Destination of the Month: Panama

For the lovely month of February, our Destination of the Month is the amazingly diverse country of Panama.
Why Panama?

Apart from being absolutely gorgeous during the dry months of February and March, Panama also offers culture, an abundance of wildlife, and convenience for the adventurous traveller.

Culture

Though Spanish is the country’s official language, you might hear Japanese, Cantonese, Arabic, Panamanian Creole, Kuna, or even Eastern Yiddish along your travels through Panama. The country has an unusual mix of cultures as a result of its turbulent past. Despite Panama’s history, indigenous traditions have thrived throughout the centuries and have in some cases influenced the imported customs from around the world to create the eclectic experience you’ll still remember years later.

Creatures

The name ‘Panama’ means “abundance of fish, trees and butterflies” in indigenous cultures. It’s not difficult to understand how they came to that definition.

As a country with both rainforests and mangroves, bordering two seas and sandwiched between North and South America, Panama is practically the definition of diverse wildlife. The country is home to jaguars, pumas, crocodiles, nearly a thousand species of birds, various swamp creatures, unique neotropical rodents and many more varieties of animals you probably haven’t even heard of!

Convenience

For travellers that hate the idea of losing money through fluctuating exchange rates and fees, Panama is the place to be! The country technically has its own coins, but Panamanians use the American greenback for all paper currency and will accept US coins as well.

Panama has made it so convenient for its friends up North, that many Americans also flock to the country for their medical needs and made it the number one medical tourism destination in 2008 (eTN). With all the experience Panamanians have had treating visiting American visitors, you don’t have to worry about your experience in the event that you need medical attention (knock on wood).

Upcoming BikeHike Adventures in Panama

Rumble in the Jungle – Panama (10 days)
April 15 - 24, 2010 Guided by BikeHike Owner & Founder Trish Sare

This is the ultimate adventure for the adrenaline junkie. In 10 days, you’ll traverse the country from Pacific to Atlantic on your own sweat and steam. You’ll bike along twisted trails in deep fertile valleys, hike and zip-line through lush rainforests teeming with exotic wildlife, bounce down thumping rapids on a frothy world class river, snorkel in translucent seas filled with tropical marine life, and sea kayak amongst twisted mangroves and coral reefs.

Note: Because this trip is guided by Trish, places will fill up faster than normal. To reserve your spot, call 1.888.805.0061 or e-mail info@bikehike.com asap.



Other Interesting Factoids About Panama

• The closest living relative to the dinosaur (aka the crocodile) can be found in Panama.
• In 1999, Panamanians elected their first female President, Mireya Moscoso.
• Panama is one of the world’s top producers of collectors stamps.
• The Panama Canal is man-made and was created by Americans in the early 20th century.

10 items you should consider packing on your next adventure

I would have to say my least favourite part of travelling is packing. I find it painful. I always pack at the last minute, generally an hour before I have to leave for the airport. My method seems to work so far, as I have never forgot anything important, and it seems to help keep my luggage a reasonable size. It's always easier to travel light, so next time you find yourself packing consider taking items that have multiple uses. Here is a list of 10 multi-use items you should consider packing next time you are taking off.

1) Shampoo - There is no reason to carry four or five bottles of cleansing liquids such as body wash or shampoo. When you get down to it, it’s all soap. So consolidate by choosing a mild shampoo for all your cleaning needs.

2) Dental Floss - This waxy string is not only great for getting food out of your teeth, it also has other practical uses, such as a clothesline, thread and a knife to cut through cheese, bread, etc.

3) 5-in-1 Survival Tool - Weighing in at just 50 grams, this superlight tool is great in emergencies. It contains the following: Waterproof matchbox, Safety whistle, Compass, Signal Mirror and Fire starter flint.

4) Sarong - Sarongs are meant to be worn, but can also be used as a towel, a privacy curtain, picnic blanket, a sheet, or protection from the intense sun.

