Top 10 Scary and Terrifying Travel Movies

I recently wrote up a post of my top ten travel inspiring movies. And that's all fine and well - but what are the movies that you should never watch before you travel? What are the ones that will make you curl up into a tiny little ball, shivering on your shag carpeted rug, making you never want to step out into the real world ever again? That's what I'm going to discuss here.

This list will show you the dark side of fictionalized travel with people ending up in torture chambers, spread across miles and miles of ocean floor, and even served up on the night's menu. Be warned - if you are about to travel, you may best avoid these macabre reminders of potential fears brought to light.




10. The Beach
For those who love offbeat travel, the beach is - well it's either for you, or not for you. These travellers acquire a map that leads them to an island inhabited by a community of travellers. Wishing to avoid the everyday, ending up with the same picture postcards as millions who have come before, these two take a chance and leave the mainstream behind. Of course, it all goes terribly wrong.




9. Snakes on a Plane
It's campy, it's quirky, and it's actually not that terrible. But after you've seen this movie, you'll want to sit cross legged on every flight from here until the end of days. And when something does brush against your feet, you'll think to yourself, "am I sure that's just my carry-on bag's strap?" On the plus side, it makes bathroom smoke alarm tampering look quite simple.




8. The Ruins
If you choose to go see some ruins, this movie would have you believe that it's best to avoid those of Mayan origin. After disturbing something mysterious these travellers try to find their way through the vine covered ruins, only to find themselves ultimately both vine covered, and vine filled. Bodies thrown asunder, human sacrifice is back on the menu in this movie.




7. Hostel
In your mind you may know that no hostel is like this. You may be sure they are safe, and wonderful, and a great place for travellers. But for a few weeks after watching this film, you'll want to question that brand new Hosteling International membership card. This movie is torture porn, pure and simple, and I recommend it is avoided by all - not just travellers.




6. Deliverance
Cue dueling banjos and you'll have one of the most memorable riffs stuck in your head for hours. It's fine if you can't manage to get that to clear out, but when you have visions of people making you "squeal like a piggy," you'll definitely rethink that trip out of suburban bliss.




5. Open Water
Two Americans took a tour boat out to the great barrier reef to have a good time scuba diving around. It is this experience that a number of people come to Australia to experience. However - things don't go quite as planned when the boat's captain fails to count all the passengers for the return trip. The American couple is left alone, in open water. To make matters worse, this is no mere piece of fiction. This is documented fact.




4. Psycho
Psycho has been heralded as the king of terror movies for some time, and in this world of slasher films, and torture porn some may wonder why. When you pull of the road late at night, desperate for a nights sleep so you can pick up your road desperate to pick up your road trip again in the morning - and then stuff like this starts to hit the fan? Then - you'll understand.




3. Alive
Alive - it's a classic tale of survival... right after a plane crashes into a mountain. If you have a slight fear of flying this isn't going to make it any better. And on top of that, it doesn't help matters any that this happens to be based on a true story.




2. Blair Witch Project
There's nothing quite like a little hike through the forest to get yourself in tune with nature. When travelling the Canadian West Coast, stumbling through the large forests near and around Vancouver Island can be one of the most rewarding experiences. And here you thought you just needed to watch out for bears.




1. Jaws
That's right - Jaws. This movie is still keeping people out of the water. Except in Australia - there you say there's a shark, they'll ask how far out it is, and if it keeps a good twenty meters away, then it's safe to keep surfing. Mind you, these are the same people who once lost a Prime Minister out at sea, so I'm not sure if you'd want to follow their example.




Bonus Television: Lost
The thing about this one is, I'm not sure if you are terrified this will happen to you, or if you secretly wish that it would. To each their own, I suppose.

Wrap Up
So that's the list - if you're feeling brave, why not have a movie marathon and watch them all before your next vacation? It's understandable if you don't, of course.

If you think there are other movies that travellers best avoid, that were not listed here - feel free to add them in the comments below.

Top 10 Travel Inspiring Movies

We can’t always be out touring the world, but with our home theatre dolby seven point who knows what speaker systems complete with bass subwoofer to destroy our neighbours hearing and shake the very foundations of our home, it’s easy to keep the spirit alive for those times between trips.

Yes, with movies on our side there’s no end to what we can view from the relative comfort of our living rooms – I say relative, because movies watched and listened to at the appropriate volume may not be quite as suitable as one would like. But hey, if you’re gonna do it – you might as well do it big.

So without many further off tangent ramblings, I now present to you – the top ten travel inspiring movies (this list created by the one.year.trip scientific research association of North America – OYTSRAoNA for short – pronounced oyt-sara-ona. Catchy, isn’t it?) - Also be sure to check out The Top Ten Movies No Traveller Should Ever Watch. Now one more thing before you jump into this list – you may be expecting things like Under the Tuscan Sun, and The Sound of Music. You’re not likely to find those here. This is a somewhat different list, ‘cause I’m a somewhat different person.


1. Lost in Translation
This may seem like a cliché gimme, contrary to what I just wrote about me being a different person, but there are few movies that capture the true spirit of Tokyo, Japan quite like Lost in Translation does. Sure you’ve got your Memoirs of a Geisha, and your Snow Falling on Cedars to help recapture the Japanese Culture (Even the Last Samuri helps in this respect) but it’s Lost in Translation that really brings you into the modern city of Tokyo, and helps convey just what it can feel like to be a tourist there.



