Quirky Traveller's Tales

Many tourists book their holidays in Cambodia purely because of their desire to visit UNESCO World Heritage Site – Angkor Wat. The awe-inspiring temples were constructed in the 12^th century by the Khmer people and really have to be seen to be believed which explains why each year over a million tourists flock to Siem Reap.

Photo by Dave Perkes

Although Angkor Wat is an incredible and unforgettable experience, the nearby town of Siem Reap is also well worth a few days of your time. Here are a few of our recommendations for more unusual places to visit and things to do in this interesting city.

1 – Balloon Ride over Angkor Wat

If you have never experienced a hot air balloon ride than what better place to start than by silently gliding above these ancient temples. Not only will you escape the crowds of tourists and touts at the site but you will get a fascinating birds eye view which allows you to fully comprehend the size of the site. The views of Angkor Wat and the city beyond will stay with you for some time.

2 – Landmine Museum

From the times of the Khmer Rouge to the Vietnamese occupation – Cambodia has a war torn past. In fact, it wasn’t considered safe for tourists to visit until the 1990’s. The country is littered with millions of unexploded landmines and other objects that were left behind by the decades of conflict. As you explore Siem Reap you will be greeted by sights of injured landmine victims who are a testament to just how dangerous landmines are to this day.

The Landmine Museum was founded by a former child soldier whose parents were killed by the Khmer Rough and is staffed by victims and orphans of landmines. A wander around this fascinating museum will give you a sobering insight in to what life was like in Cambodia only a short time ago.

3 – Kampong Phluk

Photo by Ewen Bel

Just 13 miles from Siem Reap is Kampong Phluk, a fishing village constructed entirely on stilts in the swamps that surround Tonle Sap – the largest lake in Cambodia. This is still somewhat a hidden gem as the majority of tourists are distracted by the charms of Angkor Wat. This means that the village remains an authentic place to go to get a glimpse into Khmer life away from the influence of heavy tourism.

4 – Military Shooting Range

It might not be everyone’s cup of tea but if you have ever wanted to fire a gun, this is the place to go. It will take you 40 minutes to get here from Siem Reap and you will be greeted by ex-soldiers who will talk you through the weapons and how to use them. You can fire AK47’s, throw hand grenades and if you have the money you can try out a Soviet made rocket launcher.

Photo by Matthew Hooper

Although Angkor Wat is undeniably the biggest attraction in Siem Reap, stay a few more days and discover some of its other, more unusual charms.

This article is brought to you by travel writer John Gainer, who’s has enjoyed travelling since he was a young boy when his parents first took him to visit family overseas. Since leaving home, John has tracked down family all over the world and regularly jets off to far away lands to experience new foods and cultures.

You might feel stuck in the wrong groove & feeling temporarily glum, or perhaps you’ve been struggling with unhappiness all your life; many of us feel caged in at some point. While it’s always worth seeking professional depression advice if you’re suffering, backpacking offers many of the lifestyle changes that are typically prescribed for anyone who’s feeling low.

Exercise & fresh air

Photo by Chantal Forster

When you’re at home, it’s easy to get into the habit of staying there, especially if you live in a rainy country, or in a city whose parks contain more urban grit than trees & ponds. Exercise stimulates the production of seratonin, the brain chemical that makes us feel good. It burns off tense energy that’s hanging around unused in your muscles, & gets oxygen pumping further into brain & body, making us feel more alert & generally healthier.

It also increases your metabolism – nothing like a little weight loss to cheer you up on a grey day. Backpacking, especially on a budget, necessarily involves much wandering around, be you sightseeing in a city (where, admittedly, the air might not be quite so fresh) or clambering through the jungle. Exposure to nature, a well-known mood-enhancer, is another excellent side effect of backpacking in the rural & wilder countries

Meet new people, & observe different lifestyles

Photo by Derrick Story

If your colleagues are a bunch of pessimists & your entire family is addicted to X-Factor, it might be time to seek out some alternative points of view. There’s nothing quite like making new friends on the backpacking trail, be they fellow travellers, folk who make a living running hostels or selling supplies & trinkets, or the everyday people you meet on the bus. It’s infinitely refreshing to discover genuinely friendly & helpful strangers. Always follow strong personal safety measures – confidence that you’re self-protected from sad or annoying accidents will let you enjoy your travels – but try to engage with people, & venture further than the English-speaking bars & cafes so common on the backpacker trail.

