prairie girl musings

Tag: travelling

11 Ways To Make Long Haul Travel Bearable

If you love travelling or simply live in a far-flung country (like New Zealand) long haul flights are inevitable. I’ve been travelling back and forth between Canada and New Zealand (and everywhere in between) for the past ten years and it doesn’t get any easier. That said, I have picked up a few tips along the way and have learned how make the journey more bearable…

Choose your seat ahead of time
For flights longer than two hours; I always opt for the aisle seat. It could be that I’m particularly restless, but I need to get up every hour or so to walk around. I also drink plenty of water and prefer not disturbing fellow passengers when I need to go to the bathroom.

Pack the perfect carry-on
I now give more attention to my carry-on than my checked luggage, ensuring I’ve got a toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, a face towel and plenty of moisturiser (face and body). Lately I’ve been packing sheet masks as well because they are such a simple luxury when you have nowhere to be. I probably wouldn’t bust one out on a busy flight, but recently, on a flight to Shanghai, I had a whole row to myself and indulged in a moisturising mask that didn’t need to be washed off. Rather than leaving the plane feeling like a shrivelled up raisin, I left feeling rejuvenated and fresh.

Travel off-peak
In previous years, I’d always try to go home for Christmas. However, in the past few years, I’ve been travelling off-peak and reaping the rewards. This year I’m heading home for Canadian Thanksgiving, which can be a busy time to travel domestically, but it’s super quiet internationally (it’s on a different day than American Thanksgiving). Whenever I travel during the off-season, the plane is empty and I often have an entire row to myself or in the very least, an extra seat.

Make the most of airline loyalty
I used to religiously fly Air Canada or basically any airline on the Star Alliance network, which proved extremely beneficial. I’d often get upgraded to business premiere when flying internationally. I haven’t had any upgrades in awhile (hint, hint Air Canada), but since changing to an Air New Zealand credit card, Nick was upgraded on a recent flight from Los Angeles and managed to get an entire night’s rest. Lucky! We also always get free lounge passes (neither of us are Koru Club members). If you can opt for an Airpoints credit card, do it because it makes travel so much better.

Break it up
I don’t book two back-to-back long haul flights if I can avoid it. Flying for nearly 24 hours straight isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time and the recovery time gets longer as you get older. If you’re flying from say England to New Zealand, try to see if you can fit in a one to two night stopover to break it up. Not only will you get to see a whole new place, you’ll look forward to the second leg of your journey a whole lot more!

Exercise before you fly
This is a tip I picked up from my dad, but I always try to go for a run or do a quick workout before I fly. Not only does it tire me out, it’s a nice way to get outside before being cooped up on a plane for several hours. It also makes me feel better about the lack of exercise I’ll be getting over the next day or so.

Pack a comfy change of clothes
Someone once told me that those who are dressed nicely (ie. those who look like business travellers) are more likely to get upgraded. I don’t know whether or not that’s true, but I usually try to look somewhat presentable when I’m boarding an international flight. I’ll always pack a change of clothes that are comfier than what I’m wearing, so I can get cosy during the flight.

Download your favourite podcasts and movies
Never have I do I ever get so into podcasts as when I travel. Lately, I’ve been listening to Jenna Kutcher’s Goaldigger Podcast and have picked up so many tips for my business and my blog.

Train your brain
Long-haul flying is a bit of a mind game. If you’re in the right headspace, you can trick yourself into enjoying it. I always look forward to reading the books I’ve packed and listening to new podcasts. Sometimes the entertainment available is so good, I manage to fit in two movies that I would have easily paid to see in cinemas.

Uninterrupted thinking
One of the best things about long-haul flights is the quiet thinking time you have to work through whatever it is you’re dealing with. I often come up with business ideas and plans while in the air away from the distractions of every day life.

Sleep and meditate
We all know that staying hydrated and avoiding too much caffeine and wine is key before, during and after flying. But maintaining your sanity whilst in the air requires a decent amount of sleep and likely a bit of mindfulness, If you’re an uneasy flyer, I encourage you to download meditation and mindfulness apps like Calm or Headspace. It’ll help pass the time and remind you of the exciting things ahead.

Well, there you have my top tips for more enjoyable long haul travel. If you’re still struggling, remind yourself how fortunate you are to be on a plane heading somewhere new and exciting (or maybe heading home to see your loved ones). It’s a cliché for a reason, but the journey is as important as the destination!

Photos by Carmen Huter

September 12, 2018
Hong Kong Happenings

I had contemplated an extended layover in Hong Kong for awhile. However, with the Canadian dollar being so weak at the moment, I was initially apprehensive. After two weeks in Vietnam, Hong Kong’s prices felt noticeably high. Fortunately, we were only there for a few days and managed to survive in a teeny tiny hotel room for four nights.

Hong Kong has something for everyone. It’s a hub of activity and an eclectic mix of culture and consumerism. I was dying to experience both the old and new. Travellers will appreciate the traditional diners and eateries, the vibrant nightlife, the extraordinary views, and the seemingly infinite markets of Kowloon.