5) Swiss Army Knife - This small gadget is a must for travelers. Swiss Army makes pocket knifes that range from extremely simple to a 34-use mega tool. Attachments for travelers include: Corkscrew, Bottle opener, Thermometer, Toothpick, Scissors, Flashlight, etc.

6) Safety Pins - Safety pins are a lifesaver when it comes to holding fabric together. But they have a few other uses as well. For example, after stringing up your dental floss clothesline, hang your socks up to dry with a safety pin. You can also use a safety pin to connect your pack’s zippers for a little added security (if not using a lock).

7) Trailguide Compass Watch -This does more than check the time! Additional features include an alarm, altimeter, thermometer and timer.

8) Rain Poncho -Unless you’re heading to a rainy destination, you might pass up the poncho while packing. However, before you do, think of other ways it can be used. E.g: Picnic Blanket – Lay out the picnic spread over your poncho which will keep things dry and is a breeze to clean. Bag Liner – Empty your bag and line it with your poncho to keep wet clothes from seeping through.

9) Waterproof Pelican Dry Case - Pelican makes a line of cases to keep your valuables from getting wet. Higher end cases are tailor-made for cameras and electronics. Smaller micro cases are great choices for backpackers.

10) Credit Card Survival Tool - The ultimate multipurpose tool, it is the size of a credit card, made of stainless steel, cheap, and has 11 different uses listed (Can opener, Knife edge, Screwdriver, Ruler, 4 position wrench, Butterfly screw wrench, Saw blade, 2 position wrench, Key chain hole, Bottle opener, Direction auxiliary indication).

(List provided by the Matador Network blog)

Happy packing,
BikeHike

Tips on Learning a Second Language

Hola, Bonjour, Guten Tag, Sawadee....

I am just not gifted when it comes to learning another language. I can remember random facts about Komodo dragons, I can remember meals I ate at restaurants years ago and I can recite many a song lyrics word for word. But for some reason, I find it hard to contain words in my memory that are not in English. I don't know if it's my fear of being embarrassed about speaking and pronouncing something wrong, or if my brain is just not molded for foreign sounding words and sounds. I really want to be proficient in another language (French) but until I find the dedication to spend an hour every night, I just don't think I will ever become fluent. I wish it was easier. I better get studying.

Here are some tips Lonely Planet put together to help you learn a second language.

1. Throw Pride to the Wind
You won’t learn a language if you have an ego. Learning a language means being embarrassed every day you speak it: sputtering out a request for a bus ticket, mispronouncing an innocent word to mean something naughty, or the very worst – receiving a blank/confused look after delivering what you think is a flawless sentence. Yes, you sound like a two-year-old on laughing gas. Some people may even take you for a lunatic. Who cares? It’s all part of the fun. Embrace it!

2. Immerse yourself
Seriously jump all the way in. Watch TV, listen to the radio, eavesdrop while on public transportation, strike up random conversations with strangers, whatever. It will all help you.

3. Ask for correction
In most cultures it’s rude to correct someone’s speech. You’ll unwittingly keep making the same mistakes unless you straight out ask for people’s help. After they correct you, repeat it back (as many times as possible without scaring people away) to train your ear.

4. Befriend, befriend, befriend
Join clubs, introduce yourself to neighbours, go out to pubs. Having friends who don’t speak your native language are the best (more practice for you!).

5. Be Realistic
Learning a language takes time. A lot of it. It takes decades to master, years to converse without brain frizzle, months to say approximately what you mean, and days to well, get by – if you use LOTS of body language.

Happy Studying,
BikehikeI

Tips for Being a Responsible Traveller

BEFORE YOU GO…
-Educate yourself about the customs of the place you are visiting and the local people (eg: body language, eating habits, traditions, etc).
-Learn a few phrases of the local language.
-Read over the pre-departure information we send at time of booking, watch movies and read books related to the destination, search the internet, etc. The more you know about the place (history, politics, religion, etc) the more you will enjoy it while there.

