A few weeks ago - we were sitting in a colorful Trishaw (bicycle taxi), touring the streets of Georgetown in Penang while filming a new travel episode and chitchatting with the old wrinkled man behind us pushing the bike.

In reality, it would have been faster to simply walk, so it was a little funny to see people walking past us, but we weren’t in a hurry to get anywhere.

The Mugging.

Then, in the matter of seconds, it happened …

Suddenly, out of nowhere, two men on a motorbike came up from behind us – the guy behind the driver was sitting backwards on the motorbike, turned towards us (obviously prepared).

He broke out into a big smile as if greeting us, while at the same time grabbing the camera that Nathan was holding in both hands by his chest, forcing it out of his hands at the same time as the driver on the motorbike accelerated to gain more power, and drove off.

It all happened really fast, but it was one of those moments when time suddenly stops and everything seems to happen in slow motion.

Those who have ever seen me get mad, know not to let it happen again – it takes a lot for me to snap, but when I do I get a death look that shocks people in ways you can’t imagine.

That guy on the motorbike was one of the few who got to see it.

I gave him “the death look”, let out a long, loud animal-like scream, and as I leaped out of the seat, the guy’s arrogant smile had turned into a look of pure terror.

I knew there was nothing I could do to get it back, but I would NOT let him get away with my camera while still smiling.

That was the fastest way we’ve seen 4,000US dollars disappear out of our hands ever.

The poor old trishaw man was close to tears, and tried to pedal as fast as he could, helplessly repeating “wait, I tell my boss”, making his way to the “boss”.

At the police station, I cried – not of pity, but of anger.

I was so pissed off by how anyone can justify mugging someone.

They have no excuse, being poor is not a valid excuse, especially not when they could obviously afford a motorbike and fuel, a luxury in my opinion.

It was not losing the camera that made me so mad, it was losing the memory card with all our photos and video footage on it.

Sometimes Safety Is Not The Problem.

During the last 4 years of traveling, this has never happened before – which in other words means, I guess it had to happen some time…

People can go on and on about how you have to be careful with your stuff, but there is a limit to that too.

Sure, it might have been safer keeping the camera inside a bag, but what’s the point of having a camera if you’re not using it?

During our travels, we’ve met quite a few travelers who have chosen not to bring even a cheap point and shoot camera with them on their trips – in fear of losing it.

I think that’s taking it too far.

It sucks to be mugged, but I can’t imagine having traveled to all these countries for so many years without having taken one single picture – just for the sake of not getting mugged.

What We Learnt.

Incidentally, we had just (a few weeks earlier) changed our insurance company from World Nomads to another company which we felt seemed more willing to help out rather than trying to find every opportunity to avoid paying out.

It always stings a bit when you pay a lot for something you probably won’t need, but I was so glad I had my insurance this time, and while we didn’t get the full amount back, getting half of it was not too bad (the new insurance we use is called ERV).

Having a good insurance makes things so much easier, and only two weeks after claiming the insurance we were paid without any further questions.

I’m not afraid of buying another expensive camera, to be honest we probably got more money back from the insurance than we would have got by selling our second-hand gear – don’t let one bad experience make you expect it to happen again – it might, but it also might not.

Have you been mugged before? how did you deal with it?

“Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen – keep in the sunlight” – Benjamin Franklin

It’s all very well planning a city break to feed your inner culture vulture or a gastronomic experience to tempt your taste buds – but have you considered planning a holiday that focuses on your wellbeing?

From month long relaxing retreats to cheap spa breaks, there are plenty of holidays out there that’ll help get your body and mind in tip top condition.

Here are a few of our favorites…

Dust Off Your Walking Boots

“These boots were made for walking, and that’s just what they’ll do” – walking holidays are a brilliant way to see the sights whilst also clocking up some impressive mileage, and there is nothing more soothing for your body than getting some fresh air.

Join a group excursion and you may even find yourself making new friends on during your trip.

Some of the best walking holidays in Europe are in Austria and Switzerland, which have thousands of kilometers of walking tracks, some where you’ll barely need to bring anything but your boots as restaurants, hotels and even spas can be found along the hiking trails in the mountains and villages you pass along the way.

