7 Tips to Find Cheap and Awesome Local Tour Guides

On February 10, 2010, In Living More for Less, Other Destinations, Travel, By Vanessa

When we used to travel we always struggled between hiring an expensive tour guide through our hotel concierge, going on a long and inefficient shore excursion while cruising or trying to do our own self-guided tours.  These choices were either expensive, uninformative and/or extremely frustrating.  In Buenos Aires for example we opted out of getting a tour guide and went for the self-guided/tour bus version.  Mistake! We were stuck waiting for the ‘tour bus’ to come to designated points for hours, couldn’t get seats and missed information on the barely functioning audio system.

Then we discovered Miri.  While traveling to Seoul we decided to try a different route. We posted on local craigslist and some of the university bulletin boards that we were looking for a casual tour guide, who spoke English, knew the city and could research some history and walking tours for a span of two days.  In return we paid about $10 per hour (great for student prices), free meals and transportation and they could practice English.

This was a win win situation, we got a great enthusiastic tour guide for an awesome price, the students we hired (also did this in Tokyo and Singapore) practiced their English, got paid to research and travel around the city and made a significant amount of money for a student budget! We highly recommend trying this on your next trip, here is what you can do:

1. Post Right

Post on university boards or the local craigslist.  Make sure to specify language requirements, dates and times, price and areas you want to see.

2. Do An Interview

If you are worried about not getting a good tour, talk to them ahead of time like we did. We had an idea of about 7 sites we HAD to see and then were open to suggestions. We sent her the list, asked her to write up a little itinerary with our suggestions and some places she thought we should see.

3. Have Them Do Research

We checked the itinerary over and made small changes and then asked her to do some research on history of these areas before we arrived!

4. Real Places

We love this approach also because they are not tour guides from a company and will show you some of the real areas of your city.  We also heard all about schooling, family and home life from our students.

5. Bring A Gift

Make sure to bring a little gift and give this to them in the middle of the tour to show your appreciation.

6. Leave Room

You always want to make sure that you have some wiggle room if it does not go well.  We usually book one day and then say if we are not too tired we might do another day if they have time.  This way, if it does not go well you can easily say that you saw enough without hurting anyone’s feelings.

7. Stay in touch

We are still in touch with our tour guides and they send us email updates of things going on in Seoul and Tokyo!

Finding students to help show you around is a cost effective and extremely interesting way to see a city.  They love meeting new people and you get to experience the real flavor of a place!

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Tips and Tricks for Cruising

On February 3, 2010, In Fun, Living More for Less, Other Destinations, Travel, By Vanessa

Cruising is an awesome way to see the world and can be very cost effective.  We have found amazing deals and ideas to make our cruising experience optimal, whether you are on Carnival Cruise or Azamara.  Here are some tips:

Cruising Tips:

1. Always Research Alternative Cruise Excursions

If you want to travel well, and not pay a fortune you should always consider booking off ship for your shore tours.  Ship tours are usually expensive, slow and packed with buses not fun.

2. Check Your Luggage Tags

At the end and beginning of the cruise you are often assigned colors or tags for your bags to be brought to your room.  Check these thoroughly.  Ask what your color means.  We were assigned a color that meant “airport” when we were driving on to another city from the port!

3. Bring Your Own Liquor

It is worth it to bring your favorite wine or drink with you.

4. Talk to Your Room Attendant

You room attendants are on your side.  If you have something special you want like an extra chocolate or pillows or having ice morning and night, just ask it makes it easier for all of you!

5. Ask Ahead on Tables

If you know you want the early seating or a table for 2 do not wait until you get on board, call ahead.

6. Bring Tupperwear

If you like to snack and do not want to have to always go up to the buffet for fresh fruit or veggies bring some ziplocs or a tupperwear and take them down to the room with you.

7. Pack Right

Besides the usual packlist, there are a few things I always bring when I cruise:

-Slippers

-Headphones (for the gym TVs)

-Seasickeness medication (for rocky nights)

-Ear plugs (rocking and creaking)

-Ziplocs and tupperwear for the buffet

-Poolside bag

-Hat with a string on it so it does not blow off

8. Bring Locks

Lock your bags when they are taken from you. Even if you are coming from the airport, slapping some locks on your bags insures everything stays inside them!