Sightseeing & Activities/

The Kowloon markets are so much fun and come in all shapes and sizes. Without a doubt, the flower markets were our favourite. We spent hours perusing the beautiful blooms on display and regretted not being able to take anything home with us.

Be sure to check out the Goldfish Market and Bird Market, both are unconventional and interesting, and the Ladies Market for souvenirs.

Hong Kong is known for its shopping and nightlife, but most of the brands are similar to what you’d find in North America and Europe. With our dollar being so weak, we steered clear of the malls and ventured to the aforementioned markets. If you’re looking to drop some cash, Causeway Bay is a good place to start.

Whatever you do, make sure you hike (rather than taking the tram) up to The Peak. It’s a fantastic workout and the spectacular view provides the perfect reward.

While most tour books highly recommend day tripping to see Big Buddha, we decided to give it a miss. Natalie had already been and I was satisfied with the Buddhas we had already seen in Vietnam. Maybe one day I’ll go back!

Eat/

The food scene in Hong Kong blew me away. Traditional diners, where not a word of English is spoken, sit alongside trendy cafés and ultra modern ice cream parlours that delight both the eyes and the tastebuds.

Oddies Foodies: My favourite spot, by far, was Oddies! The tiny storefront on Wan Chai Road is usually jam-packed with locals and tourists. The Hong Kong-style waffles look as good as they taste!

Via Tokyo: If matcha’s your thing, you’ll love Via Tokyo. The matcha soft-serve here is drool-worthy. And for those who prefer soft-serve in other variations, they’ve got that too!

Mido Cafe: This timeless cafe is straight out of the movies, in fact many Hong Kong movies were filmed here. The mint interior is timeless and charming. The food isn’t anything special, but the atmosphere makes up for it.

Little Bao: I’m bao-obsessed, and this place came highly recommended by several people. After a particularly gruelling hike up to the Peak, Natalie and I were craving something a little different. She had the vegetarian bao and I had the pork belly, and we were both thoroughly impressed by both the quality of the baos and the super friendly service.

Grassroots Pantry: After all the ice cream we’d inhaled, it was time to replenish with some greens. Grassroots Pantry, with its swoon-worthy interior and plating, is the place to do it.

Hello Kitty Chinese Café: While Natalie and I were the only adults there without children in tow, all my childhood dreams came true at the HK restaurant in Kowloon. The wait is worth it for the Hello Kitty dumplings, buns, cutlery and decor.

Coffee/

After drinking way too much Vietnamese coffee (usually instant coffee with condensed milk), I appreciated the vibrant cafe culture in Hong Kong.

The Cupping Room: The tiled floors at the Wan Chai branch are as iconic as the flat whites. Breakfast here also deserves a mention!

Elephant Grounds: Another solid option for fantastic coffee. Their ice cream also looked delicious, but I didn’t have a chance to try it!

Stay/

We had a bit of drama with our accommodation (which was no one’s fault but my own) and ended up staying at Mini Hotel – Causeway Bay. While the walls are paper-thin and the rooms are smaller than my closet, the location was perfect, which is really what I’m all about.

February 25, 2016
DETROIT IS NOT DEAD

This is a love letter to Detroit.

It’s not a place for the faint of heart; it’s not Disneyland, the Mall of America, or the Las Vegas strip.

Detroit is gritty and honest; perhaps the most honest place I’ve ever been. It’s both new and old, beautiful and broken.

A trip to Detroit will leave you haunted yet invigorated, and its authenticity may alarm you.

*

“Don’t go to Detroit, you’ll get stabbed,” they said.

“It’s the most dangerous place in America,” they said.

“Detroit filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection last year,” they said.

Detroit is a dichotomy. Yes, there are abandoned buildings, lots of them. Yes, there is decay and poverty, lots of it. But the people of Detroit haven’t given up on their city, and neither should you.

Signs of new development and community projects include Dequindre Cut Greenway, The Heidelberg Project, the bicycle lanes (yes, this auto centric city is actually big on cycling), a thriving new business scene, which includes standouts like Slows Bar BQ, Astro Coffee, Sugar House, Motor City Brew Works, El Dorado General Store, Anthology Coffee, and Trinosophes. Of course, the Eastern Market (oldest and biggest of its kind in America) is still a must-visit. Talk to any of the young creatives who inhabit this city, and their energy will inspire you.

My favourite brunch was at Parks and Rec Diner, newly opened and housed in the iconic G.A.R. building!

As far as where to stay, I’d suggest booking Honor & Folly, a design-focused bed and breakfast right above Slows!

Detroit was shaped by risk takers and visionaries. A quick visit to the Henry Ford museum and the Ford Rouge Factory will provide you with some context of how this industrial city was shaped. I can’t overstate how the rise and fall of the automobile is at the core of Detroit’s demise. The factory still pumps out F150s according to dealership orders, and every employee can answer any question you might have about Henry and the automotive industry. There’s even a rooftop garden you can visit as part of the tour.

