Category: travel

Pocket Wifi

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Pocket Wifi has got to be one of those things that you would consider a life-saver.

Previously, I did a blog post on apps that require data and how you could use those apps without being afraid of coming home to a ridiculously expensive cell phone bill.

Interestingly, a country that is known for its cutting-edge technology, wasn’t so wifi friendly. Especially when it came to free wifi at places of businesses. We rented a pocket wifi device at the airport, and this helped us traverse through unknown territory.

A few things you need to remember when renting a pocket wifi:

  • Have a credit card. Although, your debit card has a Visa logo, it doesn’t work as a credit card. The company we rented our pocket wifi’s from required this.
  • There is a mobile wifi router rental agreement that you have to sign, so plan to take a few minutes at the rental booth. We had to run to our train station because we didn’t realize how long the process would be. I would at least plan for 30 minutes – 1 hour. Especially when traveling with a group.
  • Keep your passport handy for they will need it to identify you.
  • Don’t lose anything. They give you a small bag that will house the charger and the pocket wifi.
  • Don’t forget to return at the same kiosk (we rented ours in the arrival terminal of the airport.) My brothers remembered to return their’s since they took the train back to the airport the same way we arrived, however, my husband and I decided to take the limousine bus back to the airport which drops you off directly at the departure terminal. Because of that, we completely forgot to return our pocket wifi until we were near our gate, and had to mail it back. They charge a fee to your card, for not returning it on the date you said you would, but upon receiving the pocket wifi they refunded the fee.

A few things to remember when using the pocket wifi:

  • Don’t upload videos using the pocket wifi because you will drain, not only the battery, but also the ability to keep your speed connection at 4G. I made this mistake and had to deal with 3G for the entire trip..which isn’t so bad, but when you’ve gotten so used to 4G…there’s no going back.
  • If you have a long day planned, keep the charger with you and have a standby battery pack. Unfortunately, with constant use, it goes for eight hours but very hardly anything longer than that. We almost didn’t have a way to find our way back to our hotel at 11:30pm. Thank goodness for taxi cabs.

I hope our experiences with the pocket wifi will help you on your next journey. Happy Travels!

Camping Survival Guide (for the Women)

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So, as you know, we spent our Memorial Day weekend camping in Truckee, California. While planning it months before, we thought that it would be a great weekend to go camping. Since it’s in late May, we figured it would be Not too hot and Not too cold. Boy, were we wrong! It rained the entire weekend. We did have glimpses of the sun, and for one whole afternoon we were blessed with sunshine. However, hours later we had a torrential downpour. And at night, we were cold. Not bone-chilling cold but still pretty cold. Upon returning home, I did appreciate having a few items with me that helped make camping life easy. Here they are:

  • Travel John. It’s basically a disposable urinal. You cup it below you and you pee into it. Immediately the liquid turns into gel, so nothing spills out. It claims to be re-usable…meaning you can use it more than one pee session, but I didn’t do that because I was worried my liquids would be too much and overflow. I rather not risk it. A pack came with six disposable urinals, so I had more than enough for three nights. The Travel John saved me from having to walk out in the rain to relieve myself in the port-a-potty. (The Travel John site.)
  • Wipes. Bath Wipes, Hand Wipes, Face Wipes, and Flushable Wipes. They all came in handy and useful in keeping us clean. This was a must, considering we had no showers in our campground.
  • HeadLamp. When the sun sets and darkness starts to loom around you, the headlamp was an awesome option for providing light. Its hands free so you can cook, wash dishes, and do anything else freely with your two hands.
  • Self-inflating sleeping pads. Easy to set up and provides cushion for your back and insulation from the cold.
  • Sleeping Bags. Keeps you warm in the cold.
  • Tarp. Provides shade from sun and shelter from the rain. It can also be used underneath your tent so that the bottom doesn’t get soaked from the rain. Very multipurpose.
  • Layers. Bring layers and a change of clothes. This helps you feel warmer and cleaner.
  • FaceWash, Acne meds, and Moisturizer with SPF. I broke out on Day 2 of camping. Skincare is still important.
  • Rain Gear. I had my snowboarding jacket which kept me warm and dry. I wish I had packed rain boots because I brought my Uggs wannabe shoes that kept me warm but they weren’t waterproof.
  • First Aid Kit. A must especially if children are there.
  • Carabiners. They are so useful for camping..to hang your lantern, to let your dog run freely, and other useful things.
  • And hopefully your man brings the rest: Tent, Lantern, Camp Stove, Cooler, Lighter Fluid plus Lighter, Fire Starter, Cooking Supplies, Clean Up Supplies, Plates, Cups, Cutlery, Food, and Bug Spray.

