Canada's Adventure Couple

Walking with Polar Bears – The Greatest Arctic Safari
Peggy’s Cove: the famous landmark from land and sea
Spectacular Mutianyu Great Wall – Your Travel Video Coffee Break
Win a Subscription to the Travel App You Can’t Live Without
Luxury & Romance at Daytona Beach Shores Hotel and Spa
Spanish Cooking Party – Our Personal Chef in Costa Brava
Polar Bear Photos: Be transported to the Wild Edge of Manitoba
11 of the Best Things to do in Antarctica
Kayaking with Beluga Whales – A Paddlers Dream
9 Anti Theft Accessories for Safe and Secure Travel
A Milford Sound Cruise – Your Afternoon Travel Coffee Break
Etiquette in the Middle East – Need to know Travel Tips for Men and Women

Walking with Polar Bears – The Greatest Arctic Safari

Posted: 16 Sep 2015 05:36 AM PDT

We had always thought that you had to see the polar bears of Churchill, Manitoba in the winter. We had visions of massive buggies crossing the white tundra landscape in search of the great polar bear. We never thought of walking with polar bears.

Can you imagine walking with this guy?

Everyone knows that the polar bear is a dangerous bear and one of the few animals on earth that has actually been known to stalk humans. In other words, you should stay away from polar bears. So when we heard we’d be walking with Polar Bears on this safari Nanuk Lodge near Churchill Manitoba, we were intrigued to say the least.

Walking with Polar Bears

We met our group at the Winnipeg Airport where we spent the night at the chic Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel before an early morning flight to Churchill. Our trip was taking us to a remote region of Manitoba to a lonely, but lovely lodge on the Hudson Bay. A flight on a small cargo plane and then another on a tiny twin otter took us to a dusty air strip in the middle of nowhere. There wasn’t an ounce of civilization for 100 miles. We were in the middle of the Arctic Tundra surrounded by nothing but hundreds of polar bears, black bears, wolves and moose.

Nanuk Lodge from our plane

When we arrived we were escorted into our fenced in compound and given a hearty lunch with hot tea before heading out on our specially designed rhinos in search of polar bears. Churchill Wild has been running polar bear tours for 25 years and are the leaders in Polar Bear expeditions. Nanuk Lodge is their newest lodge and probably their most interesting tour. Our time on the tundra consisted of a mix of a driving safari and walking safari making for the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.

Polar Bear Safari

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Before heading out beyond the fences, our guide Andy discussed all safety procedures. It is imperative that we followed his instructions and listened to his directions when we were out in the Canadian wild. When walking with polar bears, you don’t want to make any wrong moves. The Churchill Wild Guides are experts and kept us safe and it was because we listened to what they had to say.

Our tundra transportation: Rhinos of Nanuk Lodge

Polar Bear Safety

We split up into two vehicles with a group going with Andy and another driving with Albert. Each guide was armed with a shot gun and hand gun, but more importantly, they had several means of scaring off a polar bear before having to take any deadly force. They had tools called bangers and screamers which made a loud noise and stream of colour in the air when shot at a polar bear.

See more Polar Bear photos at our post: Be Transported to the Wild Edge of Manitoba.

Should a bear become hostile, these tools would most likely scare them off without having to shoot with real bullets. They were also armed with bear spray, which Andy said he has never had to use on a bear. He and Albert instead rely on their knowledge of bear behaviour. The precautions they take while approaching any animal in the wild makes everyone feel at ease. Andy told us that he’d been guiding for years and has never once had to shoot his gun and has rarely had to use the screamers or bangers. We are after all on the animal’s turf and any deadly force should only be as a last resort. None of us were planning on provoking a polar bear to attack.

Walking in Single File towards our polar bear

On an Arctic Safari

Most of our three days at Nanuk Lodge were spent out on the coast of the Hudson Bay searching for Polar Bears and then walking with polar bears. The lodge was outfitted with binoculars and scopes and the staff kept a constant lookout for polar bears out in the distance. Each morning, our guides had a clear idea of which way they would head in search of polar bears. It wasn’t long before we came upon a mother and her cub relaxing on the coast.

A mother and her cub look on at our group

It was late summer and the perfect time to spot polar bears in the coastal region of Manitoba. Nanuk Lodge is situated smack dab in the middle of a denning area for polar bears where mothers and cubs spend their summers. During our flight out to the lodge, we saw at least a dozen polar bears walking and during our safari, we saw 4 polar bears at close proximity during our walking safaris with at least another half a dozen in the distance. It was truly mesmerizing.

A Polar Bear checks out our group

We set out each day on our Arctic rhinos in the direction of the last polar bear spotting and eventually saw what we were looking for on the horizon. Andy and Albert would then drive towards the bear until we reached close enough to start a hike towards it. When we got out of the rhinos, we had strict instructions to walk in single file and to avoid making sudden movements or noise. Plus we had to stay behind Andy at all times while Albert kept lookout in the back.

Getting closer to the polar bears

It was exciting to walk across the tundra through streams and rough terrain. We saw wolf and moose tracks along with the massive polar bear tracks. We may not have always seen the wildlife that surrounded us, but it was all certainly there.

Wolf Tracks

The Polar Bears knew we were coming, they could sense us and they took notice. But for the most part, they didn’t bother with us. They went about their daily business of sleeping or swimming in the sea as we watched on from 50 to 100 metres away. Polar bears are the largest carnivores on earth and to see them with your own two eyes as you stand exposed on the stark Canadian landscape, makes you realize just how small and vulnerable we are as human beings. These creatures are the top of the food chain, but even though they are massive, when you are standing in a group at a safe distance with knowledgeable guides, you can truly appreciate their beauty.

check out: Kayaking with Beluga Whales

Is that a polar bear behind you?

We never felt frightened or worried. We had complete trust in the skill and experience of Albert and Andy. When one guest asked if we could go closer to the bears, Andy firmly replied. “This is a distance I feel safe at. We won’t be walking any further.” Polar bears move fast and they could be at our location in a heartbeat. I felt safer watching from afar and I believe a safari is about putting as little impact on wildlife as possible. Farther away is less stressful on them.

Photographing the polar bears from a safe distance

We could watch the bears for hours and we often did. But driving along the tundra was just as exciting as seeing the polar bears. We searched for and ate fresh strawberries, visited a shipwreck on the shore and even spied a bull moose in the middle of the bush for one split second.

We got stuck in the deep mud and we explored countless miles along the coast as Albert told us stories of his life as a Cree First Nation’s person growing up in the Arctic. He knew this land like the back of his hand. I could listen to Albert talk for hours.

Albert builds a fire to keep us warm while waiting for a polar bear to approach

We weren’t outside 24 hours a day though. The Nanuk Lodge is a cozy and comfortable lodge with wood burning stoves, excellent chef and kitchen staff preparing three meals a day, and they even presentations to keep us occupied at night as we sipped wine by the fire. We were lucky enough to be visiting the lodge while Storm Chaser George Korounis was filming an episode of his TV show Angry Planet. He put on a presentation for us all about his escapades around the world and our guide Andy talked to us another evening about polar bear habitat and global warming.

