Wanderlust Tips Team, Author at WANDERLUST TIPS • Page 118 of 197

Share the love: Hello 2019!

2019 has just begun and many travellers will begin their journeys to find happiness and meaning in life. At this time, famous personalities share with us their passion for travel and plans for the new year.

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QUANG DAI TRAN – MODEL, TRAVEL BLOGGER – TRAVELING CHANGES YOU AND HELPS YOU GROW

TRAVEL INSPIRATION

I’ve had a passion for travel for such a long time. Since I was a child, I had a hobby of watching foreign films and cherished the dream of visiting the places in the movies. Places like Juliet’s Wall in Italy, the crowded streets and bustling boulevards where people start their dreams in New York, the gleaming lights of the highways in Wong Karwai’s movies which were an integral part of my childhood, or the scenery of a forest covered in white snow in the Norwegian Forest film directed by Anh Hung Tran evoking in us a sense of loneliness and sadness that I believe many young people experience.

When we get older and have chances to travel to where we want, from the provinces of Vietnam to countries in Asia and Europe, we experience more emotions and feel life more fully than we have ever felt it before. It is not just about the beautiful scenes, but also the life, people and cultures of different countries. I realize my childhood dream of travelling is always there, and it grows even stronger through journeys and gained experiences.

TRAVELLING TO MANY REGIONS OF VIETNAM AND MORE THAN 25 COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD

I feel like when every day passes, every country that I have travelled to has helped me grow up in very different ways. You can find out how many fine wines there are in France on Google, or how majestic Myanmar temples are through photo pages, but when you really arrive in these places, you realize the grandeur and romance of a country that never can be fully expressed in a few simple words. I still remember the hustle and bustle of the trendy stores on the boulevards of New York, the peaceful tranquility in Bhutan, or a moment of absolute silence while watching the stream of people crossing the U Bein wooden bridge in an afternoon in Myanmar, where I sat on a small boat and felt like I was melting into the peaceful and gentle atmosphere of Taungthaman lake and my Traveling changes you and helps you grow heart was released of burden in the red sunset. Every place has left me with so many emotions from different beautiful and authentic experiences, so choosing the place I like most is so difficult.

However, perhaps after all, Saigon is always the place I choose to return to. Although I was not born and raised in the city, like many other people who have the opportunity to visit and grow up there, Saigon to me is always the closest and the most familiar of cities. It is where I feel: “Finally, I’m home” after every long journey when I see the sparkling lights of Saigon from the window of the aeroplane.

EXPECTATIONS IN 2019

Currently, I am nurturing many new projects which will be soon released. In 2019, I hope to visit more places and discover more interesting things which make life more worthwhile and complete. Thanks to everyone who always supports my new products as well as my trips and I hope I will have the opportunity to tell you many more interesting stories!

VY HUYNH – MISS TOURISM QUEEN WORLDWIDE 2018 – EVERY DAY I ALWAYS MAKE MY BEST EFFORT AS MISS TOURISM QUEEN WORLDWIDE

TRAVELLING MAKES LIFE FLOURISH

Like many other people, travelling around the world is my dream. When visiting different destinations, not only can we admire the fantastic landscape, learn about their unique cultures, but also enjoy many attractive local specialties, which make our lives flourish.

When I had just left Dong Thap to seek a career in Sai Gon, I was still young and didn’t have much money. However, I always took time to travel and explore the many regions of Vietnam. With a limited budget, I often travelled by myself and tried to manage to have economical yet enjoyable trips. Then when life got better and due to nature of my work, I had more opportunities to visit more places, not just in Vietnam, but many other countries around the world.

Up until now, I’ve visited more than 50 provinces in Vietnam, as well as some countries in Asia and Europe. Every place has left a different impression on me, however, the Philippines brought me the most cherished and beautiful memories. The Philippines is where I took part in Miss Tourism Queen Worldwide and stayed the longest in a foreign country. At first, everything was really new to me, but I realized the Filipinos were very kind and friendly. And of course, the Philippines was the place where I achieved my dream, where I had a chance to express myself and all my efforts were rewarded by the title of Miss Tourism Queen Worldwide 2018.

THE ROLE OF A NEW QUEEN

As I’ve only held the role of Miss Tourism Queen Worldwide 2018 for little more than 1 month, I’ve only just begun to make a contribution to the tourism industry of Vietnam and the world. However, before participating in the contest, I always took advantage of every opportunity possible to introduce Vietnam to international friends and learned about the culture of other countries to share with Vietnamese people. I think these were just small and simple acts yet they carried great meaning behind them, and though we won’t see the effects of these actions immediately, I believe when I stay patient and persevere in my role as an ambassador of Miss Tourism Queen Worldwide, these will bear fruit in the near future.

BEAUTY TIPS AND SECRETS

I don’t have many secrets (said with a smile). I’m quite busy and travel frequently, but I still spend 1-2 hours every day doing Yoga or going to the gym. I also choose a high-protein diet including chicken, beef, salmon and vegetables, limit my intake of sugary and starchy foods, and drink 2 litres of water per day. And you should make sure you get enough sleep instead of staying up late to keep your skin young and healthy.

PLANS FOR 2019

I always work with detailed plans, therefore, I have quite a lot in store for 2019. First of all, in my role as Miss Tourism Queen Worldwide 2018, I will continue to undertake work relating to tourism promotion as well as sustainable tourism development, and promoting Vietnam Tourism to the world is definitely one of those activities. Along with this, I want to develop myself and try to become an MC, it is really new and appealing to me. I also want to say thanks to everyone I get support from when I undertake any endeavor and I will always try my best to accomplish my mission and complete my responsibilities.

KHAC TIEP VU – BUSINESSMAN – I WILL TRAVEL TO MANY BREATHTAKING AND LUXURIOUS SIGHTS IN THE WORLD

A PASSION FOR LUXURY TRAVEL

At present, luxury travel is one of my priorities in life. I dearly love this travel trend and I even have a plan to pursue this passion. I often don’t choose easily accessible and popular destinations, and instead I love to conquer challenging ones, and of course, luxury is a must and fashion is also a priority.

PLACES I ALWAYS WANT TO COME BACK TO

I’ve visited and explored all the famous and beautiful sights of Vietnam. I have also travelled to about 50 countries including many famous tourist attractions in Europe.