We only camp once or twice a year, but it is a fun activity if you do it with the right group and with the right weather. Happy Camping!

Travel Apps Part 2: Traversing Around Town

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Happy Tuesday Everyone!

Alas, here is part two of the travel apps series. Today, I will be sharing with you what apps I’ve used in the past to get around a certain city. Granted, most of these apps require data, so I will be sharing how to access data while traveling abroad, on another blog post. So, let’s get started!

Google Maps (requires data). I loved using this app in our recent travel to Tokyo. We commuted mostly by train and it tells you what line to get on and if there are any transfers. Most of the time, it also gives you the platform number, to help you while you are transferring between two different train lines. Another nice feature is knowing how much to pay. It tells you exactly the cost of getting to your destination.

I have CityMapper (requires data) too, which is a lot like Google Maps, but I didn’t use it as much during this past trip. But, you can definitely download and see which you like better. You might actually like both.

All Subway (no data required). This app helps you look at the Subway Route Maps in the city you are visiting. It has ALOT of cities… but I’m pretty sure not all. It has Manila, Melbourne, Milan, Miami, Copenhagen, Bangkok, etc. So, if your city is on there, it’s a good download before you leave.

Yelp (requires data). Yelp has been around for a long time in the United States, and is recently going Global. I used it a bit in Italy back in 2012, but didn’t find a lot of reviews in certain places. This year, I used it in Tokyo and found a few gems that were recommended by Yelp reviewers! I love to use Yelp to find highly recommended cafe, restaurants, and breweries. It saves me from having to go through a horrible experience!

That’s all I’ve got for you today. Please note though, that these apps are not foolproof. You still may get lost, get off a wrong stop, or have a bad experience at a restaurant. Sometimes, you just can’t help it. However, these apps may help lessen the painful ordeal of a highly stressful situation. A few other tips I can suggest, if you are staying at a hotel, gather suggestions from the front desk staff or concierge (no data required). Ask them:

  • Is this the right route to take to get from point A to point B?
  • What is a good sushi place (pasta place, cafe, etc.) nearby?
  • What are some activities to do around town?

Don’t be afraid to ask for suggestions or for help. Asking for help is half the battle. 😉

Happy Travel Friends!

Travel Apps Part 1: Preparing for the Travel

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For any minor or major traveling, there is always researching and planning to be done. I do research on my laptop and on my iPhone. This blog will have a two-part series of apps that I use for traveling. The first part will be preparing for the travel and the second part will be regarding the apps that I use while I’m at my destination.

I use several apps to prepare for my travel. A large part of it are airline apps. I downloaded apps of airlines that I either A) am a frequent flyer of or B) an airline I flew on and really loved. So for airline apps I have: United, JetBlue, and Southwest. The United app also allows me to watch movies directly from my iPad or to check email while in flight.

However, aside from the airline apps, I also fancy using Kayak. I actually prefer the app rather than going online and visiting their website. I find their app to be user-friendly and free of clutter. It also helps me find the cheapest airfare, regardless of what airline I choose to use. Another nice feature of Kayak is the price alerts. It alerts you when an air ticket at a chosen destination is within the price range you selected. For example, if you are looking for a $300 ticket to Hawaii from San Francisco. You can put those choices on price alert and you will receive a notification if there are any airlines offering that fare, or lower, to your chosen destination. Nice, right?!