The chance to help others

Photo by Chantal Forster

Working for a good cause helps you too – from the self-esteem that comes with experience gained, to the friends you’ll make in the process. If something about the world upsets you – orphaned orang-utans, habitat destruction, girls who can’t get an education – then it’s undoubtedly been bothering some of the rest of us, too. Seek out charitable or voluntary organisations where you can spend time working directly with those in need, for all or part of your backpacking trip. If you can’t commit enough time for this, or you’ve yet to encounter a convincing “cause”, look out as you travel – many excellent endeavours are too local to achieve international fame, & you might be able to make an impromptu contribution while you’re out there.

Constant change of scene

Photo by Chantal Forster

It can sound a little trite when a perpetually chirpy person suggests that “perhaps you all you need is a change of scene”. But don’t go underestimating that change of scene. There’s nothing like staring at the same workstation every weekday for several years to really grind a person’s spirit. Discovering that the world does not look like your home town is one of the most liberating experiences available; backpacking, especially when you step off the tourist trail & encounter daily life, provides a fabulous string of new scenes, which will fuel memories, inspiration & conversation for months, if not years, on your return home.

The article is brought to you by Greatvine, a team whose sole focus is finding the best experts in anxiety, depression and other related health and wellness issues, so you don’t have to!

With so many iconic places to visit, holidays in Vietnam can be difficult to plan for. It is a country with deep history and interest; one with such natural beauty that every city and town has a huge amount to offer. However, no trip to Vietnam’s is complete without a visit to its capital city, Hanoi.

Hanoi City by David Conger

Located in the centre of Vietnam, Hanoi is an old city of great cultural importance, growing in popularity with tourists every year. It is one of the most captivating and atmospheric cities in Southeast Asia, with something to entertain and inspire all visitors. The weather is favourable throughout the year, though it is hottest between May and August so it’s best avoided then if you’re not a fan of humid weather. Flights fly directly into Hanoi Airport and it’s easily accessible by rail and road, meaning it’s the perfect gateway to the rest of your journey around Vietnam.

Explore Hanoi’s History

An absolute must-see is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – a tribute and museum to the infamous Communist leader and for many, it’s an important place of pilgrimage to their former leader. The Mausoleum itself is an absolutely remarkable sight and in a similar style to the mausoleums of Lenin and Stalin. Here you’ll learn the history of Ho Chi Minh and can view his body on display in a glass case, a memorable experience in itself as you slowly file past the heavily guarded body.  There is, however, a strict dress and behaviour code so make yourself aware of these before you visit. It’s also worth taking a trip to the Presidential Palace, a stunning example of architecture built by the French colonialists, where Ho Chi Minh refused to stay during his trips to Hanoi. Another place many refused to stay in, though some had no choice, is the infamous Hanoi Hilton. It was here that the American POWs were brought during the Vietnam War and whilst it has been largely demolished, a section still exists and has been preserved as a museum.

Enjoy Hanoi’s Culture

Hanoi Pagoda by David Conger

If you want to kick back and relax, Hanoi also offers many opportunities to do so. There’s the tranquil and serene walks around the many lakes the city has to offer, exploring pagodas and taking in exquisitely built bridges. If you want to experience something far more modern, it’s off to the shops.  Hanoi has been named as one of the top 10 places in Asia for shopping and there’s much here to delight the shopaholic, though you may have to rein it in to ensure you’re still able to carry your backpack!  Hanoi also has a thriving nightlife, with many karaoke bars, theatres and cinemas across the city and also numerous festivals to experience throughout the year.

Hanoi at night by Flipnomad

Top 5 things to do in Hanoi

1) Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

2) Take a trip to the Hanoi Hilton

3) Explore Colonial Hanoi

4) Visit an iconic pagoda

5) Go shopping!

Hanoi Market by Fahara

This article is brought to you by Natalie Likness.  She got her love of travel at an early age due to a trip abroad before she was even born! Having close family and making friends across the world, she has continued to travel ever since.

Lincoln City

Lincoln Cathedral

Restoration of southern turret and St Hugh’s statue: A two-dimensional saint’s eye-view of the city spreads out beside a photo montage of the dedicated  rescue team.

Organ practice: Sublime music rumbles along the Episcopal runway, falters, stops, starts again and soars into immense grandeur.