Every city has its own unique beauty, but the land that left the deepest impression on me was Cappadocia in Turkey. The weather, the nature, and the local people here were so beautiful and harmonious, which touched my heart so deeply. In particular, the picturesque scene of hot air balloons floating up into in the sky at sunrise made a lasting and unforgettable impression in my mind. I hope to come back to Cappadocia once again and admire its scenery when it is covered in white snow. Besides Cappadocia, the beautiful island of Bali in Indonesia and the tranquil country of Switzerland are where I would love to revisit in the not so distant future.

PLANNING FOR JOURNEYS

Fortunately, I can run my business from a distance, so I have much more time and opportunities to carry out my travel plans. I always do careful research about the best time to visit, the location, and the most beautiful moments of the day in a different destination to make detailed plans for every trip. All of this I do to achieve my goals to enjoy, relax, and capture the rare and beautiful moments of where I visit. I love to keep these images as beautiful memories of my youth that I will be able to look back on.

PLANS FOR 2019

On 9th March 2019, I will hold the 12th Viet’s beauty on Sentosa island, Singapore. This is also the last show marking the ending of my evergreen youth, and that is why I’m pouring all my heart and soul into it. Everything promises to be truly spectacular and worth the wait as it has received the largest ever investment in comparison with previous shows. Then in May, I will organize the second Vietnam Night at the Cannes Film Festival. This is one of the major events I’m devoting my time to develop, with the expectation of building a new image for the Khac Tiep Vu brand.

Besides my work, I’ll spend time on my passion for travelling to explore the world. Every day, I search for special tourist attractions on Instagram and update my list of upcoming destinations. Every month, I plan to visit two places, one in Europe and one unique remote location. I hope to be a Vietnamese person who makes a lasting positive impression when travelling to beautiful and luxurious sights across the globe.

HA TRUC LE – MODEL, TRAVEL BLOGGER – LOVE OF BEAUTY AND PERFECTION

I HAVE A STRONG DESIRE TO BEAUTIFY MY SURROUNDINGS

There are 3 reasons which drive me to do a fashion photo shoot. First of all, I have admired some international travel bloggers for years, especially the way they adjust a picture’s colour and tone to make it more beautiful. They have both good taste and greatly invest their time and energy. Secondly, I pursued a major in art at university as I have a strong passion for colour and composition, and I wanted to indulge in the creation of art. And finally, I have a passion for making my surroundings more beautiful through every frame.

The first motivation which drives me to do fashion photo shoots is to satisfy my passion for beauty. Every single place I visit, the clothes that I choose or items I use, are all important elements in creating the most perfect pictures. I believe in order to satisfy others, we must try our best.

FAVOURITE FASHION STYLE FOR TRAVEL

Maxi dresses are always my first choice as they are made of thin and light weight material which will lend you a beautiful and gentle look to have the best photos in any location. Also, I often mix bright-coloured clothes with accessories. Before travelling to any destination, you should do your research carefully, especially about the main colour of the background so you can choose the most suitable outfits with more outstanding colours. For example, in a location where there are many green trees, you should choose yellow and red clothes. And don’t forget to choose suitable accessories, as for me, the beauty of an outfit depends 70% on the accessories. If you don’t want to bring too many accessories, you can simply take wide-brimmed hats and a variety of bracelets, with these two accessories you will always look outstanding whether in a close-up or wide angle shot.

MOST IMPRESSIVE DESTINATION

When anyone asks me about this, my answer is always Japan. I really admire the culture, people, art and cuisine of this country. In the past, when I got to know about Japan through newspapers, books and films, I fell in love with the country and its people. And when I actually got the chance to come to the land of the rising sun, I was even more surprised and fell deeper in love. Japanese people are really hard-working, patient, and have good taste in fashion.

In Vietnam, Ninh Binh is where I want to come back to the most. Even now, when closing my eyes, I still remember the sense of happiness when exploring Trang An by boat and admiring the majesty of the breathtaking Bai Dinh pagoda.

NEW DESTINATIONS IN 2019

I’ve always wanted to discover many other cultures. And in 2019, I will try to travel to more places to capture their beauty in pictures. One of the destinations I’m hoping to visit in 2019 is Mongolia, home of yurt and vast green plains.

Wanderlust Tips

Colmar on the Alsace wine route

When referring to romantic cities and villages in Europe, especially in France, Colmar takes the cake. Colmar, the capital of haut Rhin department, and Strasbourg in Bas-rhin department are the two most beautiful cities of Alsace region in the northeast of France. Colmar features vineyards grown for winemaking and fairytale villages. The picturesque and peaceful green scenery of the village will bring a deep sense of peace to your soul.

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Alsace wine route is 170 kilometres long, stretching from north to south, running through rolling hills covered in green grape leaves and 70 prosperous craft villages. Alsace is home to a wide range of wines, of which the most famous are Muscat, Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Gewurztraminer. The wines have delicate aromas, with lots of juicy fruit flavours. While Muscat wine is often served with Asian spicy foods, Riesling and Pinot Gris are a great match when paired with fish, seafood, and white meat. Gewurztraminer- sweeter and more aromatic – pairs well with appetizers and desserts.

If you like wine with a sweeter flavour than the 4 mentioned above, Vendange Tardive (which translates to “late harvest”), made from overripe grapes which fully absorb the warm sunshine and moderate wind, has a sweeter and stronger taste. Personally, I am a fan of Pinot Gris vendange tardive which has a delicate fruit flavor that helps it maintain a fresh and natural acidity.

On the Alsace wine route to Colmar, make sure not to miss Petite Venise, the “Little Venice” of France. As the name implies, Petite Venise is a little old town located in the city centre, from Marché couvert, stretching through Quai de la Poisonnerie to Saint-Pierre street. In this town, there are small canals and pretty modest houses. These small houses and canals are what make visitors, including me, fall in love.