After booking a flight,  a hotel, and perhaps a car rental, it would be nice to have all confirmation details in one central location. For that, I use World Mate. You can see all your upcoming trips, but also your past trips. It helps you book a hotel from the app directly, or to make a limo reservation. The free version of the app is supposedly going to expire soon, so I downloaded the paid version. I don’t find myself using this app often, but I like how I can keep tabs on my past trips. It always brings a smile to my face when I think back of those past trips.

I also check on the exchange rate of the foreign currency in the country I’ll be visiting versus the almighty U.S. dollar. I travel with a tiny bit of cash for small shops and for tip money, but I prefer to pay with a Visa that has no foreign transaction fees tied into it. And, it’s always nice to know what you’re going against. So for that, I have a Currency app.

I also do research on hotels, activities, and restaurants. For that kind of inquiry, I use Trip Advisor. Trip Advisor is like the Yelp for travelers. Reviews and ratings from other fellow travelers to help narrow done the best hotels, activities, and restaurants within your budget at your future destination.

Last but not least, traveling wouldn’t be as fun without the local interaction you’ll be making. So, I find it useful to learn a few words or phrases in their language. A Translator app is crucial when traveling to a foreign country to say a greeting or to ask for something in their local tongue. I highly recommend a Translator app in addition to your pocket-book of phrases or your cd/podcast of the language you are trying desperately to learn.

So, this is what’s in my arsenal of travel apps. I hope you found this helpful, and if there are any other apps I’m missing out on…do share about them.

Carry-On Bag Must-Haves (TSA Friendly)

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https://instagram.com/p/1wd4nxmVXK/

When I fly, I slightly have more things in my bag to carry than normal. The reason for this is that I like to be prepared for anything. I need to be able to entertain myself, to keep myself hydrated inside and out, and to keep myself comfortable. This is what I like to have within reach:

  • Water. I usually buy a bottle of water after I go thru TSA. I have seen others bring an empty bottle and fill it with water after passing through security.
  • Wet Ones aka Wipes. I like keeping my hands clean, especially when you are in an enclosed area for hours.
  • Wallet.
  • Kleenex.
  • Lubricating Eye Drops. The air, in planes, can get so drying and irritating to my tired eyes that lubricant eye drops is vital.
  • Lotion.
  • Evian Spray or Water in a Spray Bottle. My nose dries out quickly and I hate getting that feeling…so every few hours..I give my face a mist.
  • Pen. Darn those custom’s forms..
  • Passport & Passport Holder. A bright-colored passport holder to easily spot in your bottomless pit of a bag is very practical. Especially when that passport holder can hold all your boarding passes and luggage tags.
  • Notebook or Travel Journal. I enjoy planning last-minute itineraries on the plane.
  • Ipad or Surface or Nook… to watch movies or read books. Most planes have Wifi and movies available to watch straight from your Ipad.
  • Earbuds or Headphones. This is necessary to watch films, listen to music, or just to block out the noise.
  • Phone and its Cords.
  • External battery pack. Super handy especially for those long flights without having a power outlet to plug your phone or ipad in.
  • Makeup Bag. I like to keep just the basics in this bag. That includes: A small tinted moisturizer (TSA friendly), eyebrow pencil, tinted lip balm, a compact, blotting sheets, blush that can be used in cheeks and lips, travel size mascara, a taupe colored eyeshadow, and a small kabuki brush.
  • Gum. Helps with takeoff/landing pressure in ears and freshens breath.
  • Roller ball perfume. Helps perk you up.
  • Hair tie.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Pantiliner and/or Pad.
  • Sleeping Eye Mask to block those stubborn lights out. I found this very useful in having a good night’s/day’s rest in the plane.
  • Prescriptions. You need any meds with you in case of an emergency.  With that being said, I also like to travel with some form of pain reliever like Advil or Tylenol and Dramamine.
  • Change of clothes. I just recently started doing this because I discovered the larger airports have shower facilities in which you can shower before your next flight. I would advise to check ahead to see if your airport offers this and to check if you will have enough time between flights to shower. But, trust me, you will instantly be in a better mood after a nice shower. And if you do bring a change of clothes, I like to pack this in a gallon size ziploc and roll until all the air is gone.
  • And if you know you’ll be in a long flight with no food…I would suggest packing a snack that will hold you over.