9. Get a Netbook

I know many people cruise without computers, but if you want to write home it might be worth your time to invest in a minicomputer (netbook) and you can write emails offline, journal and then sync up for a minute or two and thats it! Much faster than using their computers and starting from scratch.

10. Bring A Mini DVD Player

There is usually a lot to do, but in room movies are expensive! Bring your own DVD player and DVDs and you will save money and fill those sometimes rainy afternoons.

These are our insider tips, we hope to see you on your next cruise!

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10 Things To Do In Santiago, Chile: Tips for Tourists

On January 23, 2010, In Other Destinations, Travel, By Vanessa

Santiago, Chile right in the center of the country is an up and coming city that is great to visit.  There is tons to do in Santiago, here are some tips for tourists visiting Santiago, Chile:

1. Plaza de Armas

This is one of the main areas of downtown with a ton of historic sites.  Take a walk around the Plaza and see the Correo Central and the Municipalidad de Santiago. Also go into the Catedral Metropolitana which is really pretty inside. Go one block down to see the Casa Colorada.

2. Downtown Historic Sites

There are so many historic sites in downtown it is hard to list just one of them. You can easily walk the entire downtown area.  We would recommend after visiting the Plaza de Armas walking down Huerfanos walking street and then stopping by to see La Moneda (the Palace), Plaza Constitucion, Edificio Ex Congreso National, Club de La Union and Iglesia de San Francisco.

3. La Quinta Normal

Take the gorgeous Santiago metro down to Quinta Normal to visit the (free) National History Museum and the Quinta Normal parks.

4. Cerro Santa Lucia

This is a beautiful mountain top parks with some great sites. You can also walk to Iglesia La Vera Cruz from here.

5. Bella Vista

Bella Vista is one of the best places in Santiago by far.  Bella Vista, especially Calle Constitucion has amazing restaurants and shops.  Stop by Como Agua Para Chocolate if you loved that movie (tables are like beds!). You can also stop by Mercado Central which is very close to get some seafood (a little touristy).

6. Providencia

This is a very business area, but has some nice parks cafes and restaurants.

7. Parque Metropolitano and Las Chascona

You can visit Pablo Neruda’s house right at the base of Parque Metropolitano.  We took the acensor (elevator) up to the top and climbed up to the statue overlooking the entire city.  From up there you get a great view of the Andes as well. You can also visit the Santiago Zoo and Botanical Garden!

8. Las Condes

This is the expat and hotel area of the city. It is very pretty and peaceful, not a ton to do but some great restaurants especially Melba (amazing breakfast).

9. Vitacura

Avenida Alonso de Córdova and Nueva Costanera are the Beverly Hills streets of Santiago.  Here they have art galleries, boutiques and international labels.  Stop and get a drink at a cute outdoor cafe or make reservations at some of their posh restaurants.

10. Los Dominicos Artisans Market

This is by far the best artisan market I have been to in South America.  It is HUGE and right off the metro (at a brand new stop).  All of the tiny stores, trees, and cafes in Los Dominicos offer a place for men to sit and relax while women shop the huge variety of south american goods–leather, Lapiz Lazuli, jams, wool, and much more.

Bonus 11. Cerro San Cristobal (Cemetary) at Night

The cemetary has awesome views of the city at night.  A little spooky, but great photo opp.

Santiago is relatively safe, but you want to be careful at night and always watch your bag, but you will find food delicious (and hefty portion size) and a very friendly local people.

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10 Things to Do in Valparaiso, Chile: Tips for Tourists

On January 19, 2010, In Other Destinations, Travel, By Vanessa

Valapraiso is a small city about an hour and a half outside of Santiago on the coast of Chile.  Known for it’s artists, musicians and creativity this beach city, Valparaiso has a ton to offer to tourists.

Here are some things to do in Valparaiso, Chile:

1) Cerro Concepcion

This is the older area of Valparaiso and great for tourists.  There are a ton of hostels, little alleyways, restaurants (amazing!) cafes and galleries.  The hill also gives a great view of the city from Paseo Gervasoni.

