Whirled Travel Magazine - Jade Mobberley

TRAVEL MAGAZINE • ISSUE 01

ABOUT THE CREATOR Hi, I'm Jade. I am studying a bachelor of media arts, majoring in graphic design and absolutely loving it!

I love all things design related and enjoy learning new things about the industry. Graphic design can be challenging, but it pushes me to produce better work, which is why I find it so appealing. I also have a passion for photography and painting. For this magazine I combined two of my biggest interests, travel and photography. I wanted to create something that is not only informative but also interesting to read.

- Jade Mobberley

l a i r o t i d e r C CREDITORIAL

PHOTOGRAPHS: Unsplash, Pexels, Pixabay, Jade Mobberley

AUTHORS: Joel Hedges, Yohana Desta, Jean Folger, Krista Gray, Matthew Karsten, Emma Higgins, Sofia Suites, Sabina Trojanova, Andrea Elenadima, Jessie Festa, Jeff Greif, Blair Langdon, Jade Mobberley

CONTENTS W H I R L E D T R AV E L M AG A Z I N E • I S S U E 0 1

SECTION ONE -

New Zealand

08 - 09 Reasons to travel your own country before the rest of the world 10 - 11

New Zealand waterfalls

12 - 1 5

Must see New Zealand destinations

SECTION TWO -

Travel Guide

18 - 19

Tips and tricks for travelling

20 - 23

Common travel scams and how to avoid them

24 - 25

Instagram inspiration

26 - 27

The ultimate check list

SECTION THREE -

Destinations

30 - 33

Santorini / Villages / History of Santorini

34 - 37

Spain / Modern architecture in Spain

38 - 41

India / The colourful India - Holi Festival

42 - 45

Dubai / 7 star hotel / The rules of Dubai

46 - 49

Maldives / Things to see and do

50 - 53

Switzerland / The Swiss Alps

SECTION ONE

New Zealand

6

7

REASONS TO TRAVEL YOUR OWN COUNTRY

before the rest of the world

8

We all love experiencing new countries and cultures, but it’s good to explore your own first. Even though there’s something alluring about the far-away, there’s a lot to be said for spending quality time discovering your home land.

There’s so much more to discover in your own country than you realise. It’s a simple fact that the more time you take to seek out new things, the more will be revealed to you. There couldn’t be a truer sentiment for travelling at home: there's so much even within thirty miles of your house that you’ve possibly never seen before. If you approach travelling at home in that humble sense with the knowledge that there’s always more to discover, you will easily pack an entire year with brand new adventures.

Exploring your own country can be worked around a busy schedule. not all of us can take much time off work, of course, but as you’re travelling closer to home you can fit trips around your current work schedule.

When taking a long period of time out of your career isn’t an option, dedicate whatever time you do have off work within the next year to see what you can. As you don’t have to go abroad, you’ll quickly realise that even the weekends offer so much opportunity. Long weekends become even more valuable.

Even if you don’t live in the most affordable place in the world, travelling in your own country can in many ways be as cheap, or cheaper, than venturing abroad.

As a native in your own land, you won’t be caught out by any annoying tourist traps that charge you excess fees or admission. You know just the places in which to buy cheap food and everyday items, and if you have a transport pass, you can milk it for all it’s worth.

You can also visit all your friends and family, life is busy for everyone, so sometimes it’s hard to regularly

catch up with the friends and family that live far away.

Setting off on a long-term tour of your own country allows you to reconnect with all the special people in your life in one fell swoop. This also provides a way to keep costs down, provided you have friends and family who will allow you to bunk up in their spare room.

You'll learn more about your country's history and heritage. It goes without saying that there’s value in understanding your country’s background, and an extended trip is a great way to learn more. Perhaps your town played a pivotal role in one slice of history, but other area could have experienced something completely different. Travelling at home helps you to contextualise your country’s place in the world.

Another advantage of exploring your own country is that you'll make friends closer to home. Meeting new people is one of the best parts of travelling, but when you live at opposite sides of the world it’s hard to stay in touch. When you make new friends on trips in your own country, there's more of a chance you’ll keep in contact and catch up again in the near future.

Travelling at home is like an addiction, once you start it’s hard to stop. You’re used to the currency, speak the same language and are familiar with national transport networks. Travelling in your own country is an absolute breeze, leaving you more time to focus on the beautiful sights around you. If you decide to take some time off to see more of your own country, in the first few weeks you’ll probably wonder what you doing this whole time and why you didn’t do it sooner.

9

NEW ZEALAND

s ll a f r e t Wa

MILFORD SOUND, FIORDLAND

10

MAROKOPA FALLS WAITOMO

Marokopa Falls

Te Anga, Waitomo (North Island)

Kitekite Falls

Piha, Auckland (North Island)

Karekare Falls

Auckland (North Island)

Bridal Veil Falls

Raglan, Waikato (North Island)

Rere Falls

Gisborne (North Island)

Huka Falls

Taupo (North Island)

Mt Damper Falls

Ahititi, Taranaki (North Island)

Wairere Falls

Kaimai, Waikato (North Island)

Rainbow Falls

Kerikeri (North Island)

Purakaunui Falls

Purakaunui (South Island)

Hunua Falls

Auckland (North Island)

4.8/5 stars

4.7/5 stars

4.9/5 stars

4.7/5 stars

4.4/5 stars

4.7/5 stars

4.3/5 stars

4.8/5 stars

4.7/5 stars

4.3/5 stars

4.5/5 stars

11

MILFORD SOUND

ee s t s Mu

NEW ZEALAND DESTINATIONS

Milford Sound - The incredibly large mountain ranges are an unbelievable site, being surrounded by mountains this large will make you feel like you’re on the movie set for ‘Kong’. Milford Sound was described the 'eighth wonder of the world' by Rudyard Kipling. Although it was mistakenly named a ‘sound’ it is in fact a fiord. It was formed when the sea entered a deeply excavated glacial trough after the melting-away of the ice during the ice ages, the fiord was carved by the erosive effects of glaciers.

There are various boat cruises to choose from with different activities, such as the unique underwater observatory that allows you to encounter some of the wildlife Milford has to offer. The spacious viewing room is down 64 steps underwater to a 360 glass room, where you can get the experience of scuba diving without getting wet. With an annual rainfall of 6,813 mm on 182 days a year, Milford Sound is known as the wettest inhabited place in New Zealand and one of the wettest in the world and even gets more rain than the Amazon Rain Forest. Milford Sound is breathtaking in any weather and there is a high chance that a rainbow will appear along the journey. If you do consider exploring the wonders of Milford Sound, allow a full day, as it takes roughly 4 hours to get there from Queenstown and the boat ride is usually about 3 hours.

Although it is a long trip, the amazing views on the way make it worth while and Milford Sound will make you feel as though you’re in another world.

12

Queenstown - Surrounded by the soaring indigo heights of the Remarkables and framed by the meandering coves of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is a right show-off. Looking like a small town, but displaying the energy of a small city, it wears its ‘Global Adventure Capital’ badge proudly, and most visitors take the time to do crazy things that they’ve never done before. No-one’s ever visited and said, ‘I’m bored’. Then there's the other Queenstown. The one with the cosmopolitan restaurant and arts scene, excellent vineyards and five international-standard golf courses. Go ahead and jump off a bridge or out of a plane, but take time to slow down and experience Queenstown without the adrenaline. At the very least, find a lakeside bench at dusk and immerse yourself in one of NZ’s most beautiful views. Queenstown is well used to visitors with international accents, so expect great tourist facilities but also big crowds, especially in summer and winter. The town’s bars are regularly packed with a mainly young crowd that really know how to holiday. If you’re a more private soul, drop in to see what all the fuss is about, but then get out and explore the sublime wilderness further up the lake at Glenorchy. Come in the winter and find the town transformed into a world class ski resort.

Breathe deeply the fresh mountain air as you ski the slopes of Queenstown’s dramatic mountain slopes.

Alternatively, enjoy other winter sports on offer like – ice skating, ice climbing and snow-shoeing.

TONGARIRO

Tongariro National Park - If you ever get the chance to take the Heritage Highway from Napier to National Park, it’s a genuine road less travelled and one that blows expectations of the North Island well out of the water. After a drive that is thought to only have existed in the far south of New Zealand, you can be packing your daypacks and pointing your sights upward into the mighty Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

The rocky points of the East Cape had been replaced with jagged staircase tracks, and the mountain offered up an amazing day-long hike. The hike is about 19 kilometers, which takes about 7 hours. After the climb to the saddle, the path takes descents and ascents into and back out of two different craters, passing the Emerald Lakes and along the edge of the Blue Lake.