My Reasons for You to Visit Guam

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Yay! I finally got my charger back and now I’m ready to type away…

So, naturally a portion of my heart will always love Guam. It’s where I was born, it was where I was raised, and majority of my family and friends still live there. That is reason enough for me to keep coming back. However, for those who don’t have family nor friends there, this is why you should visit Guam:

  • Gateway to Asian countries or the United States..depending where you come from. Guam is 3 hours away from the Philippines and Japan. There are direct flights daily with various air carriers. Guam also has a direct flight to Honolulu, Hawaii. Although, Guam is a U.S. territory, it is safer for U.S. citizens to travel with their passports instead of their Driver’s License because some of the connecting flights to Guam are from International countries. For non U.S. citizens, you may need a Visa to enter Guam, depending on your country of origin.
  • Shopping. Guam offers an array of affordable fashion and high-end boutiques ranging from Calvin Klein, Nine West, Coach, Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors to Louis Vuitton, GUCCI, Prada, CÈLINE, CHANEL, and Hermès. Not only is the selection optimal, but I also discovered that prices are lower in Guam than it is stateside. For example, the LV Favorite MM is listed online in the U.S. as $985.00. It is sold in Guam for $900. Also, the popular bags, such as the Speedy and Neverfull, are made in France or Spain, whereas stateside these bags are made in the U.S. itself.
  • People. Guam is a melting pot of different ethnicities and cultures. Many Filipinos have migrated to Guam from the early 60’s to the 70’s and made Guam home. I am a  product of a Fil-Guamanian home. My parents are not indigenous to Guam, and therefore, I don’t call myself a Chamorro, but I am definitely Guamanian. There are also a handful of Japanese, Koreans, Chinese, Micronesians, and Middle Easterners that have made Guam home. Because there are many ethnicities on island, you will find that local people are friendly and welcoming. With that being said, don’t try to claim the island as yours or give someone the staredown, because you’ll be creating enemies instead of friends.
  • Lifestyle. Every island I’ve ever been to, has a much laidback approach. Guam is no exception. Everything runs on island time. And that could be a good thing or a bad thing. However, the hustle and bustle of city life does get old and sometimes you just need to slow things down a bit…and Guam is all too familiar with that. Also, Guamanians and Chamorros are not big on brands and fancy clothes (ironic considering we have a huge selection of high-end stores.)  You can walk into any store with flip-flops, t-shirt and jeans and be treated the same, or even better, than the average tourist.
  • Food. Now because the island is a melting pot of different cultures, you will also find a variety of different restaurants and dishes. Many places have been influenced by the local market. For instance, Jamaican Grill, which from the name of it denotes that it serves Jamaican food, however, you will find local favorites like red rice and chicken kelaguen. The McDonald’s on island serves portuguese sausage and rice. And, you will discover many other restaurants that offer local favorites with outside influences.
  • Beaches. White sandy beaches for miles, which is all public property. Guam boasts a number of different beaches all around the island that offers a variety of sea life and sand life. You will also find lots of beach space ALL to YOURSELF.
  • Tax Free. Although in line with shopping, this is a reason in itself. No sales tax! I love going to Wendy’s and paying only $.99 for a Junior Bacon Cheeseburger or shopping at Ross and finding an awesome dress for $19.99 and paying the actual sticker price with no tax added…Love it!
  • Warm Weather. Winters give me cold feet..literally and figuratively. I dream of defrosting in a white sandy beach, with a moscow mule in my hand, and the sun setting before me. This works if you have warm weather around you… and you’ll find plenty of that in Guam. Typically weather ranges between low 80’s but expect humidity. That is island life..

So, I hope I have convinced you enough to go and take that plunge and visit the beautiful island of Guam! If you do, don’t forget to make some friends along the way…and tell them that IslanderinHeels sent you there.

Tieks, Please!