2) Cerro Alegre

Walk up through Cerro Alegre with climbing streets and see Iglesia San Luis. Walk up to see Plaza Bismark and take Avenida Alemania to get to…

3) Pablo Neruda’s House

This is closed on Mondays, but a great site in Chile. You can also stop by Plaza de las Poetas nearby for a coffee.

4) Cerra Bellavista

Continue walking through Cerra Bellavista and check out all of the great boutiques and views atop this hilltop.

5) Museo de Cielo Abierto de Valparaiso

This museum has some works from the most famous Chilean painters.  It is huge on a massive and gorgeous garden.

6) Plaza Victoria

Walk down to the Plaza Victoria and see the Catedral de Valparaiso and some other beautiful structures in the park.

7) Vina Del Mar

Vina del Mar is a little beach town about 15 minute train ride from Valparaiso, worth it if you have a few days.  Take the train to the town and walk along the beach to see the Vina del Mar castle and some beautiful people.

8) Plaza Sotomayor

The Naval building is quite impressive and the large square in the center of the port area will give you some great photo opportunities.

9) Mercado Del Puerto

A feria de los artesanos, the port market has about 15 stands with handicrafts and souvenirs.  It is a bit pricey, but you can get some great gifts and often see jugglers.

10) Paseo 21 de Mayo

You have to walk through the port area and take the Acensor Artillera to get to the Paseo 21 del Mayo for about 300 pesos each.  The paseo is some more shops and a great view.  Do not rush to get this in, as the views are just as nice from the other cerros and the shops are similar to the port market.

You should definitely try the restaurants in Cerro Concepcion and take in the great views of this vertical city and the water!

Cruising to Valparaiso

If you are cruising to Valparaiso you can get everything done in a day.  You can even do it on foot if you do not mind hills and paying for a few funiculars.  Cabs are a bit expensive, but following our walking tour and taking the train to the subway will get you to see a lot.  If you take a shore excursion make sure you see at least Cerro Concepcion and Cerro Bellavista with the surrounding spots.

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10 Tourist Tips for Travel to Montevideo, Uruguay

On January 18, 2010, In Fun, Other Destinations, Travel, By Vanessa

Background

There are a few tips that all tourists should review before going to Montevideo, Uruguay.  Here is what we wanted to know before going there:

1. What is the currency in Montevideo, Uruguay?

Uruguayan Peso.

2. Can you drink the water in Montevideo, Uruguay?

In most major cities in Uruguay, yes!

3. What is the time difference in Montevideo, Uruguay?

UTC/GMT -3 hours

4. What is the tipping policy in Montevideo, Uruguay?

10% in restaurants.

5. What is the best way to get from the airport into the city in Montevideo, Uruguay?

Cabs are pretty cheap, but many hotels offer shuttles.  You can also book a shuttle at the airport if you are going to a central area.

6. Do I need any vaccinations for Montevideo, Uruguay?

Hepatitis A is recommended for all travelers, as well as yellow fever vaccine and tetanus.

7. Any safety concerns or warnings by the embassy in Montevideo, Uruguay.?

Montevideo is one of the safest places in South America and even has it’s own set of tourist police!

8. Do I need to bring cash, credit card, ATM or travelers checks?

Most everyone in Montevideo, Uruguay takes cash.

9. What are the plugs in Montevideo, Uruguay./ Do I need an adapter?

Three circular prongs and: WA-9, WA-10, WA-12, & WA-16

10. Language in Montevideo, Uruguay.

A few people speak English, but knowing a few basic Spanish phrases will help although most everyone in the markets speak English.

11. Local Food in Montevideo, Uruguay.

A Chivito is a steak sandwich with lettuce, tomato, egg and cheese in Montevideo, Uruguay.

Panchos are special Uruguayan hotdogs in Montevideo, Uruguay.

Pascualina’s is a spinach pie made with veggies, cheese and milk.
12. Local Drink in Montevideo, Uruguay.

Yerba Mate and Grappa Miel are both popular.  Grappa Miel is a honey and alcohol mixed drink.