Hanging with the Angry Planet Guys: George and Peter

Our evenings at the lodger were as informative as they were entertaining.

Enjoying a glass of wine after a day out on the tundra

Even as we sat inside, we were treated to wildlife encounters. Black bears circled our compound foraging for berries and standing off with one another as they claimed their turf, and we even had a large black wolf stop by to say hello. We had to stay inside the fence, but we could go outside and watch them from just a few feet away as they peeked in our direction every so often to see what we were up to.

Resident black bear outside the compound

At night another show started. May people visit Canada’s North to see the Northern Lights. The staff keeps a lookout for the Aurora Borealis and if they are active, you’ll get a wake up call with a knock on your door. We were up at 2 am watching the lights dance in the sky. We had only seen the Northern Lights one other time in Greenland and it was a highlight for us to actually witness the dancing hues of green and magenta on our own soil. We could have easily slept through the display, but thanks to Churchill Wild, we saw it all unfold before our eyes.

Dave Shines a light at the Aurora Borealis

Visiting Nanuk Lodge to walk with polar bears was truly a magical experience. It reminded me of an African Safari, only with different majestic animals and cooler temperatures. While the prime viewing times are October and November for polar bears in Churchill, Late August and September give you the opportunity to experience Polar Bears like you never thought possible. You don’t have to sit behind the glass of a tundra vehicle to snap a photo of them in the snow, instead, you can walk right up to them within just a hundred or so feet and see them surrounded by the layered colours of summer on Hudson Bay.

Beautiful Arctic Tundra in the summertime

Either way you decide to see polar bears, you won’t be disappointed. They are truly one of the most spectacular creatures on earth. To walk with polar bears is a dream come true and something we recommend everyone do!

Find out more about polar safaris at Churchill Wild. For Arctic Voyages check out Quark Expeditions and their big Polar voyages sale.

As we climbed aboard the Sea Dog IV, we felt giddy with excitement. This was our first boat tour ever on the Atlantic Coast of Canada, and we were going out to view one of Nova Scotia’s most iconic landmarks from the sea. Peggy’s Cove epitomizes the life and history of Atlantic Canada. This small village is still a fishing community with lobster boats moored in the harbour where colourful wooden houses line the tiny inlet. It’s a timeless destination that lets you feel what life was, and is like for the hard-working families of Nova Scotia.

A beautiful Peggy’s Cove sunset

Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse

Tourists flock to Peggy’s Cove to see the lighthouse standing proud on rolling granite rocks. The unique coastline was carved over thousands on years from retreating glaciers and ocean tides carving the 400 million year old rock created by molten lava bubbling up from the surface of the earth.

It’s an incredible landscape that Dave and I couldn’t quite put our finger on where we’ve seen anything like it before. It’s an experience to walk along the giant rolling formations to view the lighthouse from all different angles.

Warning: When exploring Peggy’s Cove, stay off the black rocks. Rogue waves have been known to sweep people out to sea. This year two separate incidents happened to two Ontario men. One was rescued, the other wasn’t so lucky: His body was never found. Pay attention to the warning signs and don’t become a Peggy’s Cove casualty.

Part of the attraction of Peggy’s Cove is due to hiking along the massive smooth rocks. The 100 year old lighthouse makes for postcard perfect photographs where it rests high above the raging sea where it’s beacon still acts as a guide for passing ships.

Taking in the stunning view at Peggy’s Cove.

It’s a wonderful afternoon to stroll through the village, searching for local art or ordering a fresh catch of the day off the menu at the Sou’Wester restaurant located right beside the lighthouse. We loved sitting on colourful Adirondack Chairs at the local coffee shop as we basked in the sun listening to visitors rave about the destination.

For more Canada travel, enjoy this beautiful photostory of Ontario

Tourists come from around the world. While eavesdropping on conversations, we determined that all nations and cultures agree, Peggy’s Cove is a magical timeless destination where one could rent a cottage for the summer and slow down to enjoy Canada’s coastal playground.

The village of Peggy’s Cove

But Peggy’s Cove can be overrun with tourists when the busses arrive, so we suggest visiting at sunrise or sunset when the crowds disappear and you feel as though you have it all to yourself. If you look hard enough, you can find a secluded rock to take in the view away from any care in the world.

Peggy’s Cove by Sea

While seeing Peggy’s Cove from land is extraordinary, viewing it from sea is even better. It’s while on these waters that you realize how powerful the Atlantic Ocean can be and how important of a role the lighthouse played in keeping vessels safe through fog and rough weather.

Our boat for the day for exploring Peggy’s Cove

There is only one tour company that offers boat tours and you can book in advance or see if you can hop on the next tour that leaves port two to five times each day during peak season.

See Peggy’s Cove Boat Tours for more details.

Captain Peter and first mate Courtney welcomed us with hearty smiles and after a quick safety drill, we were heading out to sea. The first thing you see once you leave the harbour is the Peggy’s Cove lighthouse and as the Captain sounds the horns, everyone on boards hoots and hollers letting the people on shore know just how much fun we were having.

Our mighty Captain for our tour of Peggy’s Cove

Courtney told us about the history of Peggy’s Cove and a bit about the life of a fisherman today. It’s a dying breed on the East Coast as corporations buy up fishing licenses from retiring fishermen and the younger generation seeks new and exciting lives in the cities. The youngest age of the fishermen in Peggy’s Cove in 50 years old!

Now that is a boat that is prepared for sea!

But life goes through changes and careers come and go, so I guess this is the way of the world in many places. As technology introduces people to a different way of life, career paths change and new generations turn their heads towards greener pastures.

See: Dave and Deb fly fishing in Ontario, Canada

For now, the life of the fisherman continues in Peggy’s Cove and some men have flourished so much, they have bought beautiful homes and plots of land with private beaches in the nearby inlet of West Dover.

The colourful inlet of West Dover

The tour is peaceful, informative and entertaining. Captain Peter, even lets you take a spin at the wheel when we are safely in a quiet bay. We donned his captain’s hat and kept the wheel steady as we tried to keep the boat heading in a straight line. It’s tougher than it looks, but as Captain Peter said, if you can drive a car, you can do this.

Different perspectives from the sea: And tourists are following the rules avoiding black rocks.

Stay off the Black Rocks at Peggy’s Cove!

Seeing the lighthouse from a different perspective is definitely a highlight of the Peggy’s Cove boat tour, but exploring the islands and nearby harbours is something that shouldn’t be missed. It’s worth getting out on the water to explore the coastline and view the different island formations of the surrounding area.