ON TOUR…
-Respect cultural differences and adhere to local dress codes.
-Eat at local restaurants and sample the local grown food and specialties. Support local artisans and shop at local markets.
-Be careful when buying souvenirs and make sure they are not made from endangered species.
-Be considerate when taking photos and always ask beforehand. We don’t recommend giving money for photos as it can encourage a begging culture.
-Reduce your waste (use a reusable water bottle, bring your own shopping bag, bring or buy products with minimal packaging to avoid unnecessary garbage, etc). Don’t litter.
-Be mindful of your energy consumption. Remember to turn off the lights when you leave your room. Be aware of your water consumption and use bio-degradable products for washing in rivers and lakes.
-If on a trip with snorkeling, avoid touching or standing on the coral reef.
-Follow the motto “leave no trace”.
-Do not hand out pens, candy, etc to local children as this can help contribute to a begging economy. If you wish to bring something, please contact us for advice before hand on what to bring and how to best distribute it.
-When bargaining for goods try not to haggle aggressively, rather you should have fun with it. Think to yourself “Is it really important to save those extra few pennies”? Remember what you save can be someone else’s shortage.
-When viewing wildlife, adhere to the park rules, never feed the wild animals, keep your distance from nests, and try to make as little noise as possible to not scare the animals.
-When trekking, stick to the local trails to prevent erosion.

UPON RETURN FROM YOUR TRIP...
-Look for ways that you can help the community you have just visited or even the community where you live.

Basics of Buying Hiking Boots

When it comes to buying your next pair of hiking boots, you should always have a few goals in mind: you want your boots to be as light and comfortable as possible while keeping your feet dry, warm, and well-protected. Below are some basic tips to help during your next shopping spree.

1. Fit before Style
The latest design or features might look cool on the shelf, but do they feel comfortable when on? You want to make sure you are buying a shoe that feels right, not just looks cool.

2. Bring your own hiking socks
Bring the socks you would wear hiking with you. It's better to try on shoes with the same socks you would wear hiking, so you can get a more realistic idea of how they will fit.

3. Don't be shy, walk around the store with them on
Walk around the store and see how the boots feel. Look for stairs, inclines, etc in the store and test the boots on that as well. Look for a snug comfortable fit without feeling any pressure points. Kick at the ground to see whether your toes jam against the front of the boot. If they do, don't buy them.

4. Water Resistant
Make sure the boots are waterproof, that is if you don't like soggy feet when hiking. The only downfall to Gore-tex boots is that they can be toasty on the feet and not as breathable. The upper part of the shoe should be made from as few pieces as possible. This translates to better water resistance.

5. Pay attention to the little details
Research the brand and make sure it has a good reputation (Merrell, Asolo, Saloman, etc). It is better to spend the money on boots that will be comfortable and last longer. Look at the little details...is there any excess glue visible? Does the stitching look solid? Are the laces think and solid?

6. Take a 15 minute walk before trying on the boots
There is a difference in the shape and size of your feet in the morning compared to your feet in the afternoon. We recommend taking a 15 minute stroll before trying on the shoes.

7. Think what type of hiking will you be doing
The lighter your boots, the easier your walking will be. A general rule however, is that the greater the load you carry, the heavier your hiking boots should be. If you are just doing short day hikes, a lightweight shoe should be suitable. For backpacking trips, a sturdier boot would be better.

8. Gusseted Tongues
Most hiking boots have gussets connecting the tongues to the upper part of the shoe. The gussets make sure that water, dirt, and debris are not able to enter your shoe.

9. Don't get caught up in your past shoe size
Shoe sizes differ greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer and even from style to style within the same company's line. It is best to try on a wide range to see what feels the most comfortable.

10. Break your shoes in before going on a hiking trip
Don't buy the shoes the day before your trip. You want to make sure they are well broken in. You don't want to be hiking in Nepal and realize your shoes are causing you major blisters.

Cheers,
BikeHike

10 Unwritten Rules Of Plane Etiquette

The Flight Centre compiled a guide on the unwritten rules of plane etiquette and how to behave appropriately when soaring at 30,000 feet. I am still always amazed every time I fly how many people break the rules. If we could only all work together, it would make flying that much more enjoyable.

