Soksabai - Cambodia 101



Cambodia might be one of South East Asia’s smallest countries, but it is superlative in stature. Though the nation was brought to its knees under Po Pot's destructive regime in the 1970s, it has recovered sufficiently to become one of the highlights of South East Asia. It’s a beloved spot for backpackers, who can enjoy 50-cent draft beer while overlooking some of the most awe-inspiring historical remains on the planet. While, the striking magnificence of the Angkor Temples has long been the main draw for budget and luxury travelers alike, as has the country’s ancient Khmer heritage, wild jungles, steamy cities and a past that's equal parts inspiring and saddening. Admission to the temples is $20 for one day and if you arrive the afternoon of the day before, you can enjoy a great sunset in the same ticket.

Approximately 2 million tourists visit the country each year. Uber cool bars and decadent hotels have popped up in Cambodia’s main cities Siem Reap and Phnom Penh to serve this growing industry. Meanwhile, the up and coming beach town Sihanoukville offers a laid back Asian beach vibe, golden sands and opaque waters to those seeking solace, away from the chaotic cities. From Sihanukville, you can take the daily boat to Koh Rong Island and enjoy great diving with Koh Rong Dive Center in addition to the great relaxation the island offers.

Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh, is one of the region's most absorbing cities - a laconic waterside feel offset by rampant nightlife and a proud local culture. In recent years the city has evolved into a somewhat arty hub, with its boutique fashion store shops and galleries, yet the authentic buzz remains. A simple street walk offers a unruly, yet beguiling, scene of rickety tuk tuks, wayward moto drivers and vendors selling everything from Balut – fertilised duck egg – to bowls of fried spiders, both popular street food.



Elsewhere, beaches and lashings of tropical adventure all help keep visitor numbers healthy. The intrepid may seek out the hill tribal region of Mondulkiri or Rantanakiri, the sleepy conservation village of Chi Phat, the isolated temples of Preah Vihear and Banteay Chhmar, and the lesser travelled areas of Kampot or Kep.

Cambodian monks in Siem Reap

Cambodia’s national parks are also a must visit. The country is filled with minerals, exotic fauna and over 240 reptile species, 850 freshwater fish species and 212 mammal species, including 16 globally endangered mammals such as Indochinese tigers, Asian elephants and freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins. Wildlife specialists frequent the region to monitor these incredible creatures, while eco-tourists take part in activities and tours to help maintain funding for various conservation projects.

Other tourist sites include both world-wonder-worthy ancient temples at Angkor Wat and, in stark contrast, the Killing Fields - exhibiting the atrocities that took place under Khmer Rouge. Somehow, through Cambodia’s traumatic history, which included years of torture, colonization, carpet-bombing, pillaging and poverty, Khmer people remain some of most gentle, happy and friendly sorts on earth.

Basic Facts:

Area: 

181,035 sq km (69,900 sq miles).

Population: 

14.2 million (2008).

Population density: 

81.7 per sq km.

Capital: 

Phnom Penh. Population: 2 million (2007).

Government: 

Constitutional monarchy since 1993.

Head of state: 

King Norodom Sihamoni since 2004.

Head of government: 

Prime Minister Hun Sen since 1985.

Electricity: 

220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin plugs are in use. Power cuts are frequent.

Read More

Staying Healthy On The Road Part 4 - Sex And Sexually Transmitted Diseases

AIDS and other STDs are the most common serious illnesses sexually active travelers encounter on the road. In countries where prostitution and sex tourism make up a large part of the local economy, you should be very cautious and always always use protection when indulging. Because you never know. Even if you’re just out to get lucky at a backpackers nightclub, treat him or her as a danger to your health. Drunk or not, you will be sorry to let your caution (or your thingy) slip.
Many countries have very strict laws governing prostitution and the businesses associated with it. And sex with minors is very serious business in developing countries. Troubles and pitfalls lurk around every corner where sexual activity is involved. If you know yourself and can’t resist these things, prepare yourself ahead of time. Here’s a great resource listing some 100 countries and their laws regarding prostitution. Do yourself a favor and defend yourself with knowledge.
Health and arrest aren’t the only dangerous aspects of indulging in sexual practice when you’re traveling. Nefarious types love to prey on those desperate souls getting involved for the first, or whateverth, time. Ripoff and scam artists are as common as the day is long. Follow your gut reaction. If a situation is sketchy, avoid it. Just say no. Go to the next bar and try your luck there.
Finally, contraceptives may not be readily available locally, so don’t forget to pack your willie warmers!

