Journeywoman.com
was born in 1994 and was based on our belief that women travellers
are the best networkers in the world. From the very beginning
we asked our readers to share their best travel secrets and
travel advice with other members of the Journeywoman Network.
And, since 1994 they have never let us down.
We're extremely proud of the fact that our tips are truly international submitted by readers living around the world and that their submissions are based on their own true travel experiences. This year some of the best bits of advice comes from Bali, Vietnam, Russia, Israel, Hungary, Switzerland, Canada and the USA.
For those visitors to our website who are not yet receiving our newsletter, here is a sampling of the best tips our members read in 2010. For those who do receive our newsletter, here, again, is a helpful trip down memory lane. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy, and thank you to everybody who helps to make our Journeywoman Network the largest and the juiciest in the world.
CONNECTING
WITH LOCALS IN PARIS -- writes Holly in Durham,
USA -- This past year I visited Paris for the 5th time and
was looking for ways to see less-touristy places and connect
with 'real' French people. Here are the two special ways that
worked for me. Perhaps other Journeywoman readers would like
to try, too? (1) I connected with Paris
Greeters, an all-volunteer group who share their love
of Paris with you. I enjoyed a wonderful walking tour and
history lesson of the 19th Arr. and the Parc des Buttes Chaumont
with them. There was no official cost but they do ask for
a small contribution to keep their services running. It was
well worth it. (2) The Paris
Convention and Visitors Bureau also offers many options
for ways to connect. The one I chose was called, Meeting Parisians
At Work, where you visit a craftsperson's place and get a
behind-the-scenes tour. I visited a boulangerie with an interpreter
and six other tourists. We made baguettes and croissants.
Merveillieux and délicieux!
A
TRAVELLER-FRIENDLY BUFFET IN COPENHAGEN, DENMARK -- writes
Linda in Tualatin, USA -- Since I don't understand Danish,
I found the restaurant menus in Copenhagen somewhat intimidating.
Then I discovered a wonderful place named Riz Raz (two locations
in the city). They open at 11:30 for lunch and serve a terrific
Mediterranean buffet. You can see all the food possibilities
and can help yourself to luscious salads, fresh baked breads,
desserts, etc. without having to decipher a menu. Weather
permitting, outside seating is available so you can people
watch while you eat. On several occasions I enjoyed a larger,
leisurely lunch there and and then had only a light snack
for dinner. Highly recommended. Website: www.rizraz.dk
EDITOR'S NOTE: Need more tips about Scandinavia? They are right here.
A
CRAFT MARKET IN TEL AVIV -- writes Sunny in
Tel Aviv, Israel -- Don't miss this. It's great fun. Nechlat
Binyamin is a pedestrian only space that runs alongside the
Carmel Market in Tel Aviv. Each Tuesday and Friday from 10:00
AM to late afternoon this street is magically transformed
into a wonderful street fair. Tables and booths laden with
Israeli crafts stretch for two city blocks, performing artists
show off their skills, and cafes and coffee shops around the
perimeter do a booming business. This is a perfect spot to
simply browse, chat with the artisans and perhaps pick up
goodies for yourself and the folks at home. You'll find everything
from whimsical toys to silver bracelets, earring, paintings
and candles.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
Travelling to Israel? You'll 
this
article.
WARNING
TO TRAIN TRAVELERS IN ITALY -- writes Denise
in Ottawa, Canada --Train travel in Italy is fast and efficient.
It's a wonderful way to get around the country. However, I
send this warning to my sister travelers. Be diligent and
always have your ticket time-punched through those yellow
boxes beside the track your train will travel on. If not,
and a ticket inspector sees that your ticket is not time stamped
you are fined 40 Euros, payable on the spot. Those inspectors
have a job to do and they do it.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Pay attention ladies -- The 40 euros you might pay in fines could buy you lots of pizza, red wine and lattes.
I
REALLY LIKE THIS INDIAN RESTAURANT IN LONDON --
writes Barbara in Bern, Switzerland -- If you love Indian
food and are willing to spend the extra British Pound, The
Bombay Brasserie is the place to go. It is fine dining at
its best. The tastes are divine and the preparation like art.