2. Thin Red Line
This movie will give you the urge to visit tropical islands more than any other (never mind that it was mostly filmed in Australia, and the Soloman Islands.) Nature takes the forefront in this war movie. So much of this film seems to be a heavy handed, over the top, in your face effort to show you how nature is the true victim in battles – and though that may hurt the plot, it definitely helps with the travel inspiration.



3. 28 Days Later
Are you about to go to London? You need to see this movie. A zombie movie?! Sure, why not? You will become instantly familiar with all the major tourist points in the city, as well as an understanding of how the city comes together. There is nothing like standing in the middle of Piccadilly circus, watching the hundreds of people all around you, and then thinking back to just how powerfully eerie it would be in the film when that whole area is deserted.




4. Pearl Harbor
Another war movie? I don’t know what it is about them, but this movie made me want to go see Hawaii more than anything else I’ve watched. Not only that, but it show cases parts of Japan, as well as England, and Urban / Rural America. Ultimately this is a love movie, with the war as a backdrop – but even so nothing has made me want to get out there and see the Hawaiian islands quite like this has.



5. Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story
Though taking place, mostly, in America there are a number of parts where Bruce Lee is in China. This movie offers, not only insight into the life of one of the greatest martial artist-actors of all time, but also insight into Chinese culture, and the struggle to find a place within a racist America.



6. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Now this may seem like an even stranger suggestion than the others – but Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles sums up the spirit of late 1980’s, early 1990’s New York City perfectly. It has the gritty underbelly in the Footclan’s street gang headquarters, as well as the dangers presented by casual muggings, and late night central park crossings. Though New York City, today, is a much safer place the urban sprawl, and ability to be lost amongst millions of people is still ever present.



7. Ghost Busters 2
I know – right? But, bear with me for a moment. Just like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ghost Busters II really sums up the feeling of New York City. This movie takes place in a far more upbeat, and positive New York City. Is there any movie that brings out feelings of the city quite like the moment when the Ghost Busters walk down the street in the Statue of Liberty? I think not.



8. Cool Runnings
As a Tourist it’s hard to see Jamaica as anything beyond a cruise port for the day, with the Dunn’s River Falls, and cheap alcohol. Even thoughts of Kingston often bring to mind crime and violence. The movie Cool Runnings helps to showcase the other side of Jamaica, where people simply go about their daily lives – free from tourists, and resorts, and all you can drink swim up bars. Being shown the human side of a country can help to inspire travel more than any other aspect. Ironically in doing so, you bring tourism to those areas which thrive without it.



9. Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Arc
Though only there for a moment, the scene with Indiana Jones in the South American Jungles – ruins covered in vines, and overgrown paths, helps to create a strong desire for Peruvian travel. The four Indiana Jones movies all work to inspire a form of adventure travel, and though they may be somewhat campy, and action oriented I’m sure they’ve inspired travellers the world over.



10. King Kong (2005)
Where others might reference Lord of the Rings for their favourite movie that Showcases New Zealand, I feel that King Kong does the much better job. All throughout the island, viewers marvel at the landscapes that appear before them. Sure the endless fields and grassy hills of Lord of the Rings are lovely, but they are nothing when compared to the harsher environments presented within King Kong.




Wrap Up
So there you have my top 10 Travel Inspiring Movies. They may seem a little odd, or off kilter, but if you’ve seen them, you know what I mean – and if you’ve not seen them then by all means head out to your local video rental store and pick them up. In no time you’ll be itching to get back on the road, and view the world from an entirely new perspective.

Feel Free to post your own favourite movies in the comments below.

Bonus: Favourite Travel Inspiring Television Show



Departures
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Nothing has inspired me quite like Scott Wilson, Justin Lukach, and Andre Dupius’ travels around the world. It was their first season – taking one year out of their lives to travel the world – that gave me the push I needed to get out there myself. Please visit their website, pick up their dvds, and let them inspire you as well.

Top 10 Things to Do in Edinburgh, Scotland

I previously wrote a Top Ten Things to do in Edinburgh post from that which I’d gathered from here there and everywhere. It was a collection of “Best Of”s from around the internet. Now, having been there, I will regale you all with my own personal preferences.

1. Explore the City
Edinburgh is a fabulous city for walkers. You do not need to take a guided tour, or hop on one of the many (four) bus lines that offer prerecorded or live audio tours of the city. All you need to do is put one foot after the other. Your first stop should be the tourist centre on the North Side of Northbridge. There you can pick up a handful of city maps (you will lose them.) They’re free, and they’re accurate. These maps also have locations of free public toilets! An added bonus. What more could you want? Once you have them, you can plan your own route for three distinct tours: New Town, Old Town, and the West End.

2. Eat Deep-Fried Food
I recommend Bene’s located at 162 Canongate. They have all your favourite foods deep fried. Bear with me here, yes they have fries, and cheese sticks. You can understand that – They also have the Scottish favourite, a deep friend Mars Bar. But wait, there’s more. They deep fry Hamburgers, and Pizza, and Haggis as well. This is not a store for tourists, either. It’s a local haunt. This is truly a cultural experience, and you can grab your bottle of IRN-BRU there as well.

3. Make Your Way to the Top of Calton Hill
There are a number of reasons to hike up Calton Hill. Perhaps you’re looking for a nice walk, or you have a desire to see – up close – all those monuments that have been towering over the city. If it’s a sunny day, the view from the top of the hill offers sights of the city, the ocean, or surrounding towns you didn’t even know existed.