Though I used to find it amusing whenever I read articles with titles such as “If you haven’t been to Colmar, you haven’t been to France”, I had to admit that Petite Venise looks really beautiful in pictures. Small, traditional, and colourful wooden houses reflect off water from the gentle canal. They are decorated with red geranium flower trusses in the summer and covered in white snow and early morning mist in the winter. Petite Venise’s scenery is picturesque. Perhaps that is why Colmar is home to many poets and painters; the most famous ones are Auguste Bartholdi, a French sculptor who is best known for designing the Statue of Liberty, and painter Jacques Walz, also known as “Hansi”, who often paints the scenes of village life and family life in Alsace.

The early train at 8am took me from Strasbourg to Colmar as the dawn was gradually breaking. After arriving at the train station in Colmar, it took me fifteen minutes to walk to Petite Venise. The early morning was my favourite time of a day because the whole city was still asleep and Colmar appeared so peaceful and quiet. The small roads were getting more crowded as locals were slowly emerging from their homes to go to work. Some owners were opening their stores, and several elders were taking out their bicycles to bike to the local market. A pristine and authentic Colmar.

The Christmas market in Colmar opens from late November to the end of December. Here, visitors will find many little stalls on small paths at the city centre. In the cold air of the early winter, it is really interesting to breathe in the aroma of orange mixed with cinnamon from a mulled wine pot. Mulled wine is the most signature alcoholic beverage during the Christmas season in Europe. Alsace is famous for white wine, therefore beside hot red wine, it is also possible to find mulled white wine; it is really hard to find it anywhere else.

When the night falls, stalls selling candies, cakes, toys, and handmade ornaments light up brightly. The bright lights, vibrant music, and the crowds of people laughing happily warm up the atmosphere. In a mere instant, a few white first snowflakes fall down on the steps of the wooden houses. Winter, a season of love, is coming.

WTIPS

HOW TO GET TO COLMAR

Visitors can travel from Paris to Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, in less than 3 hours by the most modern high-speed train in France.

Colmar is merely 64 kilometres away from the large city of Alsace. Every hour of everyday, there is a train that travels between the two cities. Travel time is about 30 to 40 minutes. Train ticket prices are around EUR9-EUR13 (VND238,000-VND345,000).

Tickets can be purchased on the website of SNCF or at vending machines at the railway station. You do not need to buy tickets in advance because there is not a big change in prices. In addition, in Alsace, you can buy Alsa+ tickets which allow unlimited access to a set of transportation services such as regional trains, buses, tramways, and cars for individuals or groups of 2 to 5 people. Thanks to the distribution of difference zones, you can determine the perimeter within which you wish to travel. Ticket prices range from EUR3.5 to EUR37.6 (VND90,000-VND1,000,000). This is very beneficial when travelling in groups or by trains which travel long distances, for example from Strasbourg to Colmar and vice versa.

CHRISTMAS IN COLMAR

Colmar Christmas market is open from 24th November to 30th December, from 10am to 7pm on Mondays to Thursdays, and from 10am to 8pm on Fridays to Sundays. On 24th December, it will open from 10am to 5pm, and on 25th December, it will open from 2pm to 7pm.

Markets in small villages near Colmar: During Christmas, you can visit any of the Noel markets which can be found in the small beautiful villages in surrounding neighbourhoods such as Kaysersberg, Éguisheim, Münster, Neuf-Brisach, Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, Rouffach, and Turckheim. It is called “Pays des Etoiles de Noël” (the Land of Stars) by the people of Alsace. Each village’s Noel market has its own theme that bears traditional features, and the theme is changed every year.

ATTRACTIONS NEAR COLMAR

During the Christmas season, there are three bus routes added to the regular bus routes from Colmar, which also includes Sundays. Ticket prices range between EUR8 (VND208,000) per person per day for the weekends, and EUR5 (VND130,000) per person per day from Monday to Friday. Tickets are available for purchase on the bus or in the Eguisheim, Ribeauvillé, and Riquewihr tourist offices.

– Route 1: Colmar – Kaysersberg – Riquewihr – Ribeauvillé – Colmar.

– Route 2: Colmar – Ribeauvillé – Riquewihr – Kaysersberg – Colmar.

– Route 3: Colmar – Eguisheim – Colmar.

TAKE PHOTOS OF COLMAR DURING CHRISTMAS

The best time of the day to take photos of the streets covered in shimmering lights is during the blue hour, 1 hour before sunrise and 1 hour after sunset. In Alsace, in December, the blue hour is from 6.30am to 7.30am and from 5.30pm to 6.30pm. However, before Christmas, many tourists flock to Alsace, so it is really difficult to capture the broad view of the beautiful empty streets in the evening. So, it is recommended to take photos in the morning. At this time, decoration lights are still on, so you can take the most romantic and magical photographs.

Some beautiful sites in Colmar: Rue des Marchands, the small bridge on Turenne street, Quai de la Poissonnerie, to name a few.

Bui Huyen Chi | Wanderlust Tips

wanderlust-tips-Colmar-on-the-Alsace-wine-route-4

Zanzibar: The jewel island amidst Africa

Featuring unspoilt wilderness, tranquil and gentle beauty, Zanzibar is a precious jewel close to the graceful continent of Africa.

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Located in Tanzania by the Indian Ocean, Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region with an area of 2,650 square kilometres. It consists of two major islands, which are Unguja and Pemba. The word “Zanzibar” comes from the Persian language, ultimately meaning “land of the Blacks”. However, another theory showed that it may be Arabic meaning “a beautiful country”.

IMMERSED IN A SEA OF TURQUOISE WATER

Zanzibar is famous for its colourful coral reefs, marine biodiversity, long smooth sandy beaches, and appealing turquoise sea water. In Zanzibar, the most well-known beautiful beaches are Nungwi and Kendwa beaches in the North, Pingwe and Paje beaches in the South East.

Each beach has its own characteristics and beauty. If you arrive and leave on the same day, you should visit Nungwi first. In Nungwi, the tide is not too high, so there is a lot of space on the beach for you to enjoy sunbathing, relaxing, and taking part in sports activities. You can hire a small boat for 2-4 people, and the fisherman will take you about 5 nautical miles offshore. The boat anchors at a rock cluster, where you can spend time swimming and admiring colourful coral reefs spread throughout the area. Under the crystal water, some colourful schools of fish swim happily, contributing to the vibrant sparkling beauty of the underwater world.

Paje in the Southeast is a little different from Nungwi; this beach has many coral reefs and a higher tide. During a visit to Paje, all your fatigue and troubles from daily life will disappear. Time seems to unfold simply yet extremely significantly.