Here is the Flight Centre's compiled list of unwritten rules to help minimize in-flight grievances.

1. Boarding and disembarking by row
Boarding your flight is straight forward – simply join the queue when invited, not before!

Once aboard, carry your luggage directly in front or directly behind you, as luggage carried to the side will leave a path of destruction (and more than a few headaches) among the aisle-seat dwellers who have already occupied their positions.

When it’s time to disembark, don’t try to beat passenger 1A to the door if you’re seated in row 50. The passengers in rows 2 to 49 just won’t let it happen.

2. The overhead bin
This humble storage unit is now prime real estate, as travellers cram more into their hand luggage to avoid checked baggage charges, reduce the risk of lost luggage and pave the way for a fast airport getaway.

Ensure your bag is within the required dimensions, only bring one and, wherever possible, stow it in the locker directly above you. Don’t deposit your bag above seat 3 and then proceed to your seat at the back of the plane.

3. The arm rest
Let’s face it; the middle seat doesn’t have a lot going for it. As you settle into your window or aisle seat, spare a thought for the disadvantaged middle seat dweller.

4. Chair reclining
On short flights (under two hours), reclining should be kept to a minimum and avoided completely during meal times.

On longer flights, it's a bit trickier, but the meal time full recline is still definitely frowned upon.

5. Boundary crossings
Space is an extremely precious commodity in the economy cabin.

Don’t attempt to cross your neighbour’s border (unless invited) by stretching the legs or extending the arm span to read a fold-out map or a newspaper. Changing the channel on your neighbour’s entertainment screen, stealing peanuts and reading over the shoulder are also frowned upon.

6. Footwear
You’re in close proximity to your neighbours. If there is any suggestion or past history of odour issues, footwear should remain on. If you do slip off your shoes, keep them tucked away under the seat in front of you.

7. Mindless chatter
Before engaging in mid-flight banter with your neighbour, look for the obvious clues that point to a reluctant chatterer. Headphones on or face buried in a book means “I don’t want to talk”.

8. Knees in the back
You’re in a confined space, so the occasional bump to the seat in front is inevitable. Regular knees in the back are, however, akin to a declaration of war.

9. Hands off the headrest
Like knees in the back, pulling on the seat back in front of you is frowned upon.

Avoid the temptation to pull the headrest in front for extra leverage when standing. The consequences of a thoughtless headrest shake can range from rude awakening to severe red wine spillage.

10. The bathroom
Reaching the bathroom without breaching one or two of the rules above can be challenging.

So, if you’re likely to be a regular bathroom visitor, request an aisle seat and empty the tanks before boarding to avoid the rush that inevitably occurs once the fasten seatbeat sign is switched off. On arrival at the bathroom, “fast and clean” are the rules.

And lastly my own rule based on prior experience.

11. No tossing your long hair around
If you have long hair, don't fluff it out and let it hang over the back of your seat. This could annoy the person in front of you and cover up their personal entertainment system. It makes it awkward when they have to politely ask you to "please move your head of hair to your own seat".

Happy flying!
BikeHike

Free Walking Tours with Expert Locals

What better way to explore a city than through the eyes of a local? Chances are they know what restaurants to try, what museums are not to be missed, the best and most efficient way to get around, and weird and random tidbits on the local lore. Next time you are heading to a foreign city, check out the Global Greeter Network (www.globalgreeternetwork.info) to see what is available and to make the most of your visit. This association offers free city tours to small groups and individuals by friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers who generously share their passion for their city. The tours generally last a couple of hours and combine walking and public transportation to get around the city. Here are some cities with services:

Buesos Aires, www.cicerones.org.ar
New York, www.bigapplegreeter.org
Paris, www.parisgreeter.fr
Melbourne, www.thatsmelbourne.com/au/greeter
Chicago, www.chicagogreeter.com
Toronto, www.toronto.ca/tapto

Happy exploring,
BikeHike

10 FIRST AID TIPS WHEN TRAVELLING

Accidents can happen, sometimes far from home. Below are some tips to keep in mind when planning your next adventure.

