How to Plan a Trip from Scratch

Although I'm not a Digital Nomad and do jiggle my many trips and travels around a day job, I did my share of travel planning and organizing, believe me.

After countless trips - long and short - I was really surprised when I read the other day a lady asking on Social Media for help where to begin planning her trip.

So I was analyzing and structuring what I've been doing without much overthinking for years and I put it in words and in chronological chapters so that everyone who is a newbie to travel planning can design the trip of their lifetime without the help of any of these big, costly companies.

So let's do this and start right away!

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Complete Itinerary for a Layover in LISBON

Have you read last week's post on the beautiful islands of Cape Verde?

Well, as I went there, my flight itinerary foresaw almost an entire day in Lisbon.
No problem: My luggage was checked through, the connection from the airport to the city center couldn't be any better - hooray for Lisbon!

View from the top of Arco da Rua Augusta on the Praça do Comércio.

Let me show you how you can squeeze in an inspiring citybreak of up to 24 hours - no matter what the weather forecast says.

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mini guide to MUNICH

Munich, capital of the federal state of Bavaria, stands, of course, for the famous beer and the Oktoberfest and is practically the epitome of Germany.

With about 1.5 million inhabitants, Munich is Germany's third largest city - after Berlin and Hamburg and a great gateway for trips to many idyllic lakes and mountains. But even the city center has a rather cozy feel to it - with parks and greeneries, the river Isar, many historic buildings and fantastic museums.

Mary overlooking the Marienplatz from her column. In the backdrop Munich's most iconic symbol, the Frauenkirche, Church of Our Lady - it cannot get more Bavarian.
(Photo: Nicknicknick97, München Marienplatz , CC BY-SA 4.0)

Since Munich also has Germany's second largest airport - after Frankfurt - chances are that you have a stopover here.

If you have a layover of at least six hours, make the most of it by taking a quick ride by commuter train into the city center. This guide will lead you to the most interesting and iconic places - whether rain or shine.

If your layover is too short to squeeze in a day trip downtown - no problem, just come back for a city break like e. g. a weekend trip. This way, you'll have enough time to explore all the points of interest listed in this

mini guide to Munich

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pack light and travel easy: my guidelines and tips

Yes, I wrote about this topic already a couple of weeks ago. But this time it's more complex since although I'll travel with carryon sized luggage, I will check it.

Dresses make every lady-traveller so....dressy.

This gives me more freedom of what to pack, however, it doesn't increase the space.

Let me give you some guidelines and tips on you how to pack light and travel easy - without becoming some sort of bindlestiff.

pack light and travel easy: my guidelines and tips

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24 hours in...AMSTERDAM

(Update December 2018)

This category 24 hours in... is designated to transform a - maybe forced - stay like a layover into a short extra-vacation. You'll see that my itinerary is so attractive and fun that you might postpone your connecting flight just to enjoy 24 hours in Amsterdam.

"Fietsen", Dutch for bicycles, everywhere in town.
Photo: Koen Smilde/iamsterdam.com

And if you're not on a layover at the capital of the Netherlands - well, you also can come visiting on purpose; even if it's only for...24 hours!

this way to read the whole story >>>

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24 hours in...MIAMI

I know it must sound totally out of line putting together an itinerary for only 24 hours for a city as big'n'busy as Miami.

Welcome to Miami - bienvenidos en Miami.

Fact is that Miami is a pivot point when it comes to travelling to Central and South America as well as the Caribbean Islands. Therefore, chances are that you have to spend a couple of hours or even one night her.

This is where my guide - for a sunny and for a rainy day - comes into the picture.

this way to read the whole story >>>

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24 hours in...MUNICH

(Update March 2019)

Munich, capital of the federal state of Bavaria, stands, of course, for the famous beer and the Oktoberfest and is practically the epitome of Germany.

With about 1.5 million inhabitants, Munich is Germany's third largest city - after Berlin and Hamburg and a great gateway for trips to many idyllic lakes and mountains. But even the city center has a rather cozy feel to it - with parks and greeneries, the river Isar, many historic buildings and fantastic museums.

