California, Countdowns, United States
Bixby Bridge, Big Sur

5 Traits in Awesome Road Trip Partners

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It’s late July and Heather and I are preparing to embark on our two week ‘road trip’ up the west coast of the United States. After spending lots of time exploring the east coast and having a break in Florida, it’s time for us to see what LA, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, and Chicago have to offer.

I should say that it’s not exactly a road trip in the traditional sense. We’ll be driving all the way from L.A to San Francisco (via Yosemite and Monterey), but it’s flights from San Fran to Portland and from Seattle to Chicago.

But as we arrive bleary-eyed the Fox Rent-a-Car place in Los Angeles, it gets me thinking that a road trip might just be one of my favourite parts of travel and that so much of it hangs on the company you keep. And with Carrentals.co.uk kind enough to pick up the tab for our week of travel in California, all we had to worry about paying for were the snacks and the accommodation along the way!

The Plan

With limited time to take in one of America’s largest and most tourist heavy states, we had done our best to organize an itinerary that would let us see and do as much as possible. To that end we came up with the following itinerary.

  • Los Angeles – Two days
  • Yosemite – Two days
  • Monterey – One day
  • San Francisco – One and a half days

I’d have loved to find more time to spend in all of the above places – not to mention finding time for other places such as San Diego, but I think we did a pretty good job of covering a lot of ground in a very limited amount of time. I’ll write entries about the goings on in each place farther down the road, but for now… the top five!

5 Traits in Awesome Road Trip Partners

#5 – In the mood to snack

Road trips and unhealthy snacks go hand in hand. It’s an unwritten rule that all bets (and diets) are off when you get behind the wheel and get out on the road.

A good road trip partner isn’t about counting calories and they sure as hell won’t be trying to force their celery sticks with home-made salsa on you as you drive past another rest stop laden with In & Out Burgers, delicious gas station snacks, and orgasm inducing Sonic chili dogs.

In and Out
A bit of Californian decadence at In & Out Burger on night #1 of our visit to California.

I’m not saying that your road trip needs to be a heart-stopping orgy of food akin to the famous glutton scene in Monty Python’s Meaning of Life, but you’re on an adventure! Live a little!

If I want to stop at that gas station for some Twizzlers and a few Jolly Ranchers, don’t roll your eyes. Just give me a wicked grin, spin the wheel, and dash off in search of your own snacks of choice.

#4 – Similar musical tastes

A good road trip play-list can make or break a trip. Regardless of how good the conversation is or how entertaining the road trip games are, there’s bound to be stretches of near silence that would be best filled by a little music.

I remember on a road trip from Coeur d’Alene to Portland to Boise and back to Portland, my ex and I spent a whole night putting together six mix CDs to tide us over for the trip. These were, sadly, in the days before it was easy to just plug your iPod into the car’s CD player and go.

Whether you theme each CD around a different style of music or emotion, or you’ve just got a kick-ass playlist full of fist pumping awesomeness you can sing along too, the biggest downer is having your road trip companion rubbish your song taste every second track.

If I want to rock out to Backstreet Boys’ I Want it That Way, don’t judge me!

Bixby Bridge, Big Sur
An hour or so at Bixby Bridge was one of the highlights of my trip.

#3 – Knows good road-trip games

A good selection of road trip games is a pretty good way to pass the time. You could go simple with a little ‘I Spy’ or wrack your brains trying to beat your road trip buddy in a game of ‘Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon‘ – but finding a good selection of road trip games is a sure fire way to make things a bit more enjoyable.

Others I’m a fan of include the ‘ABC game’ (find a word on the side of the road starting with each letter in order), ’20 Questions’… actually, the list of road trip games goes on and on.

What are your favourites?

#2 – Good conversationalist

This one is a no-brainer, really. You can’t go on a lengthy road trip with nothing but stony silence or the fifth replay of Fishin’ in the Dark for company.

The best road trips I’ve ever had have involved lengthy chats about everything from travel to philosophy to relationships to sex to things that amuse us. I’ve been lucky enough to have mostly done road trips with either old friends or girls I was dating, so this hasn’t often been a problem for me.