Take To The Slopes

There’s no denying that skiing holidays can work wonders for your fitness – and now your winter sports break could benefit your brain, too.

‘Snowga’, a new luxury holiday experience set in France’s Val d’Isere resort, combines skiing and snow-boarding with regular yoga workouts to stimulate body and mind.

The best part? All cooking during the break is done for you – so you can use the time you save to perfect your best Downward Dog.

Retreat From The World

Sometimes we all need to escape for a bit – whether you choose to run away for a week, month or even a year (yes, there are some year-long getaways out there) a retreat is the ideal way to show yourself some much needed TLC.

Most retreats include yoga and meditation to soothe the body and focus the mind, and many are located in inspirational settings such as Goa, Bali or Thailand.

In Goa you’ll find many Ayurveda spas, in Bali relaxing detox centers and in Thailand some luxurious spas and a variety of different treatments.

Prepare To Be Pampered

Spa weekends are one of the best ways to get away for a bit and recharge your batteries – especially if your time is limited and want to treat yourself without having it cost a fortune.

Most spas allow guests to tailor their stay to suit their needs, with options ranging from simple use of the facilities (such as pool and sauna) to a variety of indulgent treatments.

Whether you decide to treat yourself to a massage or simply to enjoy a dip in the Jacuzzi, the chances are that, come Monday, you’ll be feeling rested, restored and ready to take on anything.

Popular spa weekend destination are Budapest, Marrakech and Istanbul.

Jump In The Saddle

Not only are trekking holidays a fun and unusual way to explore a new place – but they’re actually pretty good for your fitness, too.

Hop on a horse, donkey or – if you’re feeling brave – a camel and you’ll find you work muscles you never even knew you had.

Well, it certainly beats being stuck on a coach for hours on end… Corsica and Iceland are two popular destinations for horseback riding in beautiful scenery.

Where would you like to go for a wonderful body & soul getaway?

(photo credits: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4)

Guest Post : Travel Advice – An essential part of your backpacking plans should involve getting and understanding travel insurance.

You’ll need to speak to your insurance provider and investigate your policy thoroughly to verify details of exactly what your policy does and doesn’t cover.

For worldwide travel insurance Moneysupermarket has a database of travel insurers. There are some things that a backpacker insurance policy will usually cover as standard, so read on for the lowdown on the essentials:

Medical Cover

Medical cover is probably the most important part of your insurance plan.

The US government recommends checking whether or not your existing medical insurance policy covers things like medical evacuation; if it doesn’t it is recommended that you take out a supplemental policy to cover yourself.

Healthcare cover should cover you for between two and three million USD.

Some policies also include a 24 hour emergency service.

With this, you’ll be entitled to assistance from a specialized company, helping you with everything from repatriation to on-the-spot advice.

It is extremely important to be aware that many policies will exclude cover for injuries incurred whilst participating in certain activities, such as jet-skiing or sky diving.

Your insurance provider will usually be more than happy to include cover for such extreme activities, providing you’re willing to pay a higher premium.

Possessions Cover

Policies usually include cover for cash and documents (e.g. passport), although there are limits, so check your policy thoroughly and, if there’s anything you don’t understand, ask your insurer.

With policies usually carrying an upper limit on both the amount claimed per item and the total claim, you’ll need to make sure that if you’re taking any expensive items with you they will definitely be covered.

Again, you’ll often be able to purchase extra cover for such items. Make sure your luggage is covered – airlines are only obliged to pay back a tiny amount per kilo of lost luggage, which could see you seriously out of pocket if anything were to happen.

Wherever you are, theft must be reported to the police within 24 hours, proof of which will be requested by your insurance company if they’re going to process any claims.

Personal Accident Cover

In the unlikely event of death or permanent disability incurred whilst on your trip, your insurance company will pay out a fixed sum. Some policies will even cover legal expenses incurred when pursuing compensation after such an event.

Personal Liability Cover

This covers costs incurred by you if you injure someone or damage their property and you’re subsequently sued.

Cancellation Cover

This needs to begin on the date you book your holiday, because it covers you for having to cancel your trip, either in part or in full.

Similarly, some policies will cover you if your flights are moved or completely cancelled and you’re forced to forego some or all of your trip.