Mary overlooking the Marienplatz from her column. In the backdrop Munich's most iconic symbol, the Frauenkirche, Church of Our Lady - it cannot get more Bavarian.
(Photo: Nicknicknick97, München Marienplatz , CC BY-SA 4.0)

Since Munich also has Germany's second largest airport - after Frankfurt - chances are that you have a stopover here.

If you have a layover of at least six hours, make the most of it by taking a quick ride by commuter train into the city center. This guide will lead you to the most interesting and iconic places - whether rain or shine.

If your layover is too short to squeeze in a day trip downtown - no problem, just come back for a city break like e. g. a weekend trip. This way, you'll have enough time to explore all the points of interest listed in this mini guide to Munich.

this way to read the whole story >>>

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24 hours in...Zagreb

You know like in all my "24 hours in...."-post I'm writing that there is so much more to see and one day is not enough? Well, when it comes to Zagreb, I don't. If you're not there for a conference, convention, or exhibition, a day is enough to cover the attractions, do some shopping, and have a meal of Zagorski Štrukli, dough - baked or boiled, sweet or salty - or Ćevapi, a type of traditional kebab.

So in this case,  the post is an itinerary for a layover or a shortstop on a road-trip way south e. g. to the Adriatic coast - as well as a complete guide for a city break.

this way to read the whole story >>>

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travelling in style - with hand luggage only

(Update January 2019)

End of this month, I'm going for three weeks to Sri Lanka; and this time, I'll finally try out travelling with hand luggage only.
Travelling light - yet in style.

Does this picture look familiar to you?
Wearing my favorite travel dress at the Singapore Art Museum, becoming one with the art.
(Photo: Mimi Green)

Actually, it won't be the first time that I'm leaving my kitchen sink at home: I've been travelling to several European countries with just one carry-on in tow - and not only because my cheapie-cheap flights did not include checking baggage. It seemed also more comfortable and manageable; after all, at some places, I spent only one night.

this way to read the whole story >>>

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travelling all bye:myself - five PROs and CONs

(Last Update July 2018)

When I've started my blog a bit over a year ago, it was mainly because I got asked so often about my solo travelling that I decided to share my experience not only with my friends but with everyone who might get inspired, informed, and benefit from it.

This picture was just too congruent to illustrate solo travel - you do not always walk alone!

Since then, I've been reading so many posts on solo travel, on how to do it, on where to go, on what to consider.
Over the past decades travelling solo, I've never noticed that hitting the road solo is such a complicated process with so many aspects to consider.
I picked a destination, I packed my bag, and off I went.
What a daredevil I seemed to be.

The other day, someone even contacted me since they want to 'raise awareness' for solo travel.
Raising awareness for solo travel - wow.
Has it really come to that? Is solo travel a disease? Are there awareness walks (which would nicely match with the cause 'travelling')?
Are you given sea blue awareness ribbons to stick to the lapel of your explorer vest?
Or is it just a disability, so you better travel to countries accessible for the impaired?

To me, solo travel was nothing more than buying a ticket for one.


this way to read the whole story >>>

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World's Most Complete Travel Information

One of the main reasons I started to blog was informing and helping others. I've been travelling for many years now and therefore had to face difficult situations and resolve minor and major problems. What really helps my travels going smoothly is my passion - yes: passion! - for planning and organizing.

While my first trips were still organized with the help of books, brochures, info material from tourist boards, and a generous share of luck, in the times of this new thing called internet that everybody is talking about, it became much easier - but also much less exciting.

this way to read the whole story >>>

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Paris Airport Charles de Gaulle: Instant Lounge, Instant Leisure

I didn't know anybody who was excitedly looking forward to a stopover in Paris - notably at Charles de Gaulle airport.

Soyez bienvenus at the - free! - transfer lounge of Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
It's not only comfy and cozy, it's most of all hyper classy!
(Photo: Gwen Le Bras / Aéroports de Paris SA)

Well, this changed dramatically, and I'm here to show you what you are missing out on when you choose not to stop there.

this way to read the whole story >>>

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a few words about learning a few words

Considering that at least in Germany babbel.com is advertising a lot, to my surprise I don't know anybody actually learning with this online tool.

A pictogram might be the last resort when you are unfamiliar with a language; but to get to know a country and its people, you should rather use words - their words.

