New Zealand: Untouched Paradise

Photo credit – Emily and Garrison 2017

Like any responsible young couple living in a comfortable apartment in downtown Toronto, we have quit our jobs to travel the world, and New Zealand seemed like a good place to start. It’s basically on the other side of the world, but still familiar in terms of language and culture. And we like hiking. Turns out even the extended Lord of the Rings trilogy couldn’t prepare us for this amazing country. If you like hiking, skydiving, white water rafting, kayaking, or pretty much anything else outdoors, this country is for you. The views are so astonishing that you often have to pull over to really take it all in (please pull over to sight see – the roads leave little room for error). The landscapes change by the hour, from rolling meadows to deep rainforests without a noticeable transition. We often joke about the perfect, movie-like settings we find ourselves in, as they seem almost fabricated in their beauty.

Photo credit – Emily and Garrison 2017

Our trip started in Auckland on the north island where we rented a self-contained camper van. In New Zealand, the self-contained certification allows you to park in any of the ‘freedom camping’ sites scattered throughout the country. This freedom allows us to wake up in a new place every morning, sometimes seeing it in daylight for the first time. These sites aren’t obligated to provide toilets or garbage cans, so sometimes campers have to bring their waste with them when they leave. Yes, even that waste. You can find public dump stations and clean water in every town, regardless of its size. Most people in New Zealand seem to play by the rules when it comes to the environment, which gives you the impression that they truly care about preserving what they have. Coming from one of the biggest cities in Canada, we never would have considered drinking water straight from a stream, or parking a van in the middle of nowhere to sleep overnight, but that becomes the norm in New Zealand. Its beauty extends beyond superficial – there’s something pure and clean about this country that’s hard to really describe.

Photo credit – Emily and Garrison 2017

However, this beauty is often complimented by some form of danger. New Zealand may feel like a movie set sometimes, but it’s important to remember that you’re tramping and travelling at your own risk. While the trails are often well maintained and marked, we have run into some washed out routes, or trails that seem to, well, just kind of trail off. Avalanches, river swells, rock slides, and high winds are just a few of the very real dangers hikers face in this country. In fact, we were lucky enough to witness an avalanche from a safe distance near Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain range. What we thought was thunder turned out to be two relatively small avalanches, high up in the mountain.

Photo credit – Emily and Garrison 2017

Before European settlers arrived, 90% of this country’s flora and fauna was found nowhere else in the world. Its isolation allowed for unique ground dwelling birds (such as the kiwi and kakapo) to prosper without predation. The introduction of invasive mammals throughout the 19th and 20th century has driven some of these native bird species to extinction. Because of this, the New Zealand government is making a concerted effort to protect the environment and its unique species. Many of the trails are dotted with rodent and wasp traps, and the Department of Conservation spends millions of dollars a year just keeping these populations in control. With no natural predators, possums and rabbit breed uncontrollably and decimate local vegetation. Just about every tourist shop will have possum fur clothing available, and the roads are sometimes littered with unlucky rabbits.

We’re learning a lot from living in a small van. One surprising challenge is resource management. Every day there is something we are searching for, be it water, food, reliable WiFi, or electricity. Luckily New Zealand is well equipped for road trippers and these resources are readily available. Campers are generally quiet and respectful, and it’s uncommon to see someone out and about past 10pm. Campervan culture seems to breed an early to bed, early to rise mentality, which usually suits us fine after a 5 hour hike up a mountain.

Photo credit – Emily and Garrison 2017

Unfortunately there isn’t much to write home about when it comes to the food. There is a strong British influence in the country, and a lot of the fare reflects that. You can expect meat pies, potato skins, fish and chips, and caramel slices. One interesting food option however was raw milk! It’s not easy to find as they don’t advertise it, but some small farms offering raw milk were frequented by locals buying up to 6 liters at a time. The milk comes from a vending machine and is probably the most affordable food in New Zealand at NZ $2.50 per liter. This is a testament to the country’s commitment to clean farming and environmental protection. All of the cows are grass fed because there’s so much room for grazing.

