Travel with only carry-on and save $$$ !

Recently, I travelled to Melbourne for a 8 nights and 9 days...

THE CHALLENGE: I only booked carry on luggage! This works for me when I go away for a weekend, but I've never tried going this long packing this light! 

This is how I did it...


Step One: Check weather forecast

Then again, it IS Melbourne, and anyone who knows this place is aware that there are four seasons in one day. Thus, one must pack for every scenario! 


Step Two: Choose the bags for carry on

I am flying with Jetstar and they allow 2 x bags with combined weight of 10kgs, so that shouldn't be a problem. (?!). I chose my kathmandu 18L backpack and a medium sized Rip Curl handbag. 


Step Three: Collect essentials

Toiletries, electronics, wallet & a book 


Step Four: Select Clothing

This is the tricky part, covering all weather conditions and every social occasion... One key word you need to know: 'Layering'
Take practical clothes! Not too many clashing prints/ colours (unless thats your style of course) and select fabrics that are low maintenance so when you pull them out your tightly packed bags, they will be ready to wear. 


Step Five: Choose final important objects 

Some jewellery and hair clips ;)


REMEMBER to layer up on the day of your flight and wear your bulkiest shoes and any hats/ scarves. 


BAG LADY! ;)  










By the time I got to Melbourne, I knew I was going to accumulate more goods- the shopping there is really amazing and it was a perfect place for me to purchase thermal wear for my move to Switzerland next year!


I did this at the Icebreaker factory outlet on Smith Street. I got 2 x thermal tops, 1 x thermal hoodie, 1 x thermal leggings, 1 x thermal socks all for $311! 

Saving over $400 from the recommended retail price... woah!

 Check it out! http://www.factoryoutletshopping.com.au/Directory/2334/Icebreaker_Australia.aspx#.UMvZq81EuPU

As well as the thermal gear, I also purchased 2 x Sadie cotton basic tees & 1 x Metalicus pullover. 


In the end, my list of contents looked like this... (not including what I wore day of travel)

2 x skirts                             1 x night dress                  1 x book                             1 x headphones
1 x jeans                             1 x pyjama pants              3 x moleskin notepads *     1 x ipod
2 x mesh dressy tops          2 x shoes                          1 x pencil *                         1 x CD * 
1 x black basic singlet        1 x bandau (black)           3 x necklaces                       1 x usb
2 x white basic tops            1 x tights                          2 x hair clips                       1 x phone charger
1 x t-shirt                            1 x socks                          3 x earrings                         1 x Thermal hoodie *
2 x jackets                          4 x bras                            1 x compact hairdryer          2 x thermal tops *
3 x dresses                         10 x underpants                1 x brush                             1 x thermal socks * 
1 x shorts                           1 x small handbag            1 x toiletries/ makeup bag    2 x cotton basics * and finally, 1 x leggings * 

( * : items gained on journey)


which looked like this... 


































PACKING TIPS! 

- Put the largest and heaviest things at the bottom. 
- Take the time to fold everything the smallest possible way.
- Fill small gaps with small things like underwear and socks. 
- Roll skirts and dresses into small cylinders, stack them next to each other to build a row.
- Fold and stack your bras up onto each other
- Flatten back heel of shoe so they take up less space (if it is possible!)
- Pack your toiletries cleverly, I keep small bottles and containers which I fill with shampoo, conditioner etc. for each trip rather than taking large, half empty bottles. 
- Buy a kids toothbrush for your travels. They are half the size ;)
 But most of all, 
- Treat packing like Tetris!

As you can see, I managed to fit a lot into my carry on luggage, it weighed under 10kgs and I was equipped for all the weather surprises Melbourne has to offer! 

Never pay for check- in luggage for short trips again!! 

Happy packing...

Feeling like a local.

One of the best aspects of travel is getting new perspectives on lifestyles and habits. I love feeling like a local and doing as the locals do when I am on my adventures. Here are some of the local experiences where I've felt like I belong... 

Typical french breakfast! My Parisian friend, Alexis teaches me to dip my croissant in the coffee. Not something I would usually do at home, but it was delicious! 

Breakfast in Malaysia- Roti Canai and Teh Tarik! My favourite breakfast in the world (so far)... Most of my 'feeling like a local' experiences in Malaysia are, yes, food related. I love eating with my hands and indulging in the rich, spicy flavours! 

Eating durian at a local durian stand in Penang. Or as I like to call it "eeewrian". Yes, I wasnt a fan! 

Reading a book in an English meadow on a summer day and relaxing with the ducks and swans by the lake. 