And, let’s face it, I’m a personable mother-fucker. I could have a conversation with a handful of wet oatmeal.

#1 – Easygoing

Even without items #2-#5, you need this one for the road trip to be fun. In many ways, easy-going plays right into all of the above, but it’s so much more than that.

A truly great road trip isn’t about the destination – it’s about the journey. That means stopping off at random to check out quirky roadside attractions, veering wildly off course to visit a theme park you had no idea existed; or just being willing to put off (or extend) certain parts of the trip.

While we did stick pretty closely to our planned itinerary along the way, our time in California was definitely made better by Heather being such an easygoing road trip companion. It was evident in the lengthier spells spent at scenic Bixby Bridge, the eagerness to let me pay for a fancy dinner overlooking the storm churned Pacific ocean, and the ever important stops at gas stations and fast food joints for a wee bit of gluttony indulgence.

Dippin Dots
A stop off for Dippin’ Dots in Monterey? Don’t mind if I do!

Your Say

What do you think are the most important traits in a good road trip companion? Have I hit the nail on the head or are there some glaring omissions?

What about road trip games? What are your favourites?

And what are your personal picks for a road trip play-list or road trip snacks?

Thanks again to Carrentals.co.uk for making our week of driving around California so much easier and more convenient. It was easy as hell to arrange the car rental, and Fox Rent-a-Car did their best to ensure we had a fun time – even if it did mean changing cars after two days to find something we were more comfortable in.

Asia, Malaysia, Scuba

Dream Dives in Malaysia

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After years of diving all around the world, there are a few places that still call to me as a lover of scuba diving and the world beneath the waves that scuba gives us access to. Malaysia is at the very top of that list.

Made famous by Jacques Cousteau’s documentary on the area, Sipadan Island is a popular dive site renowned for its crystal clear waters, abundance of sea life, and the opportunity to do more advanced deep diving or drift diving. It’s definitely not one for first-time divers. Everything from sea turtles to whitetip sharks to brightly colored reef fish can be spotted here, making it a wonderful place for those wanting to see and experience it all.

The dives off Sipadan give you an excellent opportunity to get up close and personal with sea life

The dives off Sipadan give you an excellent opportunity to get up close and personal with sea life. Pic: Chris Walker-Bush.

If you’re a little newer to diving, Tioman Island offers a fantastic variety of dives to cater to the very new or the very experienced. The shallower waters can be accessed right off the beach, making it a good spot for first-time divers. Wrecks on site and deeper waters farther off shore open it up to more experienced divers as well.

Other fantastic sites along the Malaysian peninsula include Redang Island and the Perhentian Islands.

Perhaps Malaysia’s most famous dive site is the adrenaline charged Barracuda Point near Sipadan Island. The thrill of being caught up in a literal tornado of barracuda is something people travel from all around the world to see, and the mingling currents make for some thrilling moments as you’re pulled along in a fast paced drift dive. It’s not one for the faint of heart!

Barracuda Point brings you up close and personal with several thousand of these stunning fish. Pic: Tom Weilenmann,

Malaysia’s many beaches and reefs offer an abundance of breathtaking dive sites, a trip to Malaysia opens up a whole new world of underwater experience.

This article was originally written (by me) for Travel Wire Asia. You can find the original here.

Your Say

Got any favourite dive sites in Malaysia?

Guest Post, Life on the Road, New York, United States

Guest Post: Christmas in New York

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A few years ago, I had a number of my travel blogging friends put together a string of articles about Christmas on the road. With Christmas fast approaching, I thought it would be a good time to revisit that theme with a few pieces on the subject.

While I’ll be putting my own piece together on how I’ve been making Christmas in China feel a little more like home, Christy Burroughs has put together this piece on spending Christmas in the Big Apple. I must admit it’s a dream of mine to someday do most of the things on her list. What do you think?

Christmas in New York

If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, New York just might be the perfect place. The city that never sleeps is at its best during the Christmas season and there are plenty of ways to celebrate the holidays. Read on to discover the winter jewels New York has to offer.