Things To Remember:

• Declare any existing health conditions or anything else you think might affect a potential claim. Any failure to do so could see your insurance policy completely invalidated, which means you’ll be covered for absolutely nothing.
• Be fully aware that your insurance policy probably won’t cover you for any alcohol or drug-related injuries or accidents.
• Always purchase cover from a reputable insurer that will pay out for valid claims quickly and in full.
• You may have some degree of travel insurance from things like credit cards or private healthcare insurance, but these rarely provide comprehensive worldwide cover so always check the fine print.
• Remember also to keep a copy of your insurance policy and emergency contact numbers on your person at all times while travelling – you never know when you might need it.

When you travel, things are quite different from usual – you tend to party more, drink more and stress more, and all of this combined really takes a toll on your body.

Often, travel turns out to be anything but relaxing.

Your daily agenda is crammed with so many must-see and must do events, that by the end of the day you are ready to crash out completely exhausted.

In times like this it’s easy to prioritize different things, and exercise usually falls far down the list – if it even shows up at all.

I know how hard it is to get yourself to actually do it, I’m guilty of excuses myself. But here are 5 things that helps me to “get it done”:

1. Get It Over With Early

Do it first thing in the morning, even before breakfast. If you need to, grab a banana before you go for a walk, but it’s best to skip the breakfast till later.

Until working out becomes a daily fun habit, you need to force yourself to do it, otherwise you will always find a reason not to work out – I’m tired, I’m hungry, I slept in etc.

Working out in the morning is also great, since the parks, beaches etc are a lot less crowded, and it’s cooler outside.

Just do it when you wake up, don’t even think, just get out as fast as possible, and then when you’re out there you’re already doing it.

2. Hardcore For A Short Time

An intensive focused 20 minute workout can give just as much exercise as 3 hours spent sitting around in the gym, so do it quick but effectively.

Exercising doesn’t have to be time consuming.

3. Follow A Routine

It’s hard to workout without having a plan.

Download a workout DVD on your laptop, or just go to Bodyrock (with the insanely fit hottie).

If you can’t find a place to work out with the lap top in front of you, put it on your mp3 player and follow the instructions by listening to the teacher.

4. Try The Free Gym

There are always places to work out. If there, which I doubt, aren’t any parks, any good beaches or anywhere you can work out or go for a run, then there are often gyms nearby.

Gyms often let you try out the first time for free, so ask your receptionist for some good places around.

5. iPhone Apps

There are many great iPhone apps to help you stay fit, and this is perfect to bring when you’re on the road.

There is everything from running to gym workouts to specific ab work outs to calorie calculator etc. Some of the most popular apps, like the iFitness, cost a little, but there are also heaps for free ones (check out the Six Pack App and Jillian Michaels).

Just search on the apps and you’ll find something which suits you.

It might seem like a tough thing to do, but you will feel so good afterwards, it’s really rewarding.

Not because of the workout, but because you proved to yourself that you have a strong mind, that you fought against the temptation of just rolling on to the other side and fall back asleep again.

I hope these tips helped you out or inspired you to try it out for a week.

(photo credits: Ed Yourdon - Diganta Talukdar)

We have been in Thailand for 3 weeks now, and decided to update all the vaccinations we need at the Red Cross in Bangkok (thanks to JohnnyVagabond for the tip)

While traveling the world, your body is introduced to many new bugs and bacterias, some of which are more dangerous than others – so today we are going to share 5 common travel diseases, what they are, how to avoid them.

Please remember, this post is not meant to scare you but remind you to take precautions so you can travel safe and happy.

1. Malaria

What?
Malaria is a serious disease caused by parasites. It’s fatal if left untreated.

How?
Malaria is transmitted by a bite from a malaria-infected female mosquito.

Where?
More than 100 countries are in the danger zones of Malaria (India, Central and South America, SE Asia, Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa).

Sometimes it can be difficult knowing how bad the malaria is in some places, and it differs between what every doctor says as well.

One doctor advised me to take malaria pills in Malaysia but not in Vanuatu, another said I didn’t need them for any of the countries, which can make it a tricky decision since the side effects of the pill are really horrible and you don’t want to take them when you don’t need them.