4. Visit the National Gallery of Scotland
The National Gallery of Scotland is located on “The Mound.” It’s in the heart of Edinburgh just West of Waverly Bridge. Aside from being a fabulous free art gallery, it also finds itself one of the city’s hubs. There is a grassy park on which you will always see people picnicking, sunning, and running around on, trying to get a kite into the air, or some other such delightful nonsense. This is also a good spot to see yourself a bagpiper playing for tips. Mind you, more often than not these pipers aren’t Scottish – still, you can keep the dream alive.


The only strange thing about this gallery is that they keep the Scottish collection hidden away in the basement, at the back of the main hall, and down some stairs. Unless you were looking, it can easily be overlooked. I highly recommend you view this area, as it had some of my favourite art, including my now-favourite piece, The Quarrel of Oberon and Titania.

5. Visit the Modern Art Galleris
You thought that you’d seen it all once you visited the National Gallery, but no: there is still the Modern Art Gallery. These too are free. The only slight downside about these galleries is that they are somewhat removed from the city centre. The Dean Gallery is in the North West part of Edinburgh but it can easily be made part of a trip to view the beautiful Dean Village.

6. Take a Trip through the Dean Village
The Village, itself, is worth the time. It’s quaint little area so close to the city that it can be easily overlooked. But try to make time to stroll through the streets, and take in the waterwheels still in operation. Joining the Village and the Modern Galleries is a riverside path called The Waters of Leith walk. It also makes for a beautiful little journey.

7. Lounge Around in Princes Street Gardens
Want to spend a day reading? Enjoy people watching? Looking for a great place to have a picnic? Princes Street Gardens is the place to go. You can walk the short paths, view the flowers (there is a clock here completely covered in them. I mean, sure? Why not?) or grab an ice cream from any number of vendors that make this area their home. But best of all, the view of the castle, overlooking an ornate fountain is one of the best castle views the city has to offer, and believe you me, the city offers a lot of those views.

8. Enjoy the National Museum of Scotland
Do not confuse this for the Museum of Edinburgh, the Museum of Childhood, or the People’s Story Museum (all free, and located within a half mile of each other on the Royal Mile). No, this is the Museum of Scotland (which, you know, is also free. You’d hardly need ever open your wallet in this city!) It is located just across the street from Greyfriars Bobby (literally – turn around in this image, and you’ll see the statue of the Dog.)

This is a fantastic Museum where you can visit Dolly, everyone’s favourite cloned sheep. Don’t be shocked when you find her stuffed, and no longer living though. Even sheep have a time when they must pass.

9. Explore the Bus System
Do not be afraid of the buses. Just grab a Lotian bus map from their store front near Waverly Bridge. From here you’ll want to take the 26 all the way to Portobello Beach. It’s a beautiful beachfront, and an enjoying ride out. If you stay on the bus after the beach, until is stops at Seaton Sands, and then get off on the return you’ll be treated to a lovely vision of the eve stretching oceanfront through the left side window.

10. Make the Journey to The Forth
This will take you out of the city, but the Forth Bridge is so close that a return train ticket is only 6 pounds. The bridge is a Scottish Icon. Feel free to read the Wikipedia article about it. It is not to be missed, and there are few better ways to see it then by walking across the automobile / pedestrian bridge that runs parallel to it. You can read part of my own Bridge Crossing tale here.

Remember:
There is so much to do in this city, and this is a very limited list. I didn’t even touch on the castle itself, or a day trip into Glasgow. Edinburgh is a tourist’s city. It’s as if Disney Land made a “Scotland: The Ride.” It’s not a city to be missed, and most-definitely, if you’re feeling up to it, spend an hour climbing up Arthur’s Seat. What’s that you ask? Oh – the second you get into the city and see it looming over you to the south, you’ll know.

Top 10 Helpful sites for World Trip Planning

For the last thirty hours I have done little aside from browse the internet, and shuffle from one website to the next. Below I am going to show you all the websites I came across while planning my tour, so maybe some of the legwork will be done for you in the future.

Here is a list of the Top Ten sites that I thought you might use.

1. Google Maps
This may seem obvious, or it may seem inconceivable but let me tell you, this is one of the most useful websites you can use for any trip planning. I almost always had it open in one of my browser tabs.

Why it's Useful:
You can create custom maps, planning walking paths, distances from one location to the next, you can flag the location of the airport, as well as the location of your hotel (or in my case, hostel.) Not only that, but you can save these maps so any time in the future, you can go back and look at them to remind yourself of where you'll be heading, and when.

It was also great for planning train trips across Europe. I don't know about you, but my European geography is lacking. With this site open, I could check what countries boarder each other, and what order it would make sense to see cities in. I nicely plotted train tickets through fourteen countries with this site.

It's also very useful in conjunction with other sites, as I'll mention shortly.

2. The Man in Seat Sixty-One
Everything you have ever wanted to know about trains is listed on this site. No, really - everything. And it lists information for trains all over the world. Before reading this page I thought getting a EuRail pass was the way to go. I've since learned better.

Why it's Useful:
I did not know anything about trains, but there is a section of this website that explains how train passes work. It explains, in detail, all the hidden fees (which add up to hundreds of dollars) as well as the practical usage of them. It also shows where they are most useful, as well.

This website directs people to all the many individual country ticket sites, and explains the various routes, trains, and seats that you might encounter. If you have any fear about riding the rails, this site will get you past it.

3. Rail Europe
Now that you understand how the railways work, it's time to do some more footwork.

Why it's Useful:
Booking a train ticket across Europe can be a lot of work, as you'll find yourself hopping from one local site to another. No more: This website offers you the ease of simply putting in a starting city and an ending city (spelled in English, so you need not look up local spelling, which can be quite difficult to be sure of at times.)

