International Adventure Travel with your Mobile Phone

If you want to use your mobile phone while traveling overseas, you'll need a cell phone that is GSM compatible and SIM unlocked. GSM stands for Global System for Mobile Communications and it means that it operates on the 900, 1800 and 1900 frequencies.

The most economical way to use your mobile phone overseas is to ensure that your phone is unlocked so that you can purchase prepaid SIM cards in each country your visiting. SIM cards are are small rectangular cards that are stored inside GSM mobile phones. This card contains a telephone number and is able to store contacts and information. If the card is removed from the mobile device, the phone won't work any longer. It is as important as the battery.

Most mobile carriers that work on the GSM frequency sell locked phones because they don't want you to find more economical options. If your mobile is locked, you won't be able to purchase a SIM card from the destination you're traveling in, which means that your cellular bills back home can skyrocket faster than you think. Before leaving home, ensure to get your phone unlocked.

Unlocking your phone means that it is not locked to one carrier only, your phone company back home, i.e. Rogers, Bell, Telus, T-Mobile, etc). With an unlocked phone you can purchase prepaid SIM cards in every country you visit and you'll always have a a local number for each destination. SIM card costs will vary between countries but they are not usually too expensive, $20 US is pretty average. When you get back home, you merely need to swap your original SIM card back into your phone and you'll have your old phone number back.

It's definitely a more economical way to stay in touch with family and friends back home.

Cheerio,
Trish Sare

Packing Essentials for Adventure Travel Trips

Packing for trips seems to be something that I do more often than not, and now it's truly second nature to me. For many however, it can be a challenge trying to fit everything into one bag. It's important not to forget the essentials, but also not to overpack, because you just have to carry it, and you will regret it.

Here are some of the essentials for every adventure vacation. Depending on the climate and the activities on each trip, there will be variations to this list, but these are standard on every international adventure.

Essential

Passport, valid for 6 months from date of entry
Photocopies of passport, should you lose it or it gets stolen
A good idea to keep an extra passport photo with your passport as some destinations require it.
Immunization card
Flashlight or headlamp
Sunscreen
Bug repellant
Toiletries
First Aid Kit
Electrical Plugs for the country you're visiting
Gortex Jacket (breathable)
Fleece
Synthetic shirts (short and long sleeves)
Long Pants
Shorts
Socks
Undergarments
Hiking Shoes
Sandals
Bathing Suit
Sleeping Gear
Sun Hat
Sunglasses
Bank and Credit Cards
Money

Non-Essential
Digital Camera with extra memory
DVD's to copy photos from your travel mates
Memory Stick to copy images
Reading Material
Journal and pen
Ipod
Cellular Phone
Sarong
Clothes Line
Guide Books

Free Language Courses

Welcome, Karibu, Bonjour, Bienvenidos, Willkamen, Haere Mai, Sawasdee, Bem-vindo, Dober dan….

In Sumatra, several years back when I was young and naïve and still glowing from fulfilling a childhood dream of mine (of seeing orangutans in the wild), I was handed a small box to take care of. Let me explain…My friend and I were taking an overnight bus from Bukittinggi to Dumai, which ended up being a van with just the two of us. At the beginning of the trip, the driver stopped at a house, went in for a few minutes, and then came back out and handed us each a box that was all taped up. We asked the driver what was in the box and he just shook his head at us with a perplexed look on his face. This immediately made me suspicious of its contents. We at this point overreacted and decided we didn’t feel comfortable holding a box for the overnight ride ahead, especially if we didn’t know what was inside. When we started to open the box the driver shook his head at us. Thus, we proceeded to jump out of the van and run like Forest Gump back to town. We decided to forfeit the $1.00 or so we spent on the 10-hour ride and booked with another company. We found out later the box contained breakfast for us. Wow, did I ever feel stupid and embarrassed! If only I had some grasp of the local language that I could have determined the generosity of the bus company before getting myself all worked up and jumping out of the van. I guess we live and learn….

With that said, I always think its useful to learn a few key words and phrases before travelling. It’s a great way to interact with the locals and enhance the travel experience. I find the locals really appreciate it when you try to speak their language, even if it’s barely comprehensible. After all, it’s the thought that counts…

There are several ways to learn a language. One is buy purchasing a pocket size phrasebook (the lonely planet books are hours of entertainment with random funny phrases), However, if you are like me the phrase book is not the most practical. It increases my vocabulary, but it doesn’t teach me how to say the words properly. I would win a spelling bee, but would most likely pronounce the words wrong so no one would have the faintest idea what I was saying.

That’s why I like utilizing the free courses online. Many have audio features so you can listen to the words and learn how to pronounce them properly. Some sites I recommend are:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/ - has approx. 10 languages such as French, Spanish, Gaelic. Japanese etc. I find this the most comprehensive of all. It has crosswords, beginner courses, refresher courses, videos, etc. You can also sign up and track your progress.

http://www.babbel.com/ - This website is a combination of learning a new language and social networking. You can connect with people from all over the world and find an online study partner.

http://www.internetpolyglot.com - This site is not as good for beginners but acts more as a refresher for those who want to maintain and practice their vocabulary, There are plenty of games to play to test your vocabulary.

http://www.livemocha.com/ - This website is an online “learning language community” . It has interactive lessons that help you build your reading, listening, speaking and writing skills in your own time. You can also track you progress.

Happy Learning,
Meghan