The last two hours of the walk involve a long decline down the northern flank of the volcano, passing the Ketetahi Hot Springs. On clear days you can see Mount Taranaki in the west, Mount Ngauruhoe, the Kaimanawa Ranges, Lake Taupo and beyond. If hiking is not your thing but you want to view the amazing craters, lakes and mountain ranges, there are scenic flights that take you right above the national park.

Although this ride is a bit pricey, it is well worth it for the breathtaking experience, and no hiking involved.

Also situated in the national park is Mount Ruapehu, which is a popular destination for snowboarding and skiing on both the Turoa and Whakapapa fields. With the Whakapapa side having a world class cafĂŠ situated at the top of the chair lift.

13

CLAY CLIFFS, OMARAMA

Clay Cliffs - The Clay Cliffs are an impressive sight; the massive pinnacles are separated by narrow ravines. They are situated 2 hours’ out of Queenstown in a small town called Omarama which is near the southern end of the Mackenzie Basin.

World and national gliding records are regularly broken here, as pilots make the most of the clear, empty skies and accommodating updrafts. Nearby attractions include; the Hot Tubs Omarama, Clay Cliffs, Lake Ohau Forest, Benmore Power Station and Aoraki/Mount Cook, which is about an hour's drive away. The otherworldly formations of the Clay Cliffs are made up from layers of gravel and slit, originally by the flow from the ancient glaciers over 2 million years ago. The cliffs are on private land but anyone is welcome to visit. There is a small donation of $5 at the gate driving in, or you can pay the $5 vehicle admission fee at the Omarama i-SITE. To get to the Clay Cliffs, travel 4.5 km north of Omarama. Turn left onto Quailburn Road (approx. 3.8 km). Turn left onto Henburn Road and drive approximately 3.8 km to the Clay Cliffs signpost. Although it’s reasonably easy to find as it is signposted all the way from Omarama. Although the Clay Cliffs show up on GPS systems such a google maps, it is recommended to either follow the correct directions given or ask for a map at the i-SITE in Omarama. Once you arrive at the Clay Cliffs car park, it’s a short walk to the sight and view is unbelievable. Walking up into the Clay Cliffs

14

can be difficult as there is no prominent walkway and the small rocks can slip under your feet, so make sure to bring appropriate walking shoes. Although it can be a little mission to get to these cliffs, it is 100% worth it for the experience that you can’t get looking at photographs. The Omarama hot tubs, back on the main highway, make for a great stop afterwards.

"You can easily spot them by the freeway but seeing them up-close is an entire different story. The rock formations are so unique. This place is so well hidden and not too touristy which is a plus."

- Amanda Lee

CASTLEPOINT

Castlepoint - Castlepoint is a small beachside town on the Wairarapa coast of the Wellington Region of New Zealand. It is home to a lighthouse which stands near the top of the northern end of a reef. The reef is about one kilometer long. At the southern end of the reef, there is an island known locally as "seagull island", due to its large population of seagulls. The southern side of Castle Rock is known as Christmas Bay. Castlepoint is approximately one hour's drive from Masterton.

The population of Castlepoint and its surrounds was 1,686 as recorded in the national Census of 2006.

The Castle Point Lighthouse is a lighthouse near the village of Castle point in the Wellington Region of the North Island of New Zealand. It is owned and operated by Maritime New Zealand. In the early days of the 20th century Castle Point was one of the few lighthouses with easy access to a school. The Creamer family came there in 1918 or 1919 and the eldest son Eric had to complete five years of education in three years, so that he could go on to secondary school, there having been little education in previous locations where the family had been stationed. This aspect of the Keeper's lives seems to have been overlooked by the Marine Department. The light was built in 1913 and was originally fueled by oil. In 1954 the oil lamp was replaced with an electric one powered by a local diesel generator. Castlepoint is an amazing destination in New Zealand and is perfect for anyone wanting to get away and have a quiet/peaceful holiday.

Cathedral Cove - New Zealand is a popular film location due to its dramatic landscapes and relatively small population. The Coromandel is no exception with Cathedral Cove, regarded as a must do activity for a visitor to New Zealand, featuring in The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian. From beautiful Hahei Beach on The Coromandel you can walk to Cathedral Cove, where a naturally formed archway deserves photographic attention. From the north end of the beach, a one hour walking track leads along the cliff top and then descends to the Cove. Here a gigantic arched cavern passes through a white rock headland to join two secluded coves. The cathedrallike arch gives the whole area an air of grandeur.

The beach is sandy with shady pohutukawa trees along the foreshore - a perfect place for a picnic and a swim. Just off the beach at Cathedral Cove is a large pinnacle of pumice breccia rock known as 'Te Hoho'. Over centuries this has been sculpted by wind and water - it now looks like the prow of a large ship steaming into the beach. If you prefer a slightly shorter walk (about 1.5 hours return), start from the car park at the end of Grange Road in Hahei - turn left just after the Hahei shops. You can opt to access the cove from Hahei with a one hour tour that takes in other jaw-dropping locations such as a blow hole, once again book ahead. Alternatively, there is an on-demand water taxi from Hahei Beach to Cathedral Cove, no booking required.

15

16

SECTION TWO

Travel Guide

17

TIPS & TRICKS for travelling Break out of your comfort zone Challenge yourself to try the things that would normally give you anxiety. The more you do this, the more that anxiety will fade away. Not a hiker? Go on more hikes. Have trouble talking to strangers? Talk to everyone. Scared of weird food? Eat the weirdest thing you can find. The reason this works so well while traveling is because everything is already so different, what’s one more new/uncomfortable experience?

Patience is important Don’t sweat the stuff you can’t control. Life is much too short to be angry & annoyed all the time. Did you miss your bus? No worries, there will be another one.

ATMs out of money? Great! Take an unplanned road trip over to the next town and explore. Sometimes freak-outs happen regardless, just take a deep breath and remind yourself that it could be worse.

Stash extra cash Cash is king around the world. To cover yourself in an emergency, make sure to stash some in a few different places. It would be ideal to have at least a couple hundred dollars’ worth. If you lose your wallet, your card stops working, or the ATMs run out of money, you’ll be glad you did. Some good places to stash money are; socks, under shoe inserts, a toiletry bag, around the frame of a backpack, even sewn behind a patch on your bag.

18

Meet local people Make it a point to avoid other travelers from time to time and start conversations with local people. Basic English is spoken widely all over the world, so it’s easier to communicate than you might think, especially when you combine hand gestures and body language. Learn from those who live in the country you’re visiting. People enrich your travels more than sights do. Having trouble interacting with locals? Do people seem unfriendly? Maybe it’s your body language. You could try make eye contact and smile as you walk by. If they smile back, say hello in the local language too. This is a fast way to make new friends.

Usually all it takes is for you to initiate contact and they’ll open up.

Get lost on purpose If you want to see the parts of town where real people live & work, you need to go visit them. The best way to do this is on foot, without knowing exactly where you’re going. Write down the name of your hotel so you can catch a taxi back if needed, then just pick a direction and start walking. Don’t worry too much about stumbling into dangerous neighborhoods either, as locals will generally warn you before you get that far. Seek out interesting and unusual places that don’t see much tourism. By all means travel to popular sites, but don’t rule out other locations just because they’re not on the tourist trail.

Pack less stuff You don’t need 1/2 the gear you think you do to travel anywhere. It’s a right of passage for travelers to slowly become better at packing less. If you’re not sure about packing something, you don’t need it. It’s also possible to buy most things at your destination country if you discover you need them.

Back everything up It is good to keep both digital and physical copies of your passport, visas, driver’s license, birth certificate, health insurance card, serial numbers, and important phone numbers ready to go in case of an emergency.

Backup your files & photos on an external hard drive as well as online with software like Dropbox.

Keep an open mind Don’t judge the lifestyles of others if different from your own. Listen to opinions you don’t agree with. It’s arrogant to assume your views are correct and other people are wrong. Practice empathy and put yourself in someone else’s shoes. Embrace different possibilities, opportunities, people, suggestions and interests.

Ask questions. You don’t have to agree, but you may be surprised what you’ll learn.

Eat local food Think you already know what Mexican food tastes like? You’re probably wrong. Taste a bit of everything when you travel, especially if you don’t know what it is. Ask local people for recommendations. Eat street food from vendors with big lines out front.

Don’t forget travel insurance No one ever thinks they’ll get sick, injured, or robbed while traveling. But it happens. I’ve sliced up my head on a volcano, contracted Dengue fever, and lost my laptop to thieves. With travel insurance you don’t have to worry about huge hospital bills or stolen gear when it eventually happens.

