Tips For Travellers Podcast

Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to Darwin in the Northern Territory of Australia.Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio.For more visit: http://www.tipsfortravellers.comThis show covers among other topics: Observations History General tips for visitors Best time to go Getting there and getting around Must-do things to see and do

Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to the Gold Coast, Queensland in Australia.

Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to Hamilton Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia.Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio. For more visit: http://www.tipsfortravellers.com The show explores: Observations History Best time to visit Getting there Where to stay Getting around Things to do    

In this episode Gary Bembridge shares loads of advice and tips about river cruising. The show addresses the following questions: Who is river cruising suited for and why? Is river cruising as laid back, sedate and quiet as reputation has it? Is it suitabel for people with mobility isssues? How much of a region do you really get to see and experience? How important is the river cruise line you choose? How easy is it to get last-minute bookings and deals? What sort of cabin is best? What is included in the fare? What should I pack and why?   Gary Bembridge runs Tips for Travellers, is the author of "The Cruise Traveler's Handbook" and host of 60-Second Cruise Tips. Subscribe to the Tips for Travellers show free via iTunes, Stitcher Radio and TuneIn Radio

Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for planning a long trip.Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio.This show covers nine key tips covering: 1: Planning is everything In advance - jot notes of things that happen like costs, events, meter readings, alarm servicing - use to do to do list and also manual if having house sittersResources like Jeff Jung's Careerbreaksecrets or CBTravelers Handbook2: Be Passport ReadyEnsure is validEnough empty pagesVisas and ESTA3: Be Medically readyVaccinations Check-upDentalPrescriptions - check issues on taking into countriesEuro medical cardFirst aid kit4: InsuranceTravel insurance - annual may not cover - 60 days and less issueHome insurance - check paid up - advise and see if any restrictions5: Prepare for the worstWillBack-up of key documents - paper copy - email yourself - email set to a friendDetailed itinerary and how to contact at various stages if need to friends and family - including how they contac

Gary Bembridge of TipsForTravellers.com shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to Singapore. This show covers among other topics: General Observations Country and city in one - there are actually 63 islands but one main one which has been constantly expanded through land reclaimation. One of wealthiest countries in the world and one of most expensive to live in. Singapore means "lion city" - also known as "Garden City of Asi" Many see it as too sterile and lacking warmth - been many times and I like the efficiency, cleanliness and order and  mixture of cultures. Strict and regimented state - authoritarian democracy - bit of "nanny state" with lots of rules and fines. Although trying to promote arts and culture constant struggle against state censorship with strict rules on anything seen as pornographic, promoting homosexuality etc. Economy very export and services focused - one of worlds busiest harbours - lots of head offices for Asia region based here. About 4,5 population - 75% Chinese - multi

Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio. This show covers among other topics: Observations You either love Dubai or you hate it!Some say : Surreal, bizarre , draconian, soulless, superficial Others say : dynamic, bold, modern and adventurous Mix of conservative and liberal with lots of inconsistencies (e.g. full burka wearing women next to skimply dressed ones and lack of alcohol tolerance but heavy drinking in hotels). Seen as a shoppers paradise although I am not sure prices are that amazing despite being duty free nature. Mix of nationalities in the population of around 2,5 million with less than 20% of the population being UAE nationals. Safe and not lot of petty crime HistoryBritish controlled the area until 1971 when 6 other states formed UAE (Abu Dhabi, Ajman,Fujairah , Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al-Qaiwain). Each has lots of autonomy though i

In this episode of the Tips for Travellers show Gary Bembridge shares observations, advice and tips for visitors to the capital of Thailand: Bangkok. Subscribe to the show free on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio The show covers the following and more: Observations: Bangkok is capital of Thailand (Thai = free so Thailand means land of the free) Never been colonised unlike so many other Asian countries - sided with Japanese in WWII and supported USA in Vietnam war. Monarchy which is highly respected and revered  offence to say negative against the monarchy. Bangkok used to be "Venice of the East" as so many rivers and canals - but now mostly filled in. Lots of traffic and traffic jams. Relatively safe despite political troubles and street demonstrations - more likely affect by tourist scams ! Getting there Major gateway and also connections hub with most international Travelelers coming in via Suvanathmi international airportGetting around Sky train Underground Metro River rides - express boat up  and

