Not all Cambodians, however, see you as a walking bag of dollar bills. You will meet many friendly, smiling people who are genuinely interested in you and your story. If you want to make friends with everyday Cambodians, here are three suggestions that helped me during my last trip to Cambodia.

©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Return for a second meal at a good restaurant

There are so many places to eat in Cambodia’s tourist areas that you might want to try a new one every time. Return to a place you liked, though, and you’ll experience true Cambodian hospitality.

We visited the same restaurant in Angkor Wat two days in a row and on our second day we got two free bottles of water when we were leaving. We couldn’t believe that the owners remembered us from the previous day, as there were literally hundreds of people eating there both times we visited. This heartwarming gesture was even better appreciated as it was a scorching day and I had been feeling a bit ill.

Smile at people

Every time we smiled at random people on the street they gave us a genuine smile in return. In tourist areas like Siem Reap, even toddlers would smile back and shout a sweet “hello” in English. I always smile at unknown people when I want to take a photo of them – in most cases, a broad smile makes them feel at ease and happy to be photographed.

©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Learn some phrases in the Khmer language

At one of the hostels we stayed at in Cambodia there were some useful phrases in Khmer written on the walls, but once I’d learned them, I started asking the receptionist for more. As this was a family business, soon the whole family gathered to give me a language class in Khmer, including their four-year-old twins who spoke perfect English due to the constant flow of tourists through the hostel. Even the little ones were happy to teach us some words in their native language.

©Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Bonus tip: take it easy!

Being nervous, hasty or creating a feeling of urgency is useless in Cambodia, where nobody wears a watch and the phrase “take your time” is perceived as a rule. The best approach is to absorb the timelessness and stop trying to impose your concept of punctuality upon people if you want them to be your friends.

Read more: Angkor Wat: Sunrise or sunset (+useful tips)

How to beat the crowds at Angkor Wat

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Rumor has it that Colombia’s cuisine is not impressive at all. It is said to be bland, dull and lacking taste compared to other South American countries. What’s more, it’s mostly deep-fried and unhealthy. All these bad reviews did not put me off and I set out to prove them wrong. I was happy to find there is a strong vegetarian wave spreading around the country. In addition, the variety of world cuisines and restaurants you can choose from is huge.

The so-called unhealthy Colombian food turned out to be high in nutrients like protein and good fats. Accompanied by fresh fruit and juices this makes up the perfect diet. Read on:

Drink Coffee

A cup of local coffee

Colombia is the place to be this or next year for many reasons. And coffee is only one of them! The country produces some of the world’s highest quality coffee, and is one of the few countries worldwide that grows only the preferred sort of Arabica. Unfortunately, all the premium coffee beans are sold to export companies. The good news is that coffee tourism is becoming more and more popular throughout the whole country. The focus now is on developing a signature coffee culture. Specialty coffee shops are opening up everywhere and you can easily enjoy the taste of a good cup of local coffee.

Load on protein or go vegetarian

Typical Colombian food is high in protein and good fats – seafood, beans, lean meat, eggs, and avocado. Lunch turns into a filling, gut-busting challenge. Colombians take pride in everything. That’s why they use only premium local produce to prepare their traditional dishes – high-quality meat, fresh eggs and seafood from the Pacific or the Caribbean. You can even find vegetarian protein. Eating healthily and going vegetarian is the new trend spreading across the country. There are lots of vegetarian restaurants emerging and when it comes to produce, farmers are going organic.

Give tradition a shot

To fully experience a foreign country, you should try at least one local specialty. Tamal is a simple dish enjoyed all across Colombia. It comes wrapped in a banana leaf and the filling inside could vary between chicken, pork belly, ribs, boiled eggs, carrots, potatoes, rice and more. Mondongo is one of the hearty soups that will keep you warm on a cold day in the Andean zone. It is a signature dish of Colombia, containing pork, tripe and chorizo. The secret ingredients are cilantro and lime juice.

