Tips for Hassle-Free Flying

I'm sure most of you have experienced the anxiety of running through an airport frantically trying to make a flight on time, whether due to tight connections, arriving late at the airport, long security lines, etc. It's a stressful situation that, for the most part, can be avoided by planning accordingly. Here are some tips to make your flying experience as hassle-free as possible.

1) If possible, try to book a non-stop flight. This avoids the hassle of missing connections. It also improves the odds of your luggage showing up at your final destination.
2) If a non-stop flight is not available, make sure your connection times are reasonable. Anything under 2 hours can be tight. Remember boarding times are half an hour before the flight and you are expected to be at the gate. At some airports you will need to change terminals, collect your luggage and go through customs, stand in the security line again, etc. It's also nice to have some time to grab a bite to eat, especially since many airlines don't include meals on board anymore.
3) When booking flights, if you have the time, book the first flight of the day. That way if something happens and you miss the flight you can get on the next flight (assuming there is more than one a day) and will most likely still get to your final destination on schedule.
4) Try to plan your flight route through a major airport, so there are more options/airlines available if a flight is cancelled, delayed, etc.
5) If your schedule is flexible, try to fly during non peak hours/days eliminating crowded airports and overbooked flights. During the week is best.
6) Carry the customer service numbers of the airline you are flying with. It might be faster to call the reservation line direct instead of standing in long lines waiting to talk to an agent.
7) Make sure you arrive and check in at the airport a minimum 2-3 hours ahead for your flight time. 3 hours may seen unnecessarily long, but it's better to be early than miss your flight. You never know when there can be traffic jams, car problems, long lines due to computer mishaps, etc. Bring a good book to read!
8) If taking a taxi to the airport, arrange pick-up ahead of time to guarantee a taxi is available at the time you need to leave. I almost missed a flight as my taxi never showed up after waiting for more than an hour. I finally jumped in my car and paid for park'n'fly. It's a good idea to have a back-up way to the airport in case your planned ride falls through.

Happy Travels,
BikeHike

Travelling with Food Allergies

Love to travel and eat, but are not able to consume certain foods due to allergies or restrictions? Worried that this could be a potential problem if travelling to a country with a language you don't understand? Not sure how to tell your server you can't eat any wheat products? The website njoy-translations (http://www.njoy-translations.com/) offers an online translation service dedicated solely to special diets and food allergies. Translations can be done into 55 languages (and are said to be error-free), definitely important when talking about serious food allergies.

You can either print the translations in advance and take with you or access them through your mobile phone browser. This service costs $1 US a language, but there is a free trial you can test out for 30 days. There are ready-made translations of the more common food allergies such as peanuts, milk, shellfish, etc. There are also 14 ready made translations catered to specific diets including Kosher, Lactose intolerant, Vegan and Celiac Disease. The translations also have what they call "action-oriented" phrases to help the server get the vital information to the kitchen, for example, "please check with the chef and suggest options available to me".

According to the njoy website, their customer feedback has shown the best and safest way to communicate special food concerns is to give printed cards/translations to the server to pass on to the chef, thus avoiding anything being lost in translation. I totally agree. I know when I try to say something in a different language, I am probably muttering something completely different. It's so hard to know the proper pronunciation regardless if you have the word spelled out phonetically in front of you. If you want to try speaking the foreign language, I know that would be most appreciated, but it might be a good idea to have your printed translations as a back-up.

Happy Eating,
BikeHike

The Hidden Costs of Credit Card Bonus Sign up Points

There are many credit card companies offering enticing bonuses to sign up. You can receive 25,000 free air miles, enough to get you one free domestic flight. Some of those, including American Express, even waive the first year's fee for people who qualify. Those two bonuses can add up to a savings of $800. It sounds like a really great deal, but there are hidden costs.

Each time you sign up for one of those cards, you acquire more available credit, and ultimately become more of a credit risk, whether you use it or not. Your credit rating can start to decline and when you do need to apply for credit, you may not be approved.

Those credit card companies can also increase your credit limit, without asking your permission, because they see that you're spending the money and might need a higher credit limit.

If you then start to cancel some of those credit cards in order to decrease your available credit, that can also work against you. When you cancel credit cards you are also deleting your credit history on that card. So if you've had that card for many years, have been a good client and paid all of your bills on time, the history of that is no longer available on your credit rating.

The most effective way to manage your credit is to cancel any unnecessary credit cards that you've not had for a long time. Call up your credit card company and ask them what your credit limit is on each individual card, and if it is unnecessarily high, bring the limit down.

There are lots of effective ways to gain air miles to travel very economically, and this one can be beneficial, as long as you're aware of what goes on behind the scenes.