Hearing Prayer in Marrakech, Morocco, amongst the bustling city streets. 

Photo: Adam Sait

Punting and a picnic in Oxford! 

Riding bikes at Tempelhof abandoned airport in Berlin. As well as drinking bier in unusual locations: rooftops, bridges and by the canal. 

Photo: Adam Sait

To be continued... 

The time I prearranged a meetup with a local...

Recently I travelled to Fes, Morocco. I was going solo from Belgium and I knew this place was going to be a completely different experience. My friend from Oxford said to me "You?! A little blondie, traveling around Morocco on your own? Probably not your best idea yet"... These words were on repeat in my head during the flight over. 

Lucky for me, I made a friend on the plane who was a Moroccan, studying in France. He taught me some basic Arabic- Hello, please, thank you, help... etc. This relaxed me to know that I already made a connection with a local! We exchanged contact information and he reassured me that I could contact him and his family if there was anything I needed. 

After my Moroccan friend helped me with money exchange and finding transport, I made it to my hostel and made some other travelling friends that night at the dinner table. So far everything was working out fine! 

Before arriving in Morocco I contacted a guy on CouchSurfing.org to arrange a meetup. On my second day in Fes, I took a few friends from my hostel (for safety and fun) and we walked to the Merenid Tombs. There were people saying we needed to catch a taxi but our local friend said this was unnecessary and that we could walk. So we did... and he was right! Immediately, he saved us the cost of 2 cab fares!

After spending some time relaxing under some trees and exploring the ruins, he directed us to a place where we could try traditional Moroccan soup called Harira. This was his favourite dish in all of Fes for a mere 6 dirham (less than $1au). I highly doubt I would have found that place if it weren't for him! It was one of the tastiest and cheapest meals I had during my whole 3 week experience in Morocco. 

After lunch he sent us in the right direction for our hostel- we got lost anyway- Fes is one of the most confusing and difficult places to navigate! A real labyrinth... but while we were lost we got followed by some kids trying to show us their tricks and spent about half an hour sitting and cooling down with a local shopkeeper- unable to converse, we just sat in fascination of each other.

My prearranged meetup in Fes was positive experience because I made sure I didn't put myself in a risky situation and kept people around me- being a 'little blondie travelling solo' this was important to keep in mind... The walk was great, saving money was great and the soup was incredible! 
Thanks Mounir! 

The walk to Merenid Tombs.

View of Fes, the largest and oldest medina in Morocco. 

Inside the medina.

Getting to know the locals!

If you want to get the most out of your time, understand and adjust to a place/ culture - get acquainted with the locals!

My favourite travel spots became favourites simply because I was connected with a local. They know the best sights, activities, events and most importantly (to me at least), they know the best food! Sure, guidebooks can point you in the right direction for these things, but they won't enrich your experience the way a local can.

You can meet locals anywhere by chance, through your accommodation or on various meetup sights, like CouchSurfing. If you are open to conversations and going into places that aren't touristic, you are likely to make some local friends. It is as simple as that! There is a high chance they are intrigued by you and will start the conversation anyway, all you need to do is take the first step... into that cafe where you can't read the menu? Yeah, that one!

Of course, it does help if you try learning the basics of the local language. You are likely to meet people easier. I had so much fun practicing my spanish the first day I arrived in Barcelona! I decided to hang at the beach for the afternoon and this attracted 3 different conversations with some friendly locals.

I was actually a bit worried about going to Barcelona with my non-existant Catalan and my basic South American Spanish. Majority of Barcelona spoke proficient English, so it was not difficult to be understood, but when I had the opportunity to practice spanish with a local, I did. Interestingly enough, the longest and most fluent conversation on my trip was at 4:30am with my taxi driver on the way to the airport! Such a rewarding feeling! 

My advice is to just get in there and give it a go. Meet all the locals you can, when and where you can- these are moments that will stick with you and help you develop an understanding of other peoples lives and countries. This in turn, will teach you to be grateful for your own.

THIS WEEK! The local experience

This week My Feathered Feet will discuss travelling and getting the local experience... the perks, reasons for and how-to's! 

Meet my Malaysian connection and good friend, Ayu as she introduces me to some local treats- this one is Roti Tissue! 
A very thin piece of dough which is flattened and pulled into a delicate shape and grilled until crispy. This one was coated in sugar but they can also be served with sweet or savoury sauces- a typical Mamak snack. 


Plenty more to come this week, stay tuned... 

