Women Writers Worldwide Share Travel Secrets 2006

Wherever I go in China, I try to eat in the Dong Bei Restaurant chain, mainly because its restaurants are so lively and fun, and the food is good. But don't go there for a quiet romantic lunch. Wait staff greet you sing-song fashion and scurry around in brightly coloured costumes. You can get disposable gloves so you can eat your deep-fried pork hocks by hand. The food in northeast Chinese style is cheap and these restaurants are usually packed so get there early. There's a branch in Shanghai near the City Hotel on Shanxi Nan Road. From here you can walk off a heavy meal along streets of cheap boutiques with the latest women's fashions all the way to the Xiangyang Market (for inexpensive knock-offs).

For upmarket food, my favourite is M on the Bund, not just for the food, but for the view from its balcony of the Bund at dusk when the lights come on. I've eaten there twice (when a friend on an expense account was paying), but for the price of a drink, I have sat on the balcony before restaurant patrons arrive, and enjoyed the view. There are other Bund-side restaurants in this area too, but I find them too flossy. M on the Bund is on the 7th floor at No. 5, The Bund, entrance on Guangdong Road. Tel. 63509988. Website: http://www.m-onthebund.com/

Ruth Lor Malloy is a travel writer with an expertise in China who lives in Toronto, Canada. She is the author of China Guide and Ruth Lor Malloy's Beijing. Website: http://www.china-travel-guide.com

Invest in a good quality ultra-light head torch (lamp). My favourite is one with a pull out strap that is so compact and light to carry, it slips into a pocket or small purse. Great for reading in bed at night in dorm rooms, walking along dark roads at night (hopefully not alone), rainforest night walks, caving and other adventure activities. The model is called, Zipka. It's made by Petzl which I think is an international brand. I found mine on an Aussie website called, http://www.spelean.com.au/index_a.html but I'm sure JourneyWomen would be able to google it and find a source in their own country.

P.S. This item makes a great bon voyage gift for any traveller.

Janet McGarry is a travel journalist living in Australia. She is the Managing Editor of Backpacker Essentials. Website: http://www.backpackeressentials.com.au

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