13. Useful Phrases in Montevideo, Uruguay.

Yes- Si

No- No

Hello- Buenos Dias

Goodbye- Adios

Thank you- Gracias

You’re Welcome- De Nada

We loved traveling to Montevideo, Uruguay and so will you!  Be sure to check out our top 10 things to do and in Montevideo, Uruguay!

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Top Things to Do in Puerto Montt, Chile: Tips for Tourists Traveling to Puerto Varas, Frutillar and Osorno

On January 17, 2010, In Fun, Other Destinations, Travel, By Vanessa

The Puerto Montt region is a great place to visit whether on a drive through Chile or on a cruise.  There are a bunch of things you can do in the surrounding areas while you are visiting the Puerto Montt area.

1. Puerto Montt Waterfront

Puerto Montt itself is a bit industrial, but it has a great waterfront with shops and a view of the port area.

2. Puerto Varas

This is like Chile’s Aspen.  It is a beautiful little town that overlooks Lake Llanquihue (which is the second largest lake in Chile).  The lodges, hotels and wine bistros are fabulous.

3. Frutillar

This is a quaint German town outside of Puerto Montt that is totally worth the visit.  Also on the shore of Lake Llanquihue, the German cottages are protected by the historical society, cafes and little shops are adorable.

4. Petrohue Waterfalls

You definitely want to take a visit to the Petrohue Waterfalls that are a stunning blue coming off of the volcano.  You also get an amazing view of Osorno.

5. Vicente Perez Rosales National Park

Taking a drive through this national park is wonderful.  It is extremely green and you can drive along the Petrohue river and do some white water rafting!

6. Chiloe Island

This is a 30 minute ferry ride from Puerto Montt and you can see how the Island has developed it’s own style and culture.

7. Nueva Braunau

This is another tiny German town from the 1800’s.  The museum is also sweet and all of the houses have wonderful rose gardens and flowers.

8. Alerce Andino National Park

This is a beautiful reserve overlooking the Reloncavi Sanctuary.  The lagoons and large trees make for some great pictures.

9. Osorno Volcano

You can’t miss it, but you might want to drive up to take some pictures.  Also along the Lake you can get fresh salmon lunch and gaze up at the snowy peaks.

10. Lahuen nadi Park

This forest has some of the oldest trees in the world! It is a great spot to hike and see the old protected species of Pine.

If You Are Cruising to Puerto Montt, Argentina

You can do A LOT in a day if you so desire.  The shore excursions in Puerto Montt NEVER cover everything because you cannot move fast enough with 60 people in a large bus.  We highly recommend going on your own in a cab or getting a tour.  We loved GV tours: www.gvtours.com.  They actually have a test for their tour guides and pack in the day so you are moving and shaking, but not exhausted.

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10 Things to Do in Ushuaia, Argentina: Tips for Tourists

On January 17, 2010, In Fun, Other Destinations, Travel, By Vanessa

Background of Ushuaia, Argentina: Ushuaia is the gateway to Argentina’s Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego and very near Cape Horn.  At the very base of Chile and Argentina this city of 70,000 is only about 450 miles from Antartica!

There are tons of things for tourists to do in Ushuaia, Argentina.  Here are a few things to do for tourists:

1. Artisan Fairs

Right at the base of the port there are a few artisan fairs with homemade penguin chess sets, knit wool caps and more.

2. Prison Museum

Ushuaia used to be a prison compound.  Now their old barracks are a museum for tourists.

3. Maritime Museum

This is also in the military prison and exhibits the story of Ushuaia and how the Argentine navy played a huge part in its development.

4. End of the World Museum

This is a pretty cool tshirt.  You can also see how the indigenous people lived and eventually perished in the Ushuaia area.

5. Sea Wolves Island

You can get a boat to sail around the Beagle Channel to see the lobos, or Sea Wolves on Sea Wolves Island.

6. Beagle Channel

We highly recommend getting a catamaran on a clear day and seeing the channel as well as some of the Tierra del Fuego.

7. Bird Island

You can also stop and see bird island to see some national birds and penguins in the area.