Roti Tissue Wave

Inside Roti Tissue

My Rabbit Radio Travel Playlist

Last night I was lucky enough to co-host Eclectic Ladyland Hustle program on Rabbit Radio (http://rabbitradio.com.au/), a Gold Coast internet Radio station. Natalie Weir interviewed me about My Feathered Feet and we talked travel tips and some of the things that can happen when you are on the road.
I was able to play lots of tracks from my most recent trip. If you missed the broadcast and you would like to get a taste of the music I found overseas through various friends, here is the playlist. 

Happy ear travels!

- UNITED KINGDOM:  My friend, Trol23's remix of Matisyahu: http://soundcloud.com/trol23/matisyahu-sunshine-trol23

- GERMANY: Reinfall by Fluer Earth: http://www.melodycenta.com/Fleur_Earth/Reinfall-mp3/download-6245947

- GERMANY: Easy by Cro: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4r_Ddvdfxvk

- FS GREEN: Comeonbebe by FS Green: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQ_WW6D-x7Q

- FRANCE: Paper Airplane to Bestown by YoggyOne:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmKvJmQQNEE

- SAW in France but they are from New Zealand:  They dont want by Electric Wire Hustle:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAPUnRGrFXc

- SAW in France but they are from Mali: Imidiwan Winakalin by Tinariwen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dw35mQob8pw

- SAW in Essaouira but they are from Pakistan: Kangna by Fareed Ayaz & Abu Mohammad:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXmIpbBOSvI

- TRIBUTE to Morocco travels: Marrakech Express by Crosby Stills and Nash:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7XIL67QSME

- SPAIN: Como de agua by Camaron & Paco de Lucia:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIueBl56MV8

- TRIBUTE to my roadtrippin' buddies: Go your own way by Fleetwood Mac:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ul-cZyuYq4

Solo travel vs. travel with people from home

Is it easier to make new friends when traveling solo?

My opinion? .... Yes!!! This is 100% the case.
In my experience, when you are not in a safety net of familiar faces, you are more open to meeting new people... and you probably should if you are sick of talking to yourself ;) 
Solo travel really is the perfect time to make friends because you have the time and usually your fellow travellers do too. 

But my favourite factor in solo travel is there is no-one to hold you back from spontaneous adventures or even a complete change in your route. When I was travelling in Fes, Morocco, I only intended on staying 2 nights, but I met some awesome people and loved my hostel and the city so much, I ended up staying an extra 2 nights. If someone was travelling with me, I might not have had the freedom to do this. 

My solo travelling friend, Jessie.

I have returned to countries and been to places I never would have considered because of some connections I made during my solo travels. The thing to remember with solo travel is you are never really alone. Another solo traveller is at your next hostel just as eager to befriend you!

I encourage anyone who wants to meet new people and learn more about other cultures and countries to consider solo travel. It really isn't as scary and difficult as some may say. And there are so many people doing it! My hostel hopping throughout Spain and Morocco in July proved this. I would say 70% of the travellers I met were doing it alone or had made a friend along the way who they ended up joining forces with. Of the 70%, I'd estimate half of them to be female. 

I met some people with their friends from home and in general they were less open to spontaneous adventures and group activities. I suppose it was the safety net syndrome. But sometimes solo travel just isn't for everyone! 

At least for these friends in their groups, they had someone to kill the time with at airports and a shoulder to cry on if something went wrong on their trip. You are probably less likely to get homesick if there is a familiar face around you! Another plus of travelling with friends from home is that they know you well (no small talk necessary) and will look out for you when you are partying and more importantly, post partying... A hangover is always better shared! 

Fear not if you have a flight booked and all of a sudden your friends are unable to join you- go solo! Extend your global network! You never know who you might meet and where it could take you. One of my international friends took me out of a plane! Quite literally... we went skydiving a couple of weeks ago (and IT WAS AWESOME!).

 My skydiving getup. 

Tips on where to make friends.

So, I am saying there are these 'friends' out there to be made, but where do you go to find them?

- Your first point of departure of course! #The Airport. It could be at check-in, security, the waiting lounge, the plane, the restroom queue on the plane, the baggage collection on arrival or the bus out of the airport. 

- Your accommodation! #Hostels are the best place to make friends. Look for the best hostels on webites like hostelbooker.com, hostelworld.com and booking.com. Be sure to read the reviews from other travellers and if you are wanting to make friends, look for key phrases like 'great place to meet people', 'lots of areas to chill out', 'great common room' and even 'awesome kitchen'...

- The #activities in your hostel are completely for your benefit. Walking tours, national park trips, pub crawls, trivia nights and cheap dinners are common at most good hostels. There are activities to suit everyone! Also look for this information in the hostel review.