A visit to Corktown (where we stayed) will surely surprise you. Detroit’s oldest neighbourhood is experiencing a revival with the influx of restaurants, public artworks, markets, and parks. We happened upon a modern marching band festival, “Crash Detroit” while exploring the area. We sipped cocktails made from local ingredients while gazing up at the both derelict and awe-inspiring Michigan Central Station. Unlike Toronto, which is highly regulated, the security guard at Crash Detroit encouraged us to leave the beer garden to dance and mingle. “Enjoy yourselves, this is Detroit after all.”

July 21, 2014
Global Friends. Part II: TORONTO

Hi friends!

This is the second post in a three-part series.

I. Saskatchewan

After an eventful few days in Saskatchewan, Ashleigh’s journey continued on to Toronto; Canada’s largest city and economic hub, and where Nick and I currently reside. The polar vortex (read: your average Canadian winter) was in full effect, and Ash braved the -30 degree weather like a champ.

The trip included a stop to see the Niagara Falls, a must for any international visitor! I’ve been twice in the past two months, and the splendour of the falls continues to thrill me.

We also enjoyed lunch at one of Canada’s oldest pubs at Niagara-on-the-Lake. This picturesque town offers a multitude of vineyards and better dining options than touristy Niagara Falls.

Toronto is a big city, but luckily we had a solid week to show our international guest the sights of the Big Smoke. Ashleigh’s favourite part of the city was a toss-up between Kensington Market, where the Jewish community initially immigrated upon moving to Canada. She loved the colourful neighbourhood and vintage shopping. We also stopped for a tea and coffee break at Wanda’s Pie in the Sky.

She was also partial to Parkdale and Roncesvalles, two neighbourhoods that are in the process of gentrification. The result is an intriguing mix of old and new, where old Polish diners stand between trendy eateries, hip cafés, and boutique shopping. We did some damage at the locally-owned boutiques and specialty shops. If you haven’t tried a doughnut from Gloryhole (don’t let the outrageously offensive name deter you!), and a cappuccino from Cherry Bomb, you’re seriously missing out.

Toronto is a foodie’s dream with eclectic dining options for all palettes. We caught up for brunch with Mary, a fellow Torontonian who we met in New Zealand. We ventured to Dundas West (also on the brinks of gentrification) on one of the coldest days of the year for brunch at The Federal. The charming restaurant offers an excellent twist on the classic eggs benedict, the Eggs Federal, and bottomless coffee. It was the perfect way to start the morning.

I almost always fail to mention this when describing Ashleigh’s visit to Toronto, but she was fascinated by The PATH. The underground pedestrian mall was her saviour when leaving Union Station for my apartment. She even requested a photo or five:

Our favourite dinner was at La Carnita on College Street, a Mexican restaurant that pairs street art with street food. And let me tell ya, their street corn is my favourite thing on the menu. You need to try it! We finished off the night with drinks in the historic Distillery District and a drive to Cherry Street where you can see the city skyline from music venue, Sound Academy.

What are some of your must-see Toronto spots for international (and Canadian) tourists?

Let me know in the comments below!

Until next time,
Vanessa

February 3, 2014
Next Stop: Chicago

Chicago’s been on my list of must-see cities since my family visited (sans moi) a few years ago. Granted, I was living in New Zealand at the time, so passing up on a few North American trips didn’t seem like such a big deal. Nevertheless, I’m looking forward to visiting the Windy City! I’m especially excited to see Chicago’s outdoor public art, something it’s known for around the world. Chicagoans truly take pride in their city, which makes it such an amazing city to visit. My New Yorker cousin (who formerly lived in San Francisco and Toronto) said that she loves Chicago because even the homeless marvel at their city: “Would ya look at that sculpture? It’s beautiful!”

My sisters and I will arrive in Chi-Town tonight, and I’ve already drafted up a list of things for us to do. Of course, there won’t be much time for sightseeing as we’ll be in meetings all day, but a girl can dream:

1. Ukrainian Cathedrals: I can’t wait to check out the majestic domes that peek out over the treetops in the Ukrainian Village of Chicago.

2. Pilsen Murals

3. Spend an hour perusing the Randolph Street Market

4. Grab a coffee at The Wormhole on Milwaukee Avenue

5. Indulge in a slice of Chicago’s deep dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s

6. Sit down for well-crafted cocktail at The Violet Hour.

7. Warm up with a hot chocolate from Hot Chocolate.

8. Check out the Chicago skyline atop the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower).

9. Enjoy a rooftop drink at our hotel’s bar.

10. While there’s no shortage of good breakfast places in Chicago, I’ve heard that Bongo Room serves the perfect laidback morning feast.

11. Visit Tribune Campus at the Illinois Institute of Technology.

Have you ever been to Chicago? What are some must-sees and dos for a non-tourist traveller?

For frequent updates, follow my Instagram and Twitter accounts!

xoxo, Vanessa

September 27, 2013