Under a night sky in the desert

[Wanderlust Tips December 2019] There was not a moment of hesitation when I said yes to Adrian’s call, “Hey, do you want to go on a road trip?”. Soon enough, four of us got on the road. With Adrian as the main driver, the trip started from Southern Cross station in Melbourne, passed through the Great Ocean Road at Adelaide, then followed the Stuart highway to Alice Spring in the Northern Territory and came back. Apart from the route decided beforehand, we didn’t have any plan to stop for any specific tourist spot. The trip was a crazy moment of our youth – full of energy, enthusiasm, and even madness which led us to almost end up in the middle of the desert with a nearly-empty-fuel-tank car and a steaming hot pot on a cold early winter night.

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TRAVELLING FAR

It was past midday on the second day of our trip and our white car was nearly out of fuel. Adrian hid his worried face behind his cool black sunglasses. Saying a swear-word, he regretted not filling the tank when we stopped at a McDonald’s toilet to clean ourselves this morning. Last night, with sleeping bags, we slept in our car and felt the harsh Australian winter with every breath we took. This morning, taking Augusta highway, we entered the great desert of South Australia.

Entering the desert, everything outside of the windows quickly became strange. All those green and tall trees disappeared; instead, there were red and yellow dirt hills which ran far to the horizon. Even bushes became rare. Like other plants growing in the desert, those bushes were low, with spiky leaves covered in dirt and dust.

We drove over a bridge, under which was a dried-up river, and far away there was a puddle. Even in the rainy season, this desert is an arid zone.

The highway became less crowded with vehicles. There were times we did not see any cars for 45 minutes. However, if you looked close enough, there were some resting spots where caravans were parked. Some people only stopped for short breaks, some would stay there for weeks.

Suddenly, the trip became silent. Outside the windows, there was only red dirt, yellow sand, and a clear burning sky. Except for Adrian, we gradually fell asleep. When I woke up, the fuel indicator had already hit the Empty gauge. We were in the middle of nowhere, meaning no petrol stop. We knew that there would be a small town of opal miners along the highway, but were afraid of not getting there in time. I turned on the GPS map and found out that we needed to drive 80 kilometres further before we would reach the town. Everyone was worried that our car wouldn’t get that far.

The red dot on the GPS map moved slowly. There was nothing new about the scene around us besides bushes and red dirt. There was no one around. The winter’s sun was shining harshly upon us; though unlike the flaming inferno summer, it was still too unpleasant to bear. We moved steadily on the deserted highway, hoping for a miracle.

Luckily, we arrived in Coober Pedy, the opal mining town, just in time. The fuel indicator had flashed red some time ago. We stopped at the biggest petrol station, filled the car’s tank, and went to the rest room. It had already been late afternoon, and the sun was setting down in the west while the cold desert winter’s wind started blowing. The town fell into its own silence despite its name “the opal mine of the world” – a used-to-be crowded touristic spot in the 80s when Stuart highway had just been completed.

We kept moving north for a little while, the sunset turned the horizon into a dramatically beautiful zone of red and purple colours. This reminded me of my favourite comic character: Lucky Luke, the lonesome cowboy. At the end of all episodes, he rode his white horse into the dramatic sunset of the west and sang his song:

I’m a poor lonesome cowboy. I am a long long way from home…

THE WARMTH ON A COLD DESERT NIGHT

We stopped at a resting spot to get rest and dinner. It was an area where caravans and small trucks came to rest. Scattered around were wooden tables under a roof for people like us to sit. Our white Toyota, covered in desert’s dust, looked so small when parked next to RVs and SUVs. Adrian had a quick nap inside the car as we needed him to stay awake that night to drive us all the way to Alice Spring after dinner. We planned to arrive there at midnight.

The sky turned into a dark purple colour with a hint of red. The clouds floating by the splendid sunset seemed to carry a loneliness along with it into the silent night of the desert. The great desert’s sun, which was nearly set with last rays turning weak, looked as beautiful as ever. Cold winter’s wind started to take over this land. For those who had never been to a desert before, it would be difficult to imagine the harshness of the weather here. Though the sun might shine brightly and warm all day, you could still catch a cold at night. The desert night was a different territory of cold wind and darkness, which slowly claimed all to its merciful void.

We turned on our torches. The white little light was not strong enough to fight the darkness of the land during a night like this. We did not have much time to complete this trip, so an ideal perfect camping trip with campfire and tents shown on TV or Instagram was not possible.

While Adrian was taking his nap inside the car, we started making dinner by turning on our mini gas cooker to boil some water. I brought some carrots and cabbage which I chopped into small pieces on a small chopping board. Kaz started cutting the Spam (canned cooked meat) into cubes and dropped them into the pot. Chilli powder was added too. The hot pot was ready. We put instant noodles in the bubbling and steaming pot. It was an interestingly delicious combination between the sweetness of carrot and cabbage with the saltiness of Spam and the spiciness of chilli powder.

The night got colder and colder every minute. The temperature dropped to below 10 degrees Celsius and would go even lower later. The white steam rising from our hot pot was dancing in front of our torches’ light. We sat close together, fought for each strand of noodles and hot pot broth, and of course, any bit of warmth from the flame and the boiling pot. The howling wind tried to sneak through us, causing our blue flame to begin to recede at the moment of dark and light.

No matter if it was in our kitchen in the city or in the middle of this dark and fearful desert, the warmth of the stove was a miracle of life. It reminded me of some cold winter mornings when the stove’s flame was heating

a coffee pot in the kitchen. The steam escaped the boiling pot, making a pitching sound which broke the winter’s silence. And now, at that every moment in the desert’s night, the flame, again, danced a marvellous dance through the darkness and cold to boil our hot pot of simple yet such delicious ingredients. Perhaps, there wouldn’t be any better restaurant in this world that could provide us with these feelings while dining: the excitement of an unknown adventure, the fear of a night in the wilderness, and the desert’s cold loneliness. All these feelings combined and created some of the most unforgettable experiences in life.

AFTER ALL, WHAT REMAINED AFTER OUR TRIP?