Related posts:

Staying Healthy On The Road Part 3 - Diarrhea

Staying Healthy On The Road Part 2 - Insects

Staying Healthy On The Road Part 1- Immunizations

Read More

Staying Healthy On The Road Part 3 - Diarrhea

The most common illness you’ll face on the road is likely to be traveler’s diarrhea, (aka, Montezuma’s Revenge, Delhi Belly, etc). With different food options available than you’re used to, it’s pretty much inevitable that you’ll have to deal with an upset stomach at some point on your trip.  Avoiding uncooked and unpeeled fruits and vegetables might help increase your chances of staying diarrhea free, but if you do get sick, dehydration is the major danger. Make sure to rest and drink lots of water! If you’re sick for more than a day or two, seek medical attention.
Travelers’ diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travelers. Each year between 20%-50% of international travelers, an estimated 10 million people, develop diarrhea at some point.

Avoiding Traveler’s Diarrhea

• Boiled or bottled water only, no ice
• Cooked foods only, piping hot
• Cooked vegetables only
• Peeled fruits only, peeled by you
• Avoid foods prepared by street vendors
• Avoid unpasteurized dairy & cheese

Treatment of Traveler’s Diarrhea

• Antibiotics are the principle elements in the treatment of traveler’s diarrhea.
• Antimotility agents (Imodium, kaopectate) provide symptomatic relief, and serve as useful adjuncts to antibiotics.

Another way to avoid a diarrhea illness is to simply wash your hands. Do it on a regular basis with soap and water or use an alcohol based hand gel (at least 60% alcohol). This could be the difference between having a sickness-free trip or bailing early due to something unforeseen in your gut.
The Sun
The sun can be your best friend and your worst enemy. Though it may not be the most dangerous illness that can befall you, it is important to your health in the long run. It’s as simple as this: bring your sunscreen everywhere you go and use it. Be judicious on how often and how much to use. Base it on your level of exposure. In the mountains, snow can amplify the amount of UV radiation you’re exposed to. And don’t forget, even on overcast days a sunburn is still possible.
Since sunburn and skin cancer is universal these days, you should be able to find sunscreen quite ubiquitously in countries where fair skinned people exist. In central and eastern African nations sunscreen may be scarce so look to large local pharmacies, airports or tourist shops. Stock up—on a safari you may not find any for days.
The Feet
Comfortable shoes are a must-have if you’ll be doing a lot of walking, which, unless you’re royalty, you probably will. Bring at least one pair of thick-soled shoes or boots. Cobblestones will ding your tender little heels in no time, not to mention the perils of spontaneous trekking. Thinking you can get by with a pair of sandals your entire trip may be a little naïve no matter what that hostel guy said.


Related posts:

Staying Healthy On The Road Part 2 - Insects

Staying Healthy On The Road Part 1- Immunizations

Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Read More

Staying Healthy On The Road Part 2 - Insects

Mosquitoes are a menace. Possibly the most annoying of all insects, they also transport disease, cause painful, itchy welts and generally irritate the hell out of people. Insect repellent can be an absolute lifesaver in places where mosquitoes exist. There’s nothing more likely to kill a good mood than a swarm of these flying vampires. When traveling outside of the city, it’s always a good idea to keep at least a small bottle of repellent on your person at all times. You never know where you’ll encounter standing water and inevitably this little flying horror-show. The best application technique I’ve found is the spray-on method. This provides the easiest method and most coverage, especially on those hard-to-reach body parts. Repellent can save you from other dangerous insects as well.
Here’s a run-down on what’s best in terms of repellent products, defense and application. (Spoiler: it’s DEET)

Insect Repellents

Most experts agree that insect repellents containing DEET (N,N-diethylmetatoluamide) are the most reliable and long-lasting. DEET repels mosquitoes, ticks, and other arthropods when applied to the skin or clothing.