Prevention:
There are several different Anti-malarial drugs to prevent and treat Malaria. The choice of which drug to use depends on side effects, the malaria type and which drugs the parasite is resistant to in that area, so make sure that you get the appropriate drug for your situation and destination.

Malaria pills aren’t 100% effective, so to be extra safe, sleep under a mosquito net, use insect repellents (make sure it has DEET) and wear long pants and shirts in the evening or when walking in places with a lot of mosquitoes.

Side Effects:
The side effect of taking malaria pills can sometimes feel just as bad as having malaria, so my suggestion is to take the drugs ONLY if you really know that there will be malaria where you go.

2. Travelers Diarrhea

What?
Travelers diarrhea is exactly what it sounds like – frequent diarrhea (NOT a Bali Belly or Delhi Belly).

How?
A foreign bacteria or bug enters your system, most often from contaminated food and water.

Many travelers also get upset stomachs because of the sudden diet change. Spicy food often causes an irritated bowel and you get diarrhea. When this happens, stay hydrated and don’t eat any spicy food.

Where?
It can happen anywhere, but the risk is higher in developing countries in Africa, Middle East, Asia and Latin America.

Prevention:
Always drink bottled water, don’t even brush your teeth in tap water if it’s not drinkable, and keep your mouth closed when showering.
If you’re unsure whether the ice is from tap water or bottled water, don’t risk it but ask for no ice in your drink.

Stick to cooked food, especially make sure that the meat is well cooked.  Other food to be careful with is fruit (preferably peel it yourself) and seafood.

Always carry a disinfection gel around and wash your hands with it a few times a day, especially before eating and after having dealt with money.

Treatment:
If the damage is already done, then the best way to stop it is to have Imodium and Pepto-Bismol to stop it. If the diarrhea doesn’t go away and/or gets worse, seek a doctor. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and your doctor can give you advice on what to eat and the local remedies for diarrhea.

3. Cholera

What?
Cholera is a severe bacterial disease affecting the intestines, creating vomiting and watery diarrhea.The disease is fatal if left untreated. It’s an extreme type of travel diarrhea.

How?
The germ is spread by drinking contaminated water or infected food. The source of the contaminated water is often due to other cholera patients’ diarrhea let through into the waterways.

Remember that even shellfish living in affected waterways can cause this infection.

Where?
This disease can be found in Indonesia, Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe.

Prevention:
There is a drinkable vaccine (Dukoral), two doses will keep you safe for two years (with the second dose taken a week after the first). Use the same precautions as for normal Travel Diarrhea.

4. Hepatitis A & B

What?
Both Hepatitis A and B are viral infections of the liver, however Hepatitis B is transmitted differently and it takes longer to get well.

How?
The most common transmission for hepatitis A is via contaminated food and water. The virus breaks down in the discharge and spread via contaminated water that people drink, as well as food that has been in contact with contaminated water.

Often you don’t notice that you’re infected because there are little to no symptoms and the symptoms can come a long time after you’ve been infected (Hepatitis A 2-6 weeks, Hepatitis B 2-6 months), but the symptoms can also make you feel sick for months. Typical symptoms are nausea, fever, malaise and abdominal problems.

Hepatitis B is transmitted via blood – blood transfusions or needles - and sex with an infected person.

Where?
Most common in less developed countries and regions with poor hygiene standards. Africa, Southern Asia and Latin America are common places, but it exists everywhere.

Prevention:
Vaccinations are 95-100% effective when taken at least 4 weeks prior to trip. A second vaccine (Havrix) boost 6-12 months later and then it lasts for the next 20+ years. There is a vaccination that covers for both hepatitis A and B called Twinrix.

This one has to be taken 3 times for 20 years of coverage: The second one 1 month after the first, and the third one 6 months after the first dose.

5. Typhoid Fever

What?
A bacterial infection in the intestines, and sometimes the bloodstream.

How?
It’s transmitted by contaminated food or water with salmonella. Typical symptoms are severe headache, nausea, massive loss of appetite and fever.

Where?
It exists everywhere but the risks are highest in poor countries in Asia, Africa, Central and South America, as well as in the Indian subcontinents and Mexico.

Prevention:
The vaccine is only between 50-80% safe so stay away from water that could be contaminated (like tap water) and uncooked food. Take the vaccine two weeks before travel.