Take lots of photos You may only see these places & meet these people once in your lifetime. Remember them forever with plenty of photos. Don’t worry about looking like a “tourist”. Are you traveling to look cool? No one cares. Great photos are the ultimate souvenir. They don’t cost anything, they’re easy to share with others, and they don’t take up space in your luggage.

Slow Down Don’t try to cram 6 countries into 6 weeks of travel.

All the good stuff happens when you really take the time to explore. You’ll learn about activities that aren’t in your guidebook and meet people who are eager to show you around. Spend more time in fewer places for maximum enjoyment.

Always be early Wake up 2 hours than usual, be early for breakfast, lunch, dinner & all your activities during the day. Being early shouldn’t just apply in the airport whist catching your flight, when it comes to traveling to a new place, it’s good to change your daily routine and wake up a couple of hours earlier if you want to make the most of your time there. Wake at sunrise to have the best attractions all to yourself while avoiding crowds. It’s also a magical time for photos due to soft diffused light, and usually easier to interact with locals.

Just remember once you have your shot, it’s also important to take a moment and get out from behind the lens. Take a deep breath, appreciate your surroundings and enjoy the view. It’s just as important to be present in the moment as it is to capture it.

19

COMMON TRAVEL SCAMS

& how to avoid them Shady people love to take advantage of tourists, and if you’re not careful, it’s easy to become a victim.

As travelers, it is easy to think that we are smart enough to avoid getting ripped off. But, the truth is, it happens to the best of us. From getting ridiculously overcharged on cab rides to unknowingly revealing credit card information, travel scams exist the world over. While it is nearly impossible to know when you will be scammed, it is important to know what kind of scams exist, and what to do should the situation arise. It sucks to get scammed by a stranger when you’re traveling on vacation. The more people that know about these scams, the less likely you’ll fall for them.

20

Broken taxi meter - Cab drivers near airports or train stations are known to pull this scam, but it can happen anywhere. When you get into a taxi and start to drive, the driver will inform you that the meter is broken and charge you a ridiculous price (to the tune of hundreds of dollars if you’re not careful). To stop this from happening, negotiate rates ahead of time, or ensure the meter is in fact working before you get in the car.

If the taxi driver refuses to turn on the meter, or tells you it’s cheaper without the meter, get out and opt for another driver. Not all cab drivers are scammers.

Free bracelets or rosemary - This scam tends to prey on female travelers. A friendly man or woman will approach to chat, then place a “free” friendship bracelet on your wrist. Or hand you a sprig of Rosemary for good luck. Once you have it, they will demand money. When you refuse, they will begin to cause a scene. To avoid this, don’t allow anyone to put anything on your body, and be extremely wary of accepting anything for free unless there is a good reason for it. Especially in very touristy areas. Ignore them and keep walking.

Overbooked or closed hotel - Again, this common travel scam happens largely with cab drivers. While en route to your hotel, the driver will tell you your hotel is either closed or overbooked and then take you to a more expensive hotel where the driver receives a nice fat commission. To help avoid this from happening to you, call your hotel in advance and make sure they’re open. Ask if they offer shuttle service and then schedule a pickup. If your taxi driver still tells you the hotel is not available, insist that he take you there anyway. Tell him you already have a reservation (even if you don’t).

Friendly ATM helper - Someone approaches at an ATM cash machine to help you avoid local bank fees.

What they really want to do is scan your ATM card with the card skimmer in their pocket and watch you enter your pin number so they can drain your account later. To avoid this, never let anyone near you while you’re making an ATM transaction, and ALWAYS cover the number pad with your other hand while entering your pin code. If someone approaches, take your card and find another ATM.

21

Fake WiFi hubs - While you can find WiFi almost anywhere these days, some of those free unlocked connections might be dangerous. Hackers will set up tempting unsecured WiFi hotspots in public locations that unsuspecting victims eagerly connect to — giving the thief access to your computer, passwords, online accounts, and more. To avoid this, always ask the hotel/coffee shop/airport staff which WiFi connection is the official one. Especially when you see a tempting unlocked connection. To encrypt all your online activity, use a VPN, or virtual private network.

Motorbike rental damage - After you rent a moped or scooter, it gets damaged (or even stolen) overnight. The owner will demand additional payment or expensive repairs as compensation. What you don’t know is that it was the owner or his friends who caused the damage or stole the bike from you.

To help stop this from happening, take photos of the bike first to document previous damage. Use your own lock, not one provided by the rental guy (who may have a 2nd set of keys). Don’t tell the company where you’re really staying, and make sure there’s a safe place to leave the bike overnight. If damage does occur, take it to a repair shop recommended by someone other than the bike’s owner.

22

Fake police officers - The fake police officer scam is a popular one in many large cities. Most often, a person will approach a tourist and offer illicit items, like drugs. While conversing one or two other people will approach, appearing to be police officers and flashing “badges.” They will then insist the unknowing traveler hand over their passport and wallet. However, they are not police officers.

To avoid a situation like this, never hand over your wallet or passport. Request they show you their identification and then inform them you will call the police to confirm they are who they say they are.

Or tell them your passport is locked up in the hotel safe, and they’ll need to accompany you to your hotel. If they don’t allow this, simply walk away.

Spills on your clothing - Common in Europe, a traveler will be walking down the street and feel something plop on their shoulder — often times bird poop or a fast-food condiment. Then, a friendly stranger approaches and begins to wipe off the offending mess while plucking your wallet from your pocket or purse. The best thing to do in situations like this is to not allow someone to help you. Instead, go to a restroom and clean the mess off yourself.

Fake bus/train/plane tickets - Someone offers to sell you train tickets at a discount, or avoid the line and pay a slightly higher price. Maybe a taxi driver offers to bring you to his friend who’s a local travel agent.

However, the tickets they are selling aren’t real, and by the time you figure it out, the scammers are gone with your money. Always buy transportation tickets from the official ticket office or website.

Fake hotel wakeup call - While staying at a hotel, you get a call from the front desk in the middle of the night to confirm your credit card details. Only it isn’t the front desk calling, it’s a scammer who will drain your accounts when they make a copy of your card using the details you give them over the phone. To avoid this, never give out credit card details over the phone. Go down to the front desk in person the next morning if there is a problem.

Group photo offer - While hanging out in a busy tourist location or landmark, a local may offer to take a group photo of you and your friends. As you’re getting ready to pose for your awesome new Facebook jumping shot, you look up and realize your new friend has completely disappeared with your expensive camera. Busy city attractions are the riskiest places for this. If you have to, ask fellow tourists instead and return the favor for them.

o g u o y e r o f e b Know Travel scammers suck! The truth is that no matter how prepared you think you are; you’ll probably eventually fall for some sort of travel scam. But don’t let this deter you from traveling the world. Think of it as a rite of passage. Sure, it’s embarrassing to be tricked out of your money, but there are always worse things that could happen.

It’s just a learning experience.

23

Instagram Inspiration

24

Reading through top travel blogs and watching the best YouTube travel vloggers are two ways to see the world without even leaving your bed, but the actual search for cool content can surface some of the greatest stuff. While curated recommendations are great, try scrolling through hashtag feeds on Instagram when wanderlust strikes and find places that grab your attention. Not only is the travel eye candy absolutely unreal, but you may also discover some extremely talented photographers to follow.

Want some inspiration on your travels? Search these:

WORLD:

TRAVEL:

FAVOURITES:

#worldcaptures #aroundtheworld #willjourney #worldplaces #postcardsfromtheworld #passionpassport #mytinyatlas

#welltravelled #solotravel #cntraveler #tlpicks #instatravel #traveldeeper #instago

@talman @midnight_photography @danielkordan @alexstrohl @eljackson @emitoms @chelseakauai

EAT:

FOLLOW:

NEW ZEALAND:

#goodeats #foodie #eatingfortheinsta #foodgram #bhgfood #foodshare

@igbrunchclub @ks_ate_here @candidsbyjo @kingofcheatmeals @brunchboys @onenationunderfood

#destinationnz #purenz #nzmustdo #newzealandguide #travelnz #newzealandfinds

25

26

THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL

Check list: Personal ID/student ID Passport/visa(s) Cash and credit card(s) Travel insurance info Water proof/zip lock bags Wallet organizer Luggage locks

Transportation tickets (plane, bus, etc) Emergency contacts Camera/SD cards Electronic devices Chargers (phone, laptop, camera, etc) Life proof phone case Noise cancelling headphones Universal adapters Headlamp/torch Travel pillow/blanket Journal and pen Travel/language guides, maps etc Wet wipes, hand sanitizer First aid kit Lightweight clothing Shirts, pants, underwear, socks etc Weather proof jacket Scarf Durable shoes/sneakers Jandals Sunglasses Swimsuit/bikini Dresses Jewelry Toiletries Sunscreen Face wash, make up remover Moisturizer Small mirror Perfume/deodorant Personal prescriptions Drink bottle Snacks (fruit, nuts, crackers etc) Day back pack

27

28

SECTION THREE

Destinations AROUND THE WORLD

29

s

30

Reasons to visi t: Arguably Greece’s most beautiful island, Santorini is a mix of towering cliffs, blue water and whitewashed villages. Perfect for a post-summer break.