While many people simply spend a couple of hours at Peggy’s Cove, we felt that two solid days wasn’t enough. There are many places to hike, kayak, watch the sunrise or enjoy a night by the campfire. There the William E. de Garthe fisherman’s monument carved on 30 feet of granite rock in town and there’s the beautiful Swiss Air monument honouring the 229 people who lost their lives in the 1998 plane crash that happened off the coast of Nova Scotia.

Where to Stay at Peggy’s Cove

Our Oceanstone Cabin on the Beach

We suggest 3-5 days to truly enjoy the beauty and hospitality of Peggy’s Cove. There are plenty of places to stay and there’s a beautiful landscape to explore. Take your time at Peggy’s Cove and enjoy!

We stayed at Oceanstone Resort located just 5 minutes from Peggy’s Cove. The beautiful private cottages are perfect for couples or families. With complete kitchens, private fire pits and beachfront properties, it’s a secluded piece of paradise that you won’t ever want to leave. There’s a dining room and bakery. It’s places like this that add to the charm of travel through Nova Scotia. Many of the B&Bs are family run with personal touches added to make you feel at home. So go to Nova Scotia at feel like

It’s been a few years since we were in China, but thanks to the video editing help of Geoff Matthews of Wandertooth, we finally have the opportunity to show you our videos from past travels. If you want to do some easy Great Wall hiking, the Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall of China is the perfect location.

would you like to hike the Great Wall?

Read more about our Mutianyu Great Wall Hike at The Great Wall of China.

It’s located a little further out of Beijing than the more popular Badalang Great Wall section. During our two-hour hike on the famous wall, we barely saw another tourist. It was a pristine day of blue skies, clear air, and spectacular views.

Mutianyu Great Wall

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The Badaling Great Wall is the most famous portion of the wall because of its significance in Chinese History. Emperor Qin visited that section and it was where the Mongol’s crossed and took control of China. It may be more historic, but it’s also very crowded. I suggest the Mutianyu Section because of it’s distance from Beijing and the quiet location. Since it’s a little more difficult to get to, less people travel to it. It’s also the most well preserved portions making Great Wall Hiking nice and easy. It was steep in portions but very manageable. Even if you are quite fit (like we were at the time) you’ll get a bit of a workout.

There are many other options for Great Wall Hiking including the Jinshanling to Simatai route. If you want to read more, check out A Different Tour of the Great Wall of China.

Great Wall Hiking

Dave enjoys the steep climb up

The Great Wall of China is built over rolling mountains so make sure to wear proper footwear. Since it’s in the mountains, be sure to pack layers. You’ll work up a sweat, but it can be cool. China has a similar climate to Canada up here hear Beijing, so if you are traveling outside of summer, you will be cold.

There are 22 watchtowers on the Great Wall and you can hike all of them, or catch the Gondola to number 6 where you can then continue on to hike up to 22. The hike is 2.5 km long and the path is well restored, making walking easy.

For more travel to China, check out our China Travel Guide

See how to Travel China on a Budget and Check out the Best Things to do in China.

More Mutianyu Great Wall Hiking Information:

Admission 45 Yuan
Cable Car 45 Yuan One way
Opening hours 8 am to 4 pm
You can take a toboggan down instead of walking if you feel like a little fun
The wall is 2.5 km long
You can take a local bus from Beijing to the Great wall. For more information: Visit Beijing Trip for more info.
If you go in December, dress warm, it is cold and windy on the wall
If you take public transport remember that the wall is only open until 4 not giving you a lot of time to get there.

TripIt Pro Travel Photo Giveway

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Read how the TripIt app makes your travels easier

Big 10 TripIt Pro Giveaway

Not ones to like confusing and complicated rules, and as lovers of travel photography, we decided to make things easy. All you have to do is post your favourite travel photo on Instagram with the hashtag #tripitpic and tag both @theplanetd and @tripitcom so we will be notified of your entry.

Make sure to follow us and TripIt to be eligible to win.

We’ll announce 10 winners in two weeks.

That’s it!

Instagram Contest Details

Check out how we found Balance when teaming up with TripIt

There’s no theme and no end to the possibilities of travel photos you should post. Our advice is to try to make them inspiring, or something that has some meaning to you, or maybe a memory of your favourite personal travel moment. Or one of your favourite photos that you are proud of. Dave and will be the judges and we are a couple of saps. We can easily be won over with words.

Tell a Story with Photos

Tell us your story, explain the reason you love the photo, make us laugh or make us gasp in awe at the beauty of your destination you’re highlighting. See, it really can be anything! Here’s a few recent photos from our Instagram feed to give you some inspiration.

You can use vertical now!

Nighttime shots

Instagram allows horizontal photos now too

We’ll e monitoring the contest for the next two weeks until Sept 23, 2015.

Once the contest is over, we’ll choose 10 winners and notify you on Instagram.

Rules of the contest:

Tag your photos on Instagram with #TripItPic

Remember, make sure to tag both @TripIt and @ThePlanetD so we can see the entries. People tag TripitPic all the time so if you only use the hashtag and don’t tag us, we won’t know you entered.

Write a short synopsis of what your photo means to you.

Have fun!

Here’s an example for you:

Don’t worry, you don’t have to write as much as we do. Just make sure you get those tags in there like we did at the top!

About TripIt

Tripit aims to give travellers peace of mind to create the perfect trip and giving away 10 Tripit pro subscriptions to our readers go the extra mile to help you organize your next trip. Once you’ve gone on your next vacation, make sure to continue to share you travels by tagging #TripItPic" so we can see how it all went. We’ll continue to follow along and hopefully see you in some place beautiful.

Travel itinerary with tripit

Why does TripIt offer peace of mind? Once you’ve made your travel bookings (using any site), you can forward your flight, hotel, and other travel confirmation emails to plans@tripit.com. Or you can do what we do, just connect your email accounts to TripIt and they’ll import your travel-related confirmation emails automatically. We get regularly notices from TripIt telling us that they noticed we have upcoming travel plans.

We not only get our travels organized, we also receive real-time flight alerts, aid to find alternate flights, tracks seats, and updates when some become available, and TripIt tracks our travel rewards programs, and monitors fares. Whew, that’s a lot. For more information, visit TripIt for Details.

And read more travel tips on the TripIt blog where we are contributors too!

A Daytona Hotel For Couples Travel

daytona-beach-shores-hotels-header

Check out our Luxury Travel Section for more great hotel experiences

Home at Daytona Beach Shores Hotel

Dave’s right at home walking on the beach

When the front desk asked us where we were staying before our checkin at the resort, they winced and said, “yes, that is a different crowd that hangs out at the boardwalk.” Don’t get me wrong, a trip to the boardwalk is in order when visiting Daytona. It’s fun to see the amusement park frozen in time. I felt as if I had stepped back to 1989. I was suddenly transported to a memory of when I walked with my parents to the pier and took a spin on the go-carts. It’s nostalgic and fun to relive.