The Forces Chapel:  Two kneeling soldiers bow their wooden heads as ancient flags droop in memorium.

St Hugh & The Imp:   A saint’s head is venerated below a mischievous stone image.

Kathryn Swynford, wife of John Of Gaunt: The mistress of a Duke and mother of Kings sleeps eternally in a wooden shrine. 

Choral evensong: Rumbustuous schoolboys transform into Christmas card choristers as their voices charm the stone angels above. 

The Dean’s & Bishop’s Eye rose windows Kaleidoscopic circles shape-shift their colours as sunlight glimmers onto the marble floor. 

Bailgate

Brown’s Pie Shop by the Wig & Mitre: Lawrence of Arabia revises his magnus opus above a pie shop before popping next door for a pint.

Newport Roman archway: The tired child wails faintly as the push chair passes under an ancient archway oblivious to to the passage of time.

Table outside Castle Hotel: Plumptious olives, crunchy nuts and succulent red peppers wait patiently beside a tall glass reflecting autumn sunshine. 

The Magna Carta at Lincoln Castle: A fragile document of faintly legible script preserves our constitutional heritage secured beside a medieval prison. 

Steep Hill: Quirky shops perch perpendicularly precariously along the steeply exhausting yet quaintly charming lane.

Lincolnshire

Cogglesford Mill near Sleaford: Dusty Miller shares his passion for grinding corn within mellow stone walls smelling of slower days and freshly baked bread.

The National Centre for Craft & Design, Sleaford: Quirky crafts mingle with cool contemporary exhibitions showcases some of the best and funkiest designers in the UK and around the world.

The Dower House by golf course, Woodhall Spa: Pringle-clad guys and smart-casual dolls discuss birdies and nibliks beside a willow-shaded Grecian temple.

The Cottage Museum at Woodhall Spa: Druid maidens relive historic pageant next door to wartime memories in Victorian Spa town of quirky delights.

Lancaster Bomber over Petwood Hotel: The iconic plane drones overhead reliving moments in history as a wedding party chinks champagne on a moss-strewn carpet whilst WWII veterans remember a bouncing bomb in the bar.

Bracing Skegness:  Whirling amusements, dripping Ice creams, , intriguing tattoos, kiss me slowly hats, fish and chips squished into polystyrene trays, laughter all around with a shimmering sea in the distance.

Mablethorpe Beach: Donkeys amble along undulating sands transporting giggling kiddies clinging on with white knuckled joy.

I travelled to Lincolnshire courtesy of Visit Lincoln – and must go back soon as there is so much to see and do for a quirky, curious traveller …

Much as we associate travel with leisure, for some of us that journey overseas can be more about work. Going abroad with a business head on can be a whole different world, quite literally.

Whether you have meetings in Munich or a corporate event (firmenversanstaltungen) in Cologne, there’s always the possibility of making some sort of gain for your company – whether financially or just to boost relations. So it makes sense to do your homework prior to departure. But don’t worry, if it’s efficient yet fun Germany you’re heading for – we’ve already done some fact-finding for you.

Culture:  On first meeting a German business acquaintance never be too familiar. Always use their surname preceded by Herr or Frau (the term Frauline – or Ms – is no longer used in Germany). Bear in mind too that a German businessman – or woman – will automatically shake hands on meeting (and continue to do this for the rest of your working life probably – colleagues who’ve been working together still do so every morning!).  Your German counterpart will nearly always be dressed in a sombre manner. So don’t bother with the pink shirts, stripy tie or reindeer socks. Business is treated very seriously here too so forget about cracking jokes throughout your meeting.  Business titles are important and home life is sacrosanct so it’s not a good idea to ring a German business colleague at home unless it’s absolutely essential.

BMW HQ by Graur Razvan Ionut

Accommodation: In Germany it’s possible to rent a room in a real live castle (there’s hundreds of them) but they can be pricey so chances are you’re more likely to be put up somewhere like the Holiday Inn, which has all the facilities any businessperson could wish for, such as 24-hour internet access and access to a scanning and fax machine etc.

Punctuality:   This is a big deal in Germany. Business folks here aren’t just on-time, they usually arrive ten minutes before the meeting is due to start!  Being late in Germany isn’t just incredibly rude it’s also regarded as extremely unprofessional.  And if you think the people in Germany are punctual – check out the trains…

Language:  It’s worth remembering that all German nouns have capitals (especially important when trying to make out signs!) In terms of speaking, the letters ‘ch’ are pronounced with the tongue behind the teeth.