- The city you are in! #Typical tourist attractions will be busy with travellers: Cathedrals, museums, parks, historical sights, popular cafes & bars, lookout points, national parks, libraries, cinemas and pretty much anywhere Lonely Planet recommends.

- Make use of #travel community organisations such as CouchSurfing.org, Meetup, belodged.com. These sites are designed to connect you with local people for accommodation, casual hangouts or travel advice. On CouchSurfing, there are groups you can join which post frequently on events, gatherings, festivals, day trips and rideshares happening in that area. I have used CouchSurfing to connect with people in a city before I arrive to get tips or meet up for a local introduction to the place. 

- Plan your own #night out or sightseeing adventure and invite people from your accommodation. This is good for various reasons. You won't have to do an organised hostel tour (if thats not your style) and you can 'choose your own adventure'. 

- If you are feeling lazy, #book an organised tour in your next destination with a tour group like Contiki, Intrepid or Gecko tours. These tour groups have many types of tours to suit all travel styles. Pick one that suits your personality and travel style (remember, camping tours exist!) and you will be sure to make friends along the way! 

- I would like to just throw this one out there, but #peacocking for friends might also be worthy to consider. If I have learnt anything from people who dress in a flamboyant manner, they DO attract conversations. #Travel peacocking is not restricted to attire. I've begun friendships with boys with ukuleles, girls sketching drawings, rubik's cube masters and street painters. My most recent peacocking item was my Mbira- an instrument from Zimbabwe. When I played it, people became curious and it was an easy point of conversation. Pretty soon I had made a new friend!  

- My final suggestion is for the kitchen- #cook your specialty dish and share it around. I met a girl in Morocco and hung with her for a day because she fed me. And she was nice. But food will always guarantee you a new friend. Tired and stingy travellers are everywhere.

#Most importantly, be open to conversations and don't be afraid to approach others and you will make friends in no time! The more practice you get, the easier it becomes.      
                 Just be yourself! 

My Mbira. Photo T.Bahr.V

Some friends I made in Borneo! 

The benefits of friends.

During your solo travels, you may feel a hunger that no amount of French pastries could possibly fix. You might become tired of listening to your ipod. You could have developed writer's wrist from too many intimate sessions with your journal.... you may notice yourself eavesdropping on a couple of friends having fun during a long train ride. 

This is probably the point where it becomes clear to you that you have had a sufficient amount of 'alone time' and it might be a good idea to start making some friends!

There are many benefits to making friends on your solo travels. Here are some!

~ Conversation buddy. Sometimes there is nothing better than having a pal to pass time with on those tedious bus rides...
~ Sightseeing buddy. Not only will you have someone to wait in queues with, but you have someone who can take your photo when you wish! 
~ Safety in Numbers. This applies to everyone but in particular for females visiting the more risky or unpredictable travel destinations.
~ New knowledge. This could be in any form. From culture, politics, art, music, travel to people. Never underestimate what you can learn from someone if you are willing to give them the chance to teach you. 
~ Extend your global network. There is nothing better than having friends from different countries in this technological golden age. It's easy to stay in contact and see what is happening in their life over the other side of the earth. Plus you might get a visit from them one day... if you are lucky! :-)

I must admit, I have a tendency to romanticise over my travel friends because the connection is usually made so quickly and in such unusual surroundings that it becomes a meaningful bond immediately. I have met some of the most intriguing, intelligent and adventurous people on my travels and keeping contact with them often reassures me it's not such a big, daunting world after all. 

You never know who is just around the corner so get befriending! 

Shirtless friends in Sète, France. 

Cali crew! Photo: Helen Kuan

 Gili Island Ladies, Indonesia.

Rainforest World Music Festival, Borneo 2009. 

In memory of Lassi. 

THIS WEEK: Friends!

This week my blog will focus on 'friends'. 

I will talk about the benefits of making friends while travelling solo, tips on how to make friends fast, solo travel vs. travel with people from home... and more! 

 If you haven't liked 'My Feathered Feet' on facebook yet, do it here:

http://www.facebook.com/myfeatheredfeet


Every blog post will be mentioned on the facebook page so you can keep up with these feathered feet...

New friends I made in Kuching, Malaysia in 2009

Saving for your next trip!

I have had years of practice when it comes to saving my pennies for a rainy day. That rainy day was intended for London or Berlin and because of my good saving habits, I made it there! And you can too!

Here are some tips if you really want to make that round-the-world trip before your next year of work or study. 