Happy shopping,
BikeHike Adventures

Yapta.com - Track Airfare and Hotel Price Drops

Here's a great website I've just discovered that will alert you to low prices for chosen routes and times, www.yapta.com. Once you register with Yapta it will:

1. Track Airfare price drops
(Prices fluctuate often. Yapta's price drop alerts help you know when to book your flights to get the best value.

2. Track hotel rates and availability
Find hotels that match your preferences and track them with Yapta. Email alerts will let you know when prices drop.

3. Track for airfare vouchers and Credits
If the price of your airline ticket drops below what you paid, Yapta will alert you when you're eligible for a refund from the airline.

Outdoor Ethics: Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace, a non-profit organization, is an international program that educates outdoor enthusiasts on how best to reduce their impact when playing (hiking, skiing, camping, etc) in the outdoors. The Leave No Trace philosophy is framed under seven principles, discussed below.

1) Plan Ahead and Prepare
*Know the rules and regulations for the areas you are visiting.
*Prepare for all weather conditions, hazards and emergencies.
*Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
*Travel in small groups. If a larger group, split into 2.
*Repackage food to minimize waste.
*Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of markers such as rock cairns or flags.

2) Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
*Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
*Set up camp at least 200 feet from lakes, streams, etc.
*Good campsites are found, not made. When you leave the campsite should look no different from when you arrived.
*In areas of high use, stick to the existing trails and campsites.
*In areas of high use, walk single file in the middle of the trail.
*Keep campsites small.
*In pristine areas, disperse use to prevent the forming of campsites and trails.
*In pristine areas, avoid places where impacts are just forming

3) Dispose of Waste Properly
*Pack it in, Pack it out. Inspect your campsite to make sure no trash is being left behind. Pack out all food, waste, toilet paper, etc.
*Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, and at least 200 feet from water, camp and established trails.
*When washing yourself or dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.

4) Leave What you Find
*Preserve the past. Examine, but do not touch, cultural or historic artifacts and structures.
*Leave natural objects, such as rocks, flowers, etc as you find them.
*Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
*Do not build structures or dig trenches.

5) Minimize Campfire Impacts
*Use a camping stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
*Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings.
*Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
*Burn all wood and coal to ash, put out fire completely, and then scatter the coal ashes.

6) Respect Wildlife
*Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
*Never feed animals. This can damage their health and alter their natural behaviour.
*Protect your food from wildlife by storing trash securely and using bear caches where available.
*Keep your pets on a leash or under control at all times.
*Avoid wildlife during times of mating, nesting, raising young, etc.

7) Be Considerate of Other Visitors
*Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
*Be courteous. Yield to other uses on the trail.
*Step to the downside of the trail when encountering pack animals.
*Take breaks and hike, camp, etc away from other visitors
*Avoid loud noises and noises and let nature's sounds prevail.

Enjoy the outdoors!
BikeHike

Fun, Useful Travel Apps for your iPhone

Here are some travel apps we consider to be useful and fun to use. They are either free or really cheap to download to your iPhone. It just makes the world that much smaller, but how cool is it to be in Bangkok (or anywhere in the world) and be able to research nearby restaurants, hotels, museums, public restrooms, etc. Happy researching...

1) Sit or Squat: When you have to go, you have to go! This free application points out the closet public restrooms. It includes pictures, ratings, and details on hours of operation, etc. You don't even have to enter your location, just press the application and it figures out your location using GPS Technology.

2) Flight Status: This application is self explanatory. It lets you keep track of your flight status, so you know if you need to rush to the airport or not.

3) Mandarin: Lonely Planet, one of the largest travel guidebook publishers in the world, created an application that offers phrase books in a variety of languages. The phrases are grouped into categories that include transport, emergencies, ordering at a restaurant, etc. It also has an audio feature so you can hear the phrase before speaking, as well as phonetic spelling. Definitely a bonus!

4) Urbanspoon: Wondering which restaurant to eat at? This free application, with the shake of your phone, lists nearby restaurants with reviews and the price range. It also allows you to type in key words such as "burgers and beer" to help you satisfy your craving.

5) Hotels.com: This free application offers hotel descriptions, locations, ratings and prices. If you find what you are looking for, you can book directly with the help of the application.

6) Taximagic; Tired of arriving in a new location after a marathon flight and not being able to flag down a taxi? In over 30 US cities, you can connect directly to a taxi company's dispatch system with the touch of a finger. No phone call is required.

7) Shazam: Sitting in a cafe in Paris and enjoying the music, and wishing you knew who the artist was ? With this free application, you just hold your phone up to the music and in seconds it comes up with the name, artist and album. It also offers you a link to iTunes so you can purchase the song or album.

