Mention that you’re thinking of a trip to Colombia, and you’re likely to be met with horror stories of cocaine, kidnappings, and trouble with neighbours. The reality is, Pablo Escobar has been dead since 1993 and your risk of abduction is extremely low. Colombia is on the must-see list for those travellers in the know. Colombia is awesome for a million reasons: here’s a few that stick out to me.

Reason #1: It’s Safe

Really? Yes, really. With Colombia’s massive defence budget being utilized in full, the FARC stays in the jungle and the gangs stick to their own stomping grounds, neither of which are areas you are likely to visit as a tourist. After Central America, Colombia feels like a child’s playground. Honestly, I feel safer in Colombia than I do in most parts of the world. Not to mention I can barely stretch out my arms without smacking a soldier.

Reason #2: The Variety

Amazon? Check. Mountains? Check. One of the world’s largest cities? Yep. Beaches? Got those too. Practically everything a traveller is looking for can be found in Colombia. All kinds of landscapes and climates, preserved indigenous groups, stunning colonial pueblos, impressive architecture… I really can’t think of anything Colombia is missing.

Reason #3: The People

Colombia is home to some of the friendliest, most open people on Earth. As Colombia has yet to explode on the tourist trail, there are still several places I have found in Colombia in which I am one of the first tourists. After hearing my thick accent, people immediately engage me in conversation, asking me what I think about Colombia, what I’m doing here, and what my life is like, sometimes offering helpful tips and things to see in my present location.

When I landed in Pereira from Panama, the taxi driver taking me to my first hostel handed me over a few bills in each increment so that I could become familiar with them. Wandering around practically any part of this country, I feel completely comfortable asking whoever I see for directions, knowing that they will help me.

Colombians are a passionate people. They have a colourful way of utilizing the Spanish language in a way that even the most mundane thing sounds absolutely magical. They are fiercely patriotic, while at the same time aware of their history and its current obstacles. You can’t help feeling inspired by the state the country is in now compared to what it was like 20 or even 10 years ago.

Reason #4: Shake It

The music in Colombia reflects its rich heritage and cultural influences. From Cumbia and Vallenato to Salsa, music and dance pervade all aspects of life. It is not uncommon for an old man on a bus to be beating away on his suitcase as if it were a drum set to the bus driver’s playlist (true story) or to catch a few words of a popular song sang from the mouth of a youth on the metro.

And Colombians can dance. Since the music is so varied, and the beat of Latin music is so different than anything I’ve heard, dancing in this country can be a bit intimidating. However, many people have been happy to show me a few steps here and there, including a Rolo in Taganga, two bartenders and a rasta in Cartagena, a friend in Medellín, and a hostel owner in Jardin.

Come now before the secret is out!

Jasmine is a 20-something nomad traveling indefinitely. She is currently falling in love with Colombia, finding it hard to convince herself to leave. Follow her adventures at Jasmine Wanders Travel Blog.

Everyone has that one special place they long to see. For some it’s the lights of Paris, or the Great Wall of China, or even the fierce jungles of the Amazon. These are our dream destinations, the “I really want to visit before I die” locations that we swear we’ll travel to in the distant “someday”. The problem is that “someday” comes and goes all too quickly in a lifetime filled with work and family obligations. For many, the obstacle is time and scheduling. While for others, the greatest hindrance to travel is cost. But maybe the vacation of a lifetime is closer than you think…if you re-think your definition of a vacation.

Happy Honeymoon

Ah a honeymoon, that romantic journey shared by two soul mates in the afterglow of nuptial bliss. What better time to take that trip you’ve always dreamed of? If you and your partner share a dream of visiting a far off land or taking an extended cruise a honeymoon is the perfect opportunity to make it happen. All too often though, the expense of the big day itself wipes out many couples, allowing them only the resources for a truncated or less elaborate honeymoon. Of course, a limited budget doesn’t have to mean a limited selection of discount honeymoon destinations. A growing trend among soon-to-be married couples is looking to friends and family for help in funding their honeymoon adventure. Many couples are foregoing the traditional wedding registry gifts of silverware and monogrammed towels in favour of registering for their honeymoon. These registries allow guests to give gifts ranging from contributing to airfare to paying for specific excursions on the trip.

While the notion of registering for a honeymoon is gaining popularity, it may not be the ideal option for everyone. For some couples the idea of asking for honeymoon assistance makes them uncomfortable. For others the issue is simply logistics. Maybe the couple doesn’t share the same vision of a perfect vacation. Or perhaps, in spite of yearning to raft the white waters of Alaska, you may be seeking a more restful vacation after the frenzied weeks leading up to a wedding. In these cases, the honeymoon might not be the ideal time to fulfil that life long dream. And, for the single travellers, why wait for the perfect mate to take the perfect trip?