Not only can you plan your routes, but you can also book tickets, or just get a good understanding of how much they may cost in the future. This is a most important site for those planning a trip through Europe.

4. Hosteling International
I can not explain just how important this website is when planning trips. Sure, you could find hostels on your own and save five or six bucks here and there - or, you can buy your $35.00 membership and be set for a good long time to come.

Why it's Useful:
Hosteling International connects you with hostels all over the world. Literally all over the world - they exist in most places you'd want to travel. Now this site will allow you to browse through a variety of hostels - showing you a map of where they are located (which you can then map on your google map, and figure out which hostel is best suited for your locational needs) as well as telling you what is included with each. Do you need free Wi-Fi? Just look for that icon.

From this site you choose your room type, your price option, and a variety of other customizable things. But most important? The reviews. This site offers real reviews which is quite important when hosteling. Sure you could save five bucks a night, but be warned - you may end up sleeping on a dirt floor. Yes, that has been known to happen.

5. Air Berlin
I used to book through expedia (and still do from time to time, as they're quite convenient.) However, be warned - their fares are not the lowest you can find.

Why it's Useful:
Air Berlin offers an interactive flight map showing you where they fly from, and where they fly to. It is a easy to use site, and they have some of the lowest flights I've found from Europe to Africa, and North America to Europe. Be sure to check them out.

6. TACA Airlines
This is another airline that is great for getting around without busting your bank.

Why it's Useful:
This website could save you hundreds if you're jetting around parts of Europe. Be sure to compare rates, and look for other discount airlines too. Going with names you know may make you feel better, but at what cost?

7. Gap Adventures
I have booked all my tours through this company. And there were many.

Why it's Useful:
This company offers a lot of great tours, and they're reasonably priced. The tours go all over the world, and even up above it in a fighter jet to the edge of space. They are friendly, and well informed. When you talk to them or e-mail them you are communicating with a real person, not someone reading lines from a book. They will hook you up with whatever you need. I can't stress enough how helpful they have been.

8. The Guide to Sleeping in Airports
Did you arrive past dark, and are unsure about what waits in the world outside?

Why it's Useful:
This website has all you need to know about the art of airport sleeping. Honestly, it's quite important to know. If you find yourself in a strange destination and the sun has gone down, do you really want to try and find your way through the city with potentially shady taxi drivers telling you what to do?

This site offers reviews, tips, and tricks to get away with your free night's stay.

9. Couch Surfing
Need a place to stay? Why not clamor onto some strangers couch? What could possibly go wrong?

Why it's Useful:
If you're out of cash, need a place to crash when you can't find other accommodations, or just want to get a little information about the city from a local then this is a great site. They offer reviews of the surfers, so you can be sure you don't end up with some crazy killer (or be relatively sure, anyway.)

I've never used it - but I've heard a great many things from people who have, so it's worth checking out. Who knows, this next year might see me hopping on one or two couches, myself.

10. Thorn Tree
There have been many times I've had questions - and when I do, I go to the experts: Other travellers.

Why it's Useful:
Do you want to know how to get out of a jam? How to book that stubborn visa? Do you just want to know what to do in a certain city? Or do you need help planning an entire trip? Are you looking to meet up with fellow travellers for part of a trip?

If you have any question, you can just post it to the Thorn Tree forums and the readers will get back to you within hours, sometimes even minutes. They are a friendly lot (which is still odd, considering it's an internet message board.) They know what's what, and they're more than willing to help you out.

No question is too foolish. Remember, no one has all the answers - but a collective might.

In Conclusion
Despite all my planning, I still have quite a bit left to go. So, if you have any good sites that you think would be useful, please let me know! I'm sure I'd be delighted to have some of the footwork done for me.

Top 10 Things to Do in Edinburgh (or so I'm told...)

There is a lack of Top Ten things to do in Edinburgh. So here, I present you with the Top 10 things [the internet has told me] to do in Edinburgh. [Note: Also see my Edinburgh Personal Top 10 List.]

The Top Ten List

1. Visit Edinburgh Castle
2. Take in a Festival
3. Enjoy Historic Scotland
4. Take a Free Tour
5. Take a Ten Pound Ghost Tour
6. The Scotch Whiskey Experience
7. Get Yourself Cultured
8. Look up a Kilt
9. National Portrait Gallery
10. Leave Edinburgh

Before we go to far, I'll just add this youtube video, and let you watch it. I want you to press play and really focus on what they're suggesting, because there will be a debriefing afterward.



So did you catch it? Did you see what they suggested were the best things to do in all of Edinburgh? Eating and drinking! That's is. That's all there is. You eat, and you drink. And you leave Edinburgh! Ohh, you've had some food, and you've had some beer - well that's great. Now it's time to go and see the castles, and climb hills, and take pictures, and - so help me, but one of them actually said - get out of Edinburgh! This is not filling me with confidence. Luckily, I am not the type of person to be led astray by one video made by who knows whom.

I will reload, double back, and get my nose to the grind stone. That, and I will also start playing an MP3 play list with the 19 songs I saw the Police play a year and a half ago at the Air Canada Centre. This will fill me with energy, I'm sure. The Police were a band I knew nothing about, and didn't think I would like all that much, before deciding to drop silly amounts of money on concert tickets, just to try it out. As it played out, I found it one of my favourite shows of all time (see the potential connection to my Edinburgh journey here? High hopes!)