Anybody but me that is. And I will tell you why I love using it.

this way to read the whole story >>>

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How to Plan a Trip from Scratch

(Updated May 2019)

Although I'm not a Digital Nomad and do jiggle my many trips and travels around a day job, I did my share of travel planning and organizing, believe me.

After countless trips - long and short - I was really surprised when I read the other day a lady asking on Social Media for help where to begin planning her trip.

So I was analyzing and structuring what I've been doing without much overthinking for years and I put it in words and in chronological chapters so that everyone who is a newbie to travel planning can design the trip of their lifetime without the help of any of these big, costly companies.

And once you've done it for one destination, it will be a piece of cake doing it for the next one. And the next. And the next. Because, actually, life is long enough for more than just the one trip of a lifetime.

this way to read the whole story >>>

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24 hours in...Vienna

On my last flight to Vienna, I was surprised how many passengers were on their way to farther destinations, i.e. in Austria's capital only on a layover. Therefore, after having already publish an extended article on my stay, I put together my best tips in this "24 hours in..."-post.

Majestic Vienna: At the Imperial Apartments of the "Albertina"

As usual, it's meant as an itinerary for just a layover or a short stop on a road-trip through Europe: Austria has eight(!) neighboring countries*!


If you have more time to enjoy Vienna, don't miss my recent post!

this way to read the whole story >>>

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24 hours in...Bangkok

After my stopover in Bangkok on the way back from my travels through Cambodia, I'm now ready to share my best tips in this brand-new "24 hours in..."-post. As usual, it's ment for just a layover or a very short break on a trip through Thailand.

Bangkok's most important sight Wat Phra Keo, part of the Royal Palace, is a must-see - whether rain or shine.

Of course in 24 hours you'll see just a fraction of all the attractions this bustling mega-city has to offer. So if you're staying longer or want to try out more, check out the Bangkok-section in my Thailand-post.

this way to read the whole story >>>

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How to Survive your First Day in Hanoi

How to Survive your First Day in Hanoi

It was our first day in Hanoi and Justina and I were keen to get up early and explore the city. The night before, Chris recommended an early morning walk to the lake. "It is about 5-10 minutes from here. It’s really easy to get to, just go down the street and take a right, then follow the big one-way road right to the lake,” said Chris

“Perfect, thanks Chris!” Justina and I replied in unison.

As self-proclaimed “seasoned travelers”, an early morning stroll to the lake was going to be a breeze for us…or so we thought. Once we reached the lake, it didn’t take long for us to find ourselves lost in the city of Hanoi. Relying solely on Google maps and the advice of well-meaning (but non-English speaking) locals, we attempted to navigate our way from the lake, back to the hostel.

 Trúc Bạch Lake, Vietnam

After 30 minutes of wrong turns and following our Google map through a sea of motorbikes with no familiar landmarks in sight, the panic began to set in. With every new street appearing identical to the last and only 10 minutes until our morning meeting, we began to worry that we may never find our hostel. Luckily we were able to catch a ride with a cyclo driver who (eventually) got us where we needed to be. In hindsight, there are many lessons to be learned from getting lost in a new city. Here are ours:

1. Bring a physical map

Google maps can be a great resource for making your way around a new city, but following a little dot on a small screen can prove to be challenging in certain situations, especially when walking through side streets or paths off the beaten track. If you are keen on using Google maps, make sure to have a physical map on you, and have your destinations plotted in advance. This can help with avoiding mishaps like the one we had today on our mini-adventure.

2. Know the local language

When traveling to a new country where the local language is not your native tongue, communication is key to a smooth experience. Understanding basic words and phrases, including directions, can prevent you from miscommunications that could lead you in the wrong direction. You’ll be surprised at how much time and energy you can save by knowing how to say phrases like “where can I find...” or “I want to go to...”.

3. Agree on your price before getting on the cyclo

Riding a Cyclo in Vietnam

Our cyclo driver today happened to be extremely kind and honest, but that may not always be the case. When travelling in countries where bartering is commonplace, proceed with caution by agreeing on a price with your driver before jumping into any vehicle. This will ensure that you are not left to pay a hefty price for a short journey.