• DEET formulations 30- 50% are recommended for both adults and children over 2 months of age.
• When using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and then repellent.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants tucked into socks, and hats to cover exposed skin.
• Inspect your body and clothing for ticks during outdoor activity and at the end of the day. Wear light-colored or white clothing so ticks can be more easily seen.
• Apply permethrin or other insect repellents, to clothing, shoes, tents, mosquito nets, and other gear for greater protection. Permethrin-treated clothing is effective for up to 5 washings.
• Be aware that mosquitoes that transmit malaria are most active between dusk and dawn. Stay in air-conditioned or well-screened housing, and/ or sleep under an insecticide treated bed net.

Insects & The Diseases They Transmit

• Fleas — Plague, Rickettsial Fevers, Tunga penetrans
• Flies — Leishmaniasis, River Blindness, Ricketssial Fevers, African Sleeping Sickness
• Kissing Bugs — Chagas Disease
• Mosquitoes — Chikungunya, Dengue, Filariasis, Japanese Encephalitis , Malaria, Yellow Fever
• Ticks — Lyme Disease, Tickborne Encephalitis, Viral Hemorrhagic Fever

Find out more about the insect-borne illnesses  Dengue Fever

Related posts:

Staying Healthy On The Road Part 1- Immunizations

Read More

Staying Healthy On The Road Part 1- Immunizations

When traveling internationally, be sure your immunizations are up to date. Some countries require proof of immunization for entry. The most common one that requires documentation is the yellow fever vaccine. Many international travelers get immunized for Hepatitis A and B as well.
If you’re unsure of what immunizations you’ll need for your particular trip, the best idea is to check with the experts at Center for Disease Control. Their wisdom can be found online at www.cdc.gov. The CDC should be your go-to source for what inoculations you’ll need for the destinations on your itinerary and also what anti-malarial requirements that may exist for the countries you’re visiting. The CDC also lists health hazards in different world regions—a resource your doctor may even turn to for advice of his own.
If you’re not sure what reservoir, swamp or jungle you’ll end up being close to, most major cities have special travel health clinics to get immunizations, advice and information locally. Search you destination in the ISTM global clinic directory here. Over 65 countries are represented.
If all that is not available to you, contact your primary doctor. He or she can should be able assist you by email or phone.

Read More

Camping Expedition in New Zealand- Tips and Tricks

Camping in New Zealand can be an expedition of a lifetime, regardless of whether you take a road trip or hiking. This is because you are guaranteed to savor some of the world's most spectacular and beautiful sites that New Zealand has to offer. Both islands have contrasting landscapes therefore it will be worthwhile for you to take time exploring both individually. During the night, you will not have to travel long distances to find accommodation since the New Zealand is dotted with campsites all over. Some of the popular campsites are Mayora Lakes, Waikaremoana Motor Camp, Kaiteriteri Beach, Marahau and the Coromandel Peninsula. However, to avoid disappointment, you will need to place your booking for a spot in the campsites well in advance.

 

There are certain parts where camping is allowed despite not being designated for such a purpose. But this has led to negative environmental impact (incorrect disposal of human waste and rubbish) owing to an influx of people and this has resulted in the local authorities as well as the government cracking down on this trend. One of the measures being taken is imposing of very high fines for those who set up camps in these prohibited areas. You will therefore have to be very vigilant and respectful to Mother Nature.