1) Pack your medical kit to fit the environment you are going to (for example, if off to the Amazon, pack insect repellent. If off to the desert, pack oral rehydration salts). What you need for Paris will be different for what you need for Bangkok. Don’t forget to check the expiry date on the medicines in your first aid kit.

2) Go to a travel clinic before hand to see what vaccinations are mandatory or recommended. A good resource site for up to date information is www.cdc.gov. If your doctor gives you an antibiotic, take it only as prescribed or if experiencing symptoms.

3) If you are experiencing pain, don’t wait for it to get worse. Get it treated right away. Try to prevent minor injuries like cuts and scratches from becoming major ones (be especially cautious in tropical countries where infections are more susceptible).

4) If you travel frequently in the backcountry, it’s worthwhile to take a wilderness first aid course. This intensive course is generally 2-4 days in length, and covers a wide variety of content from wound management to spine assessments.

5) Make sure you have international medical insurance. Check what the coverage is and make sure it covers all the activities you will be doing.

6) Before drinking the tap water, make sure it is safe to drink. When in doubt, use bottled water. In most developing countries bottled water is readily available and cheap. If you have a sensitive stomach, use bottled water for brushing your teeth as well.

7) If eating at food stalls, check to make sure the food is being stored properly, especially if it needs to stay cool. Avoid salads, as well as fruits that can’t be peeled as they could have been washed in untreated water. The same goes for ice cubes (with this said, some of the best food I have had when traveling was street food. Don’t avoid food stalls just use caution when choosing which one to dine at).

8) The Sun. Never estimate the strength of the sun and don’t be fooled by an overcast sky. I will never forget being in a supermarket in New Zealand and a stranger coming up to me to lecture me on sunscreen and how the sun is much stronger in New Zealand in comparison to other places. I guess my nose was looking particularly like Rudolph that day! Make sure you have the appropriate sunscreen with you and use it. Also don’t forget to pack a wide-brimmed hat and good sunglasses.

9) If traveling to high altitude, take it easy your first few days, eat light meals and avoid caffeine and alcohol. Be aware of the signs of altitude sickness, and if need be, proceed to a lower altitude.

10) If in mosquito zones, use insect repellant and cover your arms, legs and feet with a layer of clothing (that is if you don’t want to have bites all over you). This can also prevent you from getting mosquito-borne diseases.

Safe Travels,
BikeHike

Tourist Scams Around the World

When travelling in a foreign country it’s easy to become a target for scammers. You might look lost or confused or be experiencing culture shock; all of which can lead to letting your guard down and people taking advantage of your situation. It’s common for travelers to not realize they are being scammed, or have been scammed, until the scam is over and you’re left standing their feeling dumbfounded and foolish. Below are some popular tourist scams around the world.

1) Paris: Gold Ring scam. The last time I was in Paris I was strolling along the Seine minding my own business, when a young girl walked by and picked up something from the ground. It was a “gold” ring which she assured me was 18 karat gold. My first thought was that some poor person lost their wedding band. The girl said it was my lucky day and that I should keep it. I didn’t feel comfortable taking it. What if the owner was running frantically around retracing their steps looking for the ring? The girl kept persisting I take it and I kept insisting no. She finally gave up, walked away, and then asked me for money for food. I politely declined. Three hours later, while strolling on the other side of the Seine, the same thing happened again. That’s when I realized something fishy was going on. I came home and googled “gold ring Paris” and sure enough loads of information came up on this popular tourist scam. To me, it seems an awfully round about way for someone to ask for money, but I guess it works for them. I must have seen over 10 gold rings lying on the ground during my walk that day! It’s a good thing I don’t like gold jewelry. It saved me from being scammed.
2) Bangkok; Gem scam (also happens in Turkey for carpets, etc). Be weary of people who approach you on the street giving directions (if you look lost) and then offer you a tour in their friend’s Tuk Tuk or taxi, which will conveniently (for them) stop at a gem stop along the way. If you don’t want to buy anything at the gem shop, it can become uncomfortable as the shop owner will keep pleading for you to buy something before leaving the shop. They will tell you it’s the best price in town, etc. At this point, its best to politely leave the store and find your way back to where you need to go. Keep in mind, however, if someone does begin to talk to you on the street offering help it is not necessarily a scam. But if something doesn’t feel right, politely excuse yourself and walk away. Use your gut instinct in this situation.
3) Mustard scam (all over the world). This is one of the oldest tricks in the book. Someone discreetly spills mustard or some other goop on you then points it out and offers to help clean it up. While cleaning up the stain, they clean out your pockets at the same time.