We resumed our journey after cleaning up. The white car looked like a bright strange spot crossing the desert’s night. Sometimes, there were some kangaroos jumping out of nowhere, crossing the highway, scaring us to death. Resting my head on the passenger window, I looked up and started watching all those shiny stars in the sky. When we lived in the city, it was difficult, even impossible to see those little twinkle stars sparking up there. Many stars from afar, millions of lightyears, may have disappeared. What we were seeing were only their lights that had been travelling alone for all eternity to reach our eyes at that very moment in history. I suddenly had a cold feeling running down my back. Was it the amazement? Or was it the fear of the wild beauty of this land? Or was it just the cold of this night? I wasn’t sure. I wondered if there were some eyes watching us among those twinkle stars up there.

The journey continued, over 5,200 kilometres in 4 days and 3 nights sleeping in our car, fighting the cold winter of Australia. From Melbourne, we drove along the Great Ocean Road, watched all those giant rock formations out in the blue ocean, walked down Adelaide’s CBD at midnight, slept on the car next to the road, crossed the great desert of South Australia, slept in the car again, visited the legendary red rock Uluru, stayed awake all night to cross the desert back to Adelaide, took a nap in a motel, then finally got back to Melbourne when the sun started coming up on the fourth day.

After all, what I had left from this trip wasn’t any pictures but simple memories of a mad youthful time of my life, with an unexpected trip crossing the great desert without proper rest, which seemed too good to be turned down. And among all those memories of standing on the cliff looking towards the great ocean, standing at Uluru’s feet looking up the history it beared, or the loneliness of the cold desert’s night, there was the image of young kids gathered around a steaming hot pot with cheap ingredients to enjoy its deliciousness under the starry night.

The Mexicans have a strong belief that true death only comes when all memories are lost.

What remains after our long journeys, some of which are as long as our life itself? Nothing but memories. We should keep those smiley faces and the warm memories of those times in our heart, because whenever we travel to an unfamiliar place, we will not ever get lost if we have those in our hearts.

W.TIPS

LANGUAGES

Australia uses English as the main language.

GEOGRAPHY

Australia claims the whole mainland of Oceania (other countries are islands). The centre of it is the vast desert. Most of Australia’s population live in coastal areas where many rivers from Northern tropical jungles meet the sea. On the other hand, the Southern area is more of the temperate zone with forests and snowy mountains. The capital of Australia is Canberra in the East coast, South of Sydney and North of Melbourne.

CLIMATE

Because of its broadness, Australia’s climate is diverse, varying from one region to another. While the North is of the tropical climate, the South is of the temperate zone. Snow is rarely seen in the urban areas in winter. However, many Southern snow mountains are famous tourist destinations, as the ski season starts from June every year. Located in the Southern Hemisphere, seasons in Australia are in reverse of what’s in the Northern one. The best time to visit the country is in spring (from September to November) and autumn (from March to May).

CURRENCY

Australian dollar. Other popular currencies can be exchanged easily at many exchange counters in the airports or in any city.

TRANSPORT

Australia has a fairly developed public transportation system, especially in big cities. Each city and state has their own system. Australians drive on the left side of the road.

NOTE WHEN CLEARING BORDER

Australian border force is very strict in all manners of speaking, especially when it comes to bringing food into the country. No fresh food is allowed. Forbidden, except for some dried seafood, fruits and products from land animals’ meat are strictly forbidden. You should discard any food left in your cabin luggage when arriving at international airports in Australia to avoid getting into trouble when entering the country.

Alex Tran | Wanderlust Tips

The unique yurt tent of the Mongols

For thousands years, yurt – a portable, round tent covered with skins or felt – has been used as the traditional dwelling of nomadic families in Mongolia. It has travelled with them through their history through war as well as peaceful times.

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HISTORY

Yurt (called Ger by the Mongols) is the traditional dwelling of nomadic families in Mongolia. It is considered a basic element in the development of the traditional Mongolian architecture. According to archaeological research, the Yurt originated in Turkey and then was adapted throughout Central Asia. The development of different forms of Yurt represents the ways of life of different nations and races.

However, the Yurt tent was not the first form of the architecture of Mongolia in ancient times. A lot of archaeological evidence shows the existence of quadrilateral tombs dating back from the 4th-5th century across Central Mongolia has been found. Works built with structural bricks still exist in Mongolia, and are even developed to a certain level.

So what is the origin of the Mongolian Yurt?

During the Mongol Empire, Genghis Khan used his Yurt as the area of central command. On the move, it was mounted on a huge, wheeled cart hauled by oxen. When stationary, it was guarded by his soldiers and cavalry.

In addition, the Yurt was also used as the living place of the Mongolian nomads. In the 14th century, an Italian merchant, Marco Polo while staying in Mongolia said: “… they have circular houses made of wood and covered with felt, which they carry about with them on four-wheeled wagons wherever they go. For the framework of rods is so neatly and skillfully constructed that it is light to carry. And every time they unfold their house and set it up, the door is always facing south.”

THE UNIQUE STRUCTURE OF YURT

Many Mongolians live as nomads and raise cows in vast steppes. They move seasonally in search of good pasture and water sources for their herds. Therefore, they need a sturdy yet lightweight and movable living structure which is also large enough for many people to live together.

As a result, the Yurt has a simple and compact structure engineered to collapse, pack, and assemble quickly for easy transport by camels or horses. It consists of wooden unfolding wall-sections that are covered with felt and topped with a roof. The lattice of a traditional yurt is divided into sections, called khana. The crown is a ring to which roof poles, called uni, are attached. The circular ceiling window formed by the crown is called the toono, and there are columns to support the heavy crown. Most yurts have three layers. The first layer is a decorative white cotton cover that is fitted to the outside of the roof and walls. The second layer is often made of thick cloth from goatskin or sheepskin, its thickness depends on the weather of each season. The third layer is the waterproof layer made of white thick canvas, covering the roof and the walls.

Contrary to the simple exterior, the inside of the yurt is beautifully decorated. Men are assigned to set up the tent, while women are responsible for decorations. Depending on the financial conditions and preference of each family, the interior decorations will be different. However, most of the objects are derived from sacred symbols in Mongolia. The most common ones are symbols that represent the power of Four Holy Beasts of the Mongolians (Lion, tiger, graduga Bird Gods, and dragon). In addition, the decoration style is inspired by the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water). The local people here believe that these are the five basic elements of the universe which grant them the power to protect their family.