From the Crab Shack

But when I’m done with a bucket of crabs at Joe’s Crab Shack and the neon lights of the ferris wheel, I want to escape to tranquility, beauty, and romance. Daytona Beach Shores Hotel was the better choice for a grown up couples travel vacation.

To Romance at Daytona Beach Shores

Enjoy: The Top motorsports experiences including the Daytona 500

We checked into our poolside suite and instantly flopped on the canopy bed to bask in the luxurious duvet and perfectly fluffed pillows.

We walked to the bar for a glass of wine and took it to our large patio where we sat on firm wicker sofas in our own little oasis. We planned for an evening photographing sunset at the Ponce de Leon lighthouse, but it took all our strength and energy to tear ourselves away from tranquility.

Taking a Short Break from Daytona Beach Shores Hotel

That’s ok though, once the sun went down and we snapped our prized photographs, we zipped back to The Shores to sit by the fire and enjoy canapés and fine wine. As we sat with content smiles on our faces, we said to each other, “This place can actually be a nice alternative to the Caribbean.” There’s a warm ocean breeze, palm trees, and a world class beach. Couples could actually have a romantic vacation here.

Before Daytona Beach Shores, we only thought of Daytona as a family vacation destination or a spot where students escape during the Spring Break. Our minds were changed in four short days at the spa and resort. Maybe Daytona Beach is becoming a good spot for couples travelling without kids.

It’s the Little Things…

There are little thoughtful touches that make it the four-diamond rated hotel and the premium hotel on Daytona Beach Shores. Like the fruit and berry infused water available in the lobby and by the pool.

Even sugary spoons with the cappuccino

There’s the friendly Valets that bring you cool bottles of water when you pick up your car.
There’s the Smores packages available once the sun goes down for people to sit by the many outdoor fires where they can roast marshmallows and indulge in decadent chocolate under the stars.
There’s the picturesque pools and hot tubs overlooking the ocean complete with pool bars, pool towels and poolside drinks.
Oh and there is the absolutely stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean.

The Daytona Beach Shores Hotel is one of those hotels that people envy when they walk by on the beach. It’s one of those places where if I weren’t staying there you’d say “Boy I wish I booked that hotel for my vacation!”

Now, I don’t normally review hotels and I wasn’t asked to review this hotel when the Daytona Beach tourism board invited us to experience the area. I expected to write about most of our travels to Daytona for Expedia.com where we are Expedia Viewfinders. But Dave and I really enjoyed this hotel and wanted to share a different side of Daytona Beach with everyone. I never thought we could actually slow down and have a romantic vacation in Daytona Beach.

Daytona Beach Shores from the Beach

Daytona Beach Shores Hotel Spa

I’m not going to lie, the Spa needs a little help. It’s small, they rushed us out of the room once they were finished, and there isn’t a nice quiet area to sit and reflect on your hour of pampering. But we both really enjoyed the couple’s massage itself. It was the rest of the experience that needed a little TLC.

I had the male masseur and he was spectacular. My deep tissue massage was awesome and he worked away my aches and pains to perfection. Dave found his female masseuse a little too soft and thought that she was probably new, but with his recent broken vertebrae in his back, he was fine with a more gentle touch.

Daytona Beach Shores vs Other Spas

I felt good after the massage and it was nice to be able to experience the spa with Dave. But it needs to have more. A Quiet room, couches, even a steam room, hot tub or sauna would help. The staff was very nice and the treatment was a good value but the ending was abrupt. They told us to take our time and then knocked on the door rushing us out mere minutes after the left. For a four diamond resort, it wasn’t up to the standards of places like the Four Seasons or the Trump Hotel where you can sit, drink some tea, and simply be still. It’s important. Being rushed out made us a little unsettled.

See our Top Massages in the World

The saving grace? We had a beautiful poolside suite to go back to where we sat outside on our lounge chairs and promptly fell asleep.

Check out the world’s wackiest and weirdest massages in the world

Last Day in Daytona Beach

Our last evening was a mellow evening. We had captured all the sunsets we desired from the beach and we spent a romantic dinner at Azure, the only find dining restaurant on Daytona Beach Shores. Sitting outside by candlelight enjoying fresh seafood and pasta we realized that we hadn’t had such a content or relaxing vacation since our first trip to Ireland. There are some destinations that just ooze calm and tranquility and our time at the Daytona Beach Shores Hotel was just that.

Will I go back to Daytona Beach again? Yes, but only if we stay at Daytona Beach Shores, I think it’s safe to say, we outgrew the boardwalk and party atmosphere and have moved on to the South Side of town.

Thanks to Daytona Beach Tourism for inviting us to enjoy the fun and sun of the city, and thanks to Daytona Beach Shores Hotel for saving us from our frat house torment near the pier.

Read the original post Luxury & Romance at Daytona Beach Shores Hotel and Spa on The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog.

Spanish Cooking Party – Our Personal Chef in Costa Brava

Posted: 04 Sep 2015 02:00 AM PDT

A visit to Costa Brava, Spain is all about food. I don’t think there is a place on earth that is more passionate about gastronomy than the Catalunya region of the country. We have heard that there are more Michelin Star restaurants per capita here than anywhere else on earth. And we believe it. Catalans care a lot about food, they live for food and when you spend some time in the region, you’ll care about food too. A perfect way to learn about and enjoy Spanish cuisine is to book a Spanish Cooking Party.

Cheers from Costa Brava

One of the benefits of slow travel is to stay in an apartment where you can cook for yourself, shop at the market and experiment with recipes. To kick start your Spanish Villa stay, we suggest booking your own personal chef. Our friend Sherry Ott of Ottsworld set up a Spanish cooking party in charming village Cadaques on the Northernmost coast of Spain. She had her own Charming Villa on the water and we spent the afternoon with Chef Lee Pennington who made us some incredible Paella that we enjoyed with very fine wine from the region.

So sit back and enjoy a Friday coffee break and check out our Spanish Cooking party with our own personal chef in Costa Brava.

Spanish Cooking Party – A Personal Chef in Costa Brava

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Enjoying Spanish Food with New Friends

An afternoon outside with friends in Costa Brava is the quintessential Spanish experience. It’s like a fairytale under the sun. If you make your way to Spain, rent a villa, hire a chef and invite new friends over for a day outside. This is living. If only we could slow down to enjoy the little things more in North America. What’s wrong with a six hour lunch?

For information on apartment rentals in Costa Brava visit Charming Villas.net

Walking with Polar Bears

A Polar Bear Safari is Canada’s answer to an African Safari, and an Arctic Expedition with Churchill Wild is like no other. With other companies, you hop in a tundra vehicle and stay behind windows and glass as you watch polar bears from the safety of inside the vehicle. Our expedition at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, brought us outside on open air vehicles called Rhinos. We searched for polar bears along the coast. It was the perfect time of year to search for mothers with their cubs and our trip didn’t disappoint. Our guide Albert spotted polar bears off on the horizon, and once we arrived at a safe distance in the rhinos, we all hopped out of the trucks and continued to walk closer to see these magnificent creatures up close and in their natural habitat. We had to walk cautiously and in single file, but soon the bears became comfortable with our presence and merely looked in our direction every once in a while to see what we were doing.