Well, there you go – not the nicest article to read I know, but it is important to educate yourself on what is out there, so you are prepared while traveling.

What is the worst disease etc you have had to deal with while traveling?

Spending money on food while traveling in Europe is probably one of the most difficult things to handle when it comes to budgeting.

You always spend more than you had planned, and yet, it’s hard to cut down since you need it to live.

However, just because you need to cut down on your food budget, doesn’t mean you should have to cut down on your health.

Cooking your own food is the cheapest way to get around when traveling, especially in western countries.

It’s easy to just fall back on the typical student food with pasta and tomato sauce, which is fine, but if you want to eat a little healthier and have a more varied diet, check out these alternatives:

1. Lentils

Lentils are my favorite food. I used to absolutely hate them, but once I found out their possibilities I’ve made some amazing meals with them.

A very simple and cheap meal to make is Faki Lentil Soup.

Lentils are high in fiber and helps to prevent heart disease. The magnesium content found in lentils contributes to blood flow and the passage of oxygen through the body.

But best of all, lentils are high in iron, and are also suprisingly filling.

2. Canned Corn

Fry it, boil it or eat it raw, no matter how you eat it it’s always tasty. Corn is high in Vitamin B, which gives you some good energy – mix in with rice and tuna, or have it in your bean wrap, tortilla or couscous salad.

3. Chick peas

Chick peas (also known as Garbanzo beans) are fat free and packed with protein. Since they’re so high in fiber they help your digestion, which can be very helpful when traveling.

They also keep blood sugar levels stabilized making you feel full longer.

One of my favorite snacks is hummous (an Arabic dip), great as a spread, in hot meals, to the salad or as a side dish, where the main ingredient is chickpeas.

They’re also great in salads, pots and curries.

4. Black Beans

I’ve already talked about couscous and all the amazing recipes you can make with it. Well, couscous (or Quinoa, quite similar type of food), can make a great meal with black beans.

And why not add some of that canned corn to it as well. Spice it with some cayenne pepper, garlic, onion and vegetable broth – and you have a hearty meal in front of you.

Health in a can, black beans contain a compound that significantly reduce pre-cancerous cells.

Black beans are also loaded with anthocyanins, specifically ten times more when compared to other dark colored fruits and vegetables.

You can also use the black beans in the bean wrap recipe, it works great.

5. Oatmeal

It’s filling, cheap and among other minerals and vitamins it’s a very good source of fiber.

It’s a great food to have for breakfast, either dry, soaked (together with raisins in hot water) or cooked as porridge.

Oats helps to relieve constipation, a pretty common problem for travelers. Add some prunes in the breakfast and you double the effect!

6. Canned Tuna

Tuna is also a food that easily can be mixed in countless of variations; On the sandwich, in the rice, in the salad etc.

Protein, omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, potassium, selenium, vitamin B12, niacin and phosphorus – the list of the great nutrients you get from canned Tuna is long.

Plus, it’s easy to carry along for a backpacker since it doesn’t need to be in a cool environment, and it’s in a good packanble size.

What are your favorite healthy budget foods you cook a lot with when traveling?

( photo credits: perspicacious – step1network – veganfeast - wordridden – roland )

For me one of the most versatile foods ever is probably couscous, you can eat it with practically anything. What makes it such a great backpacking food is the fact it’s super quick, easy and cheap.

A box of couscous lasts for a long time (for one person you only need half a cup of couscous per meal!) – combine that with an easy salad and you can’t go wrong.

Here is a quick and very simple recipe, which is one of my favorites for hot days.

It’s a little luxurious, but the vegetables used are generally quite cheap, and pesto is something we always have since we use it for so many things (pasta, sandwiches, gnocchi etc).

Enjoy!

Quick & Tasty Couscous Salad

- Serves 2
- Estimated prep. time: 10 min

• 100 g or 1 cup Couscous
• 200 ml (or 3/4 of a cup) of vegetable stock
• 1 large onion (or 2 spring onions if you have them)
• 1/2 cucumber
• 1 red pepper
• (optional: any other vege you like and want to add to the salad)
• 2 tbsp pesto
• 50 gram feta cheese

Method

Put the couscous in a bowl and add the stock (200 ml of boiled water mixed with vegetable stock, cubicles is fine). Cover and let it sit for 10 minutes until it’s fluffy and has absorbed the water/stock.

