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General, 1999
It is best to prepare your documents as completely as possible ahead of time i.e. visas, etc. It is hit and miss whether it will be easy or difficult while in Africa.
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General, 1999
Take enough American currency for drinks and souvenirs. All our meals were provided so an extra 800USD was about right to take for the three weeks for a beer drinker and a gin and tonic drinker and a few modest souvenirs.
We found the best prices were to be had in the local currency and we were able to get cash advances against our visa card in the local currencies at all the money chargers at the airports, etc. $100 and $50 bills were hard, not impossible, to charge to smaller bills, probably because of all the counterfit bills in circulation. I wouldn't take anything larger than a $20. $1 bills seemed to work great for tips to porters, etc. You can easily exchange money at the airports after baggage claim.
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General, 1999
The Shuttle from Nairobi to Arusha. The luggage is strapped on top and inside is air conditioned. As much as we heard about the roads, they weren't that bad all over, just broken up in spots. Crossing the border was easy with the shuttle. They knew tourists were on board and wanted to make it as smooth as possible. We got out of the shuttle, formed a line to get our passports and visas stamped, got back in the shuttle and drove off. There was an annoying luggage inspection that wasted some time but had to be done, I guess.
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General, 1999
Safety is a real concern, however most tourists never experience problems, expecially if they are with reliable and long-standing tour agencies and remain in common tourist territory. Be extra careful with your jewelry, camera equipment, money and documents. Leave them in hotel safes whenever possible and don't carry them if at all possible. If you must carry them, keep them hidden under your clothes. Keep copies with someone not in your group.
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General, 1999
I think the problem with a credit card is there isn't a phone in most places for the account to be verified as it is here whenever the card is used.
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General, 1999
Plastic zip-lock bags work well for keeping dust out of clothes and personal items.
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General, 1999
Local people tend to be poor compared with western standards, but have learned to beg and even expect items from tourists. If you give them items then you enforce the problem. Instead, give educational items such as pencils and notepads to schools or school children.
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Nairobi, 1999
The Boulevard Hotel in Nairobi was good because it is gated and is located at the dead-end of a street so it is quiet and safe. It has gardens and restaurants and many tourists stay there. There are some shopping stalls right outside the gate.
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Nairobi, 1999
I wouldn't go around Nairobi without the assistance of a tour guide. Don't go out at night.
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Sydney, 1997
The Sydney Opera house has "cheap seats" - check ahead of time for times and availability.
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Sydney, 1997
The local train is a great way to travel to Katoomba. Leave from Central Station.
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NO TRAVEL NOTES
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NO TRAVEL NOTES
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October, 1999
Get a visa before you get to Dubai. Your hotel will sponsor you. |
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September, 1999
When they say it gets hot in the desert, they mean HOT and HUMID. 24 hours a day. Take your bottled water and a hankerchief and a good hat. And don't get stuck out in the desert! Extreme heat and humidity and blowing sand can also do bad things to your car battery. |
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September, 1999
Most of Dubai business times of operation are in accordance with the Muslim desert schedule. That means things are closed on Friday so their "weekend" is Friday and Saturday, and everything is open on Sunday because Sunday is a regular work day. There is often a few hours break every day in the afternoons as well, when everything is closed. Major shopping malls and grocery stores and hotels usually stay open.
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April & September, 1999
United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a very Muslim country but there are many foreign expatriats in Dubai. The locals are quite used to foreigners and the city is well set up to accommodate them. There are shopping malls galore, 24 hour grocery stores and public swimming areas. It is very easy to get around in Dubai by taxi. It would also be an easy place to drive, but take extreme care because the locals (nationals) don't have to abide by traffic rules. They can speed over 100mph down meridians or down the middle of traffic. They will scream past you on either side without warning. If there is an accident, it WILL be your fault because if you weren't in the country to begin with then the accident wouldn't have happened. Take extreme care.
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London, 1998
The "Tube" is a great way to get around. Take it from the airport to anywhere in London. Buses are convenient and easy as well.
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London, 1998
The Crypt, a cafe at the basement of St. Martin in the Fields at Picadilly Square, is fun and has great desserts.
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London, 1998
Bathrooms are not readily available around London. Places to get a quick bite and something non-alcoholic to drink are also hard to find. Take bottled water with you and snacks.
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London, 1998
Hyde Park does not have debates on Sundays.
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