 

Rockefeller Center
New York Christmas Tree
Is there a more iconic Christmas image than the tree all lit up in New York City? Photo by Caruba.
If you see or do nothing else during your holiday, visit Rockefeller Center. Known as the Capital of NYC Christmas, Rockefeller Center does not disappoint. Rockefeller Center is home to the legendary NYC Christmas Tree, which is traditionally lit after Thanksgiving (this year the tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for November 28). The Rockefeller Christmas Tree’s height ranges between 75 and 90 feet tall with over five miles of lights decorating its branches. The tree is lit between the hours of 5:30am and 11:30pm, except on Christmas Day where it stays lit for 24 hours straight.

 

Ice Skating
While the ice skating rink at Rockefeller Center is world famous, it’s also quite expensive and has a ridiculously long queue. Ice skating in Central Park is just as fun, but it’s less expensive and doesn’t have quite the long wait; try the Wollman Rink located just a five-minute walk from the south entrance of W. 59th Street and 6th Avenue. However, the rink does close at 2:30 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays, but stays open until late in the evening the rest of the week. Prices and hours vary, so do check ahead of time before visiting. Also, the rink accepts cash only so be sure to bring plenty along for both admission and skate rental.
Ice skating in New York City
Ice skating in New York City: A Christmas tradition. Photo by Songquan Deng.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
Nothing is more romantic than a horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park. Head to Central Park South between Fifth and Sixth Avenues and you’ll find carriages lined up year-round. While 45-minute long carriage rides can be had on a walk-up basis, availability isn’t guaranteed – especially during one of the busiest times of year. Consider a pre-arranged ride and enjoy a ride up to an hour and a half long, as well as popular add-ons such as flowers, photography or special pick-up and drop-off locations. Carriage rides are pricey, with walk-up rides at about $110 USD and pre-arranged rides starting at $165 USD. Optional add-ons will increase the rate, so inquire about those additional costs when booking.

 

Window Shopping
Throughout the holiday season, the entire city is decked out in all its Christmas finery. Simply strolling the streets and taking in the fantastic window displays is a feast for the eyes. For a great self-guided walking tour, start at Bloomingdale’s on 1000 Third Avenue at 59th Street and then head to Barneys on Madison Avenue at 61st Street. From there it’s a straight shot down 5th Avenue to Bergdorf Goodman, Saks and Lord & Taylor. Finish up at Macy’s in Herald Square on Broadway between 34th and 35th Streets. While you’re at Macy’s, head inside to visit Santaland. Not only is Santaland home to the “one real Santa Claus,” but it also happens to be where the 1947 film, “Miracle on 34th Street,” was set.

 

FAO Schwartz
The most famous toy store in New York and possibly the world, no visit to the city is complete without playing on the giant floor piano keyboard featured in the film, ”Big.” A word of warning, however; visit FAO Schwartz right when it opens, preferably on a weekday, or else risk waiting in long queues.

 

Fantastic Shows
Your time in New York during Christmas is not complete without taking in one of the incredible shows for which the city is world-renowned. One of the most famous is the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, an extravaganza like no other complete with the high-kicking Rockettes. The New York City Ballet’s production of ”The Nutcracker” is a perennial favourite while the Winter Solstice Celebration at the Cathedral of Saint John the Devine is a music and dance performance unlike any other.

 

The magic of Christmas is thick in the air, but be sure to pack your warmest clothes as temperatures range from a high of 5 degrees Celsius to a low of -2 degrees Celsius. Even so, with iconic sites to see and iconic New York hotels to stay in, you won’t want to leave this winter wonderland.

About the Author

 

Christy T. Burroughs is a contributing blogger and Christmas fanatic. When not writing, Burroughs loves
traveling around the world documenting various holiday customs.

Your Say

Ever celebrated Christmas in the Big Apple? What did you think of the experience?

And as I work on putting together my own Top 10 Places to Spend Christmas, I’d love your suggestions. Where do you think Christmas is best celebrated?

Read On

Want to read more about Christmas abroad? You’ll find a veritable stocking stuffed with excellent Christmas posts below!