For your next trip, do some research before hand and see what scams exist that you need to watch out for. Keep all your belongings in a safe spot and leave your fancy jewelry at home. Try to blend in with the locals as much as possible to avoid standing out as a target.

Chances are you won’t be caught in a scam, but if it happens, take a deep breath, remain calm and try to enjoy the rest of your vacation. Remember, it can happen to anyone, even seasoned travellers.

Travel smart!
BikeHike

Highlights from Walking with the Nomads

I am still trying to digest everything I experienced on my latest trip, it was THAT good. I spent a week with a nomadic family from the Ait Atta tribe in the Jebel Saghro region of Morocco, and followed them on their semi-annual migration. Words can't describe the experience. Without sounding cliche, it was so unique, special, and humbling. I will never forget this adventure.

The days started around 6:30am with the flock of 200 sheep and goats, 3 camels and 4 donkeys letting us know the sun was coming up. After breakfast, we would hike anywhere from 4-6 hours with the herd of animals and the nomad family. We would arrive into camp at lunch and then have the afternoon free to relax, watch the flurry of activity at camp, help bake bread, play with the kids, go for an optional hike, etc. There was never a dull moment. The family was so welcoming, friendly and had a great sense of humour. Under the starry skies at night, we were treated to delicious 3-course dinners and red wine before heading to bed and the serenading sounds of camels constantly chewing.

Some of the memories that stand out for me are:

1. Watching a way of life that over the years has been passed down from generation to generation and probably hasn't changed much. I somewhat envied their lifestyle living in a world where they have no idea what twitter, facebook or a blog is.

2. The diversity in the landscapes from high mountain passes and shady oases to vast desert moonlike landscapes and fields of date palm trees.

3. The tea breaks throughout the day. I was always amazed how much sugar they put into one teapot. As David described on our trip, the block of sugar was the size of his car! Well, that's exaggerated, but it was at least the size of my palm.

4. The comraderie at camp with the nomad family (it was apparent how important family is to them) and singing and dancing with them at night.

5. Walking while carrying baby goats and lambs. The little lamb I became attached to was a bit of a whiner. She was always at the back of the pack so I helped her along by carrying her some of the way. I found out after that this poor little lamb was abandoned by her Mom (who was somewhere in the herd of 200) so she relied on the goats' for milk.

6. The children. At first they were shy of us, but by the end they liked to sit near us, get their pictures taken and were all smiles. Some of my fellow travellers brought balloons for the kids. Little Mohammed, the 8-year old camel herder, loved them. For the next few days, he did all his chores with a balloon in his mouth. Like all kids, he liked the farting noise the balloon made when the air was let out :) Unfortunately, within a few days, all the balloons had popped!

7. Learning to make lemon chicken tagine. The secret is olives, olives and more olives! (and plenty of spices, red onion and tomatoes)

And so much more...the constant sounds of the animals, not hearing a plane overhead the entire time, finding a rock to perch on and watching the flurry of the camp below, Fatima putting henna on my hands, sitting around a warm campfire with the family and learning about their way of life, cracking almonds with the family for their daily snack, eating spicy tagines under a full moon, etc.