8) Photogene; Wish you could share your travel pictures with your friends and family back home? This application lets you edit your photos and e-mail them to friends and family back home...perfect to make them envious!

9) Yelp: This free application offers reviews of the best places to eat, drink, shop, etc for the city you are in.

10) Cor.kz: This application is for those who enjoy a nice glass of wine with dinner. Not sure what to order for the best value?The cor.kz database reviews over 530,000 wines.

11) iMapMyRide: A useful application which records the distance, speed, pace and time of your bike ride. This is a great way to keep on track with your fitness goals.

happy apping,
BikeHike

Outdoor Survival Travel Tips

When venturing into the backcountry, it's important to be prepared. Remember even a short trip can become longer due to unforeseen circumstances. Below are some Outdoor Survival Tips from Search and Rescue Canada.

1) Be Prepared for your Chosen Recreation: Be physically prepared. Know the distance of your route. Have a trip plan. Use maps. Take the proper equipment.

2) Always Carry Essentials: Check all your equipment is working properly before departing. If necessary, be prepared to stay overnight. Always carry extra clothes, water, high energy food and a flashlight.

3) Complete a Trip Plan: Outline your destination, route and estimated return time. Leave the plan with friends or family.

4) Never Go Out in the Wilderness Alone: Always go with a group or friend. Travel at the speed of the slowest person and try to stick together. Stay within sight of one another and designate a time and place to meet in case someone gets separated.

5) Learn How to Navigate: Have a detailed map of the area you are visiting. Bring a compass and make sure you know how to use it. Be aware of your surroundings.

6) Do Not Panic: Maintain a positive attitude even in trying situations. Remain calm and control your fears, this will help you to think more clearly. If you become lost, remember the acronym S.T.O.P...sit, think, observe and plan.

7) Stay Where you Are: Stop as soon as it is apparent that you have become separated from your group, are lost or in trouble.

8) Stay Sober: Alcohol and drugs don't mix with outdoor activities. Save the cold beer for after the hike.

9) Use Signaling Devices: Carry a whistle with you. Know how to start a fire. Stay visible. All of the above will help if you become lost.

10) Build or Seek Shelter: If you are lost and have to spend an unexpected night outdoors , protect yourself from the elements. Collect firewood.

11) Don't think "It could never happen to me"!

By being prepared for the worst, you can enjoy your trip outdoors regardless of what nature has in store for you!

happy trails,
Meghan

BikeHike 15 Year Anniversary Adventure - Highlights from the Ground

Well our 15 year anniversary West Coast Mountain Madness in beautiful British Columbia http://www.bikehike.com/canada/09/ has come to a conclusion and it was a raging success.

We were a full group, 13 people in total. We had 8 single women, 3 single guys and one couple on their honeymoon. That was Freddi Triback on her 9th BikeHike Adventure. Everyone was between the ages of 29 and 55 with most in their 30's and 40's. Almost everyone in the group were repeat clients, besides 4 new BikeHikers and by the sounds of it, they're now hooked as well. Almost everyone was from the US, scattered from different states and there were 2 local Canadians, one from BC and the other Ontario.

Firstly, we were incredibly fortunate to have an amazing week of weather. We couldn't have asked for a better week. The temperatures were approximately 30'C (80'F) for the full week with only two short blasts of rain. We're having a very hot and dry summer here on the West Coast of Canada.

We started the adventure with a bang on day one with a glute burning hike up the famous Grouse Grind. The Grind is Vancouver's most popular trail, otherwise known as a stairmaster, that challenges hikers to ascent 850 metres to the summit in a 3 kms stretch. Many athletic Vancouverites do the Grind on a weekly or daily basis before or after work for their workouts. The average time to make it to the summit is 1.30 hours. The BikeHikers ranged from times between 1.05 to 1.30 hours, pretty amazing considering many of them had just flown in from the east coast that day and were 3 hours behind and dealing with jet-lag.

Early the next morning we traveled by BC Ferries to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island. We got picked up at the ferry terminal by Rob, our local Vancouver Island guide, who had all of our hybrid bikes ready for us. He'd even put little stickies on each bike with our names. From here, donned in cycling gear, we rode 20 miles/32 kms along the Lochside and the Galloping Goose Trails, all the way to Victoria Harbour. It was a great ride, and we didn't have to use a motorized vehicle to reach our destination.