Apart from symbols associated with nature, religious decorations are also very popular in Yurt decor. Since the 16th and 17th century, Buddhism has become one of the major religions in Mongolia. Toono is said to have the shape of the Wheel of Reincarnation, as it has 2 concentric circles and eight axes in the middle.

Regarding the colours of the interior, furniture is decorated with eye-catching colours such as red, orange, blue, and green; the most common being red. Red symbolizes great power; it is the sun that represents the bright red colour. Yellow symbolizes light, blue is the colour of a large river, and green is for vast grasslands.

The Yurt has a variety of forms, it can be in the shape of a cylinder or cube. However, today, Yurt is mainly made in the shape of a cylinder. Each Yurt usually has a diameter of 5-6 metres, some may reach up to 8-9 metres. Depending on the size, the number of toono and uni will change.

In Mongolia, depending on the season, people may not use wooden panels to make the floor but directly set up Yurt on the ground or grass platform, then use large leather panels to cover the platform. The Mongolians believe that directing South brings good fortune, so the doors of their houses often face South.

FLEXIBLE AIR-CONDITIONING AND LIGHT SYSTEM

Although the frame and cover is not as sturdy as in a brick house, Yurt is still resilient enough for people to stay in. Thanks to the design which skillfully distributes weight evenly around the structure, it can naturally disperse any stress received down to the ground. The ends of khana are attached to the door, creating a circle to distribute the weight. The outer canvas is also tightened to the frame so that the wind cannot enter the tent. In addition, the round shape of the yurt makes the wind go around and above, while the air hole on the roof and low shape help the Yurt stay grounded. All of these features help the Yurt stand firmly amidst the vast grassland despite strong winds.

The temperatures in Mongolia are very harsh, especially in the winter. Therefore, keeping warm is extremely important. However, it is not easy to keep the yurt warm yet not stuffy inside. Yurts have been optimized to comply to both these requirements. The outside air can enter the yurt through the door or small gaps at the foot of the yurt. Meanwhile, there is a fireplace inside to keep the air at the right temperature. When entering the yurt, the cold air outside meets the hot air from inside, then escapes through the toono, merge with the cold northern wind and blow to the south. This cycle is repeated, making the atmosphere inside the yurt warm and comfortable yet not stuffy.

Though the Yurt has only one door and one air hole, light is still sufficiently provided to meet living needs. When staying in the Yurt, people can still identify the time of the day thanks to the movement of light in the Yurt. For example, in the middle of the day, the light will fall on the alter which is placed to face north. At night, the light source is provided by the fireplace or the stove. Today, Mongolian people use solar cells which collect natural light, providing electricity to the family.

DAILY LIFE OF THE MONGOLIANS ASSOCIATED WITH THE YURT

For the Mongolians, the Yurt is not only a place to live but also a symbol for the close bond between Mongolian people and the harsh nature here, demonstrating their spiritual belief and awareness of the universe. The roof represents the sky with an open circular hole named “toon” at its centre which symbolizes the sun. The fireplace in the centre of the yurt represents five elements of the universe. Therefore, the Mongolians believe that the fire is their god. That is why they do not burn garbage on the fire, and strangers are not allowed to take fire directly from the fireplace.

Yurts are often divided into four different spaces, including the altar and 3 other areas for the men, women, and the “poor”. The altar always faces the door, also known as khoimer. This space is used not only to worship but also to keep items of religious value or pictures of relatives and friends. Honoured guests are invited to sit in the area of khoimer. When sleeping, every member of the family goes to the north chamber of the yurt to express their respect to the ancestors. The centre of the yurt is a fireplace, a stove, or a low table to welcome guests. The West space is for men, male travellers, and honoured guests. It is also the place where men keep their belongings such as saddles or hunting tools. Women and children use the space in the east. This is also a place to keep rugs, food, crockery, water, and other stuff. The space near the entrance is for civil servants, poor visitors, and sick or young animals.

Each Yurt can accommodate a three-generation family, symbolizing the sense of community and unity of the Mongolians. However, newlyweds will be given a private yurt by the bride’s parents; it is often located near the large Yurt of the family. When winter comes, blood-related families often gather and form a group of yurts linked together, with all doors facing south.

One downside of the Yurt is the limitation of personal space and daily needs, especially with regard to water. The water in the grassland is usually transported by horses or camels to stock in the Yurt. Therefore, using water effectively is an imperative requirement when living in a Yurt. The Mongolians rarely drink water; instead, they drink traditional goat’s milk and alcohol.

The Mongolians are very hospitable; they are willing to welcome any visitors. However, when entering Yurt, there are some rules that guests should adhere to and take note of before entering or visiting a yurt. All weapons must be left outside. People are not allowed to do any of these activities: step on the doorstep or cling to the string at the door, turn their feet to the fireplace, burn garbage on the fireplace, sit with their back to the altar, or point a knife at anyone. You cannot walk where elders are facing towards.

Mongolia is one of the few remaining nomadic nations in the world today. In the process of their history, the Mongolians have gradually improved the structure of their yurts to suit the harsh living conditions of the steppes. In particular,

the architecture of the Yurt is often used for Glamping, a combination of luxury and comfortable camping style with luxury facilities, which are popular to many visitors.

Lan Lan | Wanderlust Tips

Glamping amidst nature

Different from the traditional way of camping with simple tents, glamping grants us exotic experiences where we can enjoy beautiful nature in luxury tents full of modern facilities while immersing ourselves in the wilderness.

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SO, WHAT IS GLAMPING?

Glamping is a portmanteau of glamorous and camping, and describes a style of camping with amenities and, in some cases, resort-style services. Glamping has become particularly popular with 21st-century tourists seeking the luxuries of hotel accommodation alongside the escapism and adventure recreation of camping.

The word “Glamping” first appeared in the United Kingdom in 2005 and was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2016. The word is new, but the concept that “Glamping” connotes, that of luxurious tent-living, has appeared for a long time.

In the 16th century, the Scottish Earl of Atholl prepared a lavish experience in the Highlands for the visiting King James V and his mother. Here, the Duke pitched lavish tents and filled them with all the provisions of his own home palace.