Meanwhile, dice the cucumber and slice the onion and pepper.

Add this to the couscous, mix with some pesto and crumble in the feta cheese.

Plate it and then EAT!

Tip! - If you can afford splurging out, the salad is even nicer with some pine nuts sprinkled on top, it really adds that extra flavor!

Guest Post by Lisa - While you are out in the big world traveling, you are excited, and enjoying this new sense of freedom, and may therefore forget or ignore the dangers around you.

You need to remember that when you are on a trip, you are not in your hometown, so you have to make sure you are more alert about what is going on around you and think twice before making any decision.

Especially when women are traveling alone, they need to be more cautious as they will often drive more attention simply by their presence.

Below are some of the basic safety tips for single women to enjoy a danger-free trip.

Choose Safe Accommodation

Where you stay is very important – is it a safe part of town? Are there other tourists staying there, or is the place in the middle of nowhere and you are all alone?

Before you book any room make sure that you research your accommodation and its location before choosing to stay.

If you arrive and are unhappy with the place, request a change or move to different hotel/lodge.

Stay In Touch

Remember, your family & friends may be concerned about your safety. And staying in touch with them really won’t take you much time.

Just make an international call home and let them hear what you are doing, where you are etc. Tell them about your arrival and what you are going to do next.

If you have an Internet connection, send them your pictures or an email about your traveling experience or even set up a travel blog.

Wear The Right Clothes

Your attire is the most immediate symbol of respect. Dress codes differ greatly from country to country, so try to dress the way the locals do – this will help you in not revealing your foreign identity too much or making you a target for muggers, scams etc.

Avoid wearing tight and skimpy clothes outside of Europe and North America. Clothing should be traditional, loose fitting and comfortable. Make sure you cover your arms and legs, especially when visiting places of worship and national monuments.

Stay Under The Radar

When traveling, try to be less noticeable yet more assertive. Just enjoy your trip, don’t get involved in any dangerous issues and avoid getting into any kind of challenging situations with men.

Be more careful during late hours and in interior places. Find the right person to guide you and avoid getting too friendly with the locals.

Learn Some Basic Local Words

Try and learn a few basic words to communicate with while you travel. Knowing the foreign language makes it easier for you to understand situations you find yourself in or make sure you end of at the right place. It also presents you more as a local person and the folks around don’t treat you as as much of a tourist.

Hope these tips help you out, and if you have any more safety tips for single women, leave them in the comments below!

Guest Post by Lisa – (photo credit: moriza – ed yourdon – pedrosimoes7)

I absolutely love the water and swimming, but there have been a few times where I was so grossed out or scared that I simply wouldn’t go close to the water – however, the places I’ve been to are nothing compared to the places below.

Today I will share with you some of the most dangerous swimming spots and locations from around the world – so watch out:

1. Shired Island, Florida, USA

Shired Island has been on the list of Americas most polluted beaches for several years, and last year ‘won’ the price for “Americas most polluted beach”, failing 90% of the water tests.

If you want to avoid respiratory infections, rashes, meningitis, pinkeye, stomach problems or hepatitis on your summer vacation, make sure you go somewhere else!

2. The Beach Of The Dead, Oxaca, Mexico

So tempting, but also SO lethal! This beach, more commonly known as Playa Zipolite (which in the Zapotec language means “beach of the dead”), has crazy strong rips and undertow currents that change all the time.

During the “rebalses” (rebel) period it’s pretty much impossible to swim here, but the beautiful beach continues to lure in travelers.

Thankfully there has been a lot less accidents since they started hiring lifeguards to work there.

3. The Red Triangle, California

Check this – 11% of all shark attacks on humans worldwide have occurred within the red triangle (Bodega Bay, north of San Francisco), a popular place for divers and a surfer’s paradise.

The reason is because the area is full of seals, sea lions, elephant seals – i.e the favorite meal for great white sharks – so maybe don’t go surfing there :p

4. Jelly Fishes In The North East Coast Of Australia

Australia can be one dangerous country – before going there it seemed to me as there wasn’t one place in the whole country you could feel safe.