 

When packing for your New Zealand trip, you should use your common sense as it is definitely not going to be a fashion show. Fellow tourists and locals are used to seeing people adorned in their outdoor gear. It is therefore advisable that you invest in practical garments such as hiking boots, thermals, fleeces, zip off trousers and jackets that are waterproof. A sturdy backpack that has waist and chest belts (to ease the pressure off your shoulders) as well as support panels would be a welcome addition especially if you intend to hike a lot. To shield yourself from the rays of the sun, you should make a point of bringing a sunscreen lotion that is high strength as well as wide brim hat. Another must have would be an insect repellent either in cream or spray form since insects are a common phenomena in New Zealand.

 

Travelers to New Zealand find it easier to rent equipment without having to part with exorbitant amounts because the rental and tourism industries have developed over the years. This is owing to the fact that the country is not new to camping. For your road trip or travel to be worthwhile and



Queenstown New Zealand



comfortable, renting a camper van would be the ideal option. This is especially so for the elderly who do not find it comfortable sleeping in a tent. Various companies offer the caravan rental services and you are likely to find these companies at all the major airports in New Zealand. Once you rent one, ensure that you closely consult their user manual so that you are enlightened as to where to refuel the caravan as well as waste disposal procedures and locations. While in New Zealand, make sure you savor all the activities they have packaged for you like fishing, stargazing, boating and mountain biking. Make your expedition memorable and worthwhile.

• Image courtesy of federico stevanin at FreeDigitalPhotos.net (Hippy Van)
• Image courtesy of pakorn at FreeDigitalPhotos.net (Three Tents)
• Image courtesy of Vichaya Kiatying-Angsulee at FreeDigitalPhotos.net (Queenstown New Zealand)

Read More

The 4 Best Family Hiking Trails In North America

Taking a hike is probably the most popular thing to do while you are on a vacation. Many people do it for fitness irrespective of whether they are hitting the gym in the hotel or not. When you are hiking in North America you get to see some of the most beautiful views and encounter exciting wildlife. The hiking also gives an opportunity to the families to do something together. Some do it for plain relaxation while others do it to add a zing to their lives. The hiking trails in North America are renowned for the challenges it poses. Some of the most popular hiking destinations are as follows.

1) Yellowstone National Park
The Yellowstone National Park is a very popular family destination which boasts of a remarkable hiking trail. There is a wide range of trails to choose from but opt for the one which has the best waterfalls in the park. The trail which has the Mammoth Hot Springs is said to be very popular for families with kids. The park urges the people to bring their own bikes and use them on the trails. It is also recommended that you speak with a ranger before embarking on a trail and get all the information about the likely dangers that you may encounter and check whether you have the updated maps at your disposal. There is an entrance fee of $25 for people entering with vehicles and $12 for individual entry.

2) Appalachian National Scenic Trail
This one is a huge trail. The entire length is 2,175 miles and it is a real challenge to complete this even in a year. Although it is not recommended for short trips, hiking for any length on this trail gives real pleasure. You will get to see different scenery as you hike on this trail. Since there is no entrance fee you can hike at your pleasure from mountains to forests and fields. You can ask fellow hikers about their experience and gain valuable information about the trail.

3) Glacier National Park, Montana
If you are looking for a hiking trail that will also provide spectacular views then Glacier National Park is perfect for you. It has over 700 miles of hiking trails and some really amazing glaciers. There are many campsites and you can choose one to camp so that you can continue your hike in the morning. You can also take the help of a ranger who will guide you to the best hiking locations. Many come to Glacier National Park during the winter months for cross country skiing. There is entrance fee for $25 (summer) and $15 (winter) for vehicles. Individuals need to shell out $12 (summer) and $10 (winter).

4) Grand Canyon National Park
The Grand Canyon national park has a gruelling hiking trail and it will require tremendous mental and physical strength to handle it. You may opt for shorter trails or ask the ranger to guide you. The cell phone reception is next to nothing in this park so it is always advisable to take the help of a ranger. The cost for a vehicle is $25 and $12 for individuals.

Read More