In this episode I bring you insights, obsevations, tips and advice from river cruise insiders through four interviews with river cruising experts who serve on board Uniworld Boutique River Cruise's River Beatrice ship. I recorded the interviews while I was taking a seven-night cruise along the Danube that sailed through Germany, Austria and Hungary. You will hear the thoughts of Captain Doede Smit, Ike Benedictus (Hotel Manager), Micael Furka (Executive Chef) and Mirela Varga (Cruise Manager). They cover topics that include: Navigating rivers like the Dabube. Why and when river cruising is better than exploring Europe by land. Who a river cruise is best suited for and why, including if a river cruise is suitable for people with limited mobility or disabilities. Trends and changes in river cruising. What there is to do on a river cruise, and the choices of activities and entertainment available. The culinary experience on board, including what the most popular dish is! All-inclusive fares - what they really i

Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn RadioThis show covers among other topics:General Observations Capital and largest city of Malaysia - called just KL by locals. Petronas Towers is the icon and focal point making it memorable. Not a lot of attractions and must see - ones that are are spread over wide area. Big events like Formula 1 has been key to driving tourism. Modern and fast changing. Often Hazy due to pollution locally but also from effects of forest fires in Indonesia known as Sumatra haze lasting 1 to 2 weeks a time. 3 main ethic groups : Malays , Chinese and Indians - religiously diverse but most of population is Islamic (official religion ) but not strict Islamic country. HistoryFounded in 1857 when Chinese prospectors sent to find tin in the area - only 17 of the 87 survived past a month due to malaria and other tropical diseases - but lure of tin attract

Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to Pattaya in Thailand.Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn RadioThis show covers among other topics: Observations Best known as inexpensive Thailand holiday resort especially popular on package holidays, day trip from Bangkok and cruise line passengers docking at Laem Chabang nearby. Also known for late nights of partying, drink and sex. Also renown for large lady boy population and shows HistoryWas a small remote fishing village until the Vietnam war when in 1959 a boat load of US soldiers taken there for some R&R and had great time and more and more came .Getting around Simple layout with main road called Pattaya Road along beachfront and parallel road called Pattaya Second Road with small roads and lanes connecting - jammed full of hotels, bars , shops. Bart open sided taxi/ bus which you hail and take you to want to go. Taxis plentiful but watch out as don't switch on meters so ensure

Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn RadioThis show covers among other topics: Observations Fascinating and revealing city to visit especially for history lovers Easy to see why it has been called "Pearl or Paris of the East" with broad avenues and  remarkable buildings from their French ruled. People know of it for wrong reasons linked to Vietnam War. History French occupied and colonised in 1859 for about 100 years. Vietnamese struggle for independence started after WWII and led to battles with French ending in country being spilt into 2 at 17th Parralell in Geneva Accord in 1960s. With communist controlled north supported by Russia led by Ho Chi Minh and more western leaning south increasingly supported by USA by NGO Dinh Dien. USA decided to see Vietnam as key to stopping spread of communism and entered war between North and South as North wanted to unite under

Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to Hong Kong.Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio.This show covers among other topics: Observations Dense with multitudes of skyscrapers and people. More people live and work above 15th floor than anywhere else in the world and has most residential blocks about 40 stories high and constant development. Very pretty harbour - Victoria harbour - one of deepest natural harbours in the world - Hong Kong means "fragrant harbour". Population of 7 million. 262 islands - Hong Kong island, Lantau Island (Airport and Disneyland ), Kowloon peninsula and Northern Territories. Transforms at night - skyscrapers have light effects - 8pm light show (biggest and longest running permanent show) on Hong Kong island and at 9pm on ICC (International Commerce Building) in Kowloon. English widely spoken as one off 2 official languages. Very connected city lots of free wifi around HistoryBritish colony until 1997G

Recorded live on my seven-day Uniworld “Enchanting Danube” river cruise from Passau in Germany to Budapest in Hungary visiting Linz, Melk, Durnstein and Vienna along the way. In this two hour show, which is in two parts, I discuss my observations, insights, events and share my tips and advice about river cruising. My aim was to provide an in-depth report on what is it like to take a river cruise and all the events, surprises and things that happen along the way. It is full of tips and advice on how to make the most of river cruising based on my daily experiences.In the show I cover:(1) What it is like being on a river cruise for the first time.(2) Differences between river and ocean cruising.(3) Who a river cruise is best suited for, and why (including suitability for people with restricted mobility and special needs).(4) Key Crew members, what they do and their thoughts on river cruising and insider tips.(5) Things to do on a  river cruise - is it as sedate as reputation has them being?(6) Titan Travel VIP s