The list of things to do... [in no particular order]

1. Visit Edinburgh Castle
This is the one thing that all the internet seems to agree upon. Apparently it's beautiful, and fantastic, and wonderful, and my goodness if you miss this castle, then why did you even bother coming in the first place? Wikipedia can tell you even more!

(Police subnote: the song Synchronicity II just mentioned a Dark Scottish Loch so I feel that this is even more of a fantastic sign.)

2. Take in a Festival
This isn't very helpful, as who knows when festivals might be happening, right? Wrong! The internet, my friends, is your most useful of all tools. And here I happen to be with just the link for you! As it turns out, I will be there during the Edinburgh Film Festival, and you can bet your bottom dollar that I just bought tickets to watch Romeo and Juliet vs. Zombies! Things are looking up - some say tomorrow's another day, you say I may as well play.

3. Enjoy Historic Scotland
The government's website lists many things to do in and around Edinburgh. Not only that, but it also comes with a handy interactive map that will show you exactly where everything is located. The incredible amount of information located here is - well - incredible. This is definately the first place to check out when trying to find the hotspots.

4. Take a Free Tour
I am not sure why this group offers free tours of Edinburgh, and am somewhat convinced there may be a scam involved. It seems that free three hours tours meet at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm everyday infront of the Starbucks by the Tron Kirk on High Street. I am hoping it is legit, and that they just try to convince you to take other tours with them that cost money.

5. Take the £10 Ghost Tour
This may seem like a cop-out, as it's put on by the same fine folks that have the free tour listed above. But, lets be honest - if they give free tours, the pay tours must be fantastic. And this one includes a free pint of beer, so who can complain? Am I right? But - why I put this on the list is that I'm told that Edinburgh Ghost Tours really are fantastic, and if you don't trust this group, then just search for some of your own.

(Police subnote: Don't Stand so Close is not an accurate representation of your average teacher. Teachers, by all means, keep your students away from your warm dry cars. You'd not want to find yourself in the Blue Pages.)

6. The Scotch Whiskey Experience
I really don't think I need to expand on this. This one really speaks for itself, and if you enjoy adult beverages, then off you go. It does cost 11 pounds, on the off chance that you're wondering. But really - would you rather see a museum, or embrace the Scotch Whiskey Experience? EXPERIENCE! That's how you know you need to see it. How many Experiences have you embraced?

7. Get Yourself Cultured
So you're not much for the Experience huh? But you do like some culture? Well good - me too. And I'll point you right towards it. There are all number of monuments, and museums, and other such delightful things in the city of Edinburgh. Don't let the terrible web design of this site throw you off, the information is quite useful.

8. Look up a Kilt
Look, I don't know how much I Think this is a good idea, but the internet really seems to be pushing it as a viable option. And who am I to argue with the internet? Why, the internet brought us The Game, and Lolcats, and other terrible things. Am I really so powerful that I think I can argue with something on this caliber? So - take heed, take peek, take off running! (I just used a literary device known as asyndeton there - impressed, aren't you?)

(Police subnote: Every little thing she does is magic - and she just happens to be working at item 9)

9. National Portrait Gallery
Now, the thing about the National Portrait Gallery is that it is currently being refurbished, so this isn't the most useful link. But it will re-open in late 2011, so look at your calendar. Is it then, or after then? If so, by all means go and check it out. It will focus on Scottish art. Now if this really did sound fantastic - don't worry, because there are many other galleries in Scotland. Check them out as well.

10.Leave Edinburgh
Look, I said that I'd just be telling you random things the internet ordered me to do, and it seems that I just can not avoid being ordered to leave the city. And you know what, I will be doing just that. Personally, I will be embarking on the three day Haggis Tours Skye High trip. For only 99 pounds you can take yourself on a cross country expedition and see just what the country has to offer. Honestly, the one thing I keep hearing when I mention I'm headed to Edinburgh is how beautiful the country is. How could I pass up a perfect chance to truly experience that country?

(Police subnote: De do do do, De da da da!)

So there we have it ladies, gentlemen, and those who choose to associate as neither. A list of ten things to do in Edinburgh (kind of.) I'll be reporting back on these in the future - explaining my success, and my failures, and how much I'd really advise them having experienced them for myself. Keep your eyes peeled.

Breaking News: You could save BIG TIME!

Well, that's not really breaking news, but an article was brought to my attention from the Professional Hobo. She has recently written an article on travelling full time for less than 14 000 per year. As someone looking to travel full time, I find this quite useful, and can only assume that there are a number of you out there who might also want to get in on some of her tips and tricks.

To break it down, she has organized her post into sections:

1. Save 80% on Airfare
2. Work for Accommodation
3. Get Free Accommodation
4. Work While Traveling
5. Learn the Truth About Volunteering
6. Become a Part of a Community
7. Avoid the Biggest Trap
8. Be Food Wise
9. Roll with the Punches
10. Rethink Travel Expenses
11. Travel Slowly

Don't those look fantastic folks? I know I'm enamored. So please, by all means, go give it a look and help spread the useful knowledge and information. Undoubtedly you'll be glad you did. Even if not for the tips, than the writing style alone.

[we now return to the sloggingly slow updates, and torturouly spaced updates you've become used to here over the last little while. I tell you what though, they're in the works. I only hacve 35 tests, 28 essays, 100 journals, and thirty creative pieces left to mark, and then I'll be golden! Plus the Blue Jays aren't in town, which gives me little reason to go out. So - they're coming. Please bear with me!]