New Zealand is a great place to visit for anyone looking to be humbled. Although the country itself is relatively small, it somehow packs in elements of every kind of landscape. While driving along a windy road overlooking thousands of acres of dense forest, it’s hard to believe that parts of this country are completely untouched by humans. Tourism has spiked in recent years, due in part to a huge campaign in China, and the high concentration of tourist (even in the off season) reflects this. Don’t let this deter you though. It’s easy to find solitude just a short distance off the beaten track. If you don’t mind getting some mud on your shoes or climbing a few steps, New Zealand can be a life changing place.

Emily and Garrison 2017

instagram.com/emigari/

The Philippines

— Gen Santiago 

 Home of the many best beaches in the world, the Philippines boasts crystal clear and pristine waters, fine white sand, and a lot of virgin islands still waiting to be discovered. From the 7,107 islands to the newly discovered islands, there are now 7,641 islands up to date. From every corner of the country, it sure does not disappoint. You can reach the famous party island of Boracay for an hour flight from Manila. And if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, you can reach the islands of Palawan for about an hour and 20 minute flight from Manila. Visit the Queen City of the South, Cebu City, for some adrenaline-pumping canyoneering experience in Kawasan Falls. And if that’s not enough, you can swim with the whale-sharks in Oslob and with a school of sardines in this beautiful, quiet town of Moalboal just 3-4 hours away from Cebu City. The Philippines indeed has it all. It has been on the tourist radar lately and people from all around the world flock these destinations all-year-round.

Boracay

Facing the blue green waters of Puka Beach in Boracay (Photo credit – Gen Santiago)

Dubbed as Conde Nast’ Travelers top Island in the world in 2016, you can never resist Boracay’s white powdery sand and clear waters. It caters to almost every type of traveller with a lot of hostels and 5-star hotels and resorts just a few meters by the beach. You will never run out of activities to do here; from parasailing, scuba diving, and island hopping or just lounging by the beach while you watch the sunset. The nightlife is very much alive as you stroll along the 4-km shore, you will see bands playing, fire-dancing, and people drinking all night long. Hence they call this the ‘party island’.

Tourists strolling along Boracay (Photo credit – Gen Santiago)

Palawan

If Boracay is Conde Nast Traveler’s number 1 island, Palawan is second on the list. Palawan alone has a total of 1780 islands. Eighty kilometers from Puerto Princesa City is where you will find the famous UNESCO World Heritage site, the Underground River. Get ready to use your imagination as you make your way inside the longest underground river system in the world as you will see how the stalagmites and stalactites resemble certain animals, food, and even holy images.

One of the majestic lagoons in El Nido (Photo credit – Gen Santiago)

Six hours away from Puerto Princesa lies one of the best islands in the world, El Nido. One can tour around the islands for 2-3 days by renting a boat that will take you to lagoons and beaches with impressive limestone formations and turquoise waters everywhere. It also has several dive sites home to rich marine life.

But the more popular island for diving in Palawan famous for the WWII shipwrecks and coral gardens is Coron. The iconic Kayangan Lake is not to be missed when island hopping. Sacred to some ethnic groups in Palawan, the 360 view of the lake is as beautiful as it is with the rock formations underwater.

The iconic view on the way to Kayangan Lake (Photo credit – Gen Santiago)

Cebu

A place for adventure-seekers and a haven for divers, Cebu has a lot to offer. Nature lovers will surely enjoy hiking the peaks of Osmeña then traversing to the Gatorade-colored waterfalls of Kawasan. In Kawasan Falls, canyoneering is the famous activity where you will jump,slide,and trek the river of Badian until you reach the falls where you will jump from a 30,40,and a 50-feet point.

The Gatorade-colored Kawasan Falls (Photo credit – Gen Santiago)

If that’s not enough, 1 and a half hours away from the falls is the town of Oslob where you can swim with the gentle giants, the whale-sharks. The town of Moalboal on the other hand offers one of the best diving spots in the province where you can swim with a school of sardines just right in front of the shore. If you’re lucky enough, you might be able to spot some turtles too.

Swimming with the whale-sharks (Photo credit – Gen Santiago)

And if you’re not up to adventures and you just want a quiet time by the beach, at the northern tip of Cebu lies the white sand beaches of Bantayan.