Asia, Malaysia

Things to do in Malaysia You Won’t Find Anywhere Else

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Malaysia is more than just beautiful beaches and delicious food. Chris from Aussie on the Road delves deeper and turns up a few more unusual options for a Malaysian holiday.

Pristine beaches, delicious food, bustling cities, orang-utans, and a wonderful fusion of cultures. These may stick out as the big draws for anybody visiting Malaysia, but I’ve never been somebody who is satisfied with seeing the same old sights and following in the tourist trail.

When I travel, I’m looking for unique experiences and Malaysia is certainly a country with no shortage of those. And while I can certainly foresee myself spending plenty of time on the white sand beaches and in the beating heart of Kuala Lumpur or Georgetown, the five different things to do in Mayalsia I detail below will be at the very top of my itinerary.

Take a firefly tour on the Selangor River

This one may still be a bit touristy for some, but I’m utterly enchanted by fireflies (or lightning bugs as they’re sometimes known). Couple that with my love of river cruises, and this one had my attention as soon as I laid eyes upon it.

There are no shortage of companies and resorts offering tourists a chance to cruise soundlessly along the river as a dazzling display of lights dances in the trees, but the better tours also include a bit of authentic Malay cuisine and an invigorating jungle walk to boot. It’s not the authentic experience some might crave, but there’s something to be said for soaking in nature’s simple beauty on a full belly of delicious Malaysian food.

Brave the Batu Caves

If you’re around my age, the exploits of Indiana Jones were probably a big part of your childhood. If you’re on the younger side, maybe Captain Jack Sparrow comes to mind when you think of mysterious jungle temples and high adventure.

Like something out of pulp fiction, the Batu Caves are one of Malaysia’s holiest places. Photo courtesy of NO2

Regardless of the protagonist you relate it to, you’ll feel like you’re in some kind of mythic dungeon of doom while exploring one of the largest Hindu temples outside of India. Soaring, vine clad cliffs surround you while monkeys play beside the 272 steps that take you to the temple proper. For those who want a bit more of a workout – over 160 climbing routes dot the caves and hills nearby.

The Batu Caves give a fantastic mix of adventure and culture. They’re far from a well kept secret when it comes to Malaysia, but they’re one of the more unique experiences you’ll find.

Climb the world’s highest via ferrata

This one is hardly a secret either. When a little book made by the lads at Guinness mentions you as the highest via ferrata (a mountain route equipped with ladders and cables to aid climbing) – the adrenaline junkies and climbing enthusiasts take notice.

All of these ladders and bridges by no means make climbing Mount Kinabalu something that just anybody can do, but they do open up Malaysia’s highest mountain to those who are willing to sweat a little (okay, a lot) to take in some truly spectacular views.

Kinabalu Via Ferrata
Climbing Mount Kinabalu isn’t for the faint of heart, but the views are worth the strain. Photo courtesy of Jan K.

And while climbing the world’s highest via ferrata probably isn’t on many bucket lists, I daresay climbing a mountain is going to afford you better pictures and longer lasting memories than an extra day sipping cocktails on the beach.

Survive the Snake Temple

The Batu Caves too tame for you? How does a temple full of venemous snakes rendered passive by the cloying sweet smell of incense sound to you?

Anybody who subscribes to the ‘if you’ve seen one temple, you’ve seen them all’ adage hasn’t set foot inside this temple in Penang. Sometimes known as the Temple of the Azure Cloud, the shrine is obviously most famed for the many poisonous snakes that can be seen… well, everywhere.

Despite being quite dangerous and not having been de-fanged, the temple still boasts that nobody has ever been bitten. Whether it’s the incense or the spiritual importance of the shrine is up for you to decide.

Get colonial on a Malaysian safari tour

Maybe it’s just me, but the British colonial era is one that fascinates me. While these days Malaysia is obviously a well developed country, there are still areas where you can get a sense for how it must have felt to be a settler in the early days.

Malaysian jungle
Stepping into the jungles of Malaysia is like stepping back in time. Photo courtesy of Tim Guindon.

Dusty highland roads weave their way through stands of trees and past rural villages before disappearing into dense jungle… it’s the stuff adventure is made of!