Although once I was there, I realized you can’t go around worrying about what might happen, and I took on the Aussie mind set – either it happens, or it doesn’t.

Despite the 3 recent shark attacks in the area I still went surfing. But sharks aren’t the most dangerous creatures in the Aussie waters – the Box Jellyfish is…

These almost invisible jellyfish are among the most venomous creatures in the world (over 5 and a half thousand deaths since the 50′s)! They’re found in the waters from Darwin down the eastern coast to Queensland during October – April.

5. The Devil’s Pool, Victoria Falls – Zambia/Zimbabwe

How would you like to be carried toward the edge of a 100 meter drop of the world’s largest waterfall?

The Devil’s Pool is an infinity pool created every year at the edge of the Victoria Falls, when the water levels reduce (if you try to go swimming there at any other time of the year you can count yourself dead).

If you’re brave enough, you can let the stream take you in high speed towards the edge, where the rocks stop you ONLY inches away from the 100 meter waterfall.

Have you been to any of these places? If not, what are some scary swimming spots you know of?

Travel Sickness – Ways To Ease It

There are many great NATURAL ways to ease and cure your travel sickness.

There are several travel sickness medicines that work well, some to have before the trip (whether you’re flying or taking the bus or similar) to avoid travel sickness, and others to help you deal with travel sickness if you happen to get sick.

If travel sickness medicines are not your thing, there are other more natural ways you can try to ease travel sickness.

One effective way to help against travel sickness is by eating the right food. There are many specific foods that help ease travel sickness, and the way you eat will also play a major role in your fast recovery.

When you’re sick, vomiting and have frequent diarrhea you can become dehydrated and weak, so your body need nutrition more than ever. No matter how sick you are you have to give your body some sort of nutrition so that you’re strong enough to fight off the travel sickness.

But you have to be careful with which food you choose. Here are a few tips on what to eat and drink to ease travel sickness:

Bland Food:

Bland food is the best type of food against travel sickness. Strong smells and spicy foods can be hard for the stomach to ‘keep down’.

Sometimes just the smell of food can make you feel even more sick – if that happens make sure you choose colder food, like fruit, crackers and veggies.

The way the food is cooked can make all the difference. Boiled or baked chicken for example is good food when feeling sick, fried chicken is not. Avoid all fried or greasy food and sweet desserts. Chicken rice soup is also known to help calming down upset stomachs.

Soup is also a great way to get nutrition in your body.

Soothing foods also help and ease the travel sickness. Chamomile, ginger and mint all have very soothing effects on upset stomachs, and I really recommend them in tea form.

Ginger is especially known to help against travel sickness and morning sickness.

If tea isn’t you thing you can chew on some crystallized ginger instead!

The BRAT-Diet

A great combination of food that people most often can eat and ‘keep down’ is the Banana, Rice, Apple sauce and Toast diet. These are all bland foods and help to absorb stomach acids which eases nausea and vomiting.

Eating only this is not healthy as it’s not nutritionally complete, but it’s great as an addition to other food and whn you can’t keep anything else down!

Tips When Eating & Drinking:

• Sip your drink slowly.
• Mouth rinse (1/4 tsp baking soda to 1 cup water) before and after eating.
• Eat in a relaxed environment, like in your room at the hotel (when you’re sick you deserve to get a private room, and the other dorm members would appreciate it too!). It’s good to be able to eat on your own speed, be able to lay down and have the toilet right next to you just in case. The last thing you want to worry about is throwing up in a restaurant full of people (a very bad memory of mine..!)
• Stay away from your favorite foods when you feel sick. You may develop a dislike for them by association to feeling sick, causing you to not enjoy them again later.

Drinks To Ease Travel Sickness:

• Ginger ale
• Peppermint tea
• Ginger tea
• Black lemon tea
• Iced tea
• Lemonade
• Coca Cola (preferably flat)

Important Note!

Limiting your food intake (fasting) may cause you to suffer from diarrhea longer, and since your body need a variety of nutrition and extra goodness, try to get back on track and eat normal healthy food again as fast as you can. If you’re not getting better after a couple of days you should seek a doctor – if not earlier.

What type of food and drink works for travel sickness?