The virgin island of Bantayan,Cebu (Photo credit – Gen Santiago)

I have only mentioned a tiny part of the Philippines. It has a lot of beautiful beaches yes, but what makes each of them worth visiting is the warmth and hospitality of the locals. This is why people keep on coming back. Contrary to the notion that Philippines is a dangerous country to travel to, I have to disagree as I have met a lot of foreign travelers who didn’t had a problem with their safety. It’s a matter of breaking the notion and finding it out yourself. So book that plane ticket and find your way to paradise. And as they always say: “It’s more fun in the Philippines.”

Playing with the sardines (Photo credit – Gen Santiago)

For more of Gem Santiago’s adventures, visit her Instagram account @gensantiago

A day in Taipei: Asia’s hidden gem.

–Jemima Pollitt

Taipei, without a shadow of a doubt, is one of the most awe-inspiring places I’ve ever come cross. Situated a stone’s throw from Hong Kong, The Philippines, Japan and even Shanghai, it’s a perfect place to discover if you’re in the Far East. If you’re into a fusion of nature and cities, locals and expats, peace and mania then Taipei really needs to be on your travel itinerary. In just one day, it’s possible to tick off some of the city’s best sights!

Photo credit – Jemima Pollitt

GETTING IN: One of the first things travelers will discover here is that it’s extremely easy to get to Taipei City and to navigate around it. Visas, cash transfers are clearly labeled, cheap and frequent. It’ll cost each person 150 NTD – 200 NTD (5-7 USD) to get a bus or train into the city centre. Taxi’s will cost more at 1200 NTD (39 USD) but they are legitimate, metered and comfortable if you have a lot of baggage.

Once in the city the MRT is regular, clean, safe and in English! It can take you to all of the major tourist attractions for 30 NTD (1 USD) and there’s people at every stop to help you if you’re lost.

10:00 Of course the first stop would have to be Taipei 101; the fourth biggest skyscraper in the world, the biggest Eco-friendly building, the largest sundial on the planet and home to the fastest elevator on the planet! Designed to look like a piece of bamboo, it towers over the capital and lights up in different colors daily. Not only is it a fun stop in itself; taking a tour to the very top and looking down at the tiny houses and massive mountains below, it’s also home to the highest Starbucks in the world and the top designers and fashion labels your money can get you. It’s easy to spend a day among the luxury and vistas.

Photo Credit – Jemima Pollitt

14:00 A few stops on the Red Line MRT would take you to Chiang- Kai- Shek Memorial Hall; it’s a national treasure that is often used as a concert hall and an ideal spot for Instagram-lovers to get their travel snaps (like myself!) Completed in 1980, this hall hosted many movements and events that lead to the democracy of Taiwan and has a museum and library dedicated to Chiang-Kai-Shek himself.

Photo Credit – Jemima Pollitt

17:00 Your evening would take you a short MRT or taxi journey to Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain) to watch the sun set and the city light up in the dusk. A mere twenty minute hike up the steps will be tiring but well worth the effort. There’s no better view of this city than from here. Teaming with locals on their daily cardio kick, teenagers being romantic and tourists alike it’s a great place to enjoy a beer and take in this majestic sight. If you go are into Geocaching too there’s one just past the main viewpoint! And if you’re not familiar with the term, download it; it’s the best traveler’s game on the planet!

19:00 After coming back down there’s no better way to reward yourself than with a meander around the local night markets. A small taxi journey to Roahe Night Market in Songshan will have all of your senses excited and your tummy rumbling. I prefer this market over the most famous one; Shilin, as the temple outside the market is awe-inspiring, it’s more local and easier to navigate.

There’s something to suit everyone here and was visited by Hugh Jackman a few weeks ago to try some of the local delicacies! Try the deep-fried mushrooms for a vegetarian favourite, the meat buns and even some foreign delicacies such as French pastries and rotis! There’s even some little arcade games and fortune tellers to keep you entertained in between your snacks. Expect to spend 1-2 hours to fully enjoy this market.

Photo Credit – Jemima Pollitt

If you have a shred of energy left feel free to let loose in one of the many KTV venues in city! Complete with all-you-can-eat-buffets, private rooms with toilets, English songs and beers there’s no

better way to finish up a night than belting out tunes to your heart’s content. With a group, expect to pay 600NTD (20USD) each for 3 hours with beers. This can fluctuate on how fancy your room is.

So there you have it; one full day in Taiwan’s capital polished off. There’s literally something for everyone.