Later in the afternoon we had the chance to paddle sea kayaks in the Victoria harbour. It's a busy harbour with a float plane terminal and lots of yachts and ships. It's a busy and vibrant harbour, and you must constantly be aware of what's going on around you. At one point we heard a load alarm, resembling a siren. It was the Blue Bridge, a double span bridge that started to open. It was fascinating to watch but then we wondered why the bridge was opening. When we turned around to see, there was a tugboat behind us, pulling a huge tanker of sand. He wasn't moving quickly, so we had plenty of time to paddle away but it was awesome to see from a kayak.

The next day we cycled through the streets of Victoria, exploring the different neighbourhoods by bike. There are some gorgeous homes in Victoria, and some funky neighbourhoods. In the afternoon we went whale watching in a zodiac. We donned ourselves in bright orange expedition suits and motored out to the US. Mick our guide, was extremely knowledgeable on all of the resident and transient whales in the area. He could pick them out by their dorsel fins. We saw at least 30 orcas that day swimming in pods all around our boat. It was incredible.

Onwards to day 4 and we woke up early and set off on bikes to Cowichan Bay. Today was a long day, 60 kms on undulating hills. I think everyone felt a little sore after this ride but it was great because we stopped along the way at a Cider House for a tour and tasting as well as a wineyard. Always a great way to soothe any sore muscles. We ended the day in a lakeside hotel and everyone set off for some downtime. Some went swimming, others walked through the one street town. I took an afternoon nap. How luxurious to nap midday. I never get the chance to do that.

The next morning we set off early and drove to Nanaimo where we caught a ferry to Horseshoe Bay, back on the mainland. We were met there by our driver and from here drove along the beautiful Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler. In order for BC to win the 2010 Olympics, we had to expand the Sea to Sky Highway to a two lane highway. This meant cutting into the mountain. It's been a huge endeavor, and it's very close to finished now. 30% of the 2010 Olympics will be in Whistler and the rest will be scattered between Vancouver, Richmond and Cypress Mountain.

Whistler is a playground of adventure activities and we had plenty of them included on this adventure. The first day we went zip-lining blasting through the trees, 200 feet off the ground. The longest traverse was 2200 feet and it was a rush. The next day we had a full day hike on Musical Bumps. This trip started with a ride up in the Gondola to the second station and from here we hit the trails on foot. What a gorgeous hike. The scenery was absolutely incredible, with meadow upon meadow carpeted in purple flowers and a backdrop of snowy-peaked mountain tops. I think this is one of the most spectacular hikes I've ever done. We didn't see any bears this time around, but there are 33 resident bears in Whistler. I'm sure that they were watching us from afar.



The sky turned an ominous dark midway into our hike and we got rained on in the afternoon. To be honest, I loved it. There is something quite spectacular about hiking in the rain, in a rainforest.

Our last Whistler activity was singletrack mountain biking on the Lost Lake cross-country trails. This was the most technical activity of the whole trip, and we had to split the group into three categories, beginner, intermediate and intermediate +. I was in the intermediate + group, which was a lot of fun and challenged everyone the perfect amount. We rode along tight and twisting pine-covered trails and over some man-made ramps. I feel like I've finally mastered riding ramps now. The key is to look straight ahead at the end of the ramp. Don't look down or you'll be doing a face plant.

We had a free afternoon in Whistler, and the gang split up to do a number of things. Some went for massages and pedicures, others went rock climbing, shopping, writing postcards, and two of the die hards went for a bungy jump. It's now 2 weeks later and they're still speaking about their bungy high. Good on you both. :)

Finally, we headed to Squamish for a 1/2 day of whitewater rafting on the Elaho River. This is a glacial fed river and the water temperatures are a frigid 4'C. We wore wetsuits, dry jackets, booties and helmets and off we went through a series of standing waves and chutes. The river is rated class III-IV and is set amongst beautiful forest and mountains. We ended the rafting back at the ranch, for a bbq lunch before heading back south to Vancouver.

Our final dinner was a picnic on Kits Beach where we were to watch South Africa showcase their firework display to Vancouver. The setting was ideal, right on Kits Point, with a catered dinner and our own chef who actually caught Sockeye Salmon just for us. All of a sudden, out of nowhere, the sky turned black, and then orange and we got hit with the most incredible light show Vancouver has ever seen for our final farewell. We took shelter at the Watermark Cafe, right on the beach, where we safely had front row seats of this incredible show where bolts of lightening blast into the earth from the sky. It was amazing because Vancouver doesn't have electrical storms and this one was spectacular.

I want to thank the whole gang of BikeHike Adventurers for being a part of our special 15 Year Anniversary Adventure. I had a great time tripping with you all, getting to know you all better and hope to meet you again somewhere exotic one day soon.

Cheerio,
Trish