Indulge in all the street food

Colombia is all about the street food – from fresh fruit and juice stands to deep-fried snacks! The most famous are probably the sweet little donuts – boñuelos and the stuffed empanadas. Empanadas and arepas are sold at every corner. Stuffed with chicken, beef or mixed meat, cheese, and avocado – the choice is yours. If you are looking for something exotic, but less filling, go for patacones (deep-fried plantains). They’re known as Colombia’s to-go snack.

Eat fruit

Colombia offers diversity at its finest especially when it comes to fruit. There are loads of exotic fruit and you should eat all of them! On a hot Caribbean day make sure to fuel in on fresh fruit and freshly squeezed juices. Lime, orange, mandarin juice – they are everywhere. My personal favorite is guanabana. Mango and bananas are the most common when it comes to fruit. For an authentic taste, try pitaya, lulo, granadilla, mamoncillo or guanabana. You will not find them anywhere else.

Savor ajiaco soup in Bogota

You can basically find ajiaco anywhere in the country, but it’s typical for the region of Bogota (as bandeja paisa is typical for Antioquia). This hearty soup consists of chicken, three varieties of potatoes and corn. It’s usually served along with cream, capers, avocado and plantain. Simple and delicious – a great way to warm up on a rainy day in the capital!

Try Aguardiente

Aguardiente is a strong alcoholic beverage found throughout Latin America and Spain. The name comes from Latin and it means fiery (ardiente) and water (agua). Just like brandy, aguardiente started out as a distilled spirit made of whatever ingredients were available locally. Colombia’s aguardiente has a strong anise flavor. The brand we tried is the country’s best Aguardiente Antioqueño.

Seafood on the Caribbean

The costeños (people from the coast) have it all figured out – freshly caught fish and fresh coconut! Sounds like the ultimate beach meal, so why not combine them and make onе of Colombia’s best dishes? Alongside the coast you can find a diversity of fish (red snapper, corvina, mojarra, tilapia) usually accompanied by a side of coconut rice. If you prefer seafood, then don’t miss out on Cazuela de Marisco. Shrimp, clam and swordfish cooked in coconut milk make up the perfect combination for this creamy stew. All you need is some fresh veggies and a glass of white wine on the side.

Find a local craft beer

Caribbean cocktails and aguardiente are Colombia’s clichés. If you want to keep up with the latest trends, you should definitely look out for local craft beers and breweries popping up in every major town. I’ll name just a few brands that won’t disappoint – BBC (Bogota Beer Company), 3 Cordilleras and Nevada Brewery. The last one has even brought out a limited edition brew infused with coca leaves.

Drink coca tea

No, that won’t get you in trouble. Drinking coca tea is legal in Colombia as well as Peru, Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador and Chile. It is used as a medicine throughout the Andes and it is highly recommended for travellers there as it prevents altitude sickness. It is offered widely in the cafes and restaurants in the capital, so you can give it a try. Coca flour, coca energy bars, coca-infused beer or rum, the leaf is slowly turning into Colombia’s new superfood.

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Here are the most useful Google Maps hacks, tips and tricks to use both when on the road and at home.

#1 Beat the crowds

When showing attractions, Google Maps has a feature called “Popular times” displaying the peaks and troughs of visitors’ interest during the day. This average data will help you decide when to visit in order to skip the longest lines. You can choose a day of the week and explore it hour by hour.

See the most popular visiting hours and then choose a calmer time for your visit.

#2 Use navigation offline

Navigation in Google Maps works even if you’re offline, which is handy when you’re abroad and want to save on data roaming expenses. All you need to do is download maps of the area you’ll be visiting in advance. Detailed instructions on how to do this are available here. This is also useful for domestic travel, when you plan to visit destinations with poor network coverage.

#3 Save locations on your personal map

When I visit a new city or a country, I always research what I want to see, find the attractions on Google Maps and use the “Save” option to keep them at hand when I need to design my route later. You can choose to save the site under “Favorites”, “Starred places” or “Want to go”. Alternatively, you can create your own customs lists and sort them by destination, for example. Then, when you open the map, you’ll see all the places neatly organized on your to-visit list.