Polar Bear Photos – The Wild Edge of Manitoba

Our polar bear guides at Churchill Wild read the animal’s behaviour and demeanor. They are professionals that know if it’s safe to approach a polar bear on foot. We followed our guide Andy and listened to his directions. “Stay in single file, walk slowly and stay quiet.” Following his expertise allowed us to stop within 50 meters (150 feet) of them letting us take incredible polar bear photos. Seeing the polar bear’s white coat contrast with the layers and colours of the summertime Hudson Bay Coast made for striking photographs. We look forward to going back one day in winter, but we’re happy our first experience with polar bears happened in the summer.

Mother and Cub Polar Bears pose for us.

A sleeping giant on Hudson Bay

Heading out to see polar bears on Hudson Bay

See Kayaking with Beluga Whales + Video!

A big yawn from a Hudson Bay Polar Bear

The Northern Lights make an appearance at Nanuk Lodge.

Check out: Greenland Revisited, The Incredible Arctic

Mother and Cub get closer to us

Polar bears aren’t the only bears in the neighbourhood. This Black bear was really curious.

Our guides from Churchill Wild kept a good lookout for Polar bears for us.

Some one is a little shy for the camera

Read: In Search of the Algonquin Moose, A Canadian Wildlife Safari

The weather is ever changing on the shores of Hudson Bay.

Polar bears mother and cub go for a swim.

The shores of Hudson bay are home to hundreds of Polar Bears.

Sometimes the Polar Bears were oblivious to our presence.

Enjoy: Incredible Greenland, The Final Frontier of Adventure Travel

An old abandoned ship is embedded in the Hudson Bay shoreline

Shaking off the water while mom gets comfy.

Taking the Rhino out to find polar bears.

Massive Polar Bear paw prints.

The Polar Bears can smell us coming from miles away.

Stunning scenery surrounds you everywhere in Northern Manitoba.

Looking into the eyes of a Black Bear

All in a days work at Churchill Wild.

For more information on Polar Bear photo safaris and expeditions, visit Churchill Wild for details.

11 of the Best Things to do in Antarctica

I could count down to number 1 but I thought we’d start with our favourite things we did in Antarctica in the order that we liked them. Truth be told, all of Antarctica was magnificent and our number 11 could be someone else’s number 1. Perhaps the Lemaire Channel is the tops for one explorer while another didn’t love kayaking antarctica the way we did. What am I saying, there is no way anyone couldn’t love kayaking in Antarctica and that’s why it’s number 1 on our list of things to do!

1. Kayaking

Dave floats past a sleeping seal

When Quark Expeditions offered us the chance to go kayaking in Antarctica I didn’t know what to expect. I was nervous about kayaking in such cold water and I thought that maybe we’d get out on the water once or twice during the cruise. We ended up kayaking 8 times in Antarctica and it was magnificent. We floated quietly past leopard seals sunning themselves on ice flows, we circumnavigated icebergs floating in the middle of the sea, and we paddled with penguins jumping through the air at the front of our boats. It was an extraordinary way to quietly explore the Antarctic Peninsula and it was the adventure of a lifetime as we paddled through brash ice and along the wild Antarctic coast.

Read more about our favourite thing to do in Antarctica

2. Polar Plunge

If you asked me what I thought of the polar plunge while I was taking part in this zany adventure, I would have told you not to do it and it’s the lowest thing to do on my list. However, now that I am home and in the comforts of a warm and cozy house, I say it’s one of the top things to do in Antartica. Why? Because how often do you get to tell people that you jumped into sub-zero waters in the South Pole and lived to tell the tale. It’s the extreme spectrum of adventure travel and not many people will be able to top you once you’ve told them you survived the polar plunge.

Wondering what an Antarctica trip is like? Check out our Antarctic Expedition Explained.

3. Camping

Few people have travelled to Antarctica and even fewer have actually stayed overnight on the continent. People sleep on expedition ships or fly to Antarctica to step on the land, but not many people have actually camped in a bivy sac, in the middle of the snow beside snoring leopard seals. Camping on Antarctica is a must. Yes, it’s cold, it’s uncomfortable, and you can’t eat, drink, or pea on Antarctica, but once you are back on board your ship after surviving a night as the early explorers did, you’ll be filled with pride and gratitude that you never have to do that again.

Camping on the Continent is one of the best things to do in Antarctica, read more about it here.

4. Zodiac Tours

top things to do in Antarctica, wildlife watching

Astounding Zodiac Tours

Most expeditions to Antarctica will offer zodiac tours of bays and icebergs. Seeing whales, seals, and calving glaciers from a zodiac is a moment you won’t soon forget. We loved scooting around icebergs and puttering through thick brash ice in search of extraordinary formations and incredible wildlife. Getting off the ship to see things in an intimate manner is a must. We had whales surface right beside our boats and then dive underneath for a closer view. We looked these great mammals in the eye as they seemed to give us a friendly hello.

See more of what it’s like on a Zodiac Tour in Antarctica

5. Mail a Letter at Port Lockroy

Mailing a letter home from Antarctica

Stopping at Port Lockroy is a fun stop on an Antarctica itinerary. It’s a spot where you’ll run into other expeditions and get the chance to talk with the staff of the English research station. There you can browse the museum, play with the penguins and buy some souvenirs and even post cards that can be mailed from the bottom of the world to your loved ones at home.

6. Visiting Penguins

Speaking of penguins. A highlight of any Antarctica visit is to interact with penguins. These are truly the cutest animals on the planet and watching them go about their daily lives will bring joy to anyone’s heart. They waddle through their penguin trails making their way to the sea in frantic fashion. It’s adorable to see the energy of penguins rushing about doing their business. Mothers protect their chicks and penguins call out to one another. But the most memorable of all penguin encounters are when you sit quietly and let the curious creatures approach so close that they end up walking on your legs or picking at your coat.

7. Deception Island

Things to do in Antarctica deception island

Oil barrels of Deception Island

One of the most ominous things to do in Antarctica is to visit Deception Island. Deception island is one of the safest harbours in Antarctica that just so happens to be an active volcano. Deception island is the caldera of said volcano and back in the day it was an old whaling station. Here on the shores of the island, you will see old oil drums, boilers, and whale bones from a darker time. It’s as horrifying as it is beautiful.