Beaches - The romantic island has beaches galore.

They range from wild plains filled with scorching black sand to organised strips where you can get cold drinks delivered straight to your sunbed. Before you turn up your nose at the thought, give it a chance. Santorini’s typical beach characteristics are long extents of black sand and small black shining pebbles due to the volcanic nature of the island.

Many beaches are well organized with sun beds, umbrellas, beach bars and water sports. Spectacular rocky formations and black sand beaches lapped with crystal clear waters create integral. Unforgettable scenery! Although one can still find remote and unspoiled places to swim

“I usually hate crowded beaches, but I loved the beach in Kamari!

Definitely recommend going” - Sabina Trojanova

Affordable - Many travelers are put off by a fear of assumed high prices as Santorini looks like a million bucks. Surprisingly, living on a budget in Santorini is not as challenging as one might think. The island’s home to some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, but it also has plenty of hostels with beds from $16NZD. As for food there is really affordable savory foods such as gyros, which is a special Greek delicacy consisting of meat, onion, tomato and tzatziki sauce served with pita bread. Souvlaki is also a Greek dish but basically a fast food, it is prepared with small meat crumbs and grilled vegetables all prepared on a skewer. Surprisingly these foods only cost from $3 to $5NZD!

History - The tiny island of Santorini has an incredible array of well-preserved remnants of the old days. From the city of Akrotiri, which was buried underneath volcanic ashes during the explosion of 17th BC, to the magnificent site of the Ancient Thera.

There is enough history to keep you occupied for days on end.

Locals - The people of Santorini are as friendly as they come. You could be cynical and attribute that to the fact that tourism is pretty much their only source of income, but for the most part their sincerity combined with the fact that pretty much everyone on the island speaks English really well, then you’ve got yourself the perfect solo travel destination!

The food - Greek food is irresistible and widely known around the world. But Santorini has a cuisine unlike any other. The place is an island, so it’s got a steady supply of fresh fish and seafood. Surprisingly enough, its volcanic soil also offers up much tastiness – from sweet grapes to the local fava beans, there’s no shortage of fresh local produce. Whether you’re after a steaming plate of seafood, traditional Greek food or something a little more experimental, Santorini has you covered.

Photography - Santorini is the place to be for any budding photographer, because it’ll help you convince anyone you’re an absolute pro. The entire island is pretty much a living and breathing postcard.

To follow up with the thing Santorini is truly famous for – its beautiful sunsets! Whether you’re a diehard romantic or the type of person who watches horror movies without flinching (or both), you’re going to enjoy the beautiful sunsets on the island. A photographers dream to say the least.

The perfect time to visit Santorini is late September or early October. The weather is still fine and not too hot (around 20-25 C), the seawater will still be warm (from the summer heat) and most of the tourists would be gone.

31

VILLAGES in Santorini

Santorini has many different villages with the majority of them either located by the sea or built on the cliff. It is strongly suggested that you visit most of them, if not all of them. Each one has its own style and something different to offer.

Fira - Fira is the capital of Santorini. It can be found on the west coast of the island, on the caldera cliffs opposite the volcano. Modern day Fira is the cultural and commercial center of the Santorini. It is a very picturesque village, with white cubic houses, narrow alleyways and impressive Venetian manors. In Fira, you can visit the splendid Archaeological, Prehistoric, and Folklore, Museums, as well as wonderful churches and cathedrals.

32

Akrotiri - Akrotiri’s settlement is in the southwestern and most distant edge of the island, 15 km away from Fira. Became particularly famous the ancient city that was discovered buried under the volcano’s ashes by the well known archaeologist Spiros Marinatos.

Akrotiri is famous for Archaeological excavations, the lighthouse, the Red beach, White beach, fish taverns, a small marina, panoramic Volcano views.

Imerovigli - A charming village built in the lip of the crater (300m above the caldera) in a distance 2km from Fira. In front of Imerovigli there is an enormous rock. The castle guarded the western entrance to the island from attacks and was never defeated during the 600 years of its existence. There are several quiet restaurants, cafes and bars.

Pyrgos - A traditional village built on the slopes of Mt. Profitis Ilias, in the center of Santorini Island. It is one of the most impressive Santorini villages, with Byzantine churches, Medieval Manors and Venetian Castles. Pyrgos offers a good selection of hotels and apartments that provide a lovely view of the island and the Aegean Sea. The beaches of Kamari and Perissa are located just a few kilometers from Pyrgos village.

Perissa - Perissa is a seaside village on the south east coast of Santorini with several kilometers of black sand beach. Towering over the beach on the north side is the mountain of Mesa Vouno, site of Ancient Thira. Perissa connects with Perivolos, and the collective area is longest stretch of beach on the island. Both beaches are organized. It also provides a selection of water sports facilities, diving schools and a water park, as well as cafes, bars and clubs by the sea. The village is situated just a few kilometers from Ancient Thira.

Oia - Pronounced ‘Ia’, is the most famous of all villages of Santorini. It is known throughout the world for its quiet life and fantastic sunset. It is built in the traditional architecture with whitewashed buildings carved into the rock, blue domed churches in narrow streets and sun-bathed verandas. The highest attraction of the village is the fabulous sunset. A square overlooks the sea and visitors may observe a truly fantastic sunset. The most popular spot to watch it is by the Kastro walls.

Kamari - Kamari is a cosmopolitan beach resort on the south east of Santorini, which has been awarded the Blue Flag. The long stretch of beach lies under the impressive mountain of Mesa Vouno. Kamari offers a wealth of cafes, bars, restaurants, shops and supermarkets, as well as a lively nightlife. The beach is organized, with sun beds, umbrellas, water sports and diving. From Kamari, visitors can easily reach the ruins of Ancient Thira with its impressive monuments.

Ancient Thira - Was found at Mesa Vouno, approximately 15km southeast Fira Town. Its settlements date from the ninth century BC and among the buldings that have come to light are the Agora, several temples to Dionysus and Apollo , a Theatre, a Cave where Hermes and Hercules were once worshipped, the Gymnasium and the Roman baths. Vessels, coins and pottery found in Ancient Thira are on display in the Archaeological Museum in Fira.

HISTORY OF SANTORINI According to searches and excavations on Santorini, the first human presence on the island is situated back to the Neolithic Period. Santorini hosted an important civilization around 3600 BC. Discoveries made in an important city near Akrotiri and the famous Red Beach show the existence of an ancient Minoan colony. The city was very similar to those found in the island of Crete, with many wall ornaments and pottery showing naturalistic landscapes of animals and humans of the same ancient Minoan style.

In Ancient times, Santorini Island was known as Strongili, which means round in Greek. Strongili was the victim of an enormous volcano eruption in 1,500 BC. The eruption was so huge that many consider it to be the main cause of the destruction of the great Minoan civilization on the island of Crete, situated 70 nautical miles away.

The specialists believe that the explosion was so strong that it created gigantic waves that reached the shores of the surrounding islands and Crete. After the explosion, the centre of Santorini sank, and the many earthquakes that followed destroyed a big part of the rest of the island. Many studies and researches have been presented in our days about the volcano of Santorini, including a series of documentaries in the National Geographic. Between 1200 AC and 1579 AC, the island was under Byzantine rule and the church of Episkopi Gonia is founded. In 1204 AC the island is surrendered to the Venetian Marco Sanudo and becomes part of the Duke of the Aegean. The name of the island was given by the Venetians after the Santa Irini, the name of a catholic church. During that time there is a strong battle between Venetians and pirates. During the Turkish rule (1579-1821) the island succeeds in trading development with the ports of Eastern Mediterranean. The period that follows is quite prosperous.

Due to the wars of the 20th century, Santorini's economy declines and the inhabitants abandon the island after the catastrophic earthquake in 1956. The tourist development in Santorini begins in the 1970s and today it is one of the best tourist destinations in the world. Over the years, Santorini has also developed as a wedding and honeymoon destination, while many international meetings and conferences take place there in summer, at the Nomikos Conference Center or in luxurious hotels.

33

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: There are far more reasons why you should visit Spain than these, but hopefully this list will help you get an idea about how beautiful and fascinating this country is.

Spanish food - On a scale of 1 to 10, Spain's cuisine rates a 10. There seems to be an infinite variety of food, with variations in every region. You can eat at very inexpensive places and still have a great meal.