4. Take a photo of the intersecting street signs near your hostel/hotel.

Street Signs in Vietnam 

If there was one thing that saved us today, it was having a photo of the intersecting street signs that were near our hostel. Our cyclo driver was not familiar with the name of our hostel, and could not identify the location by referring to Google maps, so having a picture of the intersection where our hostel was located, really helped him get us home.

5. Look both ways before crossing the street, and then look again!

Crossing the street in Hanoi is like playing a real life game of frogger. With motorcycles and taxis coming at you in both directions, the only way to get around the city without getting hit is by “just going for it”.  Saying this, the keys tips that we learned are:

1.     Look both ways before you go

2.     Walk slowly

3.     Walk in a straight line, and;

4.     Don’t hesitate or change your pace

You may find that you will get honked at a lot, but rest assured that more often than not, the drivers just want to inform you that they are there. In Hanoi, traffic lights are a rarity and traffic rules are more like guidelines, and the road is alive! Make sure you pay close attention!

6. Stay calm

Staying calm was a key factor in us getting back to our hostel. Getting lost in a foreign city can be extremely stressful and it is easy to panic when you encounter difficult or confusing situations. If you do find yourself in an unpleasant situation, take a few deep breaths, and then stop to assess the problem. Sometimes, our adrenaline can make the issue appear worse than it is. By stabilizing your mental and emotional state, you’ll be able to make better judgments and get yourself out of sticky situations.

7. Cake for breakfast is always a good idea!

Eating Cake in Hanoi, Vietnam

In a moment of calm during the storm, we stopped for some delicious cake from a local bakery. So, this isn’t really a lesson, but our last piece of advice is to enjoy your trip! If you don’t normally divulge in sweets, this is the time to do it! What happens in Hanoi stays in Hanoi…except those extra few pounds, you’re probably going to take that back home with you. So I guess the moral of the story here is that, when in doubt, eat some cake!

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How to Travel Responsibly

“Responsible Travel” - We’re willing to bet that you’ve seen these two words a whole lot recently. Travel companies talk about their responsible travel policies, travel bloggers post about how they champion responsible travel on the road. Those entrenched in the travel industry talk about these two words a lot.

But while so many of us “hum” and “haw” over how to be more responsible with travel, the uninitiated are often asking, “But what is responsible travel?”

This is a great question, and one that we sometimes forget to answer clearly and simply. But that’s the thing – responsible travel, at its core, isn’t complicated. Responsible travel is just our way of referring to travel that respects, sustains and limits the negative impact of travel on local communities and environments.

But for a traveller like you, how can you be a champion of responsible travel? It starts with simple but important changes you make to your itinerary – and the team at Buffalo Tours is here to help you do it.

To help you be a more responsible traveller on your next trip, check out this visual primer to Responsible Travel. Don’t forget to spread the word – one share can start an important conversation about changing the way we travel!

Embedded from Buffalo Tours Travel Blog

Respect Wildlife

Remember – people aren’t the only communities that are in danger of exploitation with mass tourism. Make sure you do your research before booking wildlife excursions and experiences. Good companies will have a responsible wildlife policy that guides their operations. Don’t be afraid to ask to see their policy!

Save Every Drop

During your visit, think about ways to limit your water consumption. At hotels, avoid laundering sheets and towels too frequently. Try to shorten your showers, and contribute to local initiatives in your destination that advocate for water conservation.

Change Your Commute

Skip the taxis and tourist buses for city excursions, and head out by foot, bicycle or public transportation instead! Not only are these more environmentally-friendly alternatives for your commute, but they’re also great ways to get in touch with a local culture and get a bit of exercise, too!

Focus on Culture

We all love a beach getaway or a resort visit, but make sure your visit includes some cultural experiences, too. Find ways to learn about local culture during your visit – try food tours, homestays and workshops with the locals!

Ask Questions

One of the coolest things about travel is the ability to communicate with people from entirely different walks of life. Seek out ways to ask questions and talk to the locals. Private tour leaders are a great way to do it – they’ll help you tackle the language barrier and make a true and lasting connection.

Share Your Culture

Learning about a destination’s culture is just the first step. Often times, locals are just as interested in learning about your culture, too. Fostering a sense of empathy and understanding with people around the world helps us build bridges that too often separate us.