For more read The Ominous Deception Island

8. Cruising the Lemaire Channel

things to see antarctica, lemaire channel

Nicknamed the Fuji Funnel, Kodak Canal and Agfa Alley the Lemaire Channel is one of the top things to do in Antarctica for photographers. If you took photographs pre-digital world, you will be familiar with Fuji, Kodak and Agfa; all popular brands of film. During our passing through the narrow channel, we spent hours standing outside on deck taking photographs of the most spectacular scenery on the planet. Antarctica is truly the final frontier of natural beauty and the Lemaire Channel is the most beautiful of the top destination. Now that’s saying a lot.

9. Photograph Icebergs

Speaking of photography, one of the greatest things to see on earth are actual icebergs. Before going to Antarctica, we had never seen an iceberg in the ocean. In Antarctica, the ice is massive, colourful, and it creates some of the most interesting formations. At one point we took a cruise through an iceberg graveyard where icebergs have grounded on the bottom of the sea and this is the spot where they will spend the final days breaking apart in the water until they dissolve into nothing. It’s eerie and beautiful all at once.

Check out our photographs of Icebergs in 23 Epic Photos of Antarctica Ice

10. Whale Watching

best thing to do in Antarctica, whale watch

Whale tale Antarctica

I don’t think there is a better place on earth to watch whales than in Antarctica. Here whales have no fear of man and they are the top of the food chain. Therefore, they have no reason to hide. Whales haven’t been hunted in Antarctica for decades, so when they see a kayak, zodiac or ship, they don’t run the other way, they come in for a closer look. Seeing a whale in the wild is a magical experience and when traveling to Antarctica, you can get so close to them, you can almost reach out and touch them. During one of our days at sea, we had a mother and calf follow our ship and the calf continued to breach for 45 minutes putting on a dazzling show for the spectators on board.

11. Cross the Drake Passage

These ships were made to cross the Drake Passage

Okay, so it’s not in Antarctica, but to get there you have to cross one of the most treacherous bodies of water on the planet. Crossing the Drake Passage is truly a badge of honour. If the weather is calm, it’s uneventful and easy, if the seas are rough, the Drake Passage will set you on a rumble and tumble two day journey that will turn even the most seasoned sailor into a ball of mush. We had a smooth crossing out, but coming back to civilization was another story and our crew told us it was one of the worst of the season. How do we know it was bad? When Dave went down for dinner one night, only 2 other passengers joined him in the dining room. Throughout a very rough day, lectures were cancelled due to passengers and crew alike stuck in bed with a bad case of seasickness. It’s a rough ride, but it makes for a great travel tale.

So there you have it. These are the top things to do in Antarctica according to Dave and Deb. We did every one of these excursions and adventures and we can attest that they are magnificent. Some of them are better in retrospect (hehem, the polar plunge) others were pure perfection from beginning to end. Antarctic is astounding. You will be in awe from beginning to end and you will talk about this journey for years to come. It’s been 3 years since we were in Antarctica and we still can’t stop talking about it.

Antarctica with Quark Expeditions

Quark expeditions is currently offering huge savings to Antarctica and the Arctic. From now until Sept. 30 you can save up to $7948 per person on select voyages to Antarctica, and 15% – 25% on select cabins during the Arctic early bird sale. Find out about all the savings at our exclusive landing page. We’ve visited both Antarctica and the Arctic with Quark and both expeditions have been trips of a lifetime for us. It’s now time to create your own once in a lifetime moment.

“Don’t worry about your rudders, just get in the water.” Our guide Tress, from Sea North tours was worried we wouldn’t have enough time kayaking with Beluga Whales in Churchill, Manitoba. I’m glad he rushed us, because this is an adventure you don’t want to miss!

Kayaking with Beluga Whales

We arrived late and had a short window before we had to fly back to Winnipeg, so our group, quickly adjusted our foot pegs, frantically pulled the skirt over our cockpits and instantly paddled out to the bay to see what if we could catch a glimpse of the belugas swimming in the bay.

A beluga whale says hello!

You see, flights in Northern Canada are unpredictable. We had just flown in from Nanuk Lodge where we spent the last few days walking with polar bears. (more on that next week) With weather delays messing up our schedule, we arrived back in Churchill late in the afternoon. We had a kayaking excursion booked to see the beluga whales that migrate by the thousands through the area at this time of year. But time was quickly running out. Tress was patient and easy going. (as he said, his name is weird, just like he is) but you could tell he wanted to get us on the water to have as much time as possible with these magical creatures.

A beluga swims between us to say hello

Read: Whitewater Kayaking, the Ultimate Ontario Adventure

We suited up as quickly as possible wondering how cold we’d be in the boats. Should we wear layers? Is the water cold? We were pretty far north, perhaps, we’d get a chill sitting in the cool Arctic waters. It turned out to be a stellar day and we were toasty warm in our kayaks. My hands were even comfortable when I dipped my GoPro into the bay for a closer look at the belugas, and the water was calm and smooth as glass. Balmy weather, mixed with sunshine and zero mosquitoes made for the perfect afternoon for a kayak adventure.

kayaking with beluga whales churchill manitoba

A beluga scratches his nose on Dave’s boat

There is something about wildlife encounters that makes people happy. You cannot paddle through pods of belugas without having a huge grin on their faces. You could hear other paddlers laughing and gasping with delight when a beluga whale surfaced right beside their kayak and we followed suit whenever they were near us too. We have played with sea lions, snorkelled with dolphins and swam with whale sharks, and each time, the feeling is the same. The word that often comes to mind is glee. Watching beluga whales play in the water, bump our boats to scratch their noses and bite at our cameras to say hello was something we’ll never forget.

Another friendly hello

Note: This excursion is perfect for inexperienced kayakers as you don’t go far from the shore and there is a zodiac watching your every move should anything happen.

See more kayaking tours with ThePlanetD at
Sea Kayaking Baja, Mexico – an Incredible 10 -day Journey
Kayak Croatia, Feel the Hospitality
Kayaking Hippos and Crocs, Oh My!

Enjoy our video: Kayaking with Belugas

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Dave the Beluga Whale Whisperer

It always amazes me when we swim or or paddle in the ocean how the marine life is attracted to Dave. Kayaking with Beluga Whales was no different. These cutie pies absolutely loved Dave. Every time I looked his way, he was surrounded by white humps sticking out of the water. They’d chase his boat as he paddled backwards and they’d keep him surrounded at all times. It’s like they sensed him and swam directly towards his boat. I would watch them come towards a group of kayakers and have Dave’s boat targetted surfacing right beside him. It was amazing to watch. I often call him the dolphin whisperer or the shark whisperer. Well, today he was the Beluga Whale whisperer.

Dave relaxes as he films the belugas

The kayaking tour lasts 2-hours, but we only had about an hour and a half due to our late plane flight. I could have spent much more time with the whales. We just started to figure out their rhythm. These guys are fast and they skirted around our cameras a lot. Just when we felt we understood where and when to catch a photo or video of them, our time came to an end. But it’s ok. Having the privilege of seeing them even for a short time was a dream.

Hello baby!