Unfortunately, saving requires some discipline and determination. But once you see the savings start to grow, you will be motivated to keep your newfound good habits. 

Firstly, you must #work out your budget; what is a realistic amount for you to save? Consider your cost of living: rent, transport, food, health and exercise. Make it realistic or otherwise you will potentially be disappointed if you do not reach your weekly/ monthly goals! 

Next, #reassess those things that are adding up which you could do without. After all, you are examining your cost of living not your cost of lifestyle. Go without that day trip to Byron Bay, or that next cocktail on a Saturday night, or even that new cute ladybug bell for your bicycle (now THAT was hard!).

This means #there may be times you will pass on events or gatherings. But why not see this as an opportunity to engage in your environment and spend time with your friends doing things that are low cost (like meeting for coffee, movies at home, group dinner parties) or completely free (going for bike rides, music listening sessions or nature walks). Just because you are being disciplined with your saving doesn't mean you are depriving yourself of fun!

If you have decided to save $50 week, it is probably best to #have another account you use to transfer the savings to so you are not confusing the amounts with your everyday spendings account. Simple but important. It gives you the physical aspect of having to move the money (most likely with internet banking ;-) ) and the visual aspect of seeing your savings grow. 

Now all you need to do it #try really really hard not to touch your savings account! And start looking for cheap flights, of course. 

A typical weary traveller.

Surely, this is a common scene in Paris? 

Between a long bus ride and waiting to hear from your host, this behaviour it totally acceptable... if not, at least, it is understood :-)

How to fly well!

My first hot tip, at the risk of sounding like a nagging mother, would have to be #instead of going out to party the night before the 4 flights back to your country, go to sleep early! 

My final night in Barcelona after 3.5 months of travelling was spent sleeping for 10 hours. I was very well rested and thus I was able to concentrate on packing my bag well (remember customs!), having what I needed on me (money, passport, flight information etc.) and getting to the airport on time to make my flight. Which was the first of 4 flights that would take 32 hours in total to return home. Yeah. Australia is far away! 

The next hot tip is probably the most important for your heath. To #make sure you drink enough water before and during your flights!

It really is super important because the air conditioning on long haul flights will dehydrate you and you need to drink 250ml of water per hour to stay hydrated. During my last long haul flight with Etihad, I found they did not give the passengers enough water, unless you asked. So do not hesitate to call your flight attendant if you are feeling dehydrated. It is more important you disturb the person next to you with frequent toilet trips than going without the H2o! 

Another good one is to #pack what you think you will need for the flights. (Entertainment, comfort and health)

Remember to charge your gadgets before you fly (ipods, ipads, laptops and other travel goodies). Pack your medications and vitamins. I suggest the all natural Melatonin for those who have trouble sleeping on planes. Vitamin B6, Magnesium, Valerian and Licorice (the herb, not the sweet) are also great in assisting relaxation and encouraging sleep. 

A great treatment for dehydrated skin and lips is Lucas Papaw remedy ointment! Again, a more natural and effective treatment for your journey. 

http://www.lucaspapaw.com.au/

Of course, #movement is vital. Stretch and pace around before, during and after your flights. Even when waiting for the toilet on the plane, stretch out your calf muscles or walk on the spot. 

Keep your blood pumping as much as you can to avoid deep vein thrombosis. There is a reason they nickname it travellers thrombosis!! 

If you have connecting flights, walk around the waiting lounge instead of sitting again. Besides, sitting gets boring! Always choose to move when you have the time and chance. 

I also suggest taking vitamins and eating foods that help assist circulation. Vitamin E, garlic, ginger and peppers are great for this :-)

If you get anxious, #remember to breathe, try to relax and just hang in there! 

Long haul flights can get very tedious when you are alone and being stuck on a plane for so long can make you feel anxious or claustrophobic. So perhaps make a playlist of music that really calms you down or do things that will occupy your mind, like reading, writing, sudoku & crosswords, drawing or editing photos on your computer. All these activities require more energy than just watching another movie and will help you stay occupied until you relax again, or even better, fall asleep! 

My last piece of advice would have to be to #memorize your passport information and keep at least one pen in your bag. This makes it a lot quicker to fill out your arrival cards and then you can get through immigration faster. The reason I suggest to memorize, is so you don't have to pull out your passport everytime you fly or book flights/ hostels online! I also do this with my credit card information and any important phone numbers. This will also save you time and money in the internet cafes! Remember, you can never be too sure or too prepared when traveling :-)

Off to Malaysia with a spare seat next to me!