1. Type in the name of the attraction. 2. Click the “More info” button. 3. Choose the “Save” option. 4. Choose an existing list or create a new one (Berlin, New Zealand, Cheese museums etc.).

#4 Read reviews

Google Maps is one of the main sources of visitors’ reviews of hotels, restaurants, attractions, and even buses (which are reviewed on bus stops marked on the map). Of course, you should be aware that reviews are personal and influenced by many factors. Then again, if hundreds of people have complained about the cleanliness of a restaurant, you should take that into consideration.

#5 Send to your phone

If you’re researching destinations on your laptop but will need the information on your phone later, you can easily send everything you’ve done to your phone via SMS or email. This works if you are signed into your Google account on your both devices.

Send information straight to your phone.

#6 Ask questions and get answers

Google Maps has a forum-like feature where users can ask questions and get answers. The app accumulates the most frequently asked questions, which you can then see by typing the name of a certain location and scrolling through all the attached information.

#7 See upcoming events

Very few of us scroll down to the end of the information about a site in Google Maps. However, when you search for a bar, cafe, museum, opera house or other attraction and scroll down to the bottom, you’ll find a list of the venue’s upcoming events with a link to its website and further information.

Scroll down to see upcoming event info at the bottom of the page.

#8 Find all the cafes/museums/hotels around you, the lazy way

If you just type “cafe” or “museum” into the search bar of Google Maps, it will highlight these places in the area around you. It’s a great way to decide where to go next without having to trawl through thousands of reviews.

#9 Zoom in and out with only your thumb

Sometimes you only have one free hand to hold your phone, and zooming in or out with two fingers seems like mission impossible. Google Maps has solved this problem, of course! You can easily zoom in by double-tapping on the screen. If you want to zoom in and then out, do the following: double tap and hold, then slide your thumb down to zoom in and up to zoom out.

#10 Indulge in time travel

Google Street View has amassed a huge collection of images from around the world, and while the data has been updated with more accurate imagery, the old views have been preserved for the sake of ‘time travel’. When you’re in Street View mode, just click the small stopwatch in the top left corner of the screen and use the slider to see older images. Here’s a short video demonstrating this feature:

#11 Avoid traffic jams

If you’re connected to the internet, Google Maps will provide you with real-time traffic updates. The busiest roads are marked in red, allowing you to plan your driving route along the much quieter green lines.

#12 Measure distance between any two spots

Right click on the map and choose the “Measure distance” option from the dropdown menu. Then click on the map and fine tune the line that appears on it. With every subsequent click, a line will connect the spot you just clicked on with the previous point. This tool allows you to create elaborate routes and measure their length in increments.

#13 Add stops to an existing route

You are headed to your friend’s new house, but suddenly he calls and asks you to drop by the supermarket on your way to pick up some more beer. Instead of recreating the route from scratch, you can simply use the “Add stop” option and change the route. This tool is available in the dropdown menu by clicking the three dots next to your starting point.

#14 Remember when you parked (Android only)

After having parked your car, open Google Maps, tap on the blue dot and choose the “Save your parking” option.

#15 Share your location

If you have to meet friends who don’t know where you are and you can’t give them a decent explanation, just follow the instructions from the previous feature, but instead click on the “Share your location” option. You can choose a timeframe between 15 minutes and three days, or “Until you turn this off”. You can use Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Google, or any other contacts you have saved in your apps.

#16 Use voice commands while driving (Android only)

It’s not a good idea to take your eyes off the road while driving. Thankfully, you can make use of the “OK Google” command while using Google Maps navigation to answer queries like “Find gas stations nearby” or “Where’s my next turn?”.

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Next time you’re feeling the wanderlust but don’t have two pennies to rub together, use these crazy, quirky and unusual ideas to enjoy a cheap getaway. Life is short; you should try to organize an entirely free trip at least once in your lifetime, or at least learn how to have eyes for the obvious opportunities that lie right under your nose. Some of these ideas are destination-specific, but most are not. Enjoy!

