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February, 2010:

Travel Tip #8: Improvise

Feb 17th, 2010
by mike barish.
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It’s next to impossible to plan for every travel experience. It’s even more difficult to pack for every contingency. That’s why sometimes you just have to become MacGyver and just use what you got.

A bunched up sweatshirt becomes a pillow. A Ziplock bag and some soap become a washing machine. And a few inches of snow become an excellent cooler.

What clever ideas have you had on the road? Have you ever channeled your inner Bear Grylls? Share your greatest stories of improvisation in the comments.

SkyRest Sauna Test

Feb 16th, 2010
by mike barish.
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Unlike other activities, sauna’s are enjoyable wet or dry. But all that heat sure can leave you feeling lightheaded, weak and reading to pass out. Give in to that relaxed feeling (but not the dehydration – that’s dangerous) and take a nap while you sweat out last night’s whiskey, nachos and regret.

How’d the SkyRest handle the heat? Falling asleep was no sweat!

Check out previous SkyRest Tests and my full SkyRest Tests Flickr gallery.

Travel Tip #32: It’s OK to Be Kitschy

Feb 16th, 2010
by mike barish.
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I’ll never tell you to avoid seeing sacred temples, breathtaking natural wonders and cosmopolitan restaurants. But, every now and then, you need to act impulsively when you see a road sign or take the scenic route solely because you want to see something kitschy.

Whether it’s the World’s Largest Lobster in Shediac, New Brunswick, Canada or The Big Banana in Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia, nothing brings a smile to travelers’ faces like seeing a cheesie yet delightful roadside attraction.

So, keep enriching your spirit at temples, breathing in fresh air in the wild and eating exotic cuisines in unique restaurants. But don’t forget to care for your whimsical side and check out the kitsch that the world has to offer.

Travel Tip #56: Maintain Good Posture

Feb 15th, 2010
by mike barish.
1 comment

Whether you’re on a plane or bus, seated in a restaurant, walking through town or on a hike, your posture will determine if you’ll spend the next week of your trip with a sore back. Sit and stand up straight so that you can avoid stiffening up. It’s bad enough that you’re constantly on the move, sleeping in strange beds and sedentary for hours during trips on planes, trains and automobiles. Best to stretch yourself out, maintain good posture and avoid the aches and pains that can ruin a trip.

Pictures from Atlantic Canada

Feb 12th, 2010
by mike barish.
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Atlantic Canada is made up of four provinces: Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador (that’s one province, hosers) and Price Edward Island. I recently spent eight days in New Brunswick and Newfoundland seeing the sights and, perhaps more importantly, tasting the foods of this unique region.

From kitesurfing on a frozen bay to snowshoeing through Kouchibouguac National Park to dogsledding in Gros Morne National Park, I learned that Atlantic Canada is a fantastic winter destination. And also an amazing place to eat (assuming that you like seafood and moose).

I’ve posted pictures on my Flickr account of my escapades in both provinces. Give ‘em a look-see, will ya?

Pictures from New Brunswick | Pictures from Newfoundland

SkyRest Bathtub Test

Feb 12th, 2010
by mike barish.
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A long, hot soak after a taxing day can soothe sore muscles and minimize stress levels. But all that steam and hot water can start to make you pretty lethargic. Why not keep your head above water and let Calgon take you away…to dreamland?

How’d the SkyRest handle all that rub-a-dub-dub? I had three dreams in that tub.

Check out previous SkyRest Tests and my full SkyRest Tests Flickr gallery.

Travel Tip #20: Share a Room

Feb 12th, 2010
by mike barish.
1 comment

There are several reasons to share a room with a friend when you’re traveling:

Safety: There’s strength in numbers. Staying with others helps ward off criminals looking to steal your money and/or innocence.

Savings: Often accommodations will be the most expensive aspect of your trip. Splitting the cost of a hostel or hotel will leave you with more money to splurge on snow globes.

Camaraderie: You may think that you know your friend well. But nothing strengthens a friendship like having to see each other in your pajamas. If you can survive sharing a bathroom in India, you can guarantee that you’ll be friends for life.

It’s Adorable: This may only be true if you’re husky puppies.

Whatever your reason for sharing a room on the road, you’ll end up with more money in your pocket, less attempts on your belongings and a stronger bond with your friend. It just makes sense.

More on Chapstick

Feb 9th, 2010
by mike barish.
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Travel Tip #3 laid to bare the need to pack lip balm when you travel. And while I proclaimed my loyalty to Chapstick brand lip balm, I won’t shy away from trying local blends. That’s why I picked up some Fish Lips while I’m in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Canada. A lovely blend of beeswax, lanolin and cod liver oil. The Vitamin A and D found in cod liver oil are fantastic for your lips. And your lover will appreciate its pleasant aroma. She won’t, however, appreciate your use of the word lover. That’s just awkward.

Travel Tip #3: Pack Chapstick

Feb 5th, 2010
by mike barish.
1 comment

Whether your in the blistering cold or blazing sun (or both), keeping your lips moist and protected is incredibly important. I’m loyal to Chapstick brand lip balm. You can keep your Bert’s Bees nonsense and anything that requires me to stick my finger into a tin and then wipe it on my lips. I like to freebase when I take a hit from the balm.

Up Canada Way

Feb 3rd, 2010
by mike barish.
1 comment

I’m off to New Brunswick and Newfoundland, Canada for the next eight days. I’m heading to Moncton, New Brunswick today via Toronto because all Air Canada flights seem to take me through Toronto. I’ll then make my way to Deer Lake, Newfoundland on February 7 (arriving in time to find a bar that will be showing the Grey Cup Super Bowl).

While I’m there, I’ll be snowshoeing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, ice fishing, caving and zip-lining. I’ll also be tracking down some seal flipper pie and cod tongues to satisfy the hunger that those activities will work up.

I’ll check in periodically and return to NYC on February 11. In the meantime, watch the video from my last dog sledding adventure in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada to see how I handled my last visit to the Great White North.

Stay out of trouble and keep an eye on Calvin while I’m gone.

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