There are countless tour companies offering to give visitors to Malaysia an ‘authentic experience’. While I doubt the early settlers had ice cold beers and gourmet BBQ to keep them company when they prepared to bed down in the oppressive still of the jungle – you can’t fault somebody for wanting a few western comforts when they’re out in the heart of the jungle.

————-

I’m really just scratching the surface here. I would never advocate overlooking the tried and tested tourist spots; they’re popular for a reason, after all. But there’s more to a country than the polished veneer that tourist traps display. Step back and you’ll find no shortage of adventures to be had in Malaysia.

This article was originally written for and posted on Travel Wire Asia. You can find the original here.

Your Say

What are your off-the-beaten-track recommendations in Malaysia?

Budget Travel, Guest Post, Life on the Road

Guest Post: Saving 101 – Tips for the Frugal Traveler

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This isn’t the first time I’ve featured budget travel on Aussie on the Road. As somebody criminally incapable of making or sticking to a budget, I like to remind myself from time to time that there are ways to travel without sending my credit card bill sky-rocketing.

You can read my own Quick and Dirty Budget Tips, but here are some more great nuggets of wisdom that ought to help out with your upcoming adventures.

Saving 101: Tips for the Frugal Traveler

Holidays can be costly, but it is possible to have a fantastic holiday in an amazing location while sticking to a budget. Here are some easy money-saving tips for the frugal traveler.

 

Don’t book during peak seasons
An easy way to save money is to book at off-peak time. Generally tourists will be heading to holiday destinations in the summer months or during the Christmas holidays, so if you are able to, you should take a trip in October or February instead. By booking at off-peak times you will get much cheaper flights as well as discounted prices on accommodation. Also, when booking flights you will find it is generally cheaper to book mid-week, as there won’t be as many people flying out.

 

Book your trip at the last minute
If you are flexible on your destination or are happy to take an impromptu trip, you can get great last minute travel deals. You can find plenty of package deals online offering cut price deals for the last minute traveller. Booking a holiday this way also takes the hassle out of planning, as a lot of packages are all-inclusive.

 

Choose a less touristy destination
Instead of heading to famous destinations like New York, Milan or Barcelona, which are expensive and filled with tourists, choose a destination which is less touristy. Prices will be significantly lower and you will be able to explore a destination surrounded by locals instead of battling through crowds of sightseers.

 

Find cheaper ways to get to your destination
Air fares are getting more and more expensive and often you can get very cheap prices on bus tickets if you book in advance. Obviously you have to be prepared for significantly longer journey times, but the money saved in your budget will make the extra hours spent travelling worth it.
Bus travel is cheap
It’s not a bad idea to look at bus or train travel when time isn’t an issue. It’s often much cheaper than taking a plane. Photo by sludgeulper
Book your travel tickets in advance
If you are taking the bus or train to your destination, or if you plan on travelling around the country you are visiting, then it is worth booking your travel tickets in advance. Planning ahead will help you with planning your budget, as well as ensuring you get the cheapest prices possible on your fares.

 

Save money on food
One of the quickest ways to drain your budget is by eating at expensive restaurants. When booking accommodation choose a self-catered option so that you can cook your own meals. When you go out sight-seeing for the day take a packed lunch or stop off at a park and have a picnic. If you are going to eat out opt for a big lunch instead of dinner, as restaurants often have great lunch deals. Keep your eye out for local deals and coupons which will give you a discount on your food bill.
Eating in the park
It might not be as elegant, but a picnic in the park is a fantastic way to save some money and do a bit of people watching. Photo by bensonkua
Make the most of free attractions
Wherever you decide to go your destination is sure to have plenty of free attractions. If you are heading to a city then pick up a guide or have a look online for any free events. Take a self-guided tour of the city’s attractions and admire the architecture and parks along the way.

 

The best way to save money is to spend time researching your destination in advance so that you are aware of the best deals on accommodation, transport and food, as well as finding out all the great free things your destination has to offer. Follow these simple tips and you will find easy ways to stick to your budget and save money on your travels.

 

Your Say

What are your favourite or most effective ways to save money when traveling?