I love sitting in the conservatory or having a pre-dinner
drink in the bar where you can watch people come and go. The
Bombay Brasserie’s clientele is mostly Indian, which
I think is a very good sign. It’s located on Courtfield
Road just behind Gloucester Road tube station on the Piccadilly
line. Website: http://www.bombaybrasserielondon.com/
HER
WASHINGTON D.C. INSIDER SECRET -- writes Bonnie
in Virginia, USA -- Most JourneyWomen may know about Washington's
famous Cherry Blossoms in April. However, few know about the
annual Georgetown House and Garden Tour sponsored by St. John's
Episcopal Church which takes place every year on the final
Saturday of April. The tour includes a booklet chock full
of information on all the houses (including a map) and a bounteous
Parish Tea (cold drinks, sweets and tea sandwiches) in Blake
Hall back at the church, Past years' tours have included houses
lived in by JFK, famous socialites, Charles Darwin and other
historic figures. Cost for the day's outing is $50 per person
if purchased by April 16 ($55 afterward). April in DC is idyllic
anyway, and this walking tour makes it even more so. For more
information, visit the website: www.georgetownhousetour.com
EDITOR'S NOTE: Here's another 50 Things to See and Do in Washington DC. Simply click here.
A
HOSTAL IN MADRID CLOSE TO PRADO MUSEUM --
writes Denise in Ottawa, Canada -- Please note a hostal (not
a hostel) refers to a type of family-run pension typically
common only in Spain and a few other Spanish-speaking countries.
While travelling solo in Spain I found one of these hostales
very centrally located at 16 Calle Prado about seven minutes
from Prado Museum, and five minutes walk to Plaza Santa Ana
and Puerta del sol -- the heart of Madrid. The owners live
there too and one cannot get better and friendlier service.
It's very clean and secure. There is a camera at the street
level door and the actual hostal is accessed by elevator to
the third floor. I also found some great restaurants nearby.
Email: info@hostalsardinero.com
Website with photos and room rates can be found here: http://www.hostalsardinero.com
A
BOOKSHOP IN BALI -- writes Tandy in Ubud,
Bali -- If you're looking for specialty books on Bali and
Indonesia I'd like to recommend Ganesha Bookshop. Located
on Jalan Raya, near the Ubud Post Office, Ganesha Bookshop
has an amazing selection of new and used books (bought and
sold) - the majority in English. Topics include everything
from your Balinese horoscope to yoga and children's books.
They also have some books in Indonesian, French, German, and
Dutch. They sell magazines, maps, postcards, locally made
bookmarks and note cards, and even musical instruments. The
staff are helpful and friendly. Secondhand books bought at
Ganesha can be returned for 50% credit or cash. Website: www.ganeshabooksbali.com
EDITOR'S NOTE: Are you a bookwormette? Simply click here for oodles of fun bookstores around the world.
Neat hiding place for your money... |
Want
another hiding place for your money? Try sewing a mesh,
envelope style pocket in the front or back of a stretchy
camisole that you wear under another piece of clothing.
If you like you can secure the pocket flap with a small
safety pin. Paper money sits perfectly inside this pocket
and is not obvious at all. Another option is to turn
up the hem of a stretchy camisole and sew vertical lines
to make compartments the right size for your money.
You can also secure these with safety pins. Whenever
I travel I use one of these options and they have worked
well for me. P.S.
If you aren't able to do the sewing yourself, you can
have it done easily and cheaply at shops that offer
alterations.
Meet
the locals + volunteer in Japan...
Feeling
lonely in Tokyo and want to meet a group of English
speaking folks who have fun while giving their time
to a good cause? EDITOR'S NOTE:
Going to Japan? We think you'll love the article, 20
Things Women Should Know About Tokyo. |
Volunteers
are always needed at the Tokyo Union Church in Omotesando
(their subway stop is the same name). We meet every
day (not in July or August though) at 9 am in the basement
of the church to make 'onigiri' (rice cakes) for the
homeless in the city. It only takes an hour or so of
your time. No previous experience is required and you
can just show up. We hope to meet and greet you there.
Website:
