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8 Travelling Hacks That WILL Make Your Life Easier

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8 Travelling Hacks That WILL Make Your Life Easier

1. Packing

Roll your clothes to maximize space in your luggage. Also, your clothes run less risk of being crumpled.

2. Keep cash in different places

People often advise against bring a lot of cash because there is the the risk of getting it stolen or lost. That is only true if you keep the entire wad of money in one place. Cash is king when you travel. It is your saviour in case of emergencies such as a stolen card, not being able to locate an ATM or, as is the case in many destinations like Japan, the place only accepts cash. Bring at least a few hundred dollars with you and keep them in different compartements such as in your luggage, carry-ons, safety belt, your socks or maybe even hide them in your undergarments (!)

3. Bring a scarf

When you are on the road and travelling light, the one thing to pack less is your clothes. A scarf can act as a sun protector, wind breaker, a jacket, an umbrella to shield you from light rain or simply as an accessory to jazz up your outfit.

4. Copies of important documents

Always bring copies of your important documents such as your passport, ID or driver's license in case they get lost or stolen. 

5. Find the cheapest form of transportation

Many people travelling within Europe tend to get the Eurail pass. However the Eurail pass might not be the cheapest option available. Check for prices of individual flights. trains, buses and other forms of transportation, total up the price and compare it with the price of the Eurail.

6. Get an ISIC card

The International Student Identity Card is the only internationally accepted, UNESCO endorsed  card with bona fide student status. With the ISIC card, you can prove your student status everywhere you go, get more thatn 42 000 student benefits and discounts in more thatn 130 countries and access student services and facilities. Most restaurants and hostels provide 10% discounts for holders of ISIC cards!

7. Get a hard copy map of every city you are going to visit

Electronic gadgets may fail up unexpectedly and hard copy maps are still the most reliable. Some places might not have internet and you should always save your phone battery for emergencies.

8. Activate roaming services for your phone

This is especially important if you are travelling alone. In case of emergencies, you can call your families at home for help or within the country you are visiting.

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Food safety tips when travelling

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Food safety tips when travelling

Many of us love to sample new foods during our travels. In the midst of all that indulgence, it is all too easy to forget food safety and the risk of contracting foodborne illnesses, which can ruin our holidays by sending us on seemingly endless trips to the restroom. But foodborne illnesses are preventable if we exercise care and caution with the food we eat. 

Here are some tips for a safe and indulgent adventure abroad!

1. Avoid tap water

Depending on the country you visit, tap water may not be safe for consumption as it may be contaminated by viruses and bacteria that can cause diseases. Water that has been contaminated can make you ill, even if consumed in small amounts. Stick to bottled water where possible and drink only beverages that are served piping hot, such as coffee or tea. Avoid having ice cubes in your beverages as it is likely that they were made from tap water. 

2. Avoid raw foods

Again, this is largely dependent on the country that you visit. For countries where tap water is not safe for consumption, raw foods which include salads and undercooked vegetables should be avoided as it is likely that tap water had been used to wash the vegetables. Other raw foods that should be avoided are raw or undercooked meat, seafood and eggs as well as unpasteurised dairy products, whether it is milk or cheese.

3. Eat food that is piping hot

If you are visiting a country where foodborne illnesses are prevalent, you should be eating foods that are served piping hot when dining out. This is because high temperatures will destroy the germs and bacteria that can make you ill, such that the cooked food you eat is safe for consumption. You should also take extra care when ordering street food – only order from a vendor where food is prepared on the spot, not to mention in a hygienic manner. 

4. Fruits 

You can still enjoy the goodness of fruits when you travel – stick to fruits that can be peeled and do not require washing before consumption. Germs are highly unlikely to get into fruits that can be peeled. Such fruits include oranges, bananas, mangoes, kiwis and melons. If you insist on washing your fruits before eating them, use bottled water to do so.

5. Go with the flow when eating out

This may sound counter-intuitive but when in doubt, dine at eateries that are packed with patrons, especially in countries where foodborne illnesses are prevalent. Eateries that are crowded are less likely to serve foods that will make you ill or they would not even be frequented by patrons. If you are looking to have street food, head to vendors with plenty of customers – it is unlikely that food served by popular vendors have been sitting for many hours around though it is always good to check. 

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Eating like a local in Helsinki

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Eating like a local in Helsinki

As a visitor to Helsinki, it is all too easy to head to the eatery nearest to you when you need a meal. But such eateries may be yet another tourist trap, especially if you are in a vicinity populated with tourists. Many of us crave authentic dining experiences when we travel so when you are in Helsinki, why not dine like the locals do?

Here are some eateries frequented by the locals!

1. Karl Fazer Cafe

Karl Fazer is a brand of Finnish chocolate and in this self-service cafe, you can certainly expect to find plenty of chocolate and other sweet treats such as cakes and pastries. But that is not all this cafe has to offer – open sandwiches, salads and coffee are also served here. This cafe is a favourite brunch spot with locals and the crowds you see is proof of the high quality of food it serves. You just need to have the patience to queue. 