Top 10 Sites to Help You Save Your Vacation Money

We all love to travel - but we don't always have the money to do so. In bygone days, we would talk to knowledge uncles, or listen to stories three times removed from "a friend of a friend." We would hear of elusive tips to save money, find deals, or earn some sort of secret travel club card that would allow us extra savings.

But these days, it so much easier than that. A simple web search will hook you up. But do we have time to search through internets? Clearly not - and that is why I, here at previously.bitten, have decided to create a list of the top 10 money saving sites for you.

1. Readers Digest: 6 Sececrt Ways to Save on Your Next Vacation
Readers Digest does it again, bringing tips such as "The best time to book an airline ticket is 12:01am on Wednesday," and "the best time to book a Hotel is any time during a Sunday Afternoon."

Now, sure those might be the only two great tips - but check out their explainations.

2. 12 Frugal Vacation Tips
Their final tip, Follow the Workers, is a great one. When you're looking for food in a foreign city - find the construction workers, find the labourers. They're the ones who want to eat a lot, and they'll want to do it cheap.

3. Delicious Baby: Money Saving Trips the Travel Industry Doesn't Want You to Know
Hey, if you have access to credit card companion fees, then by all means use them. Some real-world, tried tested and true tips can be found here.

4. The Frugal Traveler Blog
The Frugal Traveler Blog knows what it's doing, and it does it well. Follow the journey of those, like yourself, looking to pinch a penny there, and save a pound somewhere else. It's good reading, and full useful tips.

5. Step by Step Budget Tips
This is an About.com site, and as such it may come across very basic, but that doesn't mean there aren't great tips to be embraced here. See Beijing and the Great Wall of China in One Day, as well as How to get Bumped for a Free Ticket are great tips that you might find yourself using in the future.

* * * * *

Allright, well it turns out that was only 5 links, and not 10 at all. But to make it up to you, I will forward you to a site that - if you don't already know about - you really should. It's the Ultimate Resource for the Independant Traveller: Boots and All. That should count for five. It really, really, should.

Top 10 New York City Resources

Planning a trip to New York City? Here you will find links to various resources that you might find valuable. All of these entries were previously posted on my site - but rather than wading through the depths of my entire trip, I have consolidated them down to the top ten.

You will find a brief summary below the link, listing their key points as well as reasons why you might find them useful.

Full maps and itineraries can be found here, as well as offbeat sights nestled in with those that are obvious, but still not to be missed. Tips, flips [literally], and restaurant tricks can all be found below.

1. A Week in New York City
Looking for things to see? City walks to take? A way to budget all your desires into a limited amount of time? This article has it all - complete with a custom made google map detailing a variety of interesting locations.

2. How to Avoid Being Scammed
There is a lot of hustling in the city, and it's not limited to the people trying to quickly get from one location to the next. Con Artists are all around. Take some advice, and be prepared to deal with it. Unless you want to end up paying a lot for a little, take heed of these fine words.

3. Brooklyn Bridge Crossing
Walking across Brooklyn Bridge from Brooklyn to Manhattan is a fantastic experience. Even if it is pouring rain, it is an sight and an event not to be missed. Here you will find text, and images that will hopefully convince you of this.

4. New York Subway Tips
If it's your first time in the big city, you might find it daunting to get around. Fear not, because the MTA (New York’s Subway) is a very reliable and efficient service. However, if it is your first time in the big city wrapping your head around that might cause problems enough. Fear not: help is here.

5. 5 Pointz
A graffiti Mecca just outside of Manhattan. If you can't take the trip, at least view the images here and appreciate the art form, imagining the diverse range of artists who came together to make this site what it is.

6. Quickly Move through the Customs Line
No one likes waiting in hour long lines. But when we get off at any major airport, that's what we're always up against. Follow these simple steps and you will be breezing through to your connecting flight in no time. You just might feel a little less good about yourself.

7. New York City's [big] Apple Store
Pun aside, this is a building you will want to see for yourself. Sure you'll be surrounded by hipsters, but then perhaps you are one - then it will be even more perfect for you. Take the great glass elevator down to the iProduct filled depths below and shop to your hearts content. Or just view the cube. Best viewed at night, it's worth the trip at any time of day.

8. Twenty Minutes in Harlem
There is so much more to Harlem than I saw in my limited time. And for that, I regret not finding a chance to return. But in my limited time I saw a very different community. One that exists just north of Central Park. By all means, explore the world north of 114th.

9. Ground Zero
September 11th is something that many of us will remember our entire lives. A day which seemed to pause - stretching into weeks, into years. Ground Zero remains a testament of what happened on that day. But the question is: should ground zero still remain, with MTA lines reading "this stop is temporarily out of service."? At what point should new growth and the construction of Freedom Tower to commence?


10. The Jump
Street theatre is abundant in this city. Here is the literal flip you were promised.

New York City Attractions (Top 10?)

I hate to say it, but it's true. My image of New York has been heavily influenced by the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. When I picture Manhattan, I see a walking turtle in a trench coat who has just finished watching the movie Critters. To me, central park is a place where goalie-masked individuals protect citizens while not engaging in witty repartee about Jose Canseco. And pizza stores? Well, as we all know "Wise man say, forgiveness is divine; but, never pay full price for late pizza."

The eight year old version of myself took all of these things to heart. Rooftops were places to to fight master-ninjas, who blended in seamlessly with the crowd. Pickpockets were terrible organized, requiring at least three people for the perfect wallet hand off, and seedy graffiti coated skate parks offered anything a troubled youth could ever dream of. You want cigarettes? There they'd simply ask, "menthol or regular," before tossing you a carton. And in New York City? Everybody loved M.C. Hammer.