8. Tierra Del Fuego National Park

This is a stunning reserve with native rabbits, birds and wilderness.  You can go camping or take a tour around the park.

9. The Martial Glacier

This is a bit outside of Ushuaia but the chairlift can take you from the base to the top.

10. Ushuaia Center

Ushuaia is an adorable town with great little houses and restaurants known for very very fresh seafood. Take a drive or walk around town if you can.

Traveling Tips for Ushuaia, Argentina:

*Currency in Ushuaia is the Argentinian Peso

*Yerba Mate is famous in Ushuaia

*10% tip is customary at restaurants

*Ushuaia is famous for their chocolate!

*Ushuaia is a tax free zone for tourists…great for gifts!

Tourists Cruising to Ushuaia, Argentina

If you are cruising to Ushuaia, the shore excursions can be a little pricey. As long as there are not a ton of cruise liners in port, there are always taxi driver tour guides waiting at the port entrance that you can take for much cheaper and on your own time.

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Best Things To Do in Montevideo, Uruguay: Tips for Tourists Traveling to Montevideo

On January 17, 2010, In Fun, Other Destinations, Travel, By Vanessa

There are a few things that tourists should do while traveling or staying in Montevideo, Uruguay.  Be sure to also check out our travel tips to Montevideo, Uruguay as well as our Location Handbook for Montevideo, Uruguay.

Here is what you should do if you are traveling to Montevideo, Uruguay:

1. The Old City

This is an area protected by the UNESCO World Heritage center.  Go to the Plaza Constiticion and Mercado del Puerto for some shopping. You can also pass by Casa Garibaldi, Casa Riviera and Museo Romantico.

2. Iglesia Matriz

The  is also in the old city and one of Montevideo’s earliest public structure, dating back to 1804, Iglesia Matriz is located near the Plaza Constitucion (also known as the Plaza Matriz).

3. Museo Historico Nacional and Museo del Gaucho

These are two great museums in downtown Montevideo and show the former residences of the country’s first president.

4. Plazas: Independencia, Fabini and Cagancha

Each of these plaza’s are within walking distance and have the Mercado de Los Artesanos, a cool underground art exhibit in the Subte (subway area) and great outdoor markets.  Be sure to stop and get a Pancho-hotdog at a local café.

5. Teatro Solis

This opened in 1856, and has a beautiful exterior.  You can also get tickets for some of their local events.

6. Palacio Estevez

This is a great view to see how Montevideo is really a combination of old Europe and South America. You can also take a look at the Palacio Salvo which was the tallest building in South America when it was built in the 1920s.

7. Pocitos Neighborhood

This is a more upscale area with quiet shops, cafes and some great buildings.  We also stopped at Cake which has the most amazing desserts in the city! (José Ellauri 1067 )

8. La Rambla

This is a port city so the Rambla lines the port for many miles.  It is a great walk up the coast to see the latte colored water (from silt not trash), Rio de la Plata beaches and the city.

9. Barrio Sur

Not a huge stop but worth at least a drive through in a cab. This is the African Uruguayan community—the center for candombe which is a Uruguayan African musical rhythm.  The older buildings and interesting graffiti are a different side to Montevideo for tourists.

10. Tristán Narvaja Street Fair

Here you will find everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to amazing vintage jewelry!

This is a city to sit and watch people in the many parks and plazas.  There is not a whole lot to do in Montevideo, but the people are incredibly friendly and the steak great!

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Top 10 Things to Do in Puerto Madryn, Argentina: Tips for Tourists

On January 17, 2010, In Fun, Other Destinations, Travel, By Vanessa

Puerto Madryn is on the Eastern coast of Argentina and has amazing wildlife. It is a relatively new city and the area has more sheep than people, but has some beautiful sites. Tourists can spend one or two days here (you need a car or van) because everything is very spread out.

1. Punta Loma Natural Reserve

This is about 15 miles outside of Puerto Madryn, but has tons of great sites for wildlife spotting.

2. San Lorenzo Estancia

San Lorenzo Estancia is great for tourists visiting Puerto Madryn! It is the land of the penguins.  You can travel there and see a beach full of the little waddling cuties.  They also have great authentic Argentinian lunch and Mablec wine.