You can view the itinerary on BikeHike Adventure's website at http://www.bikehike.com/morocco/morocco_trip02a.html

Happy Travels,
Meghan

Happy Earth Day Adventure Travellers

Today is April 22, 2009, which is Earth Day. April is Earth Month, dedicated to reducing our Eco-footprint on the planet. If you ever wonder how much resources we each consume, Eco-footprinting is the amount of resources your lifestyle uses up. In the spirit of Earth Day, here a few things we can all do to become greener and reduce the amount of resources we consume.

Reducing car emissions

Until we have an affordable automobile that no longer uses fossil fuels, reducing the amount of carbon emissions from your vehicle is essential. If the opportunity is there to ride a bike, walk or use public transportation, go for it. If driving is a must, make sure that your vehicle is maintained properly. Simply keeping your tire pressure at the proper levels will reduce your fuel consumption by 5%. Also stick to the posted speed limit, speeders on average use up 25% more fuel so make sure to give yourself enough time to get to your destination.

Give up bottled water.

It is safe to say western Civilization consumes a lot of bottled water. Plastic is a petroleum based product so it is biodegradable; however, it takes about 100 years or so to decompose. If you have access to clean, safe tap water like most of us do, drink more tap water.

Reduce Your Heating Bill

Most of us use a lot of energy to heat and cool our homes. Most often, the majority of a homes heat is lost due to improper insulation. Take some time to make sure your house is properly insulated. It is also recommended to install a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature. If its summer time and the sun is scorching hot, try to cool your home by installing sealing fans rather than using an air conditioner. Sealing fans can cool your home just as effectively and you'll save a bundle on your next electric bill.

Heres something to try this summer to make sure your gardens stay hydrated. Rather than using water straight from the tap, try collecting rain water in a barrel and reuse it to water your gardens. This method will help reducing the amount of water we use.

In celebration of Earth Day, lets commit ourselves to becoming greener by reducing our Eco-footprint, the planet will thank us in the long run.

Happy Earth day!

BikeHike Adventures

How to Avoid Faux Pas In Foreign Countries

Everyone’s been there: that awkward situation when you’re attempting to speak a foreign language in a foreign country. You try to say something innocent like, “Can you please pass the ketchup?” and inevitably end up referring to some indecent body part. More often than not, the person you’re speaking to will laugh it off, but it’s still important not to offend new acquaintances, especially when they’re in charge of making your food. You’re apt to get a few extra germs in your meal.

Sometimes though, it’s not just how you say something, but that you even bring it up at all. When in Europe, especially if you’re a pub-goer, stay away from any topic concerning sports teams. If you are, however, in the mood for a bar fight, bring up the topic of football (soccer) and defend a team from a country other than the one you’re currently in.

Often even more insulting and ultimately embarrassing, are gestures with alternative meanings. A general rule to follow is to keep your hands by your sides until you know for certain exactly what you’re communicating. Here are a few to remember not to do:

• In Iran, never give the thumbs up sign. A horribly insulting gesture that means something to the drum of “sit on this”.
  
• In Turkey and Brazil, the “OK” sign is not okay.
  
• In Thailand, no head patting should occur. The head is considered sacred.
  
• In Malaysia or the Philippines, pointing is a no go. Gesturing with pursed lips or a closed fist is okay.
  

Giving gifts seems like it would be a safe zone; everyone likes getting presents don’t they? Even gifts can sometimes become horrible faux pas unless the conscious gift-giver has done their homework. Local customs can render some gifts that would seem innocuous. In Arab countries, no alcohol should been given as a gift; Muslims generally do not drink, or if they do, not in public and in China, clocks are seen as unlucky.

The moral of the story is, do your research. The more prepared you are and the more you know about the culture, the easier it will be not to offend anybody. The less you offend people, the more likely people will be to offer hospitality, and the more fun you’ll have. If all else fails, keep your mouth shut, your hands by your sides, and hope someone decides to feed you.