We had an amazing time, and it gives us a reason to go back again. We hear that you can snorkel with Beluga Whales. That would be another incredible adventure.

Details: Kayaking with beluga whales in Churchill was courtesy of Sea North Tours. Thanks to Travel Manitoba Tourism for setting it up and to Churchill Wild for inviting us to Manitoba to discover the wildlife of their amazing province. Cost is $130 per person.

In today’s world of cyber technology and highly trained criminals, it’s easy to have your valuables compromised, especially when travelling. It used to be that all you had to do was strap on a money belt and carry your traveller’s cheques and you’d be safe from travel theft. Now you have to worry about people downloading all your personal information from your credit cards as you innocently walk by. If people want to, they can get your bank and credit information and wipe out your accounts in an instant. That’s why it’s important to think about anti theft gear when planning your trip abroad.

Check out our Anti-Theft Gear Guide

Heck, we use this gear even while at home. It never hurts to play it safe no matter where you are in the world.

RFID

First, let me explain what I am talking about. You may be thinking to yourself, what do you mean someone can wipe out my bank account as I walk by? Well, there is a new kind of pickpocket out there and it’s called RFID skimming. What is RFID skimming? It is a form of theft using wireless transmitters to gain information to your credit and debit card identification chips. They can decode personal information like your name, address, phone number, and private social insurance and security numbers. Once somebody has that information, they can do anything from gain access to your accounts to stealing your identity.

Anti Theft Gear Guide

Different types of anti theft gear can help you stay safe.

There are many types of anti theft gear that you can use to travel safe and we wanted to outline some of the latest technology to help travellers protect their valuables and their personal identities. TravelSmith has a line of anti theft gear to help the intrepid explorer see the world worry free and here are some of the travel safety items recently and in the past.

Pacsafe Citysafe LS400 RFID Travel Tote – Since getting my Pacsafe Tote, I’ve become a more relaxed traveller. First of all, it holds a lot including my camera and even a computer. But it’s the safety features that put my mind at ease. When walking through a crowded market, I can lock my zippers so that nobody can rummage through my valuables. I used to constantly walk with my hand on my zipper or squeeze my bag under my arm pit. Now I walk with a little more comfort. The strap is slash proof (not that I’ve ever had to worry about that, but there is always a first I guess) and most importantly, there is an RFID pocket that blocks transmission of your personal information.

Read our anti theft gear review of the Pacsafe Travel Tote: plus receive 15% off at TravelSmith when you spend $50 or more at checkout. Buy it now

We love the Anti Theft protection we get from the Pacsafe.

Take it from us, we’ve had people rummage through our bags without us noticing, any extra zippers you can have reinforced is a bonus. No matter how much you keep an eye on your valuables, things can easily go missing.

TravelSmith Leather RFID-Blocking Thinfold Wallet – Dave rarely carries a wallet these days, but when he does, we now know that his credit and bank cards are safe.

Pickpocket-Proof Shorts or pants – These pants have come a long way baby. We first tried Pickpocket Proof pants a couple of years ago and while we loved the concept, we found the material to be a bit heavy. They’ve since lightened the design and made the pants far more comfortable. And now, they are made for women too! When traveling, you don’t always want to carry a bag, sometimes we just want to go for a walk through town with a few items and some cash. The Pickpocket proof pants are the answer with deep pockets that are protected with a zipper and button for extra protection.

The Anti Theft Pacsafe wallet.

Pacsafe Travel Organizer – I carry all our travel documents and credit cards when traveling. It’s a lot to worry about, but lately, my mind is resting a bit. I am loving my new travel organizer. It easily holds all my credit cards and travel rewards cards as well as both our passports and money. This organizer transforms into a clutch for nights out too. I don’t want to always carry my tote, so turns into a nice little organizer. I’ve put my cellphone, a portable charger and iPhone chord into this handy organizer. Now I’m ready for anything. Oh and did I tell you that it is also RFID secure.

Check out: Cool Travel Gear you May not Know About

More Travel Safety Gear

Using Anti Theft clothing can also help protect you.

PacSafe Bag Protector - We didn’t regret the extra weight when traveling through India. The Pacsafe Bag protector put our minds at ease when travelling on the train and when leaving our beach bungalow. This item is excellent for securing all valuables in one place. Often when traveling on trains in Asia, you’re bags will be stuck somewhere else. With a Pacsfafe protector, you can wrap a lightweight steel frame around your bag and lock it to a pole.

We could sleep soundly knowing that our valuables were locked securely to a pole inside its own vault like safe. When we stayed in some questionable accommodation on the beach, we locked our computers and cameras up inside a bag and locked it to the bed frame. We’ve heard of people breaking into beach bungalows. Sure your passports and money are in a safe, but what about your larger more expensive gear? We like to have all our bases covered.

Read: 13 Essential Items for India and Travel Gear we wish we had.

Using a VPN can help protect you when on public Wifi.

VPN - Let’s face it, everyone is on line all the time these days. Most people will be booking accommodation, buying flights or paying their bills online during their travels. Open public Wifi can be compromised and clever computer hackers are just moments away from steeling your bank information. Secure your accounts by using a VPN. A VPN connects your computer to a secure server anywhere in the world. Once you are connected all of your Internet communication is encrypted allowing you to access your personal accounts free from eavesdropping of terrible thieves.

Traveling soon? Read our most complete travel packing list you’ll ever need!

Luggage tracker - We can’t always be with our luggage when flying. Even when traveling carryon only, you sometimes have to check a bag on smaller planes. If luggage does get lost, it’s a bonus to have an extra set of security to track your luggage. We’ve used

Luggage locks – We like to lock our luggage. Even while standing in line, people can easily get into your zippers. Luggage locks give you that extra protection to deter thieves. We always say, Why make things easy for people. Thieves look for easy targets. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve stood in a queue and noticed my fellow passengers dragging a bag behind them that’s wide open. Be it a carryon roller or duffel anyone can stick their hand in and rummage through. Luggage locks are lightweight, easy to open, but perfect to make things difficult for criminals.

Even something small like luggage locks can act as a deterrent.

iPhone and Mac Computers – We are fans of Apple products. First of all, less people own macs, therefore they are less of a target when it comes to viruses. However, you should still be diligent when opening questionable attachments. Don’t do it. When it comes to your electronics, make sure to password protect everything. You don’t want to lose your computer and have everything sitting there waiting to be stolen because you made it easy to open your browser. Lock people out. That way you will have time to notify your bank.

Plus, if you have a Mac, you can remotely lock your computer and iPhone so that nobody can get into your personal information. Once you’ve done that, you can even track it via the Find My Mac app. Be careful though, right here in Ontario, Canada a young boy was shot and killed while trying to recover his iPhone from thieves. It’s not worth risking your life to track down your electronics, but it doesn’t hurt to do some investigation.