Completely free ideas

1. Make the most of your friends (because that’s what friends are for). In the best-case scenario, you will have friends or relatives who can host you and feed you well during your trip. But then you’ll have to pay for transportation… so…

2. Delve into your reserves – maybe you have unused gift vouchers, tickets or airline miles you can exchange for a free ticket. Voila! Now you’ve got a free weekend somewhere exotic!

3. Go in the wilderness and find your way using only the sun and a long stick (***here’s how to do it***). The long stick needed for this experiment usually comes free in the wilderness.

4. If you are in Paris, you can drink free sparkling water from street fountains.

5. Become a local volunteer guide and meet a bunch of new and interesting people.

6. Immerse yourself in nature to take care of your mental health (it’s proven nature has this magical property). Leave your phone at home and experience the healing power of the forest, like people in Japan do. Here’s a list of fun nature challenges to complete.

7. If you are in Amsterdam, you can hitchhike on a local’s bike. Here’s how.

8. Organize a night picnic (because everything looks different by the light of the bonfire).

9. Bathe in a waterfall (that’s a free shower from nature). Here are 5 American waterfalls to bathe in.

10. Spend the night camping or, if you’re feeling even more adventurous, sleeping in a hammock hung in a forest.

11. Visit a museum or a gallery on its free admission day. Check the attractions around you and see when you can get in for free.

12. “Human beings make life so interesting. Do you know, that in a universe so full of wonders, they have managed to invent boredom,” Terry Pratchett once said. Why don’t you post something on social media like: “Hey, I have no money and no idea where to go, but I want to go somewhere interesting. Any ideas?”. If you don’t know what to do, it doesn’t mean nobody else knows. Everyone has at least a few pals who know all the deals and will happily share them with you.

13. Barter for a night at a B&B anywhere in the world in exchange for a skill (painting, gardening, etc). Here’s how to do it.

14. Just head out to a park or a forest and take a nap under a tree on a sunny day.

15. Skinny-dip in a lake.

16. Dedicate a day or two to researching the past of your own neighborhood or town. Make a list of fun facts and write a visitor’s guide through the eyes of a local.

17. Check your city’s official website for upcoming events. It’s amazing how much free entertainment passes unnoticed every day!

18. Get your bike, blast our amazing bicycle-themed playlist through your headphones and set off on a day trip. Bring sandwiches.

19. Go stargazing with a friend. Take your sleeping bags and go somewhere away from the city lights and smog to enjoy the night sky. This is a good time to catch up.

>>> Here’s a complete guide to traveling for free.

Ideas that require a minimum investment

20. Go to the nearest bookshop-cafe. Order a coffee and feed your wanderlust by reading a travel book.

21. Hitchhike or take the public bus to a neighboring city and have a coffee there.

22. Take your friend’s kids for a walk in nature. This idea is great for you, your friend (because they’ll score a free day) and the kids, who’ll get to spend some time with their mommy or daddy’s cool friend.

23. Head to a low-cost airline’s website and see what’s the lowest fare from your nearest airport. Sometimes, you can book flights for as little as $20 return per ticket.

24. Organize a picnic.

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Research and plan well in advance

Unfortunately, you will soon discover on your travels that there are still many places around the world that offer some significant accessibility challenges. But, the more research and planning you do in advance, the more accessible your trip will be. Research the area you are interested in visiting and you’ll have a much easier time on your trip. Find out if the attractions you’d like to explore are accessible. Can you hire an adapted car and are taxis readily available?

Research the accessibility of subway stations, bus routes, sidewalks and the location of accessible building entrances. There will probably be a number of different ways to get to the different tourist attractions you’d like to see. Some routes will have smooth, flat paths and wheelchair ramps. However, there will likely be some that have steep hills, annoying and potentially dangerous cobblestones and stairs. But your trip doesn’t need to be a struggle at all. The key is to do your homework well. Then you will be able to enjoy fully accessible hotel accommodations, accessible tourist attractions and sightseeing opportunities, and an all-around accessible travel experience.

Discuss your needs with the airline

When you book your tickets, make sure you are very clear about your specific requirements. If you use a wheelchair, then have your measurements and weight ready to pass on to the airline. Check that the aircraft can adequately meet all your requirements such as providing you with special seating, and accessible toilets if required. You should also book well in advance any additional support you might need at the airport. If you arrange to have specific support, then make sure you get confirmation in writing which you can print out and take with you. 