The menu of the day option is fantastic because it offers a complete meal for a bargain. There are really few places in the world that can compare with Spain on food. Spanish food is characterized by its freshness and healthfulness. The home made food found in many humble restaurants beats the most expensive food served in the most expensive restaurants of the world for taste and originality. Spanish food is really one of the great things of Spain that millions love.

Impressive monuments - Spain's tumultuous past and history has produced some of the most beautiful monuments in history. It lifts the spirit and enriches the experience. One cannot just see it once in a lifetime and is driven to return and re-experience the place. And what about the beauty of the Generalife Gardens? The fountains tinkling, the perfume of the roses, oranges, and jasmine are intoxicating. The Mezquita of Cordoba is another beautiful monument from the Moorish times. It was good that it was turned into the Catholic Cathedral, because the constant use over the ages preserved it. Other monuments that have not been used have deteriorated and have been demolished. Go and marvel at all the horseshoe shaped arches over that sea of marble columns. This is truly a magnificent place and an artistic masterpiece.

Magnificent churches - Many Spanish churches, monasteries, and convents are some of the most beautiful religious buildings in the world. There are the Cathedrals of Santiago de Compostela, Seville, Cordoba, Malaga, Burgos, Leon, Toledo, Barcelona, Zaragoza's La Seo, Salamanca, and Granada. In Granada there is the Monastery of La Cartuja and the Church of San Juan de Dios. The Cathedral of the Almudaina in Madrid is a modern wonder. The Monastery of Montserrat is atop a very strange mountain that emits a large amount of energy, where people of different religions congregate. Beside the monastery is a large private museum that has some of the most beautiful art that has been donated to the monastery. The Monastery and Palace of El Escorial has a very large collection of art and the austere building impresses, especially with its location on the side of the mountain.

34

Beautiful beaches - Many of the visitors to Spain head for the beaches during summer. The beaches of Spain are well known to beach lovers and are some of the best in Europe. There are beaches in each of the Canary Islands, as well as beaches in each of the Balearic Islands. If you follow the southern coastline, there are the wide golden beaches of the Costa de la Luz on the Atlantic Ocean - Ayamonte, Chipiona, Cadiz, La Barrosa, Conil, Tarifa; the Bajondillo and La Carihuela beaches of Torremolinos, Malaga, Torre del Mar, Roquetas de Mar in Almeria, Alicante, Benidorm, Valencia, Salou, Tarragona, Barcelona, and Lloret de Mar are all on the warm Mediterranean Sea. The northern Atlantic coasts have the beaches of El Sardinero in Santander and La Concha in San Sebastian, as well as the rocky coves of Galicia. Each one has its own particular type of enchantment. One can soak the sun, eat at the chiringuitos, and enjoy the summer nightlife.

“Once I became familiar with the surroundings, I had the most amazing time in Spain�

- Craig Donovan

The locals - The majority of the Spanish people are friendly towards visitors and do not resent tourists.

They go out of their way to help visitors. Perhaps this is the secret of the tremendous growth of tourism in Spain. Spain has had a very long tradition of hospitality and foreigners are greeted and offered food and drink. An example is the small white town of Frigiliana, near Nerja, which has won the prize of the most beautiful town in Spain several times. On May 3 they celebrate the Cruz de Mayo festival and everyone who visits the town is offered food and the town's wonderful sweet wine for free. Tables are put on every street, where residents offer the food and wine to every single visitor. It is no wonder that several hundred thousand northern European immigrants have transplanted themselves to the Mediterranean coasts of Spain, such as Alicante and the Costa del Sol, to live their lives in beautiful surroundings amid friendly people.

n i a Spt

Reasons to vi

35

36

MODERN ARCHITECTURE

in Spain

Spain is known as a country that has lately become an international center for design innovation and excellence, but it hasn’t been easy to reach this level.

Spain is recognized throughout the history as having a serious number of visionary architects. In the modernist era, the architectural expansion has started with the creation of the European Union. This facilitates the investment of large amounts of money in development projects, creating a developing market for the young architects to improve their qualities.

The Rey Juan Carlos Hospital in MĂłstoles, Madrid (bottom left photo) was designed by Rafael de La-Hoz. This new hospital model is configured in three basic elements: efficiency, light and silence.

Conceptually, the new hospital is arranged on base that gives structure to the health care units, outpatient diagnosis and treatment.

Structured in three modules or parallel buildings that reflect the best hospital main structures: flexibility, expansion, functional clarity and horizontal circulations. The overall concept is based on the architectural proposal for a hospital of this nature; it should allow adaptation to the requirements of the program needs, and expected financial requirements. It has also sought to respond to the complex functional program with contemporary and attractive architecture.

It has had particular regard to the human scale, solar protection and above all to distinct the patients’ spaces through the hospital. The build is the result of a different point of view against to the simples and common spaces in hospital architecture.

The ABC Museum, Illustration and Design Center was designed

by Aranguren & Gallegos Architects (top left photo) The ABC Center of Drawing and Illustration, comes with a willingness to be an artistic international reference and a cultural symbol of Madrid. The installation in the old factory building in Amaniel Street has to be a suitable intervention in a historic building without sacrificing the character of expressing a contemporary center with a diverse range of cultural and artistic institutions. The existing building has a dual access from two streets connecting them in an interior court. Before the intervention, one of the entrances was through a long height body that closed the courtyard.

Spanish architecture cannot be defined by a certain style, instead the architecture in Spain can be defined by quality and beauty: the traditional one for sure and, lately, the modern architecture.

37

a i d In

d

38

REASONS TO VISIT: It’s a destination to visit at least once in your lifetime to really get out of your comfort zone and get a different perspective on life. You’ll learn how to appreciate what you have back at home and realise how fortunate you are.

Culture - There’s a lot of satisfaction that comes from experiencing a culture through your taste buds and eating your way through India can really broaden your idea of what food they have to offer.

The country is a birthplace to few of the major world religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism and is known for its vast and dynamic culture.

Most tourists consider visiting India as they want to experience the various cultures and traditions which are often unique. The Indian weddings are often few of the most amazing experiences one must try out.

Indian dresses like Saris, Salwar Kameez, Dhoti, Lungi and Sherwani are well renowned for their aesthetics.

"The Indian culture is very different to what i'm used to, but it's such an amazing experience" - Florian Douglas

The music - India being on the forefront of world civilization is famous for its various performing arts and especially the classical Indian music. Music is an important part of the Indian society and many notable world musicians have originated from India since the ancient times. The Carnatic influence from the 13th and the 14th century AD plays a major role in shaping traditional Indian music. There are, however, various forms of folk music which display a distinctive sound and feel which is specific to their region of origination.

The music is usually performed using Indian stringed and percussion instruments which further facilitates the production of a unique blend of sounds.

Religion and Spirituality - India is the birthplace of various religions and religious philosophies. Many people visit India not for the tourist attractions, but to experience a calm and peaceful environment and get in touch with their spiritual self. Ever since the arrival of the Beatles, spiritual arts like Yoga and Meditation have attracted a huge number of tourists from the world. A visit to the various temples, a look in the religious texts and the stories of how the different legends originated can provide a deeper insight in the Indian culture, and will certainly refresh your senses like no other place in the world.

The food - Indian food can take a bit of getting used to for some people, but it really is worth it. India has a huge number of recipes which are native to the different regions, and most tourists are attracted to this country for its mouthwatering and flavorful dishes. Indians are generally perceived as vegetarians, and there are a huge number of artful and great tasting vegetarian dishes and curries. The arrival of the Mughals in the 16th century saw the introduction of Middle Eastern influences in Indian cooking and is majorly responsible for the amazing non-vegetarian cuisines offered here.

History - The architecture and history behind everything is extremely fascinating. It really is a never-ending place of magical forts, palaces, temples, mosques, ancient ruins and monuments. India has been inhabited by one of the oldest civilizations in the world dating back to the Neolithic period. It has been a home to ancient kingdoms and dynasties with each of their stories more interesting than the others. The ancient books written nearly thousands of years ago provide a deep look into one of the most interesting of all world cultures. Being a part of the European colonies from the 17th century India is a home to major world events and is an essential part of world history.

The shopping - It’s hard to not want to buy handicrafts, patchwork pieces, embroidered scarves and artwork from the craftsmanship of Indian artisans. India is known for its huge market places and most tourists visit the country because of the amazing shopping experience. Textiles, clothing, handicrafts from India has been widely popular in the world due to the unique design aesthetics employed in their making. Many cities like Jaipur in Rajasthan are known for their market places built inside a fortified town. The national capital of Delhi is known for its marketplaces and various handicrafts which can often be bought cheap after a little bargaining.