Getting around:  If you’re taking a taxi ALWAYS take the first car on the stand; German taxi drivers are very strict about this protocol – as you’ll soon discover if you don’t.  When renting a car bear in mind that most cars – or autos – are manual.  When it comes to the speed limit, in cities the maximum is 50 kilometers per hour, on motorways, rather disturbingly (or depending on whether you have latent racing driver yearnings or not) there is NO limit!  Another thing to remember when driving in Germany is that you’ll very rarely spot a police car on the road.  That’s because most speeding fines are by camera which, incidentally, are everywhere in Germany.

This article is brought to you by Holiday Inn. Find perfect meeting rooms in Germany with Holiday Inn Meetings: we’ve thought of every little thing!

One of the glories of Sweden is Fika … taking time out for coffee, cake and a chat. Heaven on a plate …  On a trip to the southern region of Skåne I sampled a lot of VERY good cake as well as many more sensory delights.  It’s a land of beautiful beaches, fertile fields, medieval villages, contemporary design and vibrant towns. Linking in to the concept of sustainable living, there’s a great emphasis on locally grown-produce, organic farms and fresh seafood.  Here are some ideas to help you make the most of a visit to this fascinating region, whatever the weather, whenever you go …

• Stroll round Malmöhus Castle gardens and discover what’s growing in the organic vegetable patch.  Try Fika at the Slottsträdgården café  It’s a quirky old greenhouse with grapes hanging from the vines and truly scrumptious chocolate brownies …

• Go swimming from the quaint old wooden Kallbadhuset Bathing House at Ribban (Malmö beach) overlooking the Oresund Bridge and Turning Torso building.  Nudity NOT compulsory! End the day with dinner at welcoming organic restaurant Salt Y Brygge, overlooking the elegant Oresund Bridge to Copenhagen.

• Hire a bike and trundle round Malmö, a curiously compelling city that seamlessly combines old and new. Just off the medieval square of Lila Torg is the funky modernist Form & Design Center showcasing how very creative Malmö is.

• Get sand in your toes on the beach at Mossbystrand in the Österlen region.  Sample more delicious fika at the traditional café nearby.  Great homemade pastries and cakes – plus a huge range of fruit & herbal teas, preserves and some unusual gifts.

• Step back in time at mystical Ales Stenar, an ancient Stone Circle high above the sea.  Its original use is still unknown but the setting is spectacular. Below is the quaint fishing village of Kaseberga. Try the smoked prawns or chowder at Vendels whre you can eat out overlooking the tiny harbour.

• Walk in Wallender’s footsteps through the quaint old streets of pretty Ystad. Sweden’s most famous detective solves murders all round here and you can get a guided tour to show all his favourite haunts.   If you’re lucky you might just catch a glimpse of the elusive Hornblower in the old clock tower.

• Escape for a while to one of Great Garbo’s favourite hideaway – the luxurious Hotel  Ystad på Saltsjöbad Relax in the sauna or Jacuzzi, run along the jetty and jump in the sea or, for something completely different, try their Gourmet Food package and cook a meal with their top chef, who’ll make you think you can win Master Chef without trying.

• Test your limits – go abseiling at one of Sweden’s top national parks, Kullaberg Nature Reserve. If heights aren’t your thing try mountain biking, or just take a picnic and enjoy the scenery.  The bustling fishing village of Mölle is reminiscent of Cornwall’s Padstow, with the iconic Grand Hotel looking down on all the activity.

• Explore the old city of Helsingborg with Kärnan, its unusual medieval tower and ornate City Hall and Venetian-style campanile.  Luxurious yachts jostle for space with high-speed ferries to nearby Denmark and the nightlife is buzzing.

• Discover a real-life fairy story at the Sofiero Palace on the outskirts of Helsingborg.  Inside the palace there’s a fascinating exhibition telling the story of the Swedish Royal family’s summer residence.  The gardens are outstanding and the kids will love the children’s play area and quirky sculptures.  Exhibitions change in the palace and grounds so plenty of reasons to revisit.

Many thanks to Malin and Visit Sweden for organising this trip and to Sara from Four BGB for being a fab host.  There’s a great Face Book app to help choose the perfect trip to this fascinating part of the world.  A version of this article appeared for Wandering Educators.