Backpack Accessories to Enhance Your Travel Experience

Now that you've found the right travel backpack, its time to pack your gear. For most of us, its difficult to fit the essential items into an already jam packed backpack. Here are a few accessories that will enhance your trip experience and take a load off the shoulders.

Waterproof Backpack Cover

To ensure that your travel backpack stays completely dry, waterproof backpack covers are available to keep the moisture out. These covers are made of a lightweight, polyurethane material that can be easily stored in your bag when not being used. Also, if your still looking for a travel backpack, look for a pack that already has a waterproof cover attached, it will save you a few extra bucks.


Compression Bags

For most of us, fitting everything you require into your travel bag can be a chore. With compression bags like the one in the picture, they allow travellers to compress items that require a lot of space. Compression packs are suitable for shrinking bulky articles of clothing and sleeping bags.



Hydration Bladders

Hydration bladders come in all different shapes and sizes. If your looking for something that fits into one of your existing travel backpacks, this little handy accessory will do the trick. Hydration bladders like this one can hold up to 1 to 1.5 litres of liquid while taking up little space. These types of hydration bladders are sold without their own backpack; however, they are designed to fit into most travel bags and those travel bags come in a variety of sizes. 


Hennessy Hammock

The Hennessy Hammock is a great accessory for when you require a tent but do not want to carry around a bulky piece of gear. If you don't mind being a little closer to nature, these hammocks fit neatly into your backpack and can be assembled in less than 3 minutes. These hammocks also provide shelter from all the elements,  as well as mosquitos and other insects.


Gorrillapod Flexible Tripods

This handy accessory is great for when a camera tripod is needed for your adventure but you don't want to be stuck carrying a bulky, heavy camera tripod. The Gorillapod has flexible legs which enables it to attach to almost any surface. This accessory can support cameras up to 5Ibs and require very little backpack space.


These are just a few of some travel accessories that will help enhance your adventure travel experience, and will take a load off the shoulders.

Happy Packing,

BikeHike Adventures.

BikeHike's Tips to Purchasing the Right Bike

For most of us looking to purchase a bike for the first time, it’s tough to know where to begin. For those who need some guidance, here are a few tips to find the right bike that fits your riding needs.

1)     Determine Your Budget

When the time comes to finally upgrade to a new bike or buy for the first time, the first thing we suggest is determining your budget.  Bikes that used to be extremely expensive are now quite affordable. Full suspension bikes are more economical than ever.

2)    Ask Questions and Read

Avid bike friends can be valuable resources. Take them out for a beverage or two and discuss everything to do with bikes. Biking is likely one of their passions, and they probably love talking about anything to do with the sport. If you don't have friends that ride, the internet is a very resourceful tool. Search for bike related websites, blogs and forums. You will gather a lot of information from bike enthusiasts who are willing to help you out. It’s a great tool to get customer reviews on specific bike models, helpful tips, and even great deals on bikes!

3)    Find the Right Bike Shop

Once you’ve calculated your budget and have gained some biking knowledge, start visiting bike shops in your area. Pick a bike store with friendly, informative staff who are willing to take the time to help you out. Don’t feel obligated to make your purchase from the first store you visit, there are plenty of other bike shops around.

4)    Find the Right Bike for You

When you’ve found your bike shop and now its time to buy, make sure to find the bike with the right fit. There are a lot of choices you'll be presented with such as: frame type, suspension (full suspension or hard tail), components, brakes,  pedals, saddle and grips.

If just starting out, don’t spend too much time worrying about which frame to choose. Focus more on the suspension, pedals, saddle, and grips. Depending on your budget, full suspension bikes can be quite affordable. If your budget is below $1000, we recommend looking more at hard-tail bikes (just front suspension). If the pedals, saddle and grips don’t feel right, ask to swap for something else that feels more comfortable. It may cost a few extra bucks, but this is when you can work on your bargaining skills.

Each person’s buying cycles are different when it comes to purchasing a bike, but if you need a helping hand, follow these steps to help guide you in the right direction.

Happy Biking,

BikeHike Adventures