10 Things You Must Know: Shanghai

Photo by Héctor García

Shanghai, China

1. Name of city in its Native Language: 上海
2. Official Language: Standard Chinese
3. Currency: Chinese Yuan or Renminbi (CN¥)
4. Time Zone: China Standard Time (CST)
5. Closest Airport: Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
6. Getting Around: Subway and light railway (Shanghai Metro); bus routes operated by numerous transportation companies; taxis are plentiful. You can use a Shanghai Public Transportation Card (SPTC) on any of these - even to pay taxis.
7. Climate: Four distinct seasons: Winters are chilly and damp, Summers are hot and humid, Spring is pleasant but often rainy, Autumn is generally sunny and dry. (More detail)
8. Tipping: China generally has a no-tipping culture. Exceptions are for luxury hotels, where the luggage boy might get 5 CN¥ per bag, and some fine hotels and restaurants may add a service charge of 10–15%.
9. Entry Requirements: Valid passport and Visa required.
10. Culture Tip: The  toast is a part of Chinese culture that is not taken lightly and is practiced frequently. During group toasts, everyone simultaneously drains their glass. When someone toasts you individually, you should immediately stop eating to accept and toast in response; during this ceremony you should touch glasses in a way that will tacitly imply the supposed social position and importance of each person.

What did we miss? What kind of essential information do you look up while planning a trip? Tell us in the comments!

Pic of the Week #8: Location Revealed!

Yuyuan Gardens | Photo by mariusz kluzniak

And the answer is: Shanghai, China!

This photo displays Yu Garden, or Yuyuan Garden, an extensive Chinese garden located beside the City God Temple in the northeast of the Old City of Shanghai. Stay tuned all week for travel and culture tips for this "Pearl of the Orient"!

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10 Things You Must Know: Amsterdam

Photo by Julia McGuirk

Amsterdam, Netherlands (Holland)

1. Name of city in its Native Language: Amsterdam
2. Official Language: Dutch
3. Currency: Euro (€)
4. Time Zone: Central European Time (CET)
5. Closest Airport: Schiphol Amsterdam Airport
6. Getting Around: Gemeentelijk Vervoerbedrijf or GVB operates the tram, bus, ferry, metro, and train (interactive map here); you must have an OV-Chipkaart or another valid travel card to ride metro. Amsterdam is walkable, and a great way to experience the city like a local is to rent a bike - or 'fietsen'.
7. Climate: Oceanic, both winters and summers are considered mild (more detail)
8. Tipping: Although a service charge is included at restaurants, it is nice to tip 5-10% for good service (but not required).
9. Entry Requirements: Valid passport required; Visa not required for stays under 90 days.
10. Culture Tip: When you greet shop owners, walk into a waiting room full of people, or get into an elevator, it is customary to say 'goedemiddag' (good day). Then be sure to wish 'fijne dag nog' (have a nice day) or 'dag' (goodbye) when you or another exits.

What did we miss? What kind of essential information do you look up while planning a trip? Tell us in the comments!

Pic of the Week #7: Location Revealed!

Photo by Nils van Rooijen

And the answer is: Amsterdam, Netherlands!

This photo displays just one of the city's beautiful 165 canals. Stay tuned all week for travel and culture tips for this "Venice of the North"!

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Can You Name This Country? picoftheweek #7

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10 Things You Must Know: London

Photo by Julia McGuirk

London, England

1. Name of city in its Native Language: London
2. Official Language: English
3. Currency: Pound sterling (£)
4. Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
5. Closest Airport: London Heathrow Airport
6. Getting Around: Underground (Tube), Buses (compulsory and request: compulsory stops are white with a red roundel; request stops are red with a white roundel), Docklands Light Railway (DLR), Tramlink, River Bus, and Overground. London is also pretty walkable.
7. Climate: Temperate oceanic climate (more detail)
8. Tipping: Service is often included in restaurant bills, but if not add 10-15%; tipping in pubs is not customary; 1-2 pounds for hotel porters, 1-2 pounds for housekeepers; round up for cab drivers.
9. Entry Requirements: Valid passport required; Visa not required for stays under 90 days.
10. Culture Tip: Cash is not accepted on buses; you must pay by Oyster card (which can be used on the tube and overground) or contactless card. Board buses in the front door and exit via the rear. And don't forget that Londoners drive on the left side of the road!

What did we miss? What kind of essential information do you look up while planning a trip? Tell us in the comments!

Can You Name This Country? picoftheweek #6

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The Thrifty Traveler: Cape Town

1.  Tjing Tjing                                   
Did someone say free wine tastings? Stop by Tjing Tjing on Wednesdays starting at 5pm, and try some of the finest blends in South Africa. Chill on top of this historical building which has been transformed into a rooftop bar. Cheers! Want to learn more?

