodles offers quite simply the best Pad Thai I’ve had anywhere in the world (and it’s cheap).

View from Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint at Sunset

Maya Bay

Cat in the beer fridge at Papaya

Hit the Snow in Niseko

Snow lovers, skiing gurus, and anyone who lives on a snowboard need to head to Niseko. Move over Aspen and Swiss Alps and welcome to Japan. The Niseko Ski Resort is in Hokkaido and is famous throughout the world for all it has to offer for those who live to ski and snowboard. Part of the reason Niseko is such a draw to snow enthusiasts is the continuous supply of fresh powder. There is no need to make snow because more is always on the way in Niseko making for the best conditions on the mountain and the envy of other leading ski resorts. For people on holiday or those who have come to train, this is a snow paradise.

Awarded with the impressive advantage of offering “the best skiiing in Japan,” Niseko has runs for every type of person on skis or a snowboard. The beginner can make those first baby steps into the sport, amateurs will find plenty of opportunities to learn more skills, intermediates can hit slopes geared for their level, and the most advanced will find their dreams coming true when they come to Niseko. Alpine and tree skiing are offered at Niseko which places it above other locations that are not as diverse. Another positive feature of Niseko is easy access. There are numerous accommodations available throughout the region within a short distance of the resort. People can make their way in and get to the lift without a problem.

In regards to conditions, Niseko is a location that does not get kissed by the sun very often. It is always cold and the snow is plentiful. For the person who wants to take a sunbath while hitting the slopes, they’ll need to rearrange their expectations. Niseko is the hot spot for anyone looking for perfect powder. It’s the largest that Japan has to offer, composing of four areas. Niseko Village, Hanazano, Hirafu, and An’nupuri are all connected and provide anyone on skis or a snowboard with plenty of opportunities to explore an ample selection of trails.

Niseko is close to an international airport and shuttle service is available. For anyone with big plans to hit the slopes, they should put Niseko on their bucket list as a prime location for the ski and snowboarding experience of their dreams. Niseko is waiting to pull them in and bring them to new heights. For those who are dabbling in the sport for the first time, they may find themselves turning professional. Experience Niseko and all that Japan has to offer as well. Experience a new culture and a warm welcome from the Japanese. Take a taste of fine cuisine, find the popular places for night life with the locals and see what talented artisans have to offer for memories from the travel experience of a life time. Niseko will give people the powder they’ve been waiting for, a bite of Japan, and a memorable moment that will make them want to come back for more snow!

My Idea of Travel Shopping

We all know tourists shop — excessively. They buy all kinds of trinkets, knick knacks, tank tops, shoes, sunglasses, paintings, dresses, etc.

Well, as a travel addict, none of that is even remotely interesting to me. After all, I’m going to have to lug around every last item that I purchase on my back for months on end.

My definition of travel shopping?

Going to Expedia, Kayak, Cheapoair.com, etc and looking for awesome, cheap plane tickets..

Take Your Car With You On Your Voyages

Car unloading from a shipIt isn’t uncommon to hear a person refer to his or her car using a pet name or some term of endearment, so it shouldn’t be surprising that a large number of travelers ship their cars abroad when they plan on being out of the country for an extended period of time. Transporting a car overseas is much like sending a person abroad. It requires the right paperwork and can cost a fairly large amount of money. Nevertheless, it isn’t impossible and can be painless process if done properly.

When looking for a car transport service, the best way to approach this often overwhelming task is to contact an auto shipper who specializes in oversea car transportation. Authorized auto shippers will be well versed in the the proper procedures and paperwork, which makes it significantly less difficult for the traveler.

Most auto shippers will leave from locations such as San Francisco, New York, Miami, Baltimore and other popular ports. Travelers can expect to pay a pretty hefty sum, normally calculated on a per mile basis, if the auto shipper has to take the car to the port. The price to ship a car overseas varies and is usually dependent on the distance it needs to be shipped as well as the weight, size and type of car. An individual can expect to pay anywhere between $750 and $4000.

Taking personal vehicles on a voyage means have to fill out a decent amount of paperwork, which the auto shipper will normally provide. While some auto shippers provide minimal insurance coverage, travelers should contact their insurance company to ensure their policy covers international transport. If it doesn’t, it is highly recommended that shipping insurance be purchased to cover any damages that may occur during the voyage. Have the car cleaned and inspected thoroughly before it is picked up or leaves port. Take pictures to document each angle of the car. When the car finally makes it to its destination, have it expected again to ensure no damage occurred while it was being transported. The pictures taken prior to departure will help to prove the any new dents and scratches weren’t there at the beginning of the journey. Most auto shippers will have you fill out a bill of lading that states the vehicles condition prior to it being sent abroad. Look over the bill of lading to be sure it accurately describes your vehicles condition. Before committing to a particular auto shipper, be sure that it is a reputable company and is in good standing with the Better Business Bureau.

Exploring the Wild Blue Yonder