Probably the most extravagant example of palatial tent-living in history was the Field of the Cloth of Gold, a diplomatic summit in northern France in 1520 between Henry VIII of England and Francis I of France. Some 2,800 tents and marquees were erected, and fountains ran with red wine.

At around the same time, the Ottomans had ostentatious, palatial tents transported from one military mission to the next. In order to conquer new lands, the Ottoman army had to travel long distances, which required discipline and great organization. In this respect, the experience and traditions of ancient Turkish nomadic culture proved valuable. Therefore, the military encampment was extremely well-organised for maximum convenience, from the palace-like tent complex down to the tents of the lowest ranking soldiers.

Besides military purposes, tent culture was of crucial importance in the daily life of the Ottoman. The tents were richly decorated in ceremonies, celebrations, or long trips of the Sultan. Some 400 years later, in the 1920s, an African safari became “the thing to do” among wealthy Britons and Americans. However, wealthy travellers, even those in search of adventure, were not willing to sacrifice comfort or luxury. From electric generators to folding baths, and cases of champagne, travellers were afforded every domestic luxury while on adventure in Africa.

This way of camping became increasingly popular, and 100 years later, Glamping has officially appeared and become a popular travel trend.

THE MODERN GLAMPING TREND

Glamping provides the most luxurious personalized services in order to offer the best comfort for customers. The facilities of Glamping are similar to those of luxury hotels, which is far more incredible in comparison with normal camping. When customers book the most professional services, they can fully enjoy the trip as a team of chefs, mates, tour guides, stewards and therapists are always available to bring them the best services. Along with modern facilities, essential elements of a camping experience are still maintained. The tents are still put up amidst the beautiful wilderness, under a sky full of stars.

Glamping can give visitors all kinds of experiences. They can admire the breathtaking scenery of the African desert while lying in a comfortable large bed. They can also soak in a hot tub while watching the deer walking leisurely on the grass. Enjoying spa services amidst the greenery, or looking at the magnificent night sky while staying overnight in an igloo are also some experiences that Glamping can offer visitors.

Currently, there are many types of Glamping such as safari tents, the yurts of the Mongols, the tipis of Indigenous peoples of the Americas, domes, igloo, caves, tree houses, or cabins.

The idea of safari tents appeared hundreds of years ago. Today, safari tents are the premier lodging for upscale African safari organizations, and have been adopted by many glamping site owners in other parts of the world. Safari tents are large, rebuilt in a huge rectangular form, supported by a framework of aluminum or fiberglass poles. The walls and peaked roof are typically made of a light but weather-resistant and durable fabric-like canvas. Spacious and quadrangular interiors allow for simulation of home spaces and almost no limit to the potential for luxury.

Historically built to withstand the long winter of Mongolia, today, the Yurt has become a popular type of Glamping.

Staying in a Yurt, tourists will have a chance to be immersed in nature while enjoying a good sleep in cozy pretty tents bearing cultural imprints.

Meanwhile, cabins or tree houses are no longer tiny spaces like those in our childhood memories. They are adapted to Glamping style and become 5-star luxury accommodation with beds, tables, chairs, cabinet, tubs, and 24/7 services. Here, tourists can sense the smell and sound of the forest in every single moment. Just by looking out of the window, they can admire the beautiful scenery and the vast sky.

Another type of Glamping – staying in caves – will transport you back into ancient times and enable you to experience historical space while enjoying the modern facilities of an authentic vacation.

Besides, an igloo is a more special option; instead of using common materials such as canvas, wood, or metal, people build igloos from ice. It is quite cold while staying inside the igloos, but if dressing properly, you can still enjoy a wonderful and unforgettable night.

There are many other types of Glamping which are becoming increasingly popular and chosen as favourable accommodation for tourists to enjoy nature. And in some cases, Glamping is a style of luxury retreats which is totally different from the traditional camping, but the environment-friendly aspects are still valued and considered as priorities.

Van Ly | Wanderlust Tips

Wanderlust Tips Foundation: Meaningful Journeys to Ca Mau community college

On 12th December, Wanderlust Tips travel magazine and Wanderlust Tips Foundation tourism development fund, under the sponsorship of ford Vietnam, held “meaningful journeys”, a program to students from Ca Mau community college who have achieved great academic results despite poverty and organized a talk show on “responsible tourism” with the participation of two guests: Helly Tong and Vuong Thien Minh.

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Wanderlust Tips English Vietnamese bilingual travel magazine has always done their absolute best to provide authentic information, useful experiences, and vibrant images of famous destinations in Vietnam and across the globe. In addition to being a useful information channel, Wanderlust Tips also owns Wanderlust Tips Foundation Tourism Development Fund with the aim to develop sustainable tourism as well as bring positive benefits to the local community and society.

Ford Vietnam, one of the leading car manufacturers in Vietnam’s market, has strengthened its position in the development of the whole sector with safe, smart, and strong models such as Ford Ranger, Ford EcoSport, Ford Everest, and Ford Explorer. In addition to its contribution to the automotive industry of Vietnam and the good relationships with Vietnamese customers for 25 years, Ford Vietnam always shows great concern and invests in community activities. It has run many programs for students across the country.

Working towards common goals for the community, Ford Vietnam, Wanderlust Tips and Wanderlust Tips Foundation held “Meaningful journeys” to give 30 scholarships, each worth VND1,000,000, to 30 students who have, despite their difficult circumstances, gained excellent academic achievements at Ca Mau Community College. The scholarships are given with the hope to give support to the students with difficulties in life and encourage them to be confident to go forward in their journeys ahead.

In the framework of the program “Meaningful journeys”, two famous guests, the young entrepreneur and Model Helly Tong and photographer Vuong Thien Minh, had a very interesting talk with students of Ca Mau Community College on “Responsible tourism”. Stories about life, passion for travel, and the journeys of guests have strongly inspired the students to think about the passion of the youth, daring decisions, and the awareness of their responsibility to protect the environment and preserve valuable cultural heritages.

After the journey to the Southernmost land in Vietnam – Ca Mau, Wanderlust Tips travel magazine and Wanderlust Tips Foundation Tourism Development Fund will continue to visit many other regions of Vietnam to create more beautiful journeys for the community and develop sustainable tourism.