Great value - India is often thought of as a backpacker destination with filthy hotel rooms.However, that definitely isn't the reality. You can travel as cheaply or as lavishly as you want in India, and that's definitely part of its appeal as a tourist destination. The luxury segment of the market offers some mesmerizing accommodations, such as authentic palace hotels.

39

COLOURFUL INDIA

Holi festival

Every year millions of people in India, Nepal, and around the world celebrate the Hindu festival of Holi under clouds of technicolored powder.

Holi, a traditional Hindu festival, celebrates the beginning of spring as well as the triumph of good over evil. It is best known around the world for the powder that revelers throw on each other, leaving festival goers coated in colour by the end of the day.

Although the festival originated in India and is still widely celebrated there as a religious festival, it has been adopted in many places around the world.

Holi takes place on the last full moon of the Hindu lunar month Phalguna. This means it can fall anywhere between late February and late March on the Gregorian calendar and coincides with Indian winter's transitions into pre-monsoon or summer season. Spring isn't one of the four seasonal designations of the Indian

40

Meteorological Department but Holi celebrates many of its traditional associations: youth, fertility, playfulness and vigor. Although in some regions the festival is drawn out for longer, Holi is normally spread over two days. Pretty short by Indian standards where some religious festivals, like the Kumbh Mela, last almost two months. Holi's different celebrations come from various Hindu legends. One story tells the story of how the god Vishnu saved his follower Prahlada from a pyre while Prahlada's evil aunt Holika burned. The night before the Holi festival a Holika bonfire is burned to celebrate the victory of good over evil.

Hindus are advised to moisturise their skin carefully before taking part and some oil their hair to

ensure the gulal can be easily rinsed out - a bid to pre-empt disaster. Those taking part are also careful to ensure that the powders thrown are non-harmful and so they are most commonly made from a mix of food dye, flour and water. Afterwards, everyone spruces up and gathers in their Sunday best to distribute gifts of traditional sweets.

The coloured powder or gulal, thrown during the festival come from the legend of Krishna, whose skin was dark blue. Worried he wouldn't be accepted by his love Radha, he mischievously coloured her face to make her like himself. Anyone at Holi is fair game to be covered in the perfumed powder as a celebration of Krishna and Radha's love, regardless of age or social status. The powder also signifies the coming of spring and all the new colours it brings to nature.

Historically, the gulal (coloured powder) was made of turmeric, paste and flower extracts, but today synthetic versions are largely used. The four main powder colours are used to represent different things. Red reflects love and fertility, blue is the colour of Krishna, yellow is the colour of turmeric and green symbolises spring and new beginnings.

While Holi is an ancient festival in India and Nepal, it is celebrated in many parts of the world today. Hindu communities in many countries, as well as non Hindus.

41

i a b u D

r 42

WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT: Dubai is a city that is not afraid of ambition. Pumping billions into positioning itself as a tourist mecca and business hub, the place is an attention seeking over-achiever of sorts. Sprouting up from the desert almost from scratch over the last 20 years, the entire city has a start-up mentality. Things happen quickly.

Amazing skyscrapers - Let's get the obvious out of the way early, there are a lot of skyscrapers in Dubai.

Whether you're Downtown around the Burj Khalifa (the tallest man made structure on earth), or down at the Marina, home to 4 of the 5 tallest residential buildings in the world, you're never too far away from a pretty amazing view.

Multi-cultural - With almost 200 different nationalities calling it home, and a massive 90% of the population coming from outside the country, Dubai is arguably one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. In contrast to cities like New York or London that have been inhabited for hundreds of years, Dubai’s expats are mainly first-generation, bringing with them a host of different cultural traditions. The diversity on show in the city is unparalleled.

Variety of food - With such a diverse population, there is a spectacular range of food styles available in the city. With hundreds of Arab, Persian, Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, French, Japanese, Chinese, British, and American restaurants. Both humble and highend, there’s something for everyone. Throw in the array of food festivals that happen throughout the year and the stream of pop-up eateries and it's no wonder people talk about newbies putting on the 'Dubai stone'.

The weather - This is another pretty obvious one, but definitely one of the main draws for visitors. With more than 300 days of sunshine per year and over 1,000km of coastline, you’re never too far away from getting your tan on. The best time to visit Dubai is from November to March. Weather-wise, Dubai really only experiences two seasons: hot and hotter. During the winter months, the city sees blue skies and primo beach weather. You can escape the crowds if you visit during the summer months, but be prepared for triple-digit temps and high humidity levels.

Things happen fast - Not that long ago, Dubai was a sleepy backwater that was mainly home to fishermen and pearl-divers. Since the 90’s however, when the rulers set out to strategically diversify from being mainly an oil-based economy by focusing on tourism and business, things have seriously picked up pace. These days, new properties and infrastructure seemingly pop up overnight, and rarely a week goes by without an announcement of some new extravagant project.

Modern art and design - From the gritty Alserkal Avenue art district that has sprouted up in the industrial Al Quoz area in the last few years, to the slick art galleries sprinkled through the Financial Centre, Dubai has a pretty diverse art scene. The Dubai Design District has just been opened, and when you throw in the array of art and design festivals like Art Dubai and Design Days taking place, there’s always something going on for the aesthetically minded.

"If you ever get the chance to go to Dubai, do it! It is an amazing city. Everything in Dubai is bigger and better, or the biggest and the best in the world!"

- Leni Herr

It’s a shoppers’ heaven - Home to the biggest mall in the world (the imaginatively titled Dubai Mall) and with high-end retail locations seemingly on every corner, it’s no surprise that visitors come to Dubai from far and wide for a bit of retail therapy. While many countries have January Sales after Christmas, Dubai has a month-long shopping festival with concerts and giveaways where shoppers can win cars and gold.

there’s a lot more to the city than meets the eye, from a thriving art and design ecosystem, to a constantly changing food scene, there’s always something new happening. And in a city that is made up almost entirely of foreign expats, there’s a level of cultural diversity that is hard to match, an aspect that most visitors are unlikely to truly appreciate.

43

STAY IN A 7-STAR HOTEL Burj Al Arab Dubai has some of the most extravagant hotels in the world. None more so than the supposed '7 Star' Burj Al Arab which opened in 1999 and has become an iconic symbol of the City. It stands on it's own artificial island 280m from Jumeirah beach and is connected to the mainland by a private curving bridge.

The distinctive sail-shaped silhouette of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is more than just a stunning hotel, it is a symbol of modern Dubai. Yet for all the wonder this stunning structure provides when you finally see it in person, it is the service within that really makes the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah so extraordinary. Repeatedly voted the world's most luxurious hotel, this magnificent destination offers you the finest service and experiences throughout - right down to an optional chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce, helicopter trips from an iconic helipad, private beach access, luxury leisure on a breathtaking terrace with pools and cabanas as well as some of the world’s best dining venues, including the highly acclaimed Nathan Outlaw at Al Mahara.

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah suite-only accommodation offers discreet checkin within your suite, a private reception on every floor and a host of personal butlers, each a warm messenger of their unparalleled hospitality.

44

THE RULES OF DUBAI

Whether you are visiting Dubai on holiday or in the process of relocating here as an expatriate one of the first questions on everyone’s mind is what are the rules and laws that govern the UAE? While some may seem extreme it is imperative to understand these rules so you can successfully live, survive and thrive in Dubai. Avoid the risk fines, imprisonment or even deportation.

Alcohol - Alcohol is tolerated in Dubai but there are several rules pertaining to consumption. NonMuslims are allowed to drink alcohol in Dubai if they are within licensed areas. These facilities must hold a license to serve alcohol. If you are a resident in Dubai you can apply for a liquor license to buy alcohol and consume it in your own home. It is illegal to purchase alcohol and drink alcohol in your home without a liquor license. There is absolutely zero tolerance for any drinking and driving in Dubai or the UAE. If you are caught with any trace of alcohol in your system while driving you will be arrested, imprisoned and consequences can include being deported.

Offensive Behavior - No matter how bad a driver is on the road do not comment or show any actions of rage or offensive gestures. You can be reported to the police and as an expatriate you will be fined or imprisoned. Road rage is not tolerated of any kind.

Driving Offenses - Driving in Dubai is fast and while you may witness some erratic driving behavior do not be confused that there are no driving laws to abide by. It is illegal to tailgate, break the speed limit, street race, lane hop or use a mobile phone while driving. While you witness instances of these each day, Dubai is cracking down and breaking the driving laws can lead to fines, imprisonment and your car being impounded.

Public Displays of Affection - If you are a married couple holding hands in public is about as far as you should go in terms of showing affection. Kissing and hugging is not tolerated and should be refrained from in public. If you are caught you could be fined and imprisoned.