Pack spare parts and tools for your wheelchair

It’s a sad fact that wheelchairs have to endure a lot when traveling. Therefore, packing a small kit of tools and spare parts in case you need to make emergency repairs, is essential. Check in advance about whether you will be expected to dismantle your wheelchair before taking certain flights. You should also make sure well in advance that you and your companions know how to dismantle and then reassemble your chair quickly.

You’ve done all the planning you can. You’ve read all the reviews, listened to all the advice from other travelers with disabilities and feel prepared for the unexpected. Now, all you have to do is look forward to a wonderful holiday. Bon voyage.

*

This post is submitted by Lucy Humphreys, a specialist in traveling with limited mobility.

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Traveling while pregnant in the first trimester

From around week six of pregnancy, the morning sickness and extreme tiredness usually settle in. Typically these symptoms last until week 12 (although of course your case may be different). This means that even if there are no medical reasons to avoid traveling in the first trimester, you probably wouldn’t want to. During this phase I’d planned a trip to Mauritius, which I cleverly canceled; at the time I was supposed to take a long-haul flight, I was so nauseous that I wanted to stay in bed forever.

Bearing in mind that the risk of miscarriage is greatest in the first trimester and that you will feel weak and sleepy, it’s a good idea to postpone all trips for later.

Traveling while pregnant in the second trimester

This is when you’ll feel the most energetic, so use it to take trips and spend time with your partner before the baby arrives. This is the time to go camping, to visit faraway destinations, and even to enjoy some light hiking. I chose to go to Egypt in my fifth month, although I had to skip part of the fun (no desert safari for you ladies, it’s too bumpy!). Beach vacations are also okay, but you have to spend less time in the sun and more under the umbrella (pregnant women are at greater risk of skin pigmentation).

Traveling while pregnant in the third trimester

This is when you get heavier and heavier. Again, if you feel good and your doctor hasn’t specifically advised against it, you can still remain active and travel — just keep it light and easy.

Air travel while pregnant

There is no medical data that flying by plane is dangerous for your baby-to-be. If your pregnancy has no complications, you can fly as much as you want, on both domestic and long-haul flights. Just in case, check the airline’s rules before you purchase your ticket (some operators won’t let you fly in your last few weeks).

Two handy tips for flying while pregnant:

1. Drink a lot of water — it’s necessary both for you and your little one.

2. Choose an aisle seat — nobody goes to the toilet as often as a pregnant woman!

Traveling by car while pregnant

You can drive and travel by car until your last days of pregnancy (if you don’t have any complications). However, you should avoid very long rides, as the vibrations might cause contractions. Take long, frequent rests if you have to embark on a long drive.

When to stop traveling when pregnant

This varies from woman to woman, but broadly speaking you should stop traveling either: 1. When your doctor tells you to stop or 2. When you no longer enjoy it. Traveling for the sake of it just isn’t worth it; the best thing you can do for your unborn child is to feel happy and at peace.

What to avoid when traveling pregnant

1. All hot therapies, saunas and steam baths at spa centers are off limits while you’re pregnant. That’s because these therapies increase your body temperature, which decreases blood circulation and puts the baby’s life in danger. Swimming can be beneficial, but you should avoid the rough sea — a single stormy wave may cause a placenta abruption.

2. Loud music festivals (if you can feel the vibration of the loudspeakers in your chest, it’s too noisy). Vibrations may cause contractions even if you have a normal pregnancy. A quieter concert — like a classical or acoustic performance — is okay.

3. Anything that includes too much vibration or can make you sick — bouncy boat rides, off-road drives etc.

4. Exhausting activities and long hikes. When you’re pregnant, you’ll quickly realize that you need much more time to sleep and you have far less energy, because it all goes to your baby. Although you may want to remain as active as before, listen to your body first; if it says ‘no’, don’t get tempted to push too hard.

Have you traveled while pregnant? We’d love to hear your personal tips in the comments below. 

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