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https://instagram.com/p/zymTKIGVYq/?taken-by=islanderinheelsFor many years, I’ve seen those Dr. Scholls foldable flats in stores like Walmart and Target. I always wanted a pair, but never bought one (because of lack of color choices..it only came in the safest and most boring color…black!)  I have been one of those helpless victims who have gone barefoot because of excruciating pain resulting from the desire to be tall and five inch heels. Yes, I was one of those. I refused to wear anything but heels, and only wore sneakers to the gym. Nothing else.

Then, I got older and wiser, and discovered tieks. Tieks are handmade shoes crafted with Italian leather that are foldable and come in an assortment of colors. Any color you can possibly imagine. The soles are teal colored and provide a decent, but not the best for my flat footed friends, shock absorption to your feet.

The shoes do well on light rain, rough terrain, and long walks. If you are looking for a good pair of ballet flats that are convenient to carry, I highly suggest investing in a pair of tieks. They are functional, comfortable, and fashionable.

Five Star Rating below:

Overall: ****

Comfort: ****

Style: *****

Convenience: *****

Travel Friendly: *****

Rain: **

Mud: **

Top 10 Things to do in Tokyo, Japan

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If I had to narrow down the top ten things to do in Tokyo, here it is:

  1. Ooeda Onsen Monogatari Hot Springs. If I could spend a whole day there, I would’ve. There is an entrance fee of ¥1,980 (about $20.) This fee includes a yukata and basic services such as foot bath and indoor/open air baths. There was so many services to choose from. A few of those services were feet therapy (little fishies eating your dead skin), massages, facials, sand bath, and rock slab bath. These services have an extra fee, but I think the money you spend is definitely worth it. I splurged on 15 minutes of fish feet therapy and 40 minutes on a body massage. The experience of wearing a yukata and indulging in a Japanese pastime is worth the trip to Ooeda Onsen. Also, there are food shops inside for you to eat from and enjoy.
  2. Shibuya Crossing. If you’ve watched Lost in Translation or the Amazing Race Season 9, then you know what Shibuya Crossing is all about. Take the train to Shibuya and exit from Hachiko Exit. From there you will see the Hachi Statue and the Crossing in action. Soak in everything in its fast paced-ness. I enjoyed my view from the L’OCCITANE Cafe.
  3. Hachi Statue. Since you’re already in Shibuya and exiting from Hachiko Exit. You might as well stop by and pay a visit to the Hachi Statue. Any dog lover would. I just love the story of Hachi and his loyalty to his Master, that I HAD to stop by and have several pictures taken with him.
  4. Genki Sushi. Also in Shibuya, Genki Sushi is a place that will amaze you in technology and in nourishment. You order thru a tablet and your sushi or nigiri will be delivered to you through a conveyor belt. Not only is it efficient and delicious, it is also economical. A plate starts at ¥120 (about $1.)
  5. Visit a Park. There is Shinjuku Gyoen or Yoyogi Park. I personally visited Shinjuku Garden and loved it! It wasn’t even in full bloom yet but just seeing the traditional Japanese Garden, Ume trees, and people just lounging and reading their books in the benches; or eating their onigiri in the grass; or painting a picture, is worth a trip to the park.
  6. Sake Tasting. Just as there is Wine Tasting, there is Sake Tasting. What’s a visit to Japan without having some Sake?
  7. Tsukiji Fish Market. I would highly suggest hiring a guide if you don’t have a friend who can take you around and know the ins and outs of the place. Many foreigners travel there and snap pictures but don’t know where to buy good sushi, or where to buy the best tuna croquette.
  8. Shopping. If you want to buy a good camera or electronic item, Akihabara is the place to go. If you want to buy high end fashion, Ginza is where you should be. If you want to buy good deals, Don Quijote is one place not to miss. I found myself shopping for Tokyo Bananas and other Japanese snacks at Odaiba Diver City Mall, the Tokyo Skytree, and at the airport.
  9. Dipping Ramen. I have never had dipping ramen until this trip. You squeeze a lime in your noodles, which is in a separate bowl from the broth. Dip your noodles in the broth and eat it while you slurp some of the broth goodness.
  10. Tokyo SkyTree or Tokyo Tower. Now, if you had to choose between an old landmark or a new one, which would you choose? Also, if you could choose to go 333 meters or 350 meters above, which would you choose? Of course, I opted for Tokyo Skytree which is the newer landmark and goes from 350 meters to 450 meters above.