For myself, this was a time when New York City was coloured by mutants. And the only mutants I knew of were Lean Green Fighting Machines.

So at this point you might be asking yourself, what right do I have to write about a city, so immersed in fictionality, that I'm yet to even step foot into? Well: I feel I know this city. I feel that I have spent years of my life there. And, to be sure, I can tell you all number of places you might want to visit.

Not to mention, I've spent the last week reading just about every book, every website, and every map I could get my hands on. So, for your benefit, let me try and show you...


The Best Places to Visit in New York City

Bronx Zoo - Not only does the Bronx zoo allow you the afternoon to explore a fantastic zoological exhibit, it also gives you reason to leave the downtown Manhattan area, and explore the more northern areas of the city. Access to the Zoo Grounds are free on Wednesday.

Whitehall Ferry Terminal - The Ferry here runs every half hour, taking people back and forth from Staten Island. The ferry offers a wide range of photographic opportunities, as you are set out on the water, with great views of the city skyline. As an added little bonus, it just so happens to be free.

The Empire State Building - Not only is it a must see, but it's also an impossible to miss. Towering over the city, the building has become iconic with New York. Made famous, only a few years after construction, this building is the very one that King Kong climbed up time and time again - in every subsequent remake. Access to the observation level will cost you about $40.00 if all my pricing is correct. This is one of those choices where you have to think, hmm... Tokyo offers it for free, and even Toronto is pushing the envelope with the C.N. Towers $25.00 price tag.

Ground Zero - September Eleventh, Two Thousand and One. Where were you when you heard the news? It's something that all of us remember. To be honest, I'm shocked that nothing has been rebuilt in the eight years since the incident. For me, September Eleventh was my very first day of University - all the way there and back on the bus people were talking about how a plane hit the towers, but I assumed it was a tiny one. For the next few weeks our communal T.V. would show nothing else. Visiting this site, to me, seem like an obvious choice. A reminded how for that one short year everything seemed off balance, and emotions ran raw.

5 Pointz - Located at 45 - 46 Davis Street, this place claims to be a Graffiti Mecca. There are few forms of art that I love more, and this open gallery is notorious for being one of the most sought after hot-spots in that particular art world.

Frick Collection - The Frick collection, to some, is an Art Reference library. To me, however, it is better known as the Avengers Mansion from Marvel Comics. Though the Avengers Mansion was destroyed in the comics, it still lives on in real New York City.

Central Park - Without a doubt, there is more to see here than can ever be seen, and more to do than can ever be done. It's the circle of... Well, it's a circular path at some points? To be honest, the biggest draw for me is the Alice in Wonderland statue that resides somewhere within the park's boundaries.

Brooklyn Bridge - I have been told that walking this bridge is, without a doubt, one of the most important things one can do in New York City. But, to be honest, I'm more interested in seeing it so as I can finally develop a visual representation of where, exactly, it was that the Green Goblin pushed Gwen Stacy, ultimately causing her death in one form or another. Be it the fall, or the sudden stop caused by Spider-Mans (snap!) webbing.

Museum of Modern Art - Somewhere between Ottawa and Winnipeg, back in 2006, I developed a love of Art Galleries, and Museums. I'm told that the MOMA is one not to be missed. From its opening hall, to its elaborate galleries, this is one stop that no tourist should pass up. Apparently it's worth skipping the Guggenheim for.

FAO Schwarz Toy Store - For those of you who remember the movie Big (you know, the Tom Hanks film that says, it's o.k. for older women to fall in love with and engage in acts of sexual deviancy with young children, provided they look "of age" - pretty much the reverse of Twilight) will delight in wandering this toy store, and browsing row after row of childhood playthings. Plus, you know... the keyboard!


Again, this is by no means a complete list, and as you've gathered it was created by a product of the eighties who has never walked a single foot into the city. But, that being the case, hopefully this was of some help to you. You can view the map below which has far more hot spots (as well as walking tour paths) listed. It is my personal map of New York, detailing what I want to do, and where I want to go.

Best of luck to you, as you plan your own World Class City get-away.




View Larger Map

Top "Ten" Things to do in Winnipeg

Way up North in Canada - where the winds are cold, and the summers short. What type of crazy person would go there? Personally I love the city of Winnipeg, unforunately if you ask most people what they thought of it, they will all respond the same way:


This is because they are unaware of just how much this beautiful city has to offer. Listed below you will find ten fabulous things to do and see in that one great city.
Top Ten things to do in Winnipeg:

1. Forks Market
2. Outside the Forks Market
3. Busker Stops
4. Manitoba Museum
5. Planetarium
6. Assiniboine Park
7. Leo Mol Sculpture Garden
8. Winnipeg Zoo
9. Steam Train
10. Canada’s Museum for Human Rights
    

Passing a sign proclaiming “One Great City” lyrics from the Weakerthans start pushing through my mind. Thoughts of endless gray streaking across humble urban architecture painting monochromatic gradients through the expanse coupled with long defunct hockey teams, long since moved to Pheonix taint my preconceptions. And there, in the foreground, they remain for five, four, three, two, one.

1. Driving into the city, and finding myself at the Forks Market wiped away all assumptions I had made. Located along the riverbank, the Forks was once a great hub of trading for all manner of goods. Until the late nineteenth century, trappers would make their way across to sell their wares, and enjoy a slightly different scenery.