3. Tehuelche Monument

This is a statue on top of the hill overlooking the bay and is dedicated to the indigenous Tehuelche people.

4. Puerto Madryn Paleontology Museum

This is a great little museum that has a wonderful display of dinosaur fossils to check out.

5. Punta Tomba

This is another area for penguins—approximately 2 million inhabit these beaches.  The area is a little farther south than Puerto Madryn but if you are a penguin lover, totally worth it.

6. Gaiman

This is a sweet little town on the Chubut river.  You can visit a number of cute tea houses in this area as well as see some structures similar to the original colonial style.

7. Puerto Madryn Ecocenter for Tourists

Another thing that tourists can do in Puerto Madryn is visit the Ecocenter. Patagonia has a rich oceanographic ecosystem and this museum and research facility helps conduct this research.

8. Valdes Peninsula

This is a famous peninsula northeast of Puerto Madryn and has many beautiful sea birds and sea elephant to see.

9. Bird Island

Take a catamaran out to Bird Island to see the coast line as well as some gorgeous native birds to this area.

10. Doradillo Beach

This is a great place to go whale watching.  Of course, it depends on the season, but the area is perfect for spotting all kinds of migrating whales.

Puerto Madryn is really building up their tourist industry and we highly recommend spending a day or two exploring the area.

Cruising to Puerto Madryn

If you are cruising to Puerto Madryn and wondering what to do or if you should take one of the boats shore excursions in Puerto Madryn, I would recommend hiring a local tour guide and having him take you in a smaller car to many of the areas.  There is a lot of driving here and the motorcoaches have to go slow over the mostly gravel roads and take much longer.  With a guide/driver you can visit more places in a faster pace.

We loved Patricio Escobar who is an amazing guide and naturalist for this whole area.

Tour Guide Information for Puerto Madryn: [email protected], 15321924 (cell)

Also be sure to check out some of our other articles on cruising tips and tricks.

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Top 10 Things to Do in Punta Arenas, Chile: Tips for Tourists

On January 17, 2010, In Other Destinations, Travel, By Vanessa

Punta Arenas, one of the harshest environments to live in on earth is an amazing place to visit—especially if you are into the outdoors. Punta Arenas is a great place for tourists and is located in the Patagonia region of Chile on the shore of the Straits of Magellan.

There are tons of great things to do for tourists in this region:

1. La Cruz Hill

The center square is adorable and La Cruz hill is a great vantage point for tourists to see the valley, port and city.

2. Plaza de Armas

Plaza de Armas is a beautiful square surrounded by old buildings, trees and a handicraft market for tourists to explore and buy local treasures.

3. Patagonian Institute

Patagonia is a tourist naturalist’s dream! The institute has a botanical garden and a museum and you can see some of the history of the area.

4. Magellanes Nature Reserve

We highly recommend going up to the top of Punta Arenas and doing some hiking around the area. You can climb to the top of the mountain (super windy!) and see the whole area.

5. Salesian Church

This church is in the center of the city and you can see all kinds of documents and photographs of the history of the region.

6. Otway Bay

Here you can see the Patagonian penguins in their natural habitat! It is a bit out of the city, but worth the drive.

7. Magdalena Island

You can see the Island from various vantage points within Punta Arenas but you can take a 2 hour ferry ride out to the Island and also see one of the largest penguin colonies.

8. Fort Bulnes

South of Punta Arenas, tourists can visit this recreated fort from the original settlers of the region.

9. Kayaking

You can kayak all over Punta Arenas and the Patagonian region this is a great way to see the natural area.

10. Laguna Parrillar Forest Reserve

This is about 75 miles outside of Punta Arenas but a great park to hike and bike in.

Cruising to Punta Arenas, Chile

It is relatively easy to book your own tours instead of going on shore excursions.  We recommend doing research and getting a guide to take you to some of the natural forests.  Or better yet, Punta Arenas is filled with taxis.  You can walk the town and then hire a taxi to take you the Magallanes National Reserve for a hike and view.

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