Wanderlust Tips

Fashion collection December 2018 issue: Meaningful journey

Crossing faraway routes, vast green fields, streams, and mountains, you and I, accompanied by Ford Everest, have created beautiful memories which can be cherished for a lifetime. These memories were made on a journey to Ca Mau – the southernmost land of Vietnam.

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The journeys granted us the opportunities to admire the magnificent and poetic scenery of Vietnam. It was an early morning when we enjoyed the fresh air when we stopped by the roadside, or the time we crossed fruitful fields and vast green forests with the blue sky above. And then, the southernmost land of Vietnam appeared in front of our eyes. Such a beautiful and sacred moment!

And Ford Everest is an indispensable part in creating such beautiful memories on our journeys. The Ford Everest 7 Seater SUV which features modern technology and an impressive engine promises to offer any driver great “off-road” driving experiences along with the best comfort and safety when driving on rough roads.

Happiness is not just about the destination, it is also about the journey. You, I and our friend Ford Everest will turn every ordinary day into a special one, and each journey will become a sweet and meaningful memory.

Wanderlust Tips

Tips to score deeper shopping discounts while travelling

Are you a true shopaholic? Do you want to buy your favourite items at discount prices? The greatest discount seasons have just begun, do not hesitate to travel to shopping paradises around the world. Wanderlust tips will suggest some useful tips for shopping wisely in major discount seasons at the end of the year.

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Wanderlust Tips

Share the love: Shopping tourism

Some travelers get to know a place through its museums and monuments, others through its scenic landscapes or traditional cuisine. But for globetrotters who love to shop, there’s no truer way to experience a place than by haggling with merchants in a bazaar, browsing the handcrafted wares of local artisans or sampling designer duds at the poshest boutique in town.

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1. TRAN THI NGOC HUYEN – SALES STAFF, HANOI – I OFTEN SPEND TIME SHOPPING WHILE TRAVELLING

It can be said that I devote my life to travelling because it is when I can be myself, indulge in cultural exploration and experiences. In addition, shopping is what I always spend time on during my trips. Besides rewarding myself with favourite items from a new land, I often try to find exotic souvenirs for my family and friends.

Among the many countries I have travelled to, I love the time I spent shopping in Thailand the most. Known as the “tourism country”, Thailand astonished me with trading culture. Locals here are really friendly because professional service is their first priority. Friendly smiles and hearty handshakes make customers feel comfortable. When shopping in Thailand, you only need to spend more than THB1,000 per invoice in order to get a tax refund, get tax refund at the airport.

When buying things in a foreign country, the biggest difficulty many visitors encounter is communication. People often use English to exchange information; however, not many locals can speak English, so sometimes it is really difficult to understand each other. In addition, you should bring more money than your expected expenditure as you may spend more than what you have planned.

2. TRAN DOAN DAT – FREELANCE MODEL, HCMC – EXPLORE THE SHOPPING PARADISE IN SINGAPORE

If you are a shopping devotee, you should definitely visit Singapore. Many items such as perfumes, clothes, shoes in Singapore are often 30-50% cheaper than those sold in Vietnam, while the quality is still good.

My journey of exploring the “shopping paradise” in Singapore started in Little India area. Here, they sell embroideries, gems, handbags, oils and natural perfumes, which feature Indian cultures. Then I visited Haji Lane; it is home to many shops which offer a wide variety of good quality items sold at reasonable prices. This street is full of products which originate from China and Korea. I also found unique customized items designed by young fashion designers from Singapore. Orchard Road is well known for countless luxury stores from clothes, cosmetics products, to electronics and furniture.

While going shopping, do not forget to carefully check items and bargain before buying. There are some places that sell products for original prices, but there are also some stores where you can negotiate to get a better deal. In addition, you should also ask the staff about the store’s discount policy, especially during the discount season as each store offers a variety of incentive programs.

3. PHAM KHANH LINH – OVERSEAS STUDENT, UK – A RELIABLE AND FRIENDLY SHOPPING EXPERIENCE IN THE UK

In the UK, I feel a sense of calmness; sometimes the pace of life is so slow and really different from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi. People here highly value the queue culture; you can easily see a long queue of people waiting in front of a restaurant, a dressing room, waiting for payment or for the bus. Nobody seems to rush. People in the UK also value personal time. Shops, restaurants, and shopping malls here often close very early. At about 7pm, streets become very quiet because only few places are still open at that time. On the weekends, most of the stores close early or do not open on those days. Therefore, if you want to go sightseeing or shopping, it is recommended to arrange your itinerary accordingly.

In the UK, there are many kinds of products that range from affordable to luxury brands so you can easily find the products that fit your budget. The attitude of British staff and services are really good as well. When visiting a store, you can browse products without being accompanied by staff. If you have any question, the staff will promptly respond to you. And it is noteworthy that after purchasing a product, and it is has not yet been used or is still in good condition (often called sale-able), you are welcome to return the product for a full cash refund. Regarding the quality of the products, there is nothing to complain about because the products in the UK are judged according to European standards, and excellent quality is strictly guaranteed.

4. HOANG TRINH – OVERSEAS STUDENT, GERMANY – SHOPPING EXPERIENCE IN GERMANY

As an overseas student studying in Germany, I have the opportunity to experience an interesting life in a country that has a completely different culture from Vietnam. Regarding the culture of shopping and consuming, in Germany, there are a variety of stores that meet the demand of any buyer.

In Germany, you can find pharmacy stores called “Drogerie markt”, in which Dm and Rossmann brands are the most famous. People can visit these stores to buy cosmetics and home appliances at affordable prices. While the Dm chain usually sells a lot of products at slightly lower prices than those at Rossmann, Rossmann often launches discount programs every two weeks. And if you want to buy products of luxury cosmetics brands, you should go to the Douglas chain stores, which have branches in most of German cities or in major shopping centers such as Kaufhof and Karstadt.

If you are a fashion devotee, then shopping malls which are home to many brands from affordable to luxury products are places you should not miss. Besides discount days such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and shopping week, at the end of the season, the largest discount program offers discounts of up to 70%. What impresses me is that though these items are sold at discounted prices, they still look very nice and good; there are rarely faulty products here.

Wanderlust Tips