Sexual Harassment - It is imperative to know that expatriate men are not allowed to address a local lady in public, take her photo without permission or follow her. All are viewed as disrespectful and unacceptable behavior.

Sexual Relations - Unless you are married in Dubai you will not be allowed to live together period. Even if you have been living with your partner for years you will not be allowed to live together. If you do so and you call any attention to the authorities for some reason you can be jailed and then deported.

It is important to not take this risk. If you and your partner conceive a baby in the UAE and you are not married, you and your partner will face imprisonment.

Marriage and birth certificates will be reviewed by authorities. Don’t take the risk.

Dress Code - It is best to dress on the conservative side when in public areas such as malls, restaurants and on the streets. Emiratis dress conservatively and expats are expected to do so as well. Rules of thumb are to not wear too short of skirts or shorts, see through materials or anything that reveals too much flesh or any type of offensive slogans on clothing material. It is acceptable at the beach to wear swim suits and beach attire but you must cover offensive body parts (there is no top-less sunbathing). Once you leave the pool or beach you must cover your body with a cover up as you will not be allowed to walk home in your bikini. It is important to respect the local culture no matter what your fashion tastes are as disobeying it will be viewed as public indecency and you could end up in prison.

45

s e v i d l a M

z

46

Reasons to visi t: Getting to the Maldives nowadays is no longer hard and unachievable. It may very well be one of the easiest things to strike off on life’s great bucket list. Enough sitting, wishing and waiting. Go forth and make some new memories at one of the most picture-perfect countries in the world.

Culinary Delights - From casual dining to exclusive gourmet meals, the Maldives offers a tempting variety of international cuisines. While the resorts embrace global fare ranging from the savory flavours of Italian food to gourmet preparations of exceptionally fresh seafood, local venues tend to offer the more authentic Maldivian experience. Traditional eateries offer dishes largely based around fish that are usually spicy and often featuring coconut. Sampling the spicy flavours of the Maldives is an essential part of the vibrant and unique island experience.

Water activities - There’s an abundance of water activities available in Maldives, including diving at the famous Banana Reef and Fish Head sites, and underwater marine-life viewing tours. Scuba diving and snorkeling are also very popular activities thanks to Maldives’ diverse native marine life and stunning coral formations. You can also surf, canoe, or kayaking.

The Definition of Paradise - With crystalline blue waters surging gently against isolated stretches of pristine white sand, the islands of the Maldives offer a peaceful sanctuary from the harsh realities of the outside world. These beautiful islands are amazingly remote and almost impossibly pure: the breeze rusting through the palm leaves is often the only reminder that you are not trapped in a photograph or postcard. While rain is common from November to April than during the rest of the year, the Maldives experience fabulous tropical temperatures that range from 24 to 35 degrees all year long.

Sea life - Of course, not all of the wonders of the Maldives can be seen at first glance. Those captivating blue waters are home to some of the most vibrant sea life in the world. Almost every resort island enjoys a personal reef convenient for snorkeling, while more remote places to snorkel and dive are easily accessible by boat. Sites like Fish Head and Banana Reef are coveted, world-class diving destinations and the White Wale submarine offers a stunning reef tour to give all visitors a chance to see over 1000 varieties of marine life.

Adventure - Maldives is made up of 1,102 islands that form 26 atolls. Moving from one island to the next via jet, boat, or a small waterbus known as a dhoni is a wonderful way to witness the natural beauty of the islands and to experience something new. Start at the landmark fish factory famous for its tuna in Felivaru and then take a boat over to Naifaru, the bustling capital of the Lhaviyani Atoll, for a glimpse of daily life on the island.

Secluded Luxury - With an economy largely based on tourism, this island paradise has embraced the global demand for ultra-luxurious accommodations and flawless experiences. Of the 200 inhabited islands of the Maldives, nearly 90 are dedicated to luxury resorts. Limiting resort density to one per island, the Maldives offer the ultimate in secluded decadence.

On-site spas offer indulgent spa treatments perfect for much-needed pampering, and generally strict Muslim laws against alcohol and topless sunbathing are not enforced in the resort isles. This island nation may not offer the most inexpensive accommodations, but the price is right for upscale, often all-inclusive accommodations nestled in one of the most exotic, breathtaking locations in the world.

"I went the Maldives for a week and didn't want to leave! Super relaxing and luxurious" - Rachelle Leptin

Underwater dining - Admire fish both on and off the plate at Ithaa, the world's first underwater restaurant at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort. The 14-seater glass dome sits five metres under the sea and serves plenty of fish, while the wine cellar is dug two metre down into the island's depths. Nearby Kihavah Anantara resort has followed suit with the four-level Sea.Fire.Salt.Sky, where Sky is a rooftop bar and Sea is under water.

47

THINGS TO SEE AND DO in the Maldives

Explore Malé – This relatively small city happens to be the capital city of the Maldives. Despite its size, it is host to many interesting mosques, museums, and other various things to do. The Hukuru Miskiiy, also known as the Old Friday Mosque, is the oldest in the country, dating back to 1656. It is one of the more popular visitor hotspots. Some other interesting places to check out are the National Art Gallery, the National Stadium, and Sultan’s Park.

Dive the Banana Reef – This is a protected marine area that is known internationally for its beauty and incredible diving and snorkeling. The numerous caves, overhangs, and dramatic cliff lines result in stunning photos with every shot you snap. The brilliant coral growth attracts a huge range of sea life, including groper, barracuda, morays, jackfish, snapper, and more.

Eat out – The food here is beyond delicious and incredibly fresh. Most of the restaurants in Male offer outdoor dining areas. Some of the more popular places to go include The Seagull Café, Symphony, Royal Garden Café, and Irudhashu Hotaa (for quick meals).

Ride the Whale Submarine – This popular excursion takes you along the ocean reef. This is perfect for children and those that aren’t into diving. There are several boats that can take you to the launch point, The Whale House. It is best to set up a reservation in advance, even though there are several departures daily.

48

Go fishing – Fishing is really popular here, so for those of you that are into it, this is a real treat. There is plenty of big game to go after, and you can spend days doing it. Many of the hotels offer package deals and will set you up with any necessary equipment and bait. Night fishing is also included.

Retreat to Bathala Island – This is a beautiful island in the north Ari Atoll. It is just 90 minutes by speedboat from the airport or 20 by seaplane. The beaches here are covered in soft, white sand and there is a lot of natural overgrowth. The island is small and intimate, it only takes 10 minutes to walk to perimeter but there is something private and humbling about it.

Dive the Wreck of the Maldive Victory – This is a dive that is best suited for the more experienced and comfortable. There is a heightened challenge, due to the potential for strong currents. At the deepest point, the ship (which originally sunk in 1981), sits at 115 feet. The structure is almost entirely intact and it is now home to a rich growth of sponges, coral, tubastrea, and a variety of fish.

Have a spa day – When you spend the time and money to travel all the way to a place like this, it is almost a must to spend at least a few hours at the spa. The best thing about being here is that it is easy to unwind, relax, and do something great for your body. Massages, detoxes, soaks, wraps, and facials are some of the few things to consider.

Explore the Fish Head – Also known as Mushimasmingali Thila, this is another world-famous dive sight among the Maldives. The biggest attraction here is the number of grey reef sharks that can be seen—but you will also see many fish, including Napoleons, fusiliers, and even barracuda. The walls run deep into the ocean depths and run like multi-level ledges, covered in anemones, sea fans, and black corals.

Do some watersports – When you are ready to get wet somewhere other than the hotel swimming pool or in the numerous turquoise lagoons, check out one of the many water sports available throughout the Maldives.

The water here is great for a ride, whether it’s via a banana boat, parasailing, water skiing, or any other number of things. You are sure to have a thrilling time.

Go surfing – If you are in the Maldives any time between March and October, then you are pretty much guaranteed some primo surfing time — with June through August holding the promise of the biggest waves. The Atoll of Male is a popular place to go, but there are tons of great spots to check out.

Have a snack attack – Maldivian food is super tasty— especially if you are fond of fish. Snacking, known commonly as hedhikaa, is surprisingly popular here, with entire menus dedicated to it. There are all kinds of different pastry stuffed treats and fried fishy rolls.

Snacking has never been so tempting.

Check out the nightlife – Locally, alcohol is banned amongst the population —which means a very limited nighttime scene. Most of the hotels and resorts have bars, but you are not likely to find them anywhere else. You’ll have to search around if you want to check out some live music.

Shop at the STO Trade Center – Located in Male, this is the city’s largest supermarket. Picking up stuff here can save you a little extra money, especially if you are staying somewhere with a kitchen. There is a great assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as some interesting local favorites.