Now, if you have extra time in your schedule, I would also recommend going to a museum. There are several. One that I visited was the Edo-Tokyo Museum. A good look into the history of Edo and the evolution of Tokyo.

And, it goes without saying, but Japan is also home to one of the branch offices of Jehovah’s Witnesses which is located in Ebina. This is just a train ride away and is worth a visit if you are in town.

All the things above is not listed in any particular order, I would recommend doing things by each borough or ward in Tokyo. So much to do and so little time is often the dilemma. Plan your day wisely by deciding which ward to visit and spend a day there. If you wish to visit more than one ward a day, choose to visit wards that are near each other or something you will pass by on the way back to your hotel. Happy Travels!

The Takeaway…Japan

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I do apologize for the week and a half long silence. I have been traveling and spending time with family and friends. One place I recently visited was Japan. The land of the rising sun. Yes, the sun was visible for most of our visit, however, we did have some clouds and a few showers. Japan is an interesting country in many more ways than one. The food, the culture, the technology, and the fashion is reasons enough to visit. In this trip, I explored Tokyo and Hakone. Tokyo is one the world’s most populated cities, and has 23 wards or boroughs. We stayed in Shinjuku. Shinjuku alone is a great place to wander off in. Within Shinjuku, there is the Gyoen National Park, the Metropolitan Government Building, Don Quijote, and lots of good restaurants and street vendors. Of course, a visit to Tokyo is not complete unless you also explore Shibuya, Ginza, Roppongi, Odaiba, and other parts of the city that make Tokyo noteworthy.

The city is fast paced and clean. Yes, CLEAN. I’ve been to other cities such as San Francisco, Rome, Manila, New York, etc. But no city ever felt as clean as Tokyo. The air was clean, the sidewalks and grass were free of litter, and no noise pollution either. It was like the perfect city.

Also, they give such great service and NEVER expect a tip. How can you go wrong with that?

If you haven’t visited Japan yet, I highly recommend it. I’ve been to Hokkaido, Nagoya, Osaka, and now Tokyo. Japan is definitely a country you would want to put in your travel bucket list.

How to Make the Most of a Long Layover

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Over the past eight years since I’ve left Guam, I have gotten used to layovers in Honolulu, Narita, and now Seoul. I have found that if you do research on the airport ahead of time, you will be able to enjoy the 6 or so hours you have to spend there. The ticket I purchased this time around had a layover in Incheon International Airport (ICN) for 6 hours. I had been in this airport before, however, only had very minimal time to kill. This time around, I had double that time. What to do within those hours? Hmm…

  • Take a shower. I discovered online that the ICN had a shower and massage area. Shower was free for transit passengers with proof of a boarding pass and passport. Upon presenting the staff these items, they then hand you a teeny tiny towel, shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, and toothbrush. You then have your own private bathroom for, preferably 30 minutes only (however, I stayed longer and they didn’t kick me out..)
  • Take a nap. The ICN had specific areas all around the 2nd floor for resting and relaxation. Chaises are scattered throughout the airport for you to rest in comfortably until your next scheduled boarding time.
  • Eat. Many people find airplane food to be bland and unappealing, however, airport food is a different story. You can find a plethora of places to eat at airports. I always go for what’s local. Why eat American Food while in Korea? So, of course I went for Korean food.
  • Buy local goodies. Although, you might pay slightly more for a product inside the airport than outside, I still say buy something different and unique to each prospective country in which you become a transit passenger. This can be anything as simple as a snack or a hair accessory.
  • Explore the airport. At some major airports, there are cultural displays, museums, and other ancient artifacts to purposefully make passengers “OH” and “Ahh” to. So why not go and explore those?
  • People Watch. You know you hate to admit you do that..but its a natural tendency. I especially love to do it when I’m not in my own country or city. I love seeing people’s diversity, fashion, and reactions.

By the time you have done at least 3 of these things…your flight will be boarding.  Happy Travels! 🙂