If you have more time in Taiwan there are some mind-blowing destinations in store! Take a 2 hour train from Taipei to Hualien and visit the Taroko Gorge; home to a 19km canyon created by seismic activity and river erosion over millions of years. Nowadays it’s a fabulous retreat to enjoy walking, photography the breathtaking land of some of Taiwan’s indigenous tribes.

Photo Credit – Jemima Pollitt

Photo Credit – Jemima Pollitt

The most beautiful beach areas are in the south. Kenting National Park is at the southern tip of the island and boasts beautiful beaches, a great night market and a real holiday vibe!

Photo Credit – Jemima Pollitt

With free 90 day visas to most countries, an abundance of shoe-string outings, splurge shopping, great weather, fantastic views and beautiful people, it’s hard to think of a more dazzling and interesting city to swing by.

Cheap flights are easily accessible from:

Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Manilla.

And long distance direct from:

Paris, Amsterdam, London, Brisbane, Dubai, Los Angeles, NYC, Rome and more.

Facts:

Capital: Taipei

Currency: NTD (New Taiwan Dollar)

Language: Mandarin (although some people use Taiwanese)

Cars: Right side of the road.

* Give money to people with two hands.

* Cockroaches fly here and are wild.

* The ‘middle finger’ is illegal!

* Tremors and small earthquakes can be common.

Travel and Deal features budding freelance adventure photographer Colin Rex, born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, United States.

Photo credits – Colin Rex, all rights reserved 2016

Glacial cave

Much of the scenery of this sparsely populated land looks like it could be straight from the set of a Sci-Fi movie!

Photo credit – Colin Rex 2016, all rights reserved.

Aurora Borealis

Iceland is one of the prime locations to witness the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) as they illuminate the Icelandic skies from August through til April, and you’re just as likely to spot the dazzling Northern lights during any of these months, so long as the weather permits!  There are even Northern Lights tours dedicated to searching the skies for this natural spectacle, such as the 7 day Northern Lights Tour which involves a scenic drive down the south coast of the country.

Land of Magic

Iceland’s unique environment has given birth to a rich history of equally unique folklore, with tales of trolls, elves, sea monsters, ghosts and more. Surveys show that wonderfully, half of the nation believes  in elves or ‘hidden folk’ as they are called. So the rich folklore of Iceland is very much alive and kicking. Many of the landmark rock formations are named after trolls who are said to have suffered the fate of the sun and turned to stone.

Photo credit – Colin Rex 2016, all rights reserved.

Land of Waterfalls

The collection of water falls in Iceland rivals those of perhaps everywhere in Europe, and they are everywhere! Luckily these glorious aqua features are difficult to miss as you travel around the county, however some of the famous ones include ‘Kirkjufellsfoss’ (church mountain falls)  near the distinctive Kirkjufell mountain on the north side of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Gullfoss Waterfall which is a main ‘Golden Circle’ attraction, a vast two-tiered waterfall which is partially obscured until you get really close. And Skogafoss, a former sea cliff, which is now situated between Iceland’s Highlands and coastal area. It is perhaps most famous for its rainbow which can be seen on most days provided there is adequate sunshine.

Photo credit – Colin Rex 2016, all rights reserved.

With the wealth and variety of caves being one of Iceland’s biggest attractions, there are several cave specific tours to choose from ranging from helicopter tours to photography workshops!

 

In this harsh climate, the fauna and flora in the country were largely introduced by viking settlers, such as the Icelandic Sheep, Icelandic Dog and Icelandic Horse. One exception however is the Arctic Fox which is native to the country. The variety of migratory birds draws many a keen bird watcher during the summer seasons also.

 

Photo Credit – Colin Rex, all rights reserved 2016

 

Photo Credit – Colin Rex, all rights reserved 2016

For more of Colin Rex’s vivid photo stories head over to www.colinrex.com 

How to travel to Iceland

Suggested connections from India are via Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Paris, Oslo, Frankfurt and Helsinki. Direct flights to Iceland are available from the majority of European countries, and it cuts down costs to take a stop-over flight.
Once you’ve arrived in Iceland it is relatively easy to travel around due to it’s small scale, and buses are available to all major cities. Popular options are renting cars, four wheel drives, and bicycles to travel around. Internal air travel tends to be a convenient option during the harsh winter months.