Invest in Local Culture

Think about how you spend your travel dollar – and do what you can to make it count toward building up the local economy. Eat at locally-owned restaurants, buy directly from local artisans and use travel companies who champion local employment. Think global, act local!

Empower Communities

Charities can do a lot of good in the developing world, but there are even more ways to contribute to the lasting development of a community. Support initiatives that create sustainable income and infrastructure for local communities – including CBT Vietnam's homestay projects that provide fair and lasting income for communities who rarely have access to tourism dollars.

Donate Carefully

Remember that your travel dollars can contribute to something bigger during your travels. Rather than giving money to children on the street, consider donating instead to programs that provide housing, training and support for their families instead. Check out the amazing work of Friends International for some great options in Asia.

Check out this original story on the Buffalo Tours Travel Blog by clicking here!


Guest Post Courtesy of:

Author: Karen Hewell

Bio: As a Content Lead for Buffalo Tours, Karen helps tell stories about destinations, travel tips and responsible travel. As one of the largest and most established travel companies in Asia, Buffalo Tours is leading the way in making tourism in Asia more sustainable.

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5 Reasons to Stay at a Homestay in Sapa, Vietnam

5 Reasons You Should Stay at a Homestay in Sapa, Vietnam

Ms. May Kieu's Homestay in the Taphin Village

1. Cost

When searching for hotel accommodations in Sapa, you’ll be looking at spending $18-$127 per night. If you’re expecting a certain level of comfort, then homestays may not be right for you, but keep in mind that even with hotels, you never know exactly what you’re going to get. If you’re going for a homestay however, you’ll be looking at spending just $10-20 per night, and that’s with meals included! Food and accommodation as a package when living at a homestay costs a fraction of what you would pay for at a hotel (depending on the hotel). That leaves a lot more room to splurge on other things, like authentic handicrafts made by the local women as souvenirs for your friends and family back home!

2. Culture

Food preparation at Ms. Ly May Phuong's homestay in the Taphin Village

Sure, you can get a taste of the Vietnamese culture by strolling down the streets and reading a guidebook, but staying with a family will allow you to see the behind-the-scenes moments that most tourists just don’t get to see. Living with a local host gives you insight and perspective on how they really live, act, and feel by being fully immersed in their culture. This is something you just can’t experience from staying at a hotel.

3. Insider tips

Not only will you be able to see how these amazing ethnic minority cultures live, but also, chances are, if you build a friendship with them, they will let you in on some insider tips and secrets. Getting to know the locals can give you the opportunity to really enhance your experience abroad. If you’re new to a culture, you may not know where to start, what to do, or where to go. That’s where they come in. Ask your hosts for their thoughts and advice on what things you can do while you’re there, and you might just discover the best pho spot ever…yum!

4. Learn the language

It’s no secret that he best way to learn a language is to be fully immersed in it. Homestays offer you that very unique opportunity to learn the local language. Ask your hosts if they are up for a language exchange. They can teach you basics of their language in exchange for some English lessons. Most of them already speak English well, but you can always teach them more. You can also ask them to refrain from using English for basic conversations, that way you are forced to talk back in their language! Not only is it actually useful to know the local language while you’re there, but it will make you look pretty cool when you’re back home too!

5. Home cooked foods

A delicious home-cooked meal at Ms. Chao Ta May's home in the Taphin Village

Few things beat a home cooked meal. In fact, food is often considered a language of love; we cook for those we love and share meals with those important to us. Meal sharing at a local’s home has now become a popular option amongst travelers who are looking for a more personal experience, especially with the birth of meal sharing apps like EatWith and MealSharing. If you’re staying at a homestay though, you can skip the formalities because the hosts will be the one preparing the meals! If you’re up for it, try offering to help them prepare the food or ask them to teach you their recipes. This will help strengthen your friendship and make the experience even more extraordinary. And, of course, you will learn some delicious recipes to take home!

Those are our 5 reasons why you should stay at a homestay while you're in Sapa, Vietnam! Not yet convinced? Hop on over to our “Homestays” page on our website for more information on the homestays that are currently being offered. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to answer them.

And finally, as always, be respectful to your hosts and their culture. You may experience culture shock when you're there, but as long as you stay open-minded, you will have an incredible time!

Good luck!

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