2. Cafe Bar 9

With a cosy and laidback atmosphere as well as delectable salads and pasta dishes, it is perhaps no surprise that Cafe Bar 9 is a favourite with the locals. Some of the cafe's signature dishes include its Pollo Limonello and Classic Coriander. Food served at this cafe is affordable for Helsinki standards so if you wish to keep your spending in check, be sure to drop by for a meal!

3. Gottland Deli and Cafe

Situated in a tranquil area of Helsinki, this small cafe is a favourite with locals looking to spend a leisurely afternoon sipping coffee and nibbling on a slice of cake. Apart from cake, this cafe also serves fresh sandwiches and cinnamon rolls and all the food served here is prepared with organic ingredients. Seating may be limited to two tables but the takeaway option is always available. Whether you need a sugar rush or a quick meal on the go, this cafe has something to offer you. 

4. Unicafe

Like what the name suggests, this cafe is owned by the universities in Helsinki and is catered to students but non-students are welcomed too! While non-students like most of us will have to pay a little more, it is still far less than what is charged at most other eateries. For the comparatively small amount paid, you can get a hot main dish, salad and bread. There are also vegetarian and vegan dining options offered so anyone on a budget can dine here. The food here may not be Michelin-standard, but it is of decent quality for the price you pay

5. BLINit Russian Restaurant

BLINIt Russian Restaurant is a favourite among pancake-loving locals. In case you are wondering, a blini is a thin Russian pancake and can come with sweet or savoury fillings. Apart from pancakes, other dishes such as dumplings and soups are served at this small Russian eatery. The dishes served at BLINIt are not only tasty, but also affordably priced, which keeps locals coming back for more.

6. Home-dining Experience

The locals do not dine out all the time and there will always be a group that prefers dining in. So why not dine with a local during your visit to Helsinki? Chris, our BonAppetour host in Helsinki, is a passionate cook and will prepare three-course meal for you! Should you have any dietary needs or preferences, feel free to bring them up and the meal can be customised just for you! 

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How to Avoid Falling Ill While Travelling

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How to Avoid Falling Ill While Travelling

Adventures, discovery or just lazing by the pool, whatever it is you love doing on vacation we want you to be able to keep doing it. Here are some tips and tricks to stay healthy and happy on your travels and avoid spending your vacation in your hotel room.  

1. Stay hydrated

Being dehydrated can make you more susceptible to catching a cold – a dry and scratchy throat is typically among the first symptoms. You can save yourself from the prospect of lying under the covers for a good part of your vacation by ensuring that you are adequately hydrated even before you travel and of course during your holiday. So simple yet so easy to forget! Keep a bottle of water with you so that you can hydrate your body on the go.

Note that alcoholic and caffeinated drinks actually dehydrate your body, so consume such beverages in moderation during your travels. If you fancy indulging yourself ensure that you drink more water to compensate for the loss of fluids from your body.

2. Vitamin C

Vitamin C may not be the cure to a cold but it can help to alleviate symptoms and give your immune system a boost so that you will have a shorter recovery period in the event you are taken ill. Sources of Vitamin C that you may want to load up on include: oranges, berries, papaya, kiwi, bell peppers and broccoli. You may also consider bringing along a Vitamin C supplement to ensure that your body gets enough of this antioxidant.  

3. Keep your hands clean

Many of the things that we touch on a daily basis, from door knobs and light switches to handles and remote controls, contain plenty of germs, viruses and bacteria and these are spread through our very own hands! We can be taken ill when our contaminated hands come into contact with our eyes, nose and mouth but we can stop the spread of illnesses by keeping our hands clean. Wash your hands with soap and water before you eat or touch your face and keep a small bottle of hand sanitiser with you so that you may disinfect your hands while on the go. 

4. Sleep

Do not underestimate the importance of sleep during your travels! Your body needs to be adequately rested in order to function properly and provide you with that much needed energy for your travels. Not getting enough sleep can weaken our immune system, which means that we are more susceptible to falling ill when exposed to germs and slower recovery from illness. Ensure that you get at least 7 hours of quality sleep during your travels to reduce your likelihood of catching a cold!

5. Vaccination 

If you are travelling during winter, consider getting a flu vaccination. This is because the cold weather will mean that people generally spend more time indoors and in closer contact with one another, making it easy to catch a virus. A flu vaccine will not only protect you against the flu but also the potential complications that can result from the virus. It takes about 2 weeks for your body to develop the antibodies that will protect your body from the flu following the vaccination so you may want get vaccinated 2 weeks before you travel. 

6. Relax

You may have been under a lot of stress prior to your holiday balancing work commitments and all that planning so do not subject yourself to more stress during your holidays! Stress can actually weaken your immunity and make you more susceptible to catching a cold, which can only make you miserable. You can manage stress levels by planning a realistic travel itinerary, i.e. not packing too many activities in a day, and planning ahead so that you will not be scrambling around just before you travel. Less stress can only mean that you are less likely to fall ill and more likely to have fun! 

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