2.  Diamond Tour: Shimansky
Ever wonder how diamonds are sculpted to perfection? Join the Shimansky experts, and see first-hand what goes into this process. Walk through the halls of the sparkling showroom and see how the precious stone is cut and polished in a workshop. This tour is open to all ages, and is entirely free. Check out more at the  Shimansky tour.

3.  Table Mountain National Park        
This park is filled with a plethora of natural wonders, and encompasses over 100 miles of trails for both hiking and biking! Dare to explore Devil's Peak, or take a stroll across Table Mountain. And if you are feeling extra adventurous, you can stay at one of the many campsites available. For more information go to the National Park's Website.

4.  Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden 
With over 1,000 acres to wander, this is one of the largest Botanical Gardens in the entire world. Enjoy the wide diversity of vegetation native to South Africa; while meditating amidst the picturesque backdrop of Table Mountain. Read further here.

10 Things You Must Know: Cape Town

Cape Town and Table Mountain

Cape Town, South Africa

1. Name of city in its Native Language: Kaapstad (Afrikaans) or Ikapa (Xhosa)
2. Official Languages: Afrikaans, Northern Sotho, English, Southern Ndebele, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu
3. Currency: South African Rand (R)
4. Time Zone: South Africa Standard Time (SAST)
5. Closest Airport: Cape Town International Airport
6. Getting Around: The city is walkable for most sights. Public transportation include Minibus Taxis, My CiTi buses, Golden Arrow Bus Services, and Metrorail Western Cape. Metered taxis are available; a hired car can be easy, quick, and affordable to get around for the day. City Sightseeing Hop On-Hop Off buses are an option to see the main sights.
7. Climate: Warm-summer Mediterranean climate. Winter is May-September while Summer lasts November-March (more detail)
8. Tipping: 10-15% for restaurant waiters; $1 per bag for hotel porters, $1 a night for housekeepers, and $3-5 for concierge; 10% for taxis, $25 per person per day for private drivers or guides. Authorities employ "car guards" and airport porters, so when parking a car you might be approached by a guard: if he shows identification pay him 15–20 rand when you return; pay an airport porter 20 rand per bag.
9. Entry Requirements: Valid passport required; Tourist Visa not required if visiting for 90 days or less. Valid yellow fever certificate required from those travelling from or through a World Health Organization designated yellow fever country.
10. Culture Tip: A 14% value-added tax (VAT) accompanies most purchases in Cape Town, but you can often get a refund at airport customs if you have proof of all purchases.

What did we miss? What kind of essential information do you look up while planning a trip? Tell us in the comments!

Pic of the Week #5: Location Revealed!

And the answer is: Cape Town, South Africa! 

Stay tuned all week for travel and culture tips for planning a trip to this "Tavern of the Seas"!

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Can You Name This Country? picoftheweek#5

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The Thrifty Traveler: San Carlos Edition

Looking to visit San Carlos, Costa Rica?

 Here are some fun and
affordable suggestions!


 1. La Fortuna Waterfall
For just $10 you can take a hike to visit this stunning waterfall. Dare to swim in these cleansing aquamarine waters after a nice hike, you will not be disappointed!
*Word of advice-you may want to arrange for a ride to the park entrance (if not it will be a bit of a hike)!
La Fortuna Waterfall

 




2. Free Natural Hot Springs
If you only have time for one thing in San Carlos, this should definitely be number one on your list! Meditate in these warm, clear waters that provide the finest specimen of nature's oasis.

Where can you find them?
In La Fortuna of San Carlos, 8 miles from La Fortuna , towards Tabacon hot springs, by the Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica






3. Del Bosque
Del Bosque is a once in a lifetime opportunity to tour this unique family-run farm! For just $12 you can buy a Campesino Pass which gives a complete tour of the farm, a natural fruit juice and snack, and a tour guide. Other options include a cultural meal and in depth tour of side projects. 
Del Bosque Site 

4. Rainforest Chocolate Tour
Take a ride on the wild side, and get in touch with one of nature's most precious resources: chocolate. Yes that fine, rich, and satisfying treat that has been around for centuries. Learn how how to make this delicious food, and try some fresh chocolate made indigenous-style.