Visit the National Museum – Located in Male, this small museum can be found in Sultan’s Park. First opened in 1952, this museum is host to a valuable collection, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and history of the country. Many of the items here once belonged to kings and queens.

The Maldives are the perfect place for honeymoons and couples looking for a luxury island vacation. This country of 1,000 islands has everything a person could want in a tropical island; clear water, white sand beaches, palm trees, warm sunny days, and lots of great diving. It’s as close to heaven as you can get.

You can even sleep in bungalows right over the water.

49

WHY YOU SHOULD GO: Haven’t decided on a place to celebrate winter yet? Look no further! Even though Switzerland is perfect for skiing and snowboarding, there’s still many activities to choose from that don’t require goggles. Here are some reasons why you should put Switzerland on your list.

The Waterfalls - An inspiration to poets and painters, Switzerland’s waterfalls are among the highest and biggest in Europe. Goethe and Byron wrote about the Staubbach Falls in the Bernese Oberland, just one of 72 spectacular falls in the Lauterbrunnen Valley. In the same valley are the mysterious Trümelbach Falls, which are inside the mountain, but open to visitors. The largest waterfall is the Rhine Falls, where you can take pictures from the top. If you dare you can even venture through the mountains and visit the waterfall at night!

Mountain Adventures - Visiting the Swiss mountains is a must, and now you have the opportunity to ride high for a low price. Many of Switzerland’s peaks are accessible to visitors by cable car or cog railway. If you purchase a Swiss Pass, you benefit from a discount off the price of most trips. You’ll be able to see and experience Swiss mountaintops like never before.

"Switzerland is such an incredible place, the landscapes are unreal and the nightlife is amazing!"

- Blair Langdon

Swiss products - If it’s your first time in Switzerland, the question isn’t—where can I find a Swiss watch, but rather, which one should I choose? Swiss watches are crafted with ingenuity, precision, and quality, and as far as competitors go, Switzerland crushes the competition. Swiss watches are sold pretty much everywhere, but specifically in the Watch Valley in western Switzerland you’ll find a particular acumen for the various brands. Whether it’s a souvenir or the treasure of a lifetime, a Swiss watch means something to everyone.

Paracelsus - When you want to relax, do you envision going somewhere that will be your Zen hideaway when you’re stressed at home? The Pfäfers hot springs in the Tamina gorge near the Bad Ragaz canton has been known for centuries (since 1535 when the doctor, Paracelsus, wrote of its virtues) to aid with ailments. The old spa in the romantic gorge is open to visitors but those wanting to experience its therapeutic mineral springs can stay in the luxurious surrounding hotels.

50

Nightlife - There’s no better place than Lausanne to party and there is a club for every age and every taste, some with well-known DJ’s. The variety of bars, cafes and music clubs is astounding and the city itself isn’t exactly forgettable. Among the most popular is the Bleu Lezard (Blue Lizard), an artistic and lively bistro-bar and nightclub, which is quite popular among both locals and tourists.

Agrotourism - Here’s something a little different.

Why not experience Swiss nature to the max and stay in a hayloft? 200 farms throughout the country offer this adventure to tourists. It’s an especially great opportunity for kids, who’ll get the chance of a lifetime to cuddle with some irresistibly cute farm animals that’ll almost make them forget the family cat. And of course, the animals are more than happy to share their bunks for a few nights. You’ll get to discover a rural and serene side of Switzerland that you’ll never forget.

Winter sports - The breathtaking mountains not only attract poets and painters worldwide but also daredevils looking for thrills. The chic resort of St. Moritz in the Engadin has twice hosted the winter Olympics and rightfully so, with 217 miles of ski pistes, the Cresta run skeleton track, and the oldest bob run in the world. Spending any amount of time here, where the action is endless, is the perfect athletic getaway.

The Matterhorn - You’ve probably seen it on boxes of chocolates and calendars, but visiting this mountain in person is something truly breathtaking.

The Matterhorn is recognized around the globe as the proud symbol of Switzerland. Standing at a staggering 14,692 feet, it challenges mountaineers worldwide and welcomes less energetic visitors as well, to enjoy its tranquil beauty. Whether you’re traveling in the winter or summer, a ride on the Gornergrat railway from the village of Zermatt takes you to the starting point of an unforgettable tour that’s focused on the legendary mountain.

What is the best time to visit Switzerland?

Switzerland is ideal for all seasons: Decide whether you want to enjoy the summer and take a swim in one of the lakes or if you prefer skiing in winter.

d n a l r e z t Swi

r

51

THE MATTERHORN, SWISS ALPS 52

THE Swiss ALPS The mountain range that arcs its way across much of Europe, is the youngest, largest, highest, and most densely populated mountain range in Europe.

This mountain range was formed about 45 million years ago. The Alps covers most of Switzerland and Liechtenstein and extends into France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, and Slovenia. The total area of the Alps is 192,753 square kilometers, of which only 14% is in Switzerland, however most of the iconic peaks classic alpine scenery of the Alps is in Switzerland, making it the one European country people most closely associate with the Alps The Swiss Alps, the mountainous alpine region of Switzerland is referred to as the Swiss Alps. In Switzerland’s four national languages, the Swiss Alps are known as Schweizer Alpen (German), Alpes suisses (French), Alpi svizzere (Italian), and Alps svizras (Romansch). The Swiss Alps are one of the three main geographic regions of Switzerland, the other two being the Swiss Plateau and the Jura Mountains.

The portion of the Alps lying within Switzerland is sometimes referred to as the Central Alps, but more commonly known as the Swiss Alps. The Alps cover 65% of Switzerland's total land mass, making it one of the most mountainous of European countries.

Almost all the highest peaks of the Alps are located within Switzerland. These highest peaks are Dufourspitze, or Monte Rosa as it is widely known (4,634 m), the Dom, which is the highest peak lying entirely within Switzerland (4,545 m), the Liskamm (4,527 m), the Weisshorn (4,506 m) and the Matterhorn (4,478 m). The highest peak in the Alps, Mont Blanc (4,807 m), is located on the FrenchItalian border, although it’s eastern flanks are located within Switzerland.

Glaciers in the Swiss Alps, of the total glaciated area of the Alps, 44% is located in Switzerland. The glaciers of the Swiss Alps cover an area of 1,220 square kilometers—3% of Switzerland’s territory. The highest concentration of glaciers in the Alps is in the Jungfrau Region of the Bernese Alps. The Greater Aletsch Glacier in the Bernese Alps is the largest and

longest glacier in the Alps, with a maximum depth of 900 meters. Along with the Fiescher and Aar Glaciers, the surrounding Jungfrau Region became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.

Tourism in the Swiss Alps emerged during the Golden Age of Alpine Mountaineering as early alpinists, mostly from Britain and accompanied by local guides made the first ascents of the highest peaks of the Alps (Jungfrau in 1811, Wetterhorn in 1852, Monte Rosa in 1855, Dom in 1858, Matterhorn in 1865, and Weisshorn in 1861).

Thomas Cook organized the world’s first international group tour by bringing a group of travelers to Switzerland in 1863. British tourists who first came to St Moritz in 1865 are considered the start of winter tourism in the Alps.

The construction of tourist facilities commenced in the mid-nineteenth century with the building of hotels and mountain huts and the opening of mountain train lines on (Rigi in 1873, Mt. Pilatus in 1889, Gornergrat in 1898). The Jungfraubahn opened in 1912; it tunnels through the Eiger and leads to the highest railway station in Europe, the Jungfraujoch.

The crossing of the Alps has been an historic challenge for European merchants, armies, and travelers. The high passes, while an obstacle to travel, have also provided security and protection to Switzerland. Over the past 150 years, Switzerland has continued to improved its transalpine transportation routes. It began in 1882, by building the Gotthard Rail Tunnel to open a north-south rail route between Italy and northern Switzerland, and into Germany and Austria. In 1906 the Simplon Tunnel connected the Italy with the Rhone Valley. In 2007, Lötschberg Base Tunnel was completed to provide a direct route through the Bernese Alps. The 57-km long Gotthard Base Tunnel which opened in 2016, now provide a direct flat rail link through the Alps. This tunnel is the world’s longest and will eventually shave 45-minutes off the travel time between Zurich and Milan while increasing capacity, allowing high-speed rail, and providing greater efficiency in transalpine travel and trade.

53

IT’S BETTER TO SEE SOMETHING ONCE THAN TO HEAR ABOUT IT A THOUSAND TIMES

ISSUE ONE WHIRLED TRAVEL MAGAZINE COPYRIGHT © 2017

DESIGNED BY JADE MOBBERLEY