Save 15% off this Travel Tote and other Travel Gear by TravelSmith when you spend more than $50. At check out use PlanetD promo code Click here to start shopping.

Your Sunday Travel Coffee Break – Milford Sound Cruise

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Check out our New Zealand Travel Guide for more travel ideas to New Zealand

A bit about Milford Sound, New Zealand.

Milford Sound is actually a fjord. A fjord is defined as a long, narrow, deep inlet of the sea between high cliffs. Milford Sound definitely fits the bill.

Milford Sound is located on the West Side of the South Island.

There are daily Milford Sound cruises as well as overnight cruises. Plus there are kayaking tours.

Milford Sound boasts some of the highest sea cliffs in the world rising 1,200 metres above the water.

Milford Sound is a 4-hour drive from Queenstown. You better have a campervan or car rental to get there. Or, you can do what we did! We took our Milford Sound Trip as a part of the hop on hop off, Flying Kiwi tour that we took for 6 weeks through the amazing country. You can book day tours from Queenstown, but man, that would be a long day. However, I know that if you book a Milford Sound cruise with Mitre Cruises, does offer flights back to Queenstown if you are up for a splurge.

When touring Milford Sound you will see waterfalls, fur seals, you may spot whales and you will go out to the mouth of the Tasman Sea.

For more information on cruising Milford sound visit Mitre Cruises and for affordable tours around New Zealand’s North and South Island check out the Flying Kiwi. We enjoyed it as it was great for all ages, not just the party buses of other tour companies.

Read Next: 15 of the Absolute Best Things to do in New Zealand

Big thanks to Wandertooth for editing our video for us. We’ll be putting out travel videos from our trips around the world that we never had the chance to edit due to our hectic schedule. Thanks to his talent and eye for detail, we’re finally get our favourite travel moments out online

Read the original post A Milford Sound Cruise – Your Afternoon Travel Coffee Break on The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog.

Etiquette in the Middle East – Need to know Travel Tips for Men and Women

Posted: 20 Aug 2015 08:30 AM PDT

When traveling to the Middle East there are a lot of traditions and customs that both men and women need to take into consideration. When it comes to travel, men need to be just as informed and knowledgeable of etiquette in the Middle East as women do.

etiquette in the middle east

One would think that most of the pressure is on women, but men have to be just as diligent in their research so that they do not offend or embarrass. Dave and I recently sat down to discuss the differences between general men and women travel for TripIt
and since starting the discussion, we keep coming up with more and more ideas where travel differs for each gender.

TripIt Video: Talking Gender Travel

For more travel tips, check out the TripIt Blog

With TripIt highlighting women’s travel and safety this summer, we thought that this would be a great time to talk about travel etiquette in the Middle East for both men and women. It’s one of the most confusing places to travel when it comes to customs and traditions, but when you follow a few simple rules, it is one of the most rewarding destinations on the planet.

Etiquette in the Middle East

When it comes to travel etiquette, there are places where you have to do a little more research before your flight. The Middle East is one of those places. It has many traditions, rules, and customs that can sometimes be confusing. Even though women have to think a lot about things like dress and behaviour, men must comply with many rules as well. Here are a few travel etiquette tips we learned from our travels to countries like Jordan, Morocco, Egypt and the Sudan.

Read: Is it Safe to Visit Iran?

Proper Dress

Learning about Etiquette in the Middle East

It is important to follow traditional dress code when traveling to the Middle East. We’re not saying go out and buy everything the locals are wearing, but we do suggest dressing modestly.

Men:

Men should dress in long trousers and a shirt that covers your shoulders. A T-shirt will do, but a button down shirt is even better. Men can wear shorts, but make sure they are knee length.

etiquette middle east

Women:

Women should wear long pants or skirts and long sleeve shirts covering the chest area and nape of the neck. One would think that this would feel very hot in places like the middle east, but the loose, light clothing is actually very comfortable and often feels better than wearing shorts. This is very important if you want to follow the etiquette in the Middle East.

A headscarf is optional for foreign visitors, but I often wear a scarf to blend in and respect the culture around me, and to avoid unwanted attention.

Learn more about the Middle East at our Marrakech Travel Guide

Holy Sites

When visiting mosques or other religious sites, women must wear a head scarf. And at some sites, men are often required to wear some sort of head covering as well. Shoes must be removed and you must remain quiet and respectful of worshippers.

Greetings

Greetings in the Middle East

When greeting someone it is customary to say hello using the phrase “Asalamu alaykum.” Men will shake each other’s hands and often hold that shake for a very long time. Men do not shake a woman’s hand unless she extends her hand first. If she does not a simple nod and Asalamu alaykum will do. As you get to know people, you may find that they will offer a kiss on the cheek and a hug. But this is only once you are very familiar with them and only if they offer first. Follow their lead, and you will do just fine.

Enjoy: Walking Amman

For more on Middle Eastern Culture and Etiquette check out our Video from Marrackech below

Marrakech Traditions and Customs

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Hospitality Etiquette in the Middle East

The Middle Eastern people are very generous and giving. You will find that you are often invited for tea. If you are invited for dinner, be sure to bring a token of your appreciation. Figs or pastries are appreciated.

Shoes: Also, be sure to remove your shoes before entering a house (sometimes slippers will be provided) and never show the bottom of your feet when sitting.

Use Right Hand: When eating, always use your right hand for taking food and eating food. And always wash your hands before your meal.

Praise: Be careful when complimenting decor. Many people will feel obliged to give you the item that you have just praised.

Call to Prayer

blue-mosque-istanbul

During your travels to the Middle East you will hear a male voice singing from loudspeakers throughout the city. This is the call to prayer. It is performed 5 times per day where the people are called to prayer. During this time, some shops may close and you may not be served, but it doesn’t last long and soon the day will continue with business as usual.

Affection

Public affection is frowned upon in the Middle East and should be saved for your private moments. Even holding hands can cause a few looks as it is not common for men and women to hold hands in public. You can if you choose as a foreigner you’ll be forgiven, but if you look around, you will actually notice that most people of the same sex will be holding hands. Men often walk hand in hand or arm in arm and women very often go down the street connected. If you are with a group of friends, why not give it a try. We always love immersing in culture and experiencing their customs, it makes the travel experience that much more enjoyable.

Travel to the Middle East sometimes requires a little more research and you must follow a few more rules than other destinations, but when you embrace their customs and traditions, it can be one of the most rewarding travel experiences, you’ll ever have.

This post is in partnership with TripIt. TripIt is an app that is all about organizing your travels and making trip planning easier. They aim to help travellers have an easier time in all aspects of their travel. From curating all your travel plans into one organized app to giving advice on travel around the world. Visit the TripIt blog for more travel tips to help make all your travels easier. Download their app today to get started.

Read the original post Etiquette in the Middle East – Need to know Travel Tips for Men and Women on The Planet D: Adventure Travel Blog.

Monday, December 21, 2015