10 Things You Must Know: San Carlos

La Fortuna De San Carlos Catholic Church | Photo by Gerwin Filius

San Carlos, Costa Rica

1. Name of city in its Native Language: La Fortuna de San Carlos
2. Official Language: Spanish
3. Currency: Costa Rican colón ₡
4. Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST)
5. Closest Airport: Juan Santamaria Intl Airport or Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport
6. Getting Around: The airport is a few hours away, so you'll need to get to San Carlos by bus or car rental. Once you arrive, you can take advantage of tourist charter buses, metered taxis, public buses, or bike rentals to visit the sights. TripAdvisor gives a pretty thorough list of relevant links and information in their article Costa Rica: Transportation.
7. Climate: Tropical (more detail)
8. Tipping: Included in the bill for restaurant waiters; 25-50 cents per bag for hotel porters and $1 a day for housekeepers; small amount to cabbies if you have luggage, $5-10 for full-day drivers.
9. Entry Requirements: Passport required; Tourist Visa is not required for stays of 90 days or less, but tourists must present a return ticket. Visitors must pay a departure tax of 29 USD when leaving. Yellow fever vaccinations are required if arriving from some countries in South America or Sub-Saharan Africa.
10. Culture Tip: Costa Ricans are very polite, so always say please and thank you, and try not raise your voice in anger. It is common to say hello and goodbye to friends and acquaintances with a light kiss on the cheek, or an air kiss accompanied by a kissing sound. Note that women kiss women and women kiss men, but men do not kiss men; instead, they either shake hands or give each other a one-armed hug. 

What did we miss? What kind of essential information do you look up while planning a trip? Tell us in the comments!

Pic of the Week #4: Location Revealed!

Arenal Volcano | Photo by Leonora Enking

And the answer is: La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica! 

This week's picture is a view of the Arenal Volcano, one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world. There are more than 121 volcanic formations in Costa Rica, and seven of them are active.

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Can You Name This Country? picoftheweek #4

 Guess this country!

Where in the world are we heading next week?

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10 Things You Must Know: Buenos Aires

Puerto Madero | photo by Maritè Toledo, Flickr

Buenos Aires, Argentina

1. Name of city in its Native Language: Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires
2. Official Language: Spanish
3. Currency: Argentine Peso $
4. Time Zone: Argentina Time (ART)
5. Closest Airport: Ministro Pistarini International Airport (also known as Ezeiza International Airport)
6. Getting Around: Taxis (metered) or remises (fixed rates); buses (known as "colectivos"); the underground/subway system: Subte. Buenos Aires is also a very walkable city.
7. Climate: Humid summers and mild winters - but remember that it's the southern hemisphere, so the hottest month is January (more detail).
8. Tipping: 10% to restaurant waiters; 10 pesos for hotel porters; round up for taxi drivers, 10% for car services/full-day drivers.
9. Entry Requirements: Passport required. Tourist Visa is not required for stays of 90 days or less. Prior to arrival, US, Canadian, and Australian citizens must pay a $160 reciprocity fee; print your receipt and present to the immigration officer in Argentina (this fee is valid for multiple trips spanning 10 years).
10. Culture Tip: At bus stops, remember to queue while waiting for the bus and respect the order of the queue when boarding.

What did we miss? What kind of essential information do you look up while planning a trip? Tell us in the comments!

Pic of the Week #3: Location Revealed!

Desde el Palacio Barolo | photo by Mikel

And the answer is: Buenos Aires, Argentina! 

In anticipation of Semana Santa, we'll be spending the week sharing all of the best highlights and tips about Buenos Aires.

This week's picture is a view of the Congreso de la Nación Argentina, taken from the Palacio Barolo across the Plaza de los dos Congresos.

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Can You Name This Country? picoftheweek #3

 Guess this country!

Where in the world are we heading next week?

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10 Things You Must Know: New Delhi

Lodi Garden, New Delhi | Photo by Kumaravel

New Delhi, India

1. Name of city in its Native Language: नई दिल्ली
2. Official Language: Hindi, English, plus more than 20 officially recognized languages.
3. Currency: Indian Rupee ₹
4. Time Zone: Indian Standard Time (IST)
5. Closest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport
6. Getting Around: Delhi Metro Rail, buses (but beware there are many different companies operating in Delhi), tuk-tuk (auto rickshaw), or cycle rickshaws.
7. Climate: humid subtropical; highly influenced by the seasonal monsoon. Long, hot summers and cool, dry winters. (more detail)
8. Tipping: aka "baksheesh": 15% for restaurant waiters (but some spots do automatically include a service charge); taxi/rickshaw drivers don't expect tips but will accept them up to 10%; at hotels 50 rupees per bag for the porter and 250 rupees per night for the housekeeper.
9. Entry Requirements:  A valid passport and tourist visa is required by all for entry to India, unless they hold a PIO (Person of Indian Origin) Card. (U.S. citizen specifics)
10. Culture Tip: Especially when visiting cultural sights, it is respectful to dress modestly, covering the knees and shoulders.

What did we miss? What kind of essential information do you look up while planning a trip? Tell us in the comments!

Pic of the Week #2: Location Revealed!

photo by Stephan Rebernik, Flickr

And the answer is: New Delhi, India! 

In celebration of Nowruz and the beginning of Spring, we'll be spending the week sharing all of the best highlights and tips about New Delhi.

This week's picture is of New Delhi's Road To Remembrance (photo by Stephan Rebernik, Flickr).

The name of this road is Rajpath, which means "King's Way" and is an important memorial road. Every year on January 26, the national Republic Day Parade takes place on this boulevard.

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