Today the market is home to all number of fresh fruit and vegetable stalls. Here, amongst the farmers market, people are encouraged to shop around and think locally; if all the booths whet your appetite, there are all number of restaurants here as well. There in no better place to take in your morning meal.

2. Just outside the Forks Market lies an open area, perfect for enjoying your newly purchased sandwich. Sitting, surrounded by what could be some futuristic communications, or time telling device – not year ready to be understood by our primitive brains – you will find peace under the morning’s sun.

3. On the halcyon breeze, gentile guitar chords may float through the cerulean sky overhead, from one of the many busker stops nearby. Unlike many big cities, busking is encouraged here, creating a climate of understanding and acceptance between local artists.

And though you may wish to stay all day, there comes a time when you will have to move on. But to where? Might I suggest the museum?

4. The Manitoba Museum is unlike any museum I had been to before, or been to since for that matter. It is not built around gallery upon gallery of objects, aligned and centered under just the right light, with just the right amount of humidity preserving all aspect of the enclosure.

There will be no reading of plaques here, nor headsets playing low spoken British voiced, on the verge of pure boredom, delivering an outdated message of what was two years prior removed.

The Manitoba Museum operates under a different philosophy: Understanding through Experience.

Yes, they could show artifacts from the days merchant ports existed. Some traded goods, and semi-dated coins could line shelves, with little signs under them, offering brief explanations. But that will only get you so far. Stepping round the first bend, I found myself – not looking to suffer hours of reading, instead – standing in the middle of a turn of the century port town. Buildings lined the waterways, and a great tall ship was moored up in the harbour.

Information here was to be gathered by myself, not forced upon me. I was allowed to walk the cobblestone streets, and explore the many buildings presented. Once I had seen the daily workings, and lives, of these people I could board the ship and experience an entirely different culture that operated parallel to that of the people who lived on solid ground.

When finished, I simply turned another corner and found myself in the city, circa 1920. The streets were lined, and set with period pieces. The buildings were no longer used for shipping goods, but rather reaching for the capitalistic dream. Décor and technology offered a promising glimpse at what was to come. There was even a fully functional movie theatre, playing silent Charlie Chaplin films that you could sit down in, and enjoy.

The adage that nothing fun ends in –eum was clearly untrue in this local.

5. Connected to the museum could be your next stop. The Winnipeg Planetarium. Personally, I was excited to set my eyes upon such a sight. Television and movies had prepared me for smoke filled rooms, and laser shows, and other such nonsense. But what I really wanted was to simply gaze at the stars I could not see with my own eyes. And if possible, an explanation of what was “out there.”

To some extent this is what I received. The event showing was one about life on other planets. Was it possible? Well – as I was informed – if life exists inside volcanoes, at the arctic poles, and inside nuclear reactors – well then yes, odds are it exists out there. Inside nuclear reactors. Really? Bacterial, but still. Impressive.

6. With the sun still shining overhead, further along in its noonday arch, I made my way for, what I was told, was the only do-not-miss attraction in the city: Assiniboine Park.

The park stretches on, and on. It’s no Kensington, High, Central, or Yoyogi, but it still has a lot to offer. Picnickers exist by the dozens, as do Frisbee players attempting the most ridiculous of throws and catches, interrupted by the occasional dog, off its leash and determined to get in on the action.

Not only is the park itself beautiful. It also acts as a hub to a number of the cities other attractions.

7. The Leo Mol Sculpture Garden is located within the park’s limits and offers visitors a whole host of artistic delights. I can say, without a word of a lie, that I walked into this garden completely without appreciation for sculpture. By the time I was finished, I was in love with the form, and gained a higher appreciation for art as a whole.

The garden features a number of animals, as well as a member of the Group of Seven; however, its primary pieces are women. The most noticeable, perhaps, is Echo from Roman mythology. She is trapped, forever calling out in vain to Narcissus. Something about the attempt to reach out to the surrounding world, completely unaware of her existence, spoke to me.

Within the tranquil boundaries visitors had their cameras out. Some were trying to capture the essence of each piece, while others seemed content to simply record. Others on similar quests had out, instead, sets of oil pastels, while more still had water colour paints and paper.

8. When finally forced to, regretfully, leave the area in search of other experience I wandered five hundred kilometers to the gates of the Winnipeg Zoo. Though I would have liked to see the animals, and experience the different exhibits, the one hour line up was a bit outside of my time budget. Though, this line also indicated that there must have been some draw here.

9. Quickly passing by, I opted to instead ride the steam train. The idea of one such as myself on the tiny train may seem comical to those who know me, but I figured I would never be back. I would never get a second chance to take this tiny ticketed ride again. And so I loaded up, and enjoyed the experience; I chatted with a young married couple about to have their second child, who informed me the workings of train whistles, as we were whisked around the winding track.

I told myself that I would come back this way, on the return journey. And though that was never to happen, at the time it was a pleasant though. To meander through the park once more, and share some more time with Echo, as her calls continued on into both the day and night. But for myself, it was Regina that I heard calling.

10. Winnipeg is slated to be the home for Canada’s Museum for Human Rights. And whether that will ever be built or not, I can not say. But that would be my number ten choice. And it’s not that Winnipeg doesn’t offer a tenth point of interest. And it’s not that these points here were lessened when compared to some other cities. It’s that Winnipeg is unlike most other cities. It has a charm all its own, and it’s waiting there to be discovered.

When heading out that way, throw away your guidebook, and let the community point you in the right direction. Remember, it is different from any other place you’ve yet visited. After all, it is one great city.