Recorded live on my seven-day Uniworld “Enchanting Danube” river cruise from Passau in Germany to Budapest in Hungary visiting Linz, Melk, Durnstein and Vienna along the way. In this two hour show, which is in two parts, I discuss my observations, insights, events and share my tips and advice about river cruising. My aim was to provide an in-depth report on what is it like to take a river cruise and all the events, surprises and things that happen along the way. It is full of tips and advice on how to make the most of river cruising based on my daily experiences.In the show I cover:(1) What it is like being on a river cruise for the first time.(2) Differences between river and ocean cruising.(3) Who a river cruise is best suited for, and why (including suitability for people with restricted mobility and special needs).(4) Key Crew members, what they do and their thoughts on river cruising and insider tips.(5) Things to do on a  river cruise - is it as sedate as reputation has them being?(6) Titan Travel VIP s

Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to Shanghai in China.Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn RadioThis show covers among other topics: Observations Dramatic changes over years I have been visiting. Modern without defining a distinctive Chinese feel while stunning  lit up at night. Always been the most cosmopolitan city in China Massive city over 20 million people. Shanghai means up from the sea  - massive port - busiest in world - but has some limitations. Pollution and smog - big issue - asthma and breathing issues History Started as a fishing village developed into centre of textile industry and major trading port developed from there. Chinese government made it free port (no taxes, not subject to Chinese laws) after the First Opium War and boomed with British then French and American concessions. Rich and decadent especially in 1930s - "Paris of the East" - Japanese occupied for time in WWII - after war hand back to Chinese a

Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to Brisbane in Australia.Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn RadioThis show covers among other topics: Observations 3rd largest city in Australia - over 2 million people - growing fast and projecting may overtake Melbourne - capital of Queensland. Attractive city set around the curves of Brisbane River named after  Sir Thomas Brisbane Governer of NSW in 1820s. Compact and easy to get around with  good transport infrastructure both road and on river - easily walkable. Mix of modern glass buildings and grand old buildings like City Hall - Post Office - Treasury building (now a casino). Lots of greenery and shade about - even the roads in the CBD has trees along both sides creating cover and playgrounds have covered play areas . About hour drive to beaches and theme parks of Gold Coast. Prone to major flooding at various times over history - big one 1974 - most recent in 2011 when CBD and suburbs b

Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to Sydney in Australia.Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn RadioThis show covers among other topics: General Observations Harbour area around circular quay is magical and the iconic view of Australia and Sydney. Beyond the harbour bay is less compelling and different to any city. Architecture not that exciting. Not a big a city in world league just 4 million but is  young ( ve age is 36) 19% Asian Casual outdoor lifestyle and informal Mix of colonial roots from UK and American feel Festivals important to the city to attract visitors and create excitement and energy - film / food/ mardi gras Expensive city - accom, food, coffees, going out etc History Settlement was named after UK Home Secretary (Lord Sydney) when Penal colony was established. Year after most of indigenous population wiped out by lack of resistance to European diseases. Not the capital - Canberra is. Rivalry between Melbourne a

Gary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares his observations, tips and advice about Australia. Subscribe to the show free on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio. Highlights of the show includes: Overall:Vast country and had not really digested how different and extreme the climates were. Like being transported to different worlds with the arrid centre to tropical cyclones in north with a range of time zones (including half hour ones !)Provinces and territories  Northern Territory - DarwinQueensland - BrisbaneNew South Wales - Sydney and CanberraVictoria - MelbourneTasmania - HobartSouth Australia - AdelaideWestern Australia - Perth Some observations: All major cities on Coast with between 70 & 90% of population live on Coast Long history of Sydney vs Melbourne rivalry while Canberra was created as capital in early 1900s Mix of American influence and feel with a dash of British colonial features. It is increasingly Asian. Aboriginal history and issue is an uncomfortable topic for Australians. Australi

Episode six of a six part series recorded live on board Cunard Queen Mary 2 World Voyage bringing my insights, observations, tips and advice about cruising and travelling on extended voyages. Covers travel from Colombo to DubaiIn this episode topics discussed includes: explaining the impact of the anti-piracy precautions now in place, shopping on board, alcohol and drinks activities, Todd English Restaurant, Entertainment Team Murder Mystery Show, Christmas Caribbean Cruise tradition, on board cruise booking and benefits, weddings on the ship, photographs and cruise DVD, Cruise Employee of the month and my final tips on what to consider if your are thinking of taking an extended cruise voyageFor the full series and more visit http://wwww.tipsfortravellers.com/QM2