Make it business.

Another way to reach your dream destination is to make it work. Literally. Most career fields offer some opportunity for professional development. And where there is professional development, there are conferences and trade shows. The secret is to take the time to find a convention, in or near your location of choice that would make sense for you to attend. It’s important to think about this method legitimately and not just as “a cover” to get a vacation on your company’s money. Especially if travel is not a usual part of your job description.

Before you attempt to take this approach there are a few key points to keep in mind. Have a specific, legitimate, conference in mind and plenty of information on what can be learned before you pitch your bosses. Know which seminars you’d want to attend, why you want to be in those sessions and how you plan to use what you learn to do your job better or improve business in general. While, a free trip is the ideal outcome, if you REALLY want to go, and travel is highly unusual for anyone at your office, offer to shell out half the expenses. Because really, 50% off the trip of a lifetime isn’t half bad either.

By taking it seriously and having honest intentions of improving your skill set and networking you aren’t trying to dupe anyone or take advantage of a situation. If this all sounds like a drag, just remember most conferences aren’t 24/7. After the last keynote speaker of the day, you are fee to roam and sight-see. With any luck, you’ll have met some nice enough folks at your conference and you’ll find yourself experiencing your dream destination while bonding with a brand new group of friends.

Work Abroad

If your current job refuses to let you travel, give some thought to finding a new one. Perhaps even a new one IN your desired location. A work visa could wind up being your key to not only seeing your dream destination, but really immersing yourself in its culture. In most careers, there is a strong possibility that there is a similar field of work in the place you’d like to go and your new opportunity might simply be an updated resume away. Of course in most cases to make it worth it, you would want to negotiate for re-location assistance.

If working abroad is going to require a career change, then consider some other options that could be a complete departure from your usual line of work. Teaching English as a foreign language is a very popular choice due to the relative simplicity of the teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification process. If you are the religious type, missionary work is always an option. For health professionals groups like Doctor’s without borders offer unique travel experiences for both doctors and nurses. There’s also the option to travel as an au pair or child care giver. The benefit of participating in a work abroad program is that often you will likely have many travel expenses covered, and even be compensated while you work. The drawback is it can mean traveling for an extended period of time, much longer than a normal vacation.

In reality, the opportunities to work in a foreign nation are only as limited as your vision, research abilities and capacity for learning a new skill. In this case it would be irresponsible to end without a warning to be extremely careful not every organization on the World Wide Web is as reputable as we would like. So just be wary of anyone who wants you to pay for information, and research any group or training before committing to it, just to make sure you have the absolute best possible experience.

Just go

If you’ve been sitting around watching the Travel Channel pining away for exotic locales full of adventure, stop waiting for your day to come and make it happen. These are only a few creative ways to receive assistance or compensation for travelling. But never forget there’s always the very simple old-fashioned way to reach your dream destination: save your pennies, pack your bags and book a flight.

Leslie is a writer for a Pardons website based out of Canada. She loves travelling almost as much as she loves writing about it. Her own dream destination is Bangkok Thailand.

Grenada is famously known as the Spice Isle, and with good reason. Not only does this island produce an entire rack full of spices (such as nutmeg, ginger, all spice, and cinnamon), but the culture of Grenada has a rich and flavorful appeal as well.

The capital port St. George has an old world Caribbean charm with cobblestone streets that weave between vibrantly colored buildings of old English and French architecture. The city’s waterfront bay is a great place to take a stroll, sit down with a cold rum drink, or check out the incredible view from atop historic Fort George. When you’re feeling more adventurous hop on a bus and freely explore the rest of the country. The bus system will carry you all over the island for very little cost, but keep a venturesome mindset as you will most likely experience overcrowding and erratic bus schedules; however, it is definitely worth it if you want to spend the day beach hopping. Grenada has plenty of white sand beaches with tranquil Caribbean waters. Once your done at the beach sling your day pack over your shoulder and take a hike through the island jungles where you will find mona monkeys and some really awesome waterfalls.

The natural beauty of Grenada offers plenty for the appreciative visitor to do. Budget to spend some money on scuba diving, sport fishing, or sailing, but the free snorkeling, beaches, and hiking are great as well. And if your lucky you may stumble upon the occasional cricket match.

While there are plenty of breath-taking (yet pricey) resorts, with the right accommodations a budget traveler could easily have just as memorable island vacation. There are restaurants to suit every budget, but the best deal on the island comes from the numerous Roti stands. One Roti packs lots of food and flavor at an affordable price.

If you happen to be traveling to Grenada by boat then the experience is even better. The free anchorages are calm, scenic, and offer plenty of nearby services. The greatest experience of Grenada for Alyson and I was at anchor just off Hog Island. Travelers will sometimes tend to avoid other tourists, but no where will you find a better mix of people from around the world than on Hog Island. An international community of sailors and the local Grenadians meet at Rogers Beach Shack to enjoy sun downers and rum with beach barbeque and the occasional Oil Down ( a local delicacy). Live music, bon fires and rum fueled sailor stories left us with some unforgettable memories of our stay on the Spice Isle.

This article could have been titled 10 tips for SAFE travel to South Africa, but when it comes to the rainbow nation safe is a word that is difficult to link either day to day life or the experience of travellers taking in the sights.

While crime statistics have improved over the past decade (though again rising slightly in 2009), South Africa still retains one of the world’s highest crime rates.  It’s not simply the amount of crime that’s the worry, but the percentage of that crime that is violent in nature.  In a recent address to parliament, South African President Jacob Zuma stated that South Africa has a greater problem with violent crime than any other country in the world (a statement made in the year South Africa is hosting the world cup).   Travelling this country is an amazing experience but a journey that must be undertaken with caution.

The following 10 tips will help you to travel safer in South Africa.

10. Safety starts at the Airport. The main terminal at Johannesburg’s international airport is not a particularly safe place. Thieves, pickpockets and other low life’s stalk the area looking for anything not nailed down. Be aware of your possessions and exit stage left as quickly as possible.

9. Rental cars. This is probably the safest way to get around the country. Despite this everybody has heard the carjacking horror stories (there are 250 police dedicated to hijackings in Joberg alone), and precautions have to be taken. DO NOT drive at night, leave a gap of an inch or so on your driver’s side window (which makes it harder to smash the window), keep your doors locked (central locking is a must) and be vigilant at traffic lights as this is the usual spot for car jackings to occur.

8. Travelling in a group is no guarantee of safety. While travelling in big numbers certainly helps, don’t assume you or your group will not be targeted. Always be aware of what’s going on and don’t stray too much from the pack.

7. Hotels. Theft of valuables from your hotel or hostel is very common (as in other parts of the world). Try not to take much to South Africa that you would not be too distraught to lose, and keep valuables  safely hidden.

6. Avoid travelling alone. Don’t wander off down quiet side streets, avoid deserted beaches and dark areas at all times and at all costs.

5. Don’t read the newspapers. After a few months in the country I had to stop reading the local and national papers; it started to freak me out. Crimes that would be front page at home barely rate a mention, and the ones that are featured are pretty horrendous.

4. Always ask the locals. Keep a close ear for advice from locals and hotel operators on where and where not to go. From street to street the safety situation can change quickly.

3. Try to avoid public transport. There’s a decent network of backpacker busses and renting a car is cheap and a safer way to go. The mini buses can be dodgy, with little to know safety standards (and maybe driven on behalf of local gangs). You might meet more of the locals on the bus but maybe this is better done in the pub.

2. If you plan to surf or swim at the ocean beaches be aware that South Africa is home to a healthy and hungry population of great white sharks. Signs will be up at certain times of year advising against swimming or surfing at some beaches due to the ‘sardine run’, a time when great whites are especially active.  Be aware!

1. Be alert but not alarmed. While all this might sound off putting South Africa is still a great and memorable place to visit. Time here can be a good, as long as you keep your wits about you.

Expanding on Amar’s experience in Kuta, Bali I wanted to showcase what else Bali and the nearby Gili Islands have to offer as part of a trip to Indonesia.

Our first stop after arriving at Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport was Ubud. Ubud is Bali’s artistic and cultural center and is only a 90-minute taxi ride from the Australian packed party scene in Kuta. One great way to see the surrounding countryside outside Ubud is a day-long bike tour. The tour starts with breakfast overlooking an active volcano, Mt. Batur, then heads out on a 25K downhill ride that snakes its way through picturesque rice paddies and local villages. The destination is a delicious traditional Balinese lunch. Be sure to try the smoked duck, it takes all night to make but it is worth it!

Another great way to experience Balinese culture is to take a cooking class. We took a half-day class that started with a visit to the Ubud local market. Besides learning about the local spices and vegetables, the chef also told us about collecting delicious (his opinion) rice paddy eels on his days off. I was thankful that eel was not on the menu later in the class after getting a close up look at the ones in the market.

After getting your dose of Balinese culture and food be sure to hit the famous beaches. If you are avoiding Kuta, there are plenty of other great options. We first traveled three hours by bus from Ubud to the port town of Padang Bai. If you are interested in scuba diving this is a great place to spend a day or two. The diving right off the beaches is excellent, and you also have access from Padang Bai to the WWII USS Liberty wreck. The wreck is unique in that it is in very shallow water allowing nearly an hour of bottom time to explore and swim through the large pass throughs.

From Padang Bai you can easily get to the Gili Islands via the fast ferry. DO NOT make the mistake we did by taking the slow ferry. Spend the extra $35 per person and take the direct fast ferry, which gets you to the Gilis in two hours vs. the nearly 12 hours it takes to go door-to-door on the hot, frustrating and extremely slow ferry. For the Gilis, if you are looking for a quiet and secluded island, head to Gili Air, the easternmost of the Gili Islands.

We stayed on the eastern shore of Gili Air and the snorkeling 15 meters from the beach was some of the best we had seen since our time at the Red Sea in Dahab, Egypt. The beach was nearly deserted all day, making for great relaxing days spent reading and soaking up the sun. We ended each night with dinner at Biba Beach Café, which is run by an Italian ex-pat who serves up fresh pasta and very crisp thin crust pizza. Taking in a blazing red sunset over delicious pasta may not be the most authentic Indonesian experience but it is amazing nonetheless. All of this is a world away from the non-stop party of Kuta, so be sure to get a taste of both Balis before leaving Indonesia.

The world of social media has undergone some changes over the few last years. Below is an article written by Hammad Ayub. He is a talented and witty writer whose article highlights how social networking sites have evolved and impacted upon our lives.

Micro-blogging – What The Twuck?

For better or for worse, social networking has become an inescapable cultural phenomenon. Someone sent me a tweet (a what?) the other day asking me if I remembered MySpace. In my old age I have a vague recollection of one such social networking site. How things change in just a few years…I don’t know anybody that isn’t on the old Facebook these days. It’s not even worth asking people if they’re on it. Can you even imagine Facebook not being in your life?

Personally, I’m not a fan of it. I have an account merely for people to have an avenue to contact me if they don’t have my mobile number. Well…that – and to chuckle at compromising pictures of my friends. I make no apology when I say I couldn’t care less what type of pirate I would be or what score you attained in Bejeweled. Seriously – stop inviting me to these things. There’s just too much faff involved.

This brings me onto my preferred networking tool – Twitter. For those of you who haven’t heard of it, or don’t know what it’s about, here’s what you need to know; “It’s a free social networking and micro-blogging service that enables its users to send and read messages known as tweets” (thanks Wikipedia).
In an astonishingly short time, Twitter – which does little more than circulate bursts of text limited to 140 characters to a list of people who have chosen to receive them — has established itself as an essential pillar of social networking, commerce, celebrity culture, and political protest.

Users can send and receive tweets via the Twitter website, text or external applications. The increase in sales of Smartphones such as RIM’s Blackberry and Apple’s iPhone (FTW) has increased the popularity of Twitter as an on-the-go service. I tweet in lectures, in the library, in bed, when I’m bored, and when I’m not bored – pretty much any time and any place.

Twitter went mainstream without really knowing what its service was. Its users defined it. Its users are the ones that have transformed Twitter into a global sensing entity, delivering live eyewitness reports on everything from the Iran elections to Thierry Henry’s bout of SPL (severe plot loss) against Ireland. Guilt-ridden souls confess anonymously (@secrettweet), Amar Hussain keeps us updated with his time travelling the big bad world (@GapYearEscape) and @jimmycarr keeps us endlessly amused with his witty…witticisms.

It is the no-nonsense approach that Twitter’s creators have brought to the table that I enjoy the most. When the creators designed the service, they made vital decisions (brilliant in hindsight) to create the conditions that have allowed for users to innovate. The first was emphasizing the need for simplicity. And the second was abolishing the need for equality between the writers and followers. They don’t need to be “friends”. Anyone can read anyone’s updates, and that, I find liberating. I don’t like friend requests. I would much rather social networking be more like blogging where readers can pay attention to whatever they want. That’s the best thing about it – if you don’t like what you read by me, just unfollow me. Alternatively, you can get to know me, 140 characters at a time.

